Question

Which of the following statements about the Western Ghats are correct?

1. They cause orographic rainfall by intercepting moist winds.

2. The highest peak in the Western Ghats is Doddabetta.

3. Their elevation ranges from 900 to 1600 meters.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 & 3

• They cause orographic rainfall by intercepting moist winds - This statement is correct.
  The Western Ghats act as a barrier to the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds coming from the Arabian Sea. When these winds strike the mountains, they are forced to rise, cool, and condense, resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward (western) side of the mountains. This is a classic example of orographic rainfall.

• The highest peak in the Western Ghats is Doddabetta - This statement is incorrect.
  Doddabetta (2,637 meters) is actually the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, which are part of the larger Western Ghats system. However, the highest peak in the Western Ghats is Anamudi, located in Kerala, with an elevation of 2,695 meters.

• Their elevation ranges from 900 to 1600 meters - This statement is correct as a general range, but incomplete.
  While many areas of the Western Ghats fall within this elevation range, the complete range is more extensive. The Western Ghats' elevation typically varies from about 500 meters up to 2,695 meters (at Anamudi peak).