Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 206

Retreating monsoon wind picks up mositure from:

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the direction of the retreating monsoon and the geographical location of the moisture

Correct Answer: B) Bay of bengal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The monsoon in India is a seasonal wind system that brings significant rainfall to the region. The monsoon can be divided into two phases: the advancing monsoon and the retreating monsoon. The advancing monsoon typically occurs from June to September, bringing moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal towards the Indian subcontinent. The retreating monsoon, on the other hand, occurs from October to December and is characterized by winds that move from the land towards the sea.

During the retreating monsoon, the winds move from the Indian subcontinent towards the Bay of Bengal. As these winds move over the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture from the warm waters of the bay. This moisture is then carried back towards the eastern and northeastern parts of India, leading to rainfall in these regions. The Bay of Bengal is a significant source of moisture for the retreating monsoon because of its geographical location and the warm waters that provide ample moisture for the winds to pick up.

The Arabian Sea, while a large body of water, is not the primary source of moisture for the retreating monsoon. The winds during the retreating monsoon move from the land towards the sea, and the Arabian Sea is not in the direct path of these winds as they move towards the eastern parts of India. Similarly, the Indian Ocean, although a vast body of water, is not the specific source of moisture for the retreating monsoon in India. The Timor Sea, located far from the Indian subcontinent, does not influence the monsoon patterns in India and is not a significant source of moisture for the retreating monsoon.

Understanding the geographical location of the moisture sources and the direction of the retreating monsoon winds is crucial for comprehending the rainfall patterns in India during this period. The Bay of Bengal plays a critical role in providing moisture for the retreating monsoon, contributing to the rainfall in the eastern and northeastern parts of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the Arabian Sea is not the primary source of moisture for the retreating monsoon. The winds during the retreating monsoon move from the land towards the sea, and the Arabian Sea is not in the path of these winds as they move towards the eastern parts of India.
  • Option B: This option is correct because the Bay of Bengal is the primary source of moisture for the retreating monsoon. The winds during the retreating monsoon move from the land towards the sea, and the Bay of Bengal is in the path of these winds as they move towards the eastern and northeastern parts of India.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because while the Indian Ocean is a large body of water, it is not the specific source of moisture for the retreating monsoon in India. The Bay of Bengal is more directly in the path of the retreating monsoon winds.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the Timor Sea is not a significant source of moisture for the retreating monsoon in India. It is located far from the Indian subcontinent and does not influence the monsoon patterns in India.

Mnemonic: Remember "B" for Bay of Bengal as the moisture source for the retreating monsoon.

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