Explanation: Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is renowned for its exceptionally high annual rainfall, which is among the highest in the world. This unique characteristic is primarily due to the city's geographical location and the influence of the monsoon winds. Shillong is situated in the Khasi Hills, which are part of the Meghalaya Plateau, and the topography of the region plays a significant role in the precipitation it receives.
The Khasi Hills are part of the Eastern Himalayan range, and the city's elevation and the surrounding hills create a natural barrier that forces the monsoon winds to rise, cool, and condense, leading to heavy rainfall. This phenomenon is known as orographic lift, where the topography of the land forces air to rise, cool, and form clouds, resulting in precipitation.
Shillong's average annual rainfall is approximately 11,871 mm, which is significantly higher than the other cities mentioned in the options. Chennai, located in Tamil Nadu, receives around 1,300 mm of rainfall annually, while Kolkata, in West Bengal, receives about 1,582 mm. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, experiences an average annual rainfall of around 1,694 mm.
The high rainfall in Shillong is not only due to its geographical location but also the influence of the monsoon winds. The city is located in the path of the Southwest Monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall from June to September. Additionally, the Northeast Monsoon also contributes to the city's high rainfall, although to a lesser extent.
Understanding the factors that contribute to Shillong's high rainfall is crucial for comprehending the climate and weather patterns in the northeastern region of India. This knowledge is essential for students studying geography, meteorology, and environmental science, as it helps in understanding the impact of topography and climate on precipitation patterns.
In conclusion, Shillong's unique geographical location and the influence of the monsoon winds make it the city with the highest average annual rainfall among the options provided. This characteristic of Shillong is a result of the complex interplay between topography and climate, which is a fundamental concept in the study of meteorology and geography.