What is the physical reason for high biodiversity and rainfall in the Western Ghats?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: High and continuous mountain wall
The governing concept is the orographic effect of a mountain barrier on moist monsoon winds. The Western Ghats stand close to the Arabian Sea and form a high, comparatively continuous wall. When moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds meet this barrier, they are forced to rise, cool, and condense, producing heavy orographic rainfall on the windward western slopes. The warm, wet conditions, varied altitude, and different habitats also support exceptional biodiversity. Hence option B is correct. A flat plain would not force air upward, distance from the sea would reduce access to moisture, and sand dunes do not create the elevation or rainfall mechanism described.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
High and continuous mountain wall
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the orographic effect of a mountain barrier on moist monsoon winds. The Western Ghats stand close to the Arabian Sea and form a high, comparatively continuous wall. When moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds meet this barrier, they are forced to rise, cool, and condense, producing heavy orographic rainfall on the windward western slopes. The warm, wet conditions, varied altitude, and different habitats also support exceptional biodiversity. Hence option B is correct. A flat plain would not force air upward, distance from the sea would reduce access to moisture, and sand dunes do not create the elevation or rainfall mechanism described.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 General Knowledge question. Chapter: Indian Geography. Topic: Mountains and Plateaus of India.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.