The correct answer is: c) Both microclimates and rain shadows.
The Eastern Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of India. They are a major barrier to the flow of moisture from the Bay of Bengal, and as a result, the eastern side of the mountains is much drier than the western side. This difference in rainfall creates a rain shadow effect, with the western side of the mountains receiving much more rain than the eastern side.
In addition to the rain shadow effect, the Eastern Ghats also create a number of microclimates. These are small areas with their own unique climate, which can be caused by a number of factors, such as the presence of mountains, rivers, or forests. Microclimates can be found on both the eastern and western sides of the Eastern Ghats, and they can vary greatly in terms of temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
The presence of the Eastern Ghats has a significant impact on the climate of India. The rain shadow effect creates a dry region on the eastern side of the mountains, while the microclimates create a variety of different climates on both sides of the mountains. This diversity of climates is one of the things that makes India such a unique and interesting country.
Here is a more detailed explanation of each option:
- Microclimates are small areas with their own unique climate, which can be caused by a number of factors, such as the presence of mountains, rivers, or forests. Microclimates can be found on both the eastern and western sides of the Eastern Ghats, and they can vary greatly in terms of temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
- Rain shadows are areas that receive less rainfall than the surrounding areas due to the presence of a mountain range. The Eastern Ghats create a rain shadow effect on the eastern side of the mountains, which is why the eastern side of the country is much drier than the western side.
- Neither microclimates nor rain shadows is not a correct answer, as the Eastern Ghats do create both microclimates and rain shadows.