The correct answer is c) Southwest Monsoon.
The Southwest Monsoon is a seasonal wind that blows from the southwest towards the northeast across the Indian subcontinent from June to September. It is caused by the difference in temperature between the land and the ocean. The land heats up faster than the ocean, causing the air to rise. This creates an area of low pressure over the land. The air from the ocean, which is cooler and at higher pressure, then flows in to fill this low pressure area.
The Southwest Monsoon is responsible for most of the rainfall in Kerala. The state receives an average of 3,000 mm of rain per year, with most of it falling during the monsoon season. The monsoon rains are essential for the state’s agriculture and economy.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Irrigation canals are man-made channels that are used to transport water for irrigation. They do not play a significant role in the rainfall in Kerala.
- The Northeast Monsoon is a seasonal wind that blows from the northeast towards the southwest across the Indian subcontinent from October to December. It is not as strong as the Southwest Monsoon and does not bring as much rainfall to Kerala.
- Winter rains are caused by the western disturbances, which are cold fronts that form over the Mediterranean Sea and move eastwards across the Indian subcontinent. They bring some rainfall to Kerala, but not as much as the Southwest Monsoon.