Question

Give reasons for the following.

Western Rajasthan is a hot desert region.

Answer 1

1. Parallel Alignment of the Aravalli Range: The Aravalli Mountain Range extends from southwest to northeast, completely parallel to the approaching Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon. Because these mountains do not serve as a physical barrier to obstruct or divert winds, moisture-laden clouds pass over Rajasthan without ascending or creating rain.
2. Rain-Shadow Effect (Bay of Bengal Branch): The Bay of Bengal monsoon enters India from the east and moves across the northern plains. By the time these winds travel thousands of kilometers to Western Rajasthan in the extreme west, they have lost nearly all of their moisture, leaving the region in a dry rain shadow zone.
3. Intense Solar Heating and High Evaporation: The region experiences an excessive amount of solar radiation for the majority of the year. This intense heat raises the temperature of the sandy soil, resulting in an evaporation rate greatly above the meager annual rainfall (sometimes less than 25 cm).
4. Lack of Dense Vegetation: Extreme dryness inhibits growth of dense woods or vegetation cover. The exposed, naked sandy terrain swiftly reflects solar heat back into the lower atmosphere, increasing surface temperatures and maintaining the harsh, hyper-arid desert environment.