Which state lies in the rain shadow region of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu lies in the rain shadow region of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon. As the monsoon winds move eastward from the Arabian Sea, they first hit the Western Ghats, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side. However, the eastern side—where Tamil Nadu is located—receives significantly less rainfall because the mountains block the moisture-laden winds. This phenomenon creates a dry zone known as the rain shadow region. Tamil Nadu instead receives most of its rainfall from the northeast monsoon between October and December, unlike other southern states that benefit from the southwest monsoon.
Other options :
- Kerala: Located on the windward side of the Western Ghats; receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon.
- Gujarat: Receives moderate rainfall from the southwest monsoon; not in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats.
- Goa: Also on the windward side of the Western Ghats; experiences substantial monsoon rains.