Which of the following statements about the Indian Desert is/are correct?
1. It lies to the west of the Aravali Hills.
2. It receives an average annual rainfall of over 
.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Only 1.
Explanation:
The Indian Desert, also known as the 'Thar Desert,' is primarily situated to the northwest and west of the Aravalli Hills in the state of Rajasthan. It is an undulating sandy plain covered with various types of sand dunes (such as Barchans). Statement 2 is incorrect because the climate in this region is extremely arid, and the average annual rainfall here is very low—less than 150 mm (15 cm). Due to such scant rainfall, the vegetation cover is very sparse, and this region is referred to as 'Marusthali.' The Luni is the only major river in this region, appearing only during the rainy season.
Additional Points:
Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes that are widely found in this region.
Luni River: This is a significant river of the desert that eventually disappears into the Rann of Kutch.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall in districts such as Jaisalmer can be even less than 100 mm.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: What are the crescent-shaped sand dunes found in the Thar Desert called?
Answer: Barchans.
Question: In which direction relative to the Indian Desert is the Aravalli Range located?
Answer: To the east.