Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the monsoon in India?

1. The monsoon's onset and withdrawal are highly predictable and consistent.

2. The southwest monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural cycle.

3. The spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall is uniform across India.

4. Monsoon rainfall is primarily concentrated between June and September

• A. 1 & 3
• B. 2 & 4
• C. 1 & 4
• D. 2 & 3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 2 & 3

• Statement 1: The monsoon's onset and withdrawal are highly predictable and consistent. This statement is incorrect.

• The Indian monsoon is characterized by its high variability in both timing and intensity. Its onset and withdrawal patterns can vary considerably from year to year, making it difficult to predict with absolute certainty. This variability is one of the challenging aspects of monsoon forecasting in India.

• Statement 2: The southwest monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural cycle. This statement is correct.

• The southwest monsoon provides approximately 75-80% of India's annual rainfall and is absolutely vital for the country's agricultural productivity. Most of India's farming is still dependent on rainfall rather than irrigation, making the monsoon critical for crop cycles, food security, and the overall agricultural economy.

• Statement 3: The spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall is uniform across India. This statement is incorrect.

• The spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall is highly uneven across India. Some regions, like the Western Ghats and northeastern states, receive extremely heavy rainfall (often over 200-300 cm annually), while other areas like western Rajasthan receive minimal precipitation (less than 50 cm annually). This uneven distribution creates diverse agricultural zones and water resource challenges.

• Statement 4: Monsoon rainfall is primarily concentrated between June and September. This statement is correct.

• The southwest monsoon season in India typically spans from June to September, with these four months accounting for the majority of the annual rainfall in most parts of the country. This concentrated rainfall period defines India's major growing seasons and water resource planning.

• Therefore, statements 2 and 4 are correct regarding the monsoon in India.