Question

Consider the following statements about the South-West Monsoon.

1. These winds primarily blow from land to sea.

2. The dry spells that occur during the monsoon rains are called 'Monsoon Break'.

3. The amount of South-West Monsoon rainfall decreases with increasing distance from the sea.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3 only

Understanding the South-West Monsoon

• Statement 1: These winds primarily blow from land to sea. This statement is incorrect. The South-West Monsoon winds originate from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean and blow towards the low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent. Thus, they primarily blow from sea to land, bringing heavy rainfall.
• Statement 2: The dry spells that occur during the monsoon rains are called 'Monsoon Break'. This statement is correct. 'Monsoon Break' refers to periods of intermittent dry spells within the otherwise rainy South-West Monsoon season. These breaks can last from a few days to a couple of weeks and are a characteristic feature of the monsoon. They are often associated with the movement of the monsoon trough.
• Statement 3: The amount of South-West Monsoon rainfall decreases with increasing distance from the sea. This statement is correct. The South-West Monsoon winds pick up moisture as they travel over the ocean. As they advance inland, they lose moisture due to rainfall. Therefore, coastal areas generally receive much heavier rainfall than interior regions, and rainfall intensity typically decreases as one moves further away from the coast, especially on the leeward side of mountain ranges.

Key Facts about South-West Monsoon:

• Period: Generally from June to September.
• Origin: Blows from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal branches.
• Impact: Responsible for the majority of India's annual rainfall.
• Variability: Subject to significant year-to-year variations, impacting agriculture and economy.
• Mechanism: Driven by differential heating of land and sea, and the influence of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).