Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the influence of geographical features on the Southwest Monsoon.

1. The Western Ghats significantly influence the rainfall distribution of the Arabian Sea branch.

2. The Arakan Hills deflect the Bay of Bengal branch, altering its direction.

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both 1 and 2

• The Western Ghats do significantly influence the rainfall distribution of the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon. When the moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea strike the Western Ghats, they are forced to rise, causing orographic rainfall. This creates heavy rainfall on the windward side (western slopes) of the Western Ghats, while the leeward side (eastern region) receives much less rainfall, creating a rain shadow effect.

• The Arakan Hills (also known as the Arakan Yoma) in Myanmar do deflect the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon, altering its direction. These hills force the monsoon winds to curve and move northward into Northeast India and parts of Bangladesh.