Question Q.15ExplainGS1GS2

Explain the concept of rain shadow effect. How does it influence the distribution of precipitation and vegetation across mountain ranges?

Main Body

The rain shadow effect is caused due to the presence of a huge barrier such as high mountains on the path of rain-bearing clouds. This leads to scarcity of rain on the other side. Rain shadow effect leads to lack of rainfall on the downslope. Fig: Geographic rainfall It influences the distribution of precipitation across mountain ranges in the following ways:

1Creation of desert: The Ladakh region in India is an example of cold desert due to being a rain shadow zone. (2) Geographic rainfall due to sudden elevation of clouds and heating leading to expansion of air: This causes extreme rainfall on one side, while leads to drought on other side. (3) Dry condition prevail in rain shadow zone. It also impacts vegetation across mountain ranges and leads to temperate or thorny shrubs due to desert-like climate.

1Occurrence of thorny shrubs on rain shadow zone of Western Ghats in Deccan Plateau. (2) Dry winds that come downslope can cause wildfire. → eg: California wildfire due to dry Santa Ana winds. (3) Desert-like condition make the region poor in vegetation and wildlife. Thus, rain shadow zone creates an impact on environment and geography of a region.

Due to desert-like climate.

202 words1 paragraphs

Diagram

Two diagrams showing rain shadow effect - one labeled 'Clouds' showing rain falling on one side and rain shadow zone on other side, and another labeled 'Fig: geographic rainfall' showing vegetation in western ghats

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Page 34

Topper

UJJWAL PRIYANK

AIR 102025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS2

Topic

Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Geographical features

Climate and precipitation patterns

Writing Stats

202

Total words

Paragraphs

explanatory

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