Question

Consider the statements about the Bay of Bengal branch.

1. Winds crossing the Indian Ocean are the cause of rain in India.

2. The northeastern states receive rain from the Bay of Bengal branch.

3. Due to this branch, Tamil Nadu receives heavy rainfall during the South-West Monsoon.

Select the correct ones:

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

South-West Monsoon and its Branches

• The primary source of rainfall in India is the South-West Monsoon, which blows across the Indian Ocean.
• This monsoon arrives in two major branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

Bay of Bengal Branch

• The Bay of Bengal branch moves towards the mainland of India.
• It causes rainfall in most parts of North and North-East India.
• States like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states receive significant rainfall from this branch.
• However, this branch generally does not cause heavy rainfall in the interior parts of the country due to the presence of the Himalayas, which obstruct its path and cause it to shed most of its moisture in the northern and eastern regions.

Tamil Nadu and Rainfall

• Tamil Nadu, being in the rain shadow region of the South-West Monsoon, receives very little rainfall from this season.
• The state primarily gets its rainfall from the North-East Monsoon (also known as the winter monsoon or retreating monsoon), which occurs between October and December.

Evaluating the Statements

• Statement 1: Winds crossing the Indian Ocean are the cause of rain in India. This is correct. The South-West Monsoon originates over the Indian Ocean and brings rainfall to the subcontinent.
• Statement 2: The northeastern states receive rain from the Bay of Bengal branch. This is correct. The Bay of Bengal branch is a major contributor to the rainfall in Northeast India.
• Statement 3: Due to this branch, Tamil Nadu receives heavy rainfall during the South-West Monsoon. This is incorrect. Tamil Nadu receives minimal rainfall from the South-West Monsoon; its main rainfall comes from the North-East Monsoon.