Part of: Tamil Nadu Gk set 4

Which of these states remain dry even during the monsoon?

Category: Tamil Nadu Gk

Hint: Consider the monsoon patterns and the geographical location of each state.

Correct Answer: D) Tamil Nadu.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question asks which of the given states remains dry even during the monsoon season. To understand this, we need to consider the geographical and climatic factors that influence rainfall patterns in different parts of India.

India experiences two main monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon. The Southwest Monsoon, which is the primary monsoon season, brings significant rainfall to most parts of the country, especially to the western coast and the northeastern states. The Northeast Monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, affects the southern and eastern coasts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Geographically, the Western Ghats play a crucial role in determining the rainfall patterns in India. These mountain ranges run parallel to the western coast of India and act as a barrier to the monsoon winds. As the monsoon winds move from the Arabian Sea towards the Indian subcontinent, they are forced to rise over the Western Ghats. This causes the air to cool and condense, leading to heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. Consequently, states like Kerala and Karnataka, which are located on the western side of the Western Ghats, receive substantial rainfall during the monsoon season.

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu is located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. The mountains block much of the monsoon rains from reaching this region, resulting in a relatively dry climate. While Tamil Nadu does receive some rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon, it is generally less than what the western states receive during the Southwest Monsoon. This makes Tamil Nadu a state that remains relatively dry even during the monsoon season.

It is important to note that while Tamil Nadu is generally dry during the monsoon, it does experience some rainfall, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the state. However, compared to other states like Kerala and Meghalaya, which are known for their heavy rainfall, Tamil Nadu stands out as a state that remains relatively dry.

In summary, the correct answer is Tamil Nadu because of its geographical location and the influence of the Western Ghats, which block much of the monsoon rains from reaching the state. This understanding of climatic and geographical factors is crucial for comprehending the rainfall patterns in different parts of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Kerala receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season due to its location on the western coast and the influence of the Western Ghats. This makes it incorrect as a state that remains dry during the monsoon.
  • Option B: Meghalaya is known for receiving one of the highest amounts of rainfall in the world, particularly in the town of Cherrapunji. This makes it incorrect as a state that remains dry during the monsoon.
  • Option C: Karnataka receives significant rainfall during the monsoon, especially in the western parts of the state due to the Western Ghats. This makes it incorrect as a state that remains dry during the monsoon.
  • Option D: Tamil Nadu is the correct answer as it remains relatively dry even during the monsoon season. This is due to its location on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, which blocks much of the monsoon rains from reaching the state.

Mnemonic: Tamil Nadu: "T" for "Tough" terrain, less rain.

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