Question

Distinguish between the following.

Arabian Sea branch of southwest monsoon and Bay of Bengal branch of southwest monsoon.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Feature	Arabian Sea branch of southwest monsoon	Bay of Bengal branch of southwest monsoon
1.	Origin & Route	Originates over the Arabian Sea and enters India from the southwest coast.	Moves over the Bay of Bengal and enters India from the northeast/east coast.
2.	Moisture Content	Carries a larger volume of moisture as it travels over a much bigger ocean expanse.	Carries less moisture compared to the Arabian Sea branch.
3.	First Rain Hit	Strikes the Western Ghats, bringing torrential rain to the western coastal plains.	Strikes the Arakan Hills and Northeast India, bringing heavy rain to places like Mawsynram.
4.	Geographic Path	Splinters into three sub-branches, moving across the Western Ghats, central India, and parallel to the Aravalli Range.	Deflected westward by the Himalayas, moving parallel to the mountains across the Indo-Gangetic plains.