Northern India is a vast region that experiences a wide range of climate conditions. One of the most notable features is the east-to-west decline in rainfall. This phenomenon, known as the Indian Monsoon, is a result of the interaction between the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas. In this article, we’ll explore what causes this east-to-west rainfall decline in Northern India and why it occurs.
East-to-West Rainfall Decline in Northern India
The Indian Monsoon is one of the most influential climate patterns in the world. It is responsible for bringing rain to much of the Indian subcontinent every summer. During this time, the region is subjected to a phenomenon known as the east-to-west decline in rainfall. This occurs because the air masses that carry the moisture from the Indian Ocean to the land are blocked by the Himalayas. This causes the air masses to lose their moisture as they travel over the mountains, resulting in the east-to-west decline in rainfall.
Investigating the Causes
The east-to-west decline in rainfall is caused by the interaction between the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas. During the monsoon season, the Indian Ocean is warmer than the land. This causes the air masses that travel over the ocean to become saturated with moisture. As these air masses move over the Himalayas, they are blocked by the mountains and lose their moisture. This results in a decrease in rainfall from east to west.
Another factor that influences the east-to-west decline in rainfall is the orographic effect. This occurs when the air masses are forced to rise over the mountains, resulting in cooling and condensation. This causes rain to fall on the windward side of the mountains, while the leeward side remains dry. This further contributes to the east-to-west decline in rainfall.
In conclusion, the east-to-west decline in rainfall in Northern India is caused by the interaction between the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas. The warmer air masses from the Indian Ocean become saturated with moisture as they move over the mountains, resulting in a decrease in rainfall. The orographic effect also plays a role in this phenomenon, as it causes the air masses to rise over the mountains and cool, resulting in condensation and rain.
