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Indian climatology: What is the most plausible explanation for the location of the Thar Desert in western India? Evaluate key causes that suppress rainfall over Rajasthan and adjoining areas (wind direction, topography, and pressure systems). Choose the best explanation.

Difficulty: Medium

Alignment of the Aravalli Hills nearly parallel to the SW monsoon winds, offering little orographic lift; subsiding air in the subtropical high and continentality limit rainfall
Cold ocean currents along the Gujarat–Rajasthan coast cool and dry the air strongly
Persistent rain shadow cast by the Himalayas directly over Rajasthan
High altitude of western India prevents moisture intrusions

Correct Answer: Alignment of the Aravalli Hills nearly parallel to the SW monsoon winds, offering little orographic lift; subsiding air in the subtropical high and continentality limit rainfall

Explanation:

Key factors

Aravalli alignment: The SW monsoon approaches mostly parallel to the Aravallis, producing little orographic uplift and thus scant rainfall.
Subtropical high subsidence & continentality: Western India often lies under descending, dry air with long distance from moist sources.

Why others are weaker
There is no major cold current off Rajasthan; the Himalayan rain shadow is more pronounced immediately north of the range, not over Rajasthan; altitude is not the limiting factor.

Indian climatology: What is the most plausible explanation for the location of the Thar Desert in western India? Evaluate key causes that suppress rainfall over Rajasthan and adjoining areas (wind direction, topography, and pressure systems). Choose the best explanation.

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