ISS Previous Year Paper 2019 GS Solution Question 2(a) Desertification in Rajasthan and Heavy Rainfall in Meghalaya
- Gajender Raaz
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
ISS Previous Year Paper 2019 GS Solution Question 2(a) Desertification in Rajasthan and Heavy Rainfall in Meghalaya. Detailed answer explaining the geographical factors responsible for contrasting climatic conditions in these regions.
ISS Previous Year Paper 2019 GS Solution Question
Q.2(a) Explain the causes of desertification in Rajasthan and heavy rainfall on the windward side of the Meghalaya Plateau.
Answer :
The climatic conditions of Rajasthan and Meghalaya differ significantly due to variations in topography, location, and monsoon dynamics.
Causes of Desertification in Rajasthan
Rajasthan, particularly the Thar Desert region, experiences arid and semi-arid conditions because of several factors:
The Aravalli Range runs parallel to the southwest monsoon winds and therefore does not effectively obstruct them to cause rainfall.
The region is located far from major moisture sources, resulting in low precipitation.
High temperatures lead to excessive evaporation and moisture loss.
Sparse vegetation cover increases soil erosion and land degradation.
Human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices accelerate desertification.
Causes of Heavy Rainfall in Meghalaya
The Meghalaya Plateau, especially places like Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, receives extremely heavy rainfall due to:
Moisture-laden Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon moves towards northeastern India.
The Khasi Hills present a steep barrier to these winds.
The winds are forced to rise rapidly, resulting in intense orographic rainfall.
The funnel-shaped topography of the region further concentrates moisture-bearing winds, enhancing precipitation.
Thus, while Rajasthan suffers from moisture deficiency and land degradation, Meghalaya receives abundant rainfall due to favorable topographical and monsoonal conditions.
Conclusion
The contrasting climatic conditions of Rajasthan and Meghalaya highlight the importance of topography and monsoon dynamics in shaping regional environments. Understanding these factors is essential for environmental management, water conservation, and sustainable development.





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