Question

Consider the statements about the monsoon branches.

1. The South-West Monsoon blows in two branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

2. The Arabian Sea branch provides rain to the North Indian plains at the foothills of the Himalayas.

3. The Arabian Sea branch causes widespread rainfall on the western coast of the Western Ghats.

Which of the above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 and 3 only

Understanding the Monsoon Branches in India

• The Indian monsoon system is primarily driven by the South-West Monsoon, which typically blows from June to September.
• This monsoon system divides into two main branches:
1. The Arabian Sea Branch: This branch originates over the Arabian Sea and advances towards the Indian subcontinent.
2. The Bay of Bengal Branch: This branch originates over the Bay of Bengal and moves towards the eastern and northeastern parts of India.
• Impact of the Arabian Sea Branch:
• It first strikes the western coast of India, particularly the Western Ghats, causing heavy rainfall. This phenomenon is known as orographic rainfall, where the mountains force the moist winds to rise, cool, and condense, leading to precipitation on the windward side.
• After crossing the Western Ghats, a part of this branch moves northwards, influencing the rainfall in the plains of North India. However, its intensity diminishes as it moves inland. It does not provide significant rainfall at the foothills of the Himalayas; rather, the Bay of Bengal branch is more responsible for that region's rainfall.
• Impact of the Bay of Bengal Branch:
• This branch moves across the Bay of Bengal and strikes the eastern coast of India (like Odisha and West Bengal) and then the northeastern states.
• It further travels westwards, bringing rain to the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including the plains of North India and the foothills of the Himalayas.
• The collision of the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch often occurs over the northwestern parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, leading to widespread rain in Delhi and Haryana.
• Statement Analysis:
• Statement 1: The South-West Monsoon indeed blows in two branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. (Correct)
• Statement 2: The Arabian Sea branch does not primarily provide rain to the North Indian plains at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Bay of Bengal branch is more significant for this region. (Incorrect)
• Statement 3: The Arabian Sea branch causes widespread rainfall on the western coast of the Western Ghats. (Correct)