India Annual Rainfall Map: Key Takeaways
- The India Annual Rainfall Map displays the distribution of rainfall across the country.
- It provides valuable information for agricultural planning, water resource management, and disaster preparedness.
- The map highlights the regional variations in precipitation levels, helping us understand India’s climatic diversity.
- By analyzing the map, one can identify regions prone to droughts, floods, and other rainfall-related phenomena.
History
The India Annual Rainfall Map has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The British
administration in India recognized the importance of rainfall patterns in agricultural planning and began
collecting meteorological data from various stations across the country. With the establishment of the India
Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1875, systematic and comprehensive rainfall observations were undertaken.
Over the years, the IMD refined its methods and developed modern techniques to analyze and present rainfall data.
Today, the India Annual Rainfall Map is a result of decades of data collection and analysis, providing valuable
insights into the country’s precipitation patterns.
Unique Insights
The India Annual Rainfall Map offers several unique insights regarding rainfall distribution in the country:
- There is a clear contrast between the monsoon-dominated western coast and the drier regions of central and
northwest India. - The northeastern states receive heavy annual rainfall due to their proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the
influence of the southwest monsoon. - The Thar Desert in Rajasthan experiences extremely low rainfall, making it one of the most arid regions in
India. - The Western Ghats, due to their orographic effect, receive heavy rainfall, contributing to the region’s
dense forests and biodiversity.
Table: Significant Rainfall Facts in Indian History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1877 | Exceptional rainfall leads to widespread floods in eastern India. |
| 1961 | The Indian state of Tamil Nadu experiences a severe drought with significantly reduced rainfall. |
| 2005 | Kedarnath flood disaster in Uttarakhand due to heavy rainfall and landslides. |
| 2019 | Monsoon deficit affects agricultural output in several parts of the country. |
FAQ
1. How does the India Annual Rainfall Map help in agricultural planning?
The map provides insights into the regions that receive high annual rainfall, which helps farmers decide
suitable crops for cultivation.
2. Can the map predict droughts and floods?
While the map cannot predict specific weather events, it helps identify regions prone to droughts and floods
based on historical rainfall patterns.
3. What is the impact of the southwest monsoon on the rainfall distribution in India?
The southwest monsoon plays a vital role in determining the overall rainfall across India, especially in the
central and northern regions.
4. How does the Thar Desert receive such low rainfall?
The Thar Desert is located in the rain shadow region of the Aravalli Range, resulting in limited moisture
availability and thus, low rainfall.
5. Which regions in India receive the highest annual rainfall?
The northeastern states, such as Meghalaya and Assam, receive some of the highest annual rainfall in India.
6. What is the reason behind the Western Ghats receiving heavy rainfall?
The Western Ghats act as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, resulting in orographic
rainfall in the region.
7. How often is the India Annual Rainfall Map updated?
The India Annual Rainfall Map is updated annually based on the latest meteorological data collected by the
IMD.
External Links
List of LSI Keywords
- India rainfall map
- Annual rainfall distribution India
- Precipitation patterns in India
- Rainfall data collection IMD
- Rainfall-related phenomena in India
- India monsoon rainfall
- Rainfall in Thar Desert
- Western Ghats rainfall
