Question

Why are the southwest monsoon winds less rainy in Chennai?

a) Chennai is shielded by the Western Ghats.

b) Chennai is located in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats.

c) Chennai is at a higher elevation than surrounding areas.

d) Chennai is surrounded by large water bodies.

Answer 1

Chennai is less rainy because it is located in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats. So, option b) Chennai is located in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats, is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why the southwest monsoon winds are less rainy in Chennai is because it is located in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats. The rain shadow effect occurs when mountains block the passage of rain-bearing clouds, causing the leeward side of the mountains to receive less rainfall.

Chennai is shielded by the Western Ghats, but it is the presence of the Eastern Ghats on its eastern side that creates the rain shadow effect. The Western Ghats act as a barrier against the southwest monsoon winds, while the Eastern Ghats prevent the clouds from reaching Chennai, resulting in less rainfall in the city

So, option b) Chennai is located in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats, is the correct answer.