Which state lies on the windward side of the Garo-Khasi hills?

Category: Meghalaya Gk

Hint: Consider the direction from which the monsoon winds blow.

Correct Answer: D) Meghalaya

Exam Relevance: NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Garo-Khasi hills are a significant mountain range located in northeastern India, primarily within the state of Meghalaya. The term "windward side" refers to the side of a mountain range that faces the prevailing winds, which in this case are the monsoon winds coming from the Bay of Bengal. The windward side of a mountain range is the side that receives the most rainfall because the winds carrying moisture are forced to rise over the mountains, causing the air to cool and condense, leading to precipitation.

Meghalaya, which means "abode of clouds" in Sanskrit, is known for its high rainfall, particularly in the areas of the Garo-Khasi hills. The city of Cherrapunji, located in Meghalaya, is one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of over 11,000 mm. This heavy rainfall is a direct result of the state's position on the windward side of the Garo-Khasi hills.

The monsoon winds, which are the primary source of rainfall in this region, blow from the Bay of Bengal towards the Indian subcontinent. As these winds encounter the Garo-Khasi hills, they are forced to rise, leading to the formation of clouds and heavy rainfall on the windward side. This is why Meghalaya, which lies on the windward side, receives significantly more rainfall compared to the leeward side, which is drier.

Understanding the concept of windward and leeward sides is crucial in geography, especially when studying climate patterns and precipitation. The windward side of a mountain range is always the side that faces the prevailing winds, and it is this side that receives the most rainfall. In contrast, the leeward side, which is sheltered from the prevailing winds, receives less rainfall and is often drier.

It is important to note that the monsoon winds are seasonal and blow predominantly from the Bay of Bengal towards the Indian subcontinent during the summer months. This seasonal pattern of wind direction is what makes Meghalaya the windward side and the recipient of heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Assam is incorrect because it lies on the leeward side of the Garo-Khasi hills, receiving less rainfall compared to Meghalaya. The monsoon winds blow from the Bay of Bengal towards the hills, making Assam the drier side.
Option B: Bhutan is incorrect as it is located to the north of the Garo-Khasi hills and is not directly influenced by the monsoon winds that impact the windward side of these hills.
Option C: Nepal is incorrect because it is situated further west and north of the Garo-Khasi hills, and is not directly affected by the monsoon winds that impact the windward side of these hills.
Option D: Meghalaya is correct because it lies on the windward side of the Garo-Khasi hills, receiving the most rainfall due to the monsoon winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal. This makes Meghalaya one of the wettest places on Earth.

Mnemonic: Remember "M" for Meghalaya and "M" for Monsoon, indicating the windward side.

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