The intense rainfall on the western side of the Western Ghats is due to which type of rainfall mechanism?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (b) Orographic

Explanation:

• The western side of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall due to orographic rainfall.

• This occurs when moist monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea hit the windward side of the Western Ghats and are forced to rise.

• As the air rises, it cools, condenses, and causes heavy rainfall along the slopes.

Information Booster:

• Orographic rainfall is also known as relief rainfall.

• Mangalore, Goa, and Kochi are some of the regions affected.

• The leeward side (eastern slopes) gets much less rainfall (rain shadow area).

• Western Ghats act as a barrier to southwest monsoon winds.

• This pattern contributes significantly to the Southwest Monsoon rainfall in India.

• The process involves adiabatic cooling of moist air.

Additional Information:

• Frontal rainfall – Occurs due to meeting of warm and cold air masses; common in temperate zones.

• Convectional rainfall – Caused by surface heating; typical in equatorial regions.

• Cyclonic rainfall – Linked to low-pressure systems like cyclones; not dominant in this region.