Consider the following statements explaining why the Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the Southwest Monsoon season: 1. It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon. 2. It lies on the windward side of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 only Explanation The Southwest Monsoon in India operates through two main branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. Rainfall distribution is significantly influenced by the direction of these winds relative to mountain ranges and coastlines. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Tamil Nadu coast is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon. Because the moisture-laden winds blow parallel to the coast rather than striking it, they do not cause significant orographic rainfall in this region. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Tamil Nadu coast lies in the rain shadow region (leeward side) of the Arabian Sea branch, not the windward side. The Western Ghats intercept the Arabian Sea branch, causing heavy rainfall on the western slopes, while the eastern slopes and the Tamil Nadu plains receive very little precipitation. Key Takeaway: The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the Southwest Monsoon season primarily because it lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch and is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 3: Climate

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Consider the following statements explaining why the Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the Southwest Monsoon season:

It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.
It lies on the windward side of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The Southwest Monsoon in India operates through two main branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. Rainfall distribution is significantly influenced by the direction of these winds relative to mountain ranges and coastlines.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Tamil Nadu coast is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon. Because the moisture-laden winds blow parallel to the coast rather than striking it, they do not cause significant orographic rainfall in this region.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Tamil Nadu coast lies in the rain shadow region (leeward side) of the Arabian Sea branch, not the windward side. The Western Ghats intercept the Arabian Sea branch, causing heavy rainfall on the western slopes, while the eastern slopes and the Tamil Nadu plains receive very little precipitation.

Key Takeaway: The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the Southwest Monsoon season primarily because it lies in the rain shadow area of the Arabian Sea branch and is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Climate

Agra and Darjeeling are located on the same latitude, yet the temperature of January in Agra is 16°C whereas it is only 4°C in Darjeeling. This variation is primarily due to:

easy

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Traditional Indian Season) | List II (Gregorian Months) A. Vasanta | 1. March-April B. Grishma | 2. May-June C. Varsha | 3. September-October D. Sharada | 4. July-August

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Consider the following statements regarding the factors determining the climate of India: 1. Places south of the Tropic of Cancer experience a tropical climate with small daily and annual ranges of temperature. 2. The Himalayas facilitate the entry of cold northern winds originating near the Arctic Circle into the subcontinent. 3. The differential heating of land and sea creates different air pressure zones causing the reversal of monsoon winds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the difference between weather and climate: 1. Weather changes quickly within a day, whereas climate refers to conditions over a period of five to ten years. 2. Weather refers to the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate refers to average weather conditions over a long period. 3. The elements of weather and climate are different and unrelated to each other. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following factors is responsible for the decrease in temperature with an increase in altitude?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 3: Climate

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Correct Option

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Tamil Nadu coast is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon. Because the moisture-laden winds blow parallel to the coast rather than striking it, they do not cause significant orographic rainfall in this region.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Tamil Nadu coast lies in the rain shadow region (leeward side) of the Arabian Sea branch, not the windward side. The Western Ghats intercept the Arabian Sea branch, causing heavy rainfall on the western slopes, while the eastern slopes and the Tamil Nadu plains receive very little precipitation.