A rain shadow area is formed on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.

Question

Give reason:

A rain shadow area is formed on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.

Answer 1

• Winds coming from Arabian sea are moisture-laden. They are obstructed by the Western Ghats coming in their way. 
• According to the slope of the Western Ghats, the moisture-laden winds start going upwards. 
• The temperature of these winds drop and condensation occurs and rainfall takes place. Thus, because of the obstruction of the Western Ghats, orographic rainfall occurs. 
• The windward side of the mountains gets more rain; amount of vapour in the air reduces after crossing the mountain and the water vapour carrying capacity of the air increases. 
• The leeward side of the mountain gets lesser rainfall and hence a rain-shadow area is formed here.