The Atacama, or Peruvian Desert, is one of the driest places on earth. Which of the given factors is/are responsible for these dry conditions?
1. Rain shadow effect of the Andes.
2. Off-shore trade winds & westerlies.
3. Hot and dry ocean current.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 only

Question

The Atacama, or Peruvian Desert, is one of the driest places on earth. Which of the given factors is/are responsible for these dry conditions?
1. Rain shadow effect of the Andes.
2. Off-shore trade winds & westerlies.
3. Hot and dry ocean current.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 only

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Factor 1 is correct: The Andes Mountains block moist air from the Amazon Basin, preventing rainfall on the western side, creating a rain shadow effect that contributes to the extreme aridity of the Atacama Desert.

Factor 2 is correct: The southeast trade winds blow offshore, carrying moisture away from the land. The westerlies (prevailing winds from the west) are blocked by the Andes, preventing moisture from reaching the Atacama region.

Factor 3 is not correct: The Humboldt (Peru) Current flows along the coast of Chile and Peru, but it is a cold ocean current, not a hot and dry one. Cold currents reduce evaporation, leading to low humidity and less rainfall, which further contributes to the desert&rsquo;s dryness.

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The Atacama, or Peruvian Desert, is one of the driest places on earth. Which of the given factors is/are responsible for these dry conditions? 1. Rain shadow effect of the Andes. 2. Off-shore trade winds & westerlies. 3. Hot and dry ocean current. Select the correct answer from the codes given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 only

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