There is little rainfall in Ladakh as low as 10 cm every year.

Ladakh, a region located in the northern part of India, experiences extreme weather conditions due to its high altitude and proximity to the Himalayas. The region falls under the rain shadow area, which means it receives very little rainfall compared to other parts of the country. The annual rainfall in Ladakh is as low as 10 cm.

Here is a detailed explanation of why Ladakh receives such low rainfall:

1. Rain Shadow Effect:
Ladakh lies on the northern side of the Himalayas, which acts as a barrier to the moisture-laden monsoon winds coming from the south. As these winds ascend the southern slopes of the Himalayas, they cool down and release moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall in regions like the Indian subcontinent. However, by the time these winds reach Ladakh, most of their moisture has already been depleted, leaving behind dry air.

2. High Altitude:
Ladakh is situated at a high altitude, with an average elevation of around 3,500 meters above sea level. The lower atmospheric pressure at such heights makes it difficult for clouds to form and retain moisture. As a result, the chances of precipitation, including rainfall, are significantly reduced.

3. Cold Desert Climate:
Ladakh falls under the cold desert climate zone, characterized by extremely cold winters and cool summers. The arid and dry conditions of the region contribute to the scarcity of rainfall. The cold temperatures also inhibit the formation of clouds, further reducing the likelihood of rainfall.

4. Limited Moisture Source:
Since Ladakh is a landlocked region, it lacks a direct source of moisture such as an ocean or a large water body. The moisture available for precipitation is mainly derived from the limited snowfall during winter. The melting of snow during spring provides some moisture, but it is not sufficient to support significant rainfall.

5. Orographic Rainfall:
Although Ladakh itself receives minimal rainfall, some areas in the region experience orographic rainfall. Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over elevated terrain, resulting in precipitation. The southern slopes of the Himalayas in Ladakh receive slightly higher rainfall compared to the rest of the region due to this phenomenon.

In conclusion, the combination of being in a rain shadow area, high altitude, cold desert climate, limited moisture sources, and orographic rainfall patterns contributes to the scanty rainfall in Ladakh. The annual rainfall as low as 10 cm reflects the arid and dry nature of the region.