With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The overall climate of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is “humid, tropical coastal climate”, with proximity to the equator and sea ensuring a hot, humid and uniform climate.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive rainfall from both the south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon due to their equatorial-maritime location in the Bay of Bengal. During the south-west monsoon, moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall, while the north-east monsoon adds rainfall after picking up moisture over the Bay of Bengal.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The maximum precipitation is between May and December, not between December and May. Hence, this statement reverses the rainfall period and becomes incorrect.

Answer: (b) 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Hard