Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the formation of the Southwest Monsoon?

1. The monsoon is a result of the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere.

2. The trade winds cross the equator and originate from the Indian Ocean.

3. The thermal low-pressure over northwest India intensifies in May.

4. The southwest monsoon is directly responsible for heavy rain on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3

• Statement 1 is incorrect : The Southwest Monsoon actually results from trade winds from the Southern Hemisphere (not Northern), which then cross the equator.

• Statement 2 is correct : The trade winds do cross the equator and originate from the Indian Ocean.

• Statement 3 is correct : The thermal low-pressure over northwest India intensifies in May, which is an important factor drawing the monsoon winds toward the Indian subcontinent.

• Statement 4 is incorrect : The southwest monsoon causes heavy rainfall on the windward side (western slopes) of the Western Ghats, not the leeward side. The leeward side (eastern side) experiences a rain shadow effect and receives significantly less rainfall.