Consider the following statementsThe South-West monsoon originates in...
- Southwest monsoon is the main mechanism through which nearly all Indian landmass experiences rainfall. It accounts for nearly 80% rainfall of whole India.
- The vast size of the Indian continent helps in developing the thermal gradient necessary to attract the vapour laden air from the sea.
- Very high and extensive mountain systems of the Himalayas in the north, extending in an east-west direction, thus posing a formidable physical barrier between tropical and polar air masses.
- These barriers induce the precipitation of water from moisture-laden air. As the air climbs up the Himalayas their moisture retention capacity decreases due to cooling effect and this results into high rainfall.
Consider the following statementsThe South-West monsoon originates in...
Explanation:
The South-West monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by the reversal of wind direction, with moist air from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean flowing towards the landmass of India. The monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors.
1. Low pressure in the Punjab plain:
The monsoon winds are driven by pressure differences. During the summer months, the intense heating of the Indian subcontinent creates a low-pressure area over the Punjab plain. This low-pressure system acts as a magnet, drawing in the moist air from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
2. High pressure in areas South of India:
The monsoon winds blow from areas of high pressure towards areas of low pressure. However, during the summer months, there is a high-pressure system over the southern parts of India, such as the Deccan Plateau. This high-pressure system acts as a barrier, preventing the monsoon winds from reaching these areas. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
3. Equatorial low being filled up by descending air current:
The equatorial low-pressure system, also known as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is a belt of low pressure located near the equator. It is formed due to the convergence of trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres. The ITCZ plays a role in the formation of the monsoon winds by creating a pressure gradient. However, the South-West monsoon is not directly related to the filling up of the equatorial low by descending air currents. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.
4. The Himalayas:
The Himalayan mountain range acts as a barrier to the South-West monsoon winds. When the monsoon winds encounter the Himalayas, they are forced to rise, resulting in orographic rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. This phenomenon is known as the orographic effect. Therefore, statement 4 is correct.
To summarize, the correct statements are 1 and 4. The South-West monsoon originates in India due to the low pressure in the Punjab plain and the presence of the Himalayas.