Question

Central Maharashtra receives little rainfall.

Give reasons for the following.

Central Maharashtra receives very little rainfall.

Answer 1

Central Maharashtra receives little rainfall because it lies in the rain shadow region of western ghats when Arabian sea branch strikes it.

Answer 2

1. Location in the Rain-Shadow Region: Central Maharashtra is on the leeward (sheltered) side of the Western Ghats mountain range. When the moisture-laden Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon strikes India's west coast, the mountains cause the winds to rise, dumping the majority of its torrential rain on the coastal plains and western slopes.
2. Moisture Depletion of Monsoon Winds: By the time the southwest monsoon winds pass the high peaks of the Western Ghats to reach the interior plains of Central Maharashtra, they have used up the great majority of their water supply.
3. Dynamic Warming of Descending Air: As these dry winds descend down the eastern slopes of the mountains and onto the Deccan Plateau, the air compresses and heats. This warming process enhances the air's ability to hold moisture while decreasing its relative humidity, suppressing cloud formation and resulting in scant, irregular rainfall.