Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 333

..... in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall receives the highest rainfall in the world while the Jaisalmer in ..... receives very less.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the locations known for extreme rainfall and desert conditions.

Correct Answer: B) Mawsynram, Rajasthan.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question pertains to the geographical distribution of rainfall in India, specifically focusing on the locations that receive the highest and lowest rainfall. Mawsynram, a village in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, is renowned for receiving the highest rainfall in the world. This is due to its unique geographical location, which makes it particularly susceptible to the monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to the region. The average annual rainfall in Mawsynram is approximately 11,871 millimeters, which is significantly higher than any other place on Earth.

On the other hand, Jaisalmer, a city in the western state of Rajasthan, is known for its extremely low rainfall. Rajasthan is a desert state, and Jaisalmer is located in the heart of the Thar Desert, which is one of the largest deserts in the world. The desert climate in Jaisalmer results in very low annual rainfall, often less than 100 millimeters per year. This stark contrast in rainfall between Mawsynram and Jaisalmer highlights the diverse climatic conditions found within India.

Understanding the geographical factors that influence rainfall is crucial for comprehending the distribution of water resources and the impact on local ecosystems and human settlements. The high rainfall in Mawsynram supports lush vegetation and a variety of flora and fauna, while the arid conditions in Jaisalmer necessitate the development of unique agricultural and water management practices to sustain life in such an environment.

It is important to note that while Mawsynram is the location with the highest rainfall, other areas in Meghalaya, such as Cherrapunji, also receive very high rainfall. Similarly, while Jaisalmer is a notable example of a very arid region, other parts of Rajasthan and even other states in India also experience low rainfall due to their desert or semi-desert climates.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Sikkim is not known for the highest rainfall in the world, and Gujarat, while it does have desert areas, is not the most arid region in India.
  • Option B: Correct. Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the world, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is known for its very low rainfall due to its desert location.
  • Option C: Incorrect. While Mawsynram is correct, Gujarat is not the most arid region in India; Rajasthan is.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Shillong is not known for the highest rainfall in the world, and while Rajasthan is correct for the arid region, Shillong is not the location with the highest rainfall.

Mnemonic: Mawsynram, the rain, Rajasthan, the sun

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