What is the annual rainfall average of India?
A200 cm
B100 cm
C125 cm
D150 cm
Answer:
C. 125 cm
Read Explanation:
Indian Rainfall Patterns
- The average annual rainfall in India is approximately 125 cm.
- However, this average masks significant regional variations.
Regional Rainfall Distribution
- Heaviest Rainfall Areas: The northeastern states, particularly Meghalaya (Mawsynram and Cherrapunji), receive the highest rainfall in the world, often exceeding 1000 cm annually. The west coast of India also experiences heavy monsoon showers.
- Moderate Rainfall Areas: The Indo-Gangetic plains and the central parts of India receive moderate rainfall, generally ranging from 75 cm to 150 cm.
- Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Rajasthan and the adjoining areas of Gujarat and Punjab are the driest parts of India, with annual rainfall often below 50 cm. Some parts of the rain shadow region in the leeward side of the Himalayas also receive very little rainfall.
Monsoon Influence
- The monsoon winds are the primary source of rainfall for the majority of India, accounting for about 75% to 90% of the annual rainfall.
- The Southwest Monsoon (June to September) is the dominant rainy season for most of the country.
- The Northeast Monsoon (October to December) brings rain to the southern tip of the peninsula, particularly Tamil Nadu.
Factors Affecting Rainfall
- Topography: Mountain ranges like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas play a crucial role in influencing rainfall patterns through orographic lift.
- Oceanic Influence: Proximity to the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal significantly impacts coastal rainfall.
- Climate Oscillations: Phenomena like El Ni ilde{n}o and La Ni ilde{n}a can influence the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall.