Explanations:The monsoon in the Indian subcontinent is a complex meteorological phenomenon influenced by various geographical and climatic factors. The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon is one of the two main branches of the South Asian monsoon, the other being the Arabian Sea branch. The Bay of Bengal branch is particularly significant for the eastern parts of India, including West Bengal, and the northeastern states.
The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon originates from the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal. As it moves towards the Indian subcontinent, it encounters the Arakan Hills, a mountain range located in the western part of Myanmar. The Arakan Hills play a crucial role in deflecting the monsoon winds towards the Indian subcontinent. This deflection is a result of the orographic effect, where the mountains force the moist air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to precipitation. This process is essential for the monsoon's path and the distribution of rainfall in the region.
Statement 1 in the question suggests that the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon strikes the coast of Myanmar and north Bangladesh. However, this is not entirely accurate. While the monsoon does originate from the Bay of Bengal, it is deflected by the Arakan Hills before reaching the coast of Myanmar and north Bangladesh. Therefore, the monsoon does not directly strike these areas but is instead deflected towards the Indian subcontinent.
Statement 2 correctly identifies the role of the Arakan Hills in deflecting the monsoon towards the Indian subcontinent. This deflection is a critical factor in the monsoon's path and the distribution of rainfall in the region. The Arakan Hills act as a barrier, causing the moist air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to significant precipitation in the eastern parts of India.
Statement 3 suggests that the monsoon enters West Bengal from the south-westerly direction. However, this is incorrect. The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon typically enters West Bengal from the south-easterly direction. The south-easterly direction is a result of the monsoon's path being deflected by the Arakan Hills and the topography of the region.
In summary, the correct answer is that only statement 2 is accurate. The Arakan Hills play a crucial role in deflecting the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon towards the Indian subcontinent, which is a key factor in the monsoon's path and the distribution of rainfall in the region. Understanding these geographical and meteorological factors is essential for comprehending the monsoon patterns in the Indian subcontinent.