Question

Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the South-West Monsoon season?

• A. It receives rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch.
• B. It is too far from the sea.
• C. It lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch.
• D. It experiences high pressure system.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch.

Southwest monsoon (Rainy) Season

The south-west monsoon approaches the landmass in two branches:

(i) The Arabian Sea branch

(ii) The Bay of Bengal branch

During summer, South-West monsoon winds [The Arabian Sea Branch] strike suddenly on the coast of Kerala, which is called burst of monsoon.

• South-West monsoon advances progressively from the 1st of June and covers entire India by 15th of July.

• The rainfall brought by the monsoon decreases away from the sea.

• Monsoons play a pivotal role in the agarian economy of India because over 3/4 of total rain in the country is received during South-West monsoon season.

• Note: The Arabian Sea branch is more powerful than the Bay of Bengal branch.

• This season has the maximum number of rainy days as a result of which it is called the 'wet season'

• Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during this season because it lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoon.