Correct option is C
The correct answer is (c) Creating convection currents
Explanation:
- The Himalayas play a significant role in shaping India's climate, but creating convection currents is not one of their primary functions. Convection currents are generally generated by differences in temperature and pressure, and they occur over land and sea surfaces rather than being directly influenced by the presence of mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Role of the Himalayas in shaping India's climate:
- (a) Acting as a barrier to southwest monsoon winds: The Himalayas act as a barrier to the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side (e.g., the western coast) and dry conditions on the leeward side (e.g., northern India and the desert regions).
- (b) Contributing to snowfall in northern India: The Himalayas are responsible for snowfall in the northern parts of India, especially in states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This snowfall is important for the water supply in many northern rivers.
- (d) Blocking cold winds from Central Asia: The Himalayas act as a shield, preventing the cold winds from Central Asia from entering the Indian subcontinent. This helps maintain a more temperate climate in most of India, particularly in the northern plains.
Information Booster:
- The Himalayan mountain range significantly influences the monsoon system, causing distinct weather patterns across the Indian subcontinent.
- The Himalayas also play a crucial role in the climate variability of the region, affecting both the summer and winter seasons.
Additional Knowledge:
- Convection currents are more relevant to the study of heat exchange in the atmosphere or oceans and are not directly associated with the role of mountain ranges like the Himalayas.