Explanation: The Western Ghats, a mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India, play a crucial role in the rainfall distribution in Maharashtra. The orographic effect, which is the influence of mountains on precipitation, is a key concept to understand the rainfall patterns in this region.
When moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea encounter the Western Ghats, they are forced to rise. As the air rises, it cools, and the moisture condenses, leading to heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. This is why cities like Mumbai, which are located on the windward side of the Western Ghats, receive substantial rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.
On the other hand, the leeward side of the Western Ghats experiences a rain shadow effect. After the winds have released most of their moisture on the windward side, they descend on the leeward side, becoming warmer and drier. This results in significantly less rainfall on the leeward side. Pune, being located on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, receives much less rainfall compared to Mumbai.
It is important to note that while continentality and distance from the sea can influence rainfall patterns, they are not the primary factors in this case. The orographic effect due to the Western Ghats is the dominant factor affecting the rainfall distribution between Pune and Mumbai.
Understanding the orographic effect and the concept of windward and leeward sides is essential for comprehending the geographical and climatic differences between regions in Maharashtra. This knowledge is crucial for students studying geography, environmental science, and related fields, as it helps in predicting and understanding weather patterns and their impacts on various regions.