Q. Consider the following statements:
- Rainfall received from the southwest monsoons is seasonal in character.
- Monsoonal rainfall is largely governed by topography.
- The monsoon rainfall has a declining trend with decreasing distance from the sea.
- The breaks in monsoon rains are related to the cyclonic depressions mainly formed at Arabian Sea.
Which of the above mentioned characteristics of monsoonal rainfall are correct?
Answer:
Only 1 and 2
Notes: Among the four statements mentioned about monsoonal rainfall, the correct ones are:
- Rainfall received from the southwest monsoons is seasonal in character. (Correct) Monsoon rainfall in many regions, especially in the Indian subcontinent, is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The southwest monsoon brings the majority of the rainfall during the summer months.
- Monsoonal rainfall is largely governed by topography. (Correct) The presence of mountains, hills, and other topographical features can significantly influence the distribution and intensity of monsoonal rainfall. These features can act as barriers or channels for the moist air masses, affecting where the rainfall is concentrated.
The following statements are incorrect:
- The monsoon rainfall has a declining trend with decreasing distance from the sea. (Incorrect) Generally, the opposite is true. Monsoon rainfall tends to increase with increasing distance from the sea, especially when the moist air masses move further inland and encounter the topographical features that can enhance precipitation.
- The breaks in monsoon rains are related to the cyclonic depressions mainly formed at the Arabian Sea. (Incorrect) The breaks in monsoon rains are typically associated with the movement and behavior of the monsoon trough and other atmospheric factors. While cyclonic depressions can influence rainfall patterns during the monsoon season, they are not the primary cause of breaks in monsoon rains.
To summarize, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statements 3 and 4 are incorrect.