What type of rainfall occurs along the Western Ghats due to moist air being obstructed and forced to rise along the Ghats? 

The correct answer is Orographic rainfall.

Key Points

• Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range, such as the Western Ghats.
• The Western Ghats intercept the moist south-west monsoon winds, causing the air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to rainfall.
• This type of rainfall is concentrated on the windward side of the mountains, while the leeward side experiences a rain shadow effect.
• Orographic rainfall is a common phenomenon in regions with mountainous terrain and prevailing moist winds.
• The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon season due to this process, contributing significantly to the region's lush biodiversity.

Additional Information

• Rain Shadow Effect
  • The leeward side of a mountain range receives very little rainfall due to descending dry air, leading to arid or semi-arid conditions.
  • An example is the Deccan Plateau, which lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats.
• Types of Rainfall
  • Convectional Rainfall: Caused by the heating of the Earth's surface, leading to the rise of warm air and subsequent cooling and condensation.
  • Frontal Rainfall: Occurs when two air masses of different temperatures meet, causing the warm air to rise over the cold air and condense.
  • Cyclonic Rainfall: Associated with low-pressure systems and cyclones, where moist air spirals upward and cools to form rain.
• Western Ghats
  • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance.
  • The region is known for its rich biodiversity, including endemic flora and fauna.
• Monsoon Winds
  • Seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent, especially during the summer months.
  • The south-west monsoon is the primary contributor to rainfall along the Western Ghats.