Question

Give reasons why:

The rainfall in a year at Jaisalmer rarely exceeds 12 centimetres.

Answer 1

1. Desert Location: Jaisalmer is situated in the Thar Desert, which is known for its hot and dry climate. Deserts generally receive very little rainfall due to the lack of moisture in the air and the high evaporation rates.
2. Rain-Shadow Effect: Jaisalmer lies on the leeward side of the Aravalli Hills, which means it is sheltered from the moist winds coming from the Arabian Sea. As these winds ascend the mountains, they lose moisture, and by the time they reach Jaisalmer, they are very dry, leading to minimal rainfall.
3. Distance from the Sea: Jaisalmer is located far from the coastline, and moisture-laden winds lose much of their moisture before reaching the area. As a result, Jaisalmer receives only a small amount of rainfall, usually below 12 cm annually.