The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The South-West Monsoon is a large-scale seasonal wind system driven by the differential heating of land and sea and the seasonal shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).Statement 1 is Correct: The winds responsible for the South-West Monsoon originate as the South-East Trade winds in the Southern Hemisphere. During the Northern Hemisphere summer, a strong low-pressure area develops over the Indian subcontinent, attracting these winds northward across the equator.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The direction of wind deflection is governed by the Coriolis force (described by Ferrel’s Law). Winds deflect to their right in the Northern Hemisphere and to their left in the Southern Hemisphere. Consequently, when the South-East Trade winds cross the equator into the Northern Hemisphere, they turn to the right to become South-West winds. They do not turn left.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: These winds travel over the warm Indian Ocean before striking the Indian landmass. As they blow from sea to land over warm water, they accumulate massive amounts of moisture, which results in heavy precipitation over the subcontinent. They do not originate from or blow over cold landmasses during this process.
Key Takeaway: The South-West Monsoon is formed when South-East Trade winds cross the equator and deflect to the right due to the Coriolis force, entering the Indian subcontinent as moisture-laden South-Westerly winds.