Southwest Monsoon in India 

Season: The Southwest Monsoon generally occurs from June to mid-September and is the main rainy season of India.

Cause: Intense summer heating over the Indian subcontinent, especially north-western India, creates a low-pressure area, while relatively cooler oceanic regions have comparatively higher pressure.

Wind Direction: The pressure gradient causes moisture-laden winds to blow from the Indian Ocean towards the Indian landmass, producing widespread rainfall.

Onset: Monsoon onset is often sudden and marked by a sharp rise in humidity and rainfall along with a decline in temperature, commonly referred to as the “burst of monsoon.”

Spatial Distribution: Heavy rainfall occurs along the Western Ghats due to orographic uplift, while the northeastern region receives intense rainfall due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.

Agricultural Importance: The Southwest Monsoon contributes around 80% of India’s annual rainfall and strongly influences crops such as rice, sugarcane, maize, pulses and millets.

With reference to the Southwest Monsoon in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Southwest Monsoon is mainly caused by the development of a low-pressure area over the heated Indian landmass during summer.
  2. The monsoon winds generally carry moisture from the Indian Ocean towards the Indian subcontinent.
  3. The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall partly due to orographic uplift.
  4. The Southwest Monsoon contributes nearly 80% of India’s annual rainfall.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)