India Climate Flashcards
What is the role of the Himalayas in affecting India’s climate?
Himalayas act as a climatic divide, preventing cold Siberian winds from entering northern India and trapping Southwest monsoon winds, causing rainfall in the northern plains.
Why do the western slopes of the Western Ghats receive more rainfall than the eastern slopes?
The western slopes lie on the windward side of the Western Ghats for the Southwest monsoon Arabian Sea branch, while the eastern slopes lie on the leeward side.
Why does the Deccan Plateau receive very low rainfall?
The Deccan Plateau lies in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats for the Southwest monsoon Arabian Sea branch.
Why is Rajasthan a dry area?
Rajasthan is dry because the Aravallis run parallel to the Southwest monsoon winds and do not obstruct the moisture-laden winds.
Why do the southern slopes of the Assam hills receive heavier rainfall than the northern slopes?
The southern slopes of the Assam hills lie on the windward side for the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest monsoon, while the northern slopes lie on the leeward side.
Why does Goa receive more rain than Puducherry from June to August?
Goa is on the windward side of the Western Ghats and receives rain from the southwest monsoons of the Arabian Sea branch, while Puducherry is on the east coast and does not receive rain in this period.
What are monsoon winds and how do they form?
Monsoon winds are periodic winds that develop due to differential heating of land and sea, leading to Summer and Winter monsoons.
Why do Summer monsoon winds blow from the southwest over the Arabian Sea?
The southeast trade winds are attracted to the low pressure over India. Upon crossing the equator, they deflect to the right due to the Coriolis force and blow from the southwest.
Why does the Coromandel Coast receive most of its rain during the winter?
The Coromandel Coast receives rain from the Northeast monsoons which pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
Why does the Coromandel Coast remain dry during July and August?
The Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest monsoon moves parallel to the coast, bringing no rain.
Why does Patna receive more rain than Delhi?
The Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest monsoon reaches Patna first, giving it more rain. By the time it reaches Delhi, the moisture decreases.
Why is Kochi warmer than Mumbai even though both are on the west coast of India?
Kochi is located closer to the equator, at a lower latitude than Mumbai.
Why does Chennai experience the vertical rays of the Sun twice a year?
Chennai is south of the Tropic of Cancer and receives vertical rays during both the northward and southward migration of the Sun.
Why does Pahalgam in Kashmir record mild temperatures in summer?
Pahalgam is at a higher altitude, where temperature decreases due to the normal lapse rate.
Why does Ooty have much lower temperatures than Kochi in winters?
Ooty is located at a higher altitude than Kochi, leading to lower temperatures due to the normal lapse rate.
