4.4. Distribution of Rainfall

● Highest rainfall: Mawsynram (Meghalaya)

Mawsynram, a village located in Meghalaya, India, holds the record for the highest average annual rainfall in the world. This remarkable amount of rainfall is primarily due to its geographical position and the influence of the monsoon winds that bring moisture from the Indian Ocean. The orographic effect, where moist air rises over the hills, ensures that Mawsynram receives an enormous amount of rain every year, contributing to its lush green landscape.

Think of Mawsynram as a sponge that soaks up water. Just like how a sponge becomes heavier when submerged in water, Mawsynram becomes ‘heavier’ with rain due to its position in the path of moisture-laden winds coming from the ocean.

● Lowest rainfall: Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)

In contrast to Mawsynram, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan experiences the lowest average annual rainfall in India. Located in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer receives very little precipitation due to its arid climate. The desert landscape, characterized by sandy soil and limited vegetation, results in high temperatures and dry conditions for most of the year. The lack of significant geographical features to capture moist winds leads to minimal rainfall.

Imagine a dry sponge left out in the sun; it doesn’t collect any water because it’s not in a damp area. Similarly, Jaisalmer doesn’t get much rain because it’s located in a desert, far away from the moisture-laden winds that bring rain.

● Western Ghats and Northeast receive heavy rainfall.

Both the Western Ghats and the Northeastern region of India are known for receiving significant rainfall. The Western Ghats, running parallel to the western coast, intercept the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side. Similarly, the Northeastern states, located in the path of the monsoon, also absorb a substantial amount of rainfall. The combination of geography and monsoonal winds leads to these regions supporting rich biodiversity and lush vegetation due to the high levels of moisture.

Picture a giant umbrella that catches raindrops. The Western Ghats act like this umbrella by blocking the monsoon clouds and forcing them to release their rain, resulting in a verdant landscape filled with rich flora and fauna.

● Interior Deccan Plateau and western Rajasthan get low rainfall.

The Interior Deccan Plateau and Western Rajasthan are regions that experience low annual rainfall. The Deccan Plateau, being further away from the moisture sources, receives less rainfall compared to coastal areas. Similarly, Western Rajasthan, characterized by its arid desert landscape, has limited rainfall due to its geographical location and climate conditions. The combination of distance from the sea and vast plateaus results in dry and less fertile lands.

Think of a water fountain that only sprays water a few feet—it won’t reach the areas far away. Similarly, the rainfall from the oceans primarily nourishes the coastal regions while the inland areas like the Deccan Plateau and Western Rajasthan receive only a fraction of that water, leading to dry conditions.

--