Western Ghats Rainfall Distribution Pattern in Karnataka Maharashtra Kerala

Question 6. Examine the Reasons why Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more Rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala, during Monsoon? (200 Words)

Ans. During the monsoon months of June, July, August and September the pressure belts of our Earth are shifted towards the north of our Equator. So in this condition as soon as the South east trade winds reach Equator they turn 90 clockwise due to Ferrel’s Law and these turned winds hit the South Western part of India where the 1600 km long Western Ghats are standing.

Comparison of mountain topography of Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala –

(1) The extension of Western Ghats in the State of Maharashtra and Karnataka is continuous whereas in Kerala, Western Ghats are present in the form of isolated hill ranges. So the Western Ghats in Kerala have many gaps in them as the isolated hill ranges are not continuous therefore rain bearing winds easily cross through these gaps to the leeward side causing no precipitation. Whereas due to the continuity of Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Karnataka gaps are less so the rain bearing winds have no easy passage to go to the leeward side. This is one reason why Kerala receives lesser rainfall.

(2) The width of the mountain ranges of Karnataka is more than the width of the mountain ranges of Maharashtra. Due to higher width, rain bearing winds take more time to cross over to the leeward side and there is enough time for water to coalesce and precipitate.

(3) The slopes of the Western Ghats of Karnataka are gentler whereas the slopes of Maharashtra and Kerala hills are comparatively steeper. Gentler slopes unlike the steeper counterpart would allow the rain bearing air mass to maintain its energy and speed which would assist in cloud droplets formation up to a considerable amount which would ultimately lead to increased precipitation.