Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the southwest monsoon ...
The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the southwest monsoon season because it lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. The Western Ghats block the moisture-laden winds, resulting in reduced rainfall on the eastern side of the mountains.
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Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the southwest monsoon ...
Introduction:
The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the southwest monsoon season due to its location in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. This phenomenon occurs when a mountain range or elevated landmass obstructs the passage of moisture-laden winds, leading to reduced rainfall on the leeward side.
Explanation:
1. Rain shadow effect:
The rain shadow effect is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, resulting in precipitation on the windward side of the mountain. However, as the air descends on the leeward side, it warms and becomes drier, leading to reduced rainfall.
2. Location of Tamil Nadu coast:
The Tamil Nadu coast is situated on the southeastern part of the Indian peninsula, parallel to the Bay of Bengal. It lies on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, a mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India. As a result, the Tamil Nadu coast experiences the rain shadow effect due to the obstruction of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon by the Western Ghats.
3. Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon:
During the southwest monsoon season, the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon brings moisture-laden winds from the southwest. These winds hit the Western Ghats, causing the air to rise and resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountain range. However, as the air descends on the leeward side, it becomes drier and inhibits rainfall, leading to a rain shadow effect.
4. Reduced rainfall in Tamil Nadu coast:
Due to its location in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon, the Tamil Nadu coast receives significantly less rainfall compared to other regions during the southwest monsoon season. The descending dry air from the Western Ghats inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation, resulting in dry conditions along the coast.
Conclusion:
The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the southwest monsoon season due to its position in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. The obstruction of the Western Ghats mountain range prevents the moisture-laden winds from reaching the coast, leading to reduced rainfall and dry conditions in the region.