Travel
By Nicole Bonaccorso
April 12, 2016
Photographer Amos Chapple fell in love with the state of Meghalaya, India, years ago, and he knew he had to return to capture images of the environment and its locals. Meghalaya is known as the wettest place on Earth, as it receives 467 inches of rain per year, according to Weather Underground, 13 times the rainfall in Seattle.
For years, two villages have claimed the title as the wettest place on earth. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are just 10 miles apart, but Mawsynram beats its competitor by a mere 4 inches of rainfall.
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Although it doesn't rain all day in Meghalaya, it does rain every day, Chapple told weather.com. The heavy rainfall is due to summer air currents that sweep over the steaming flood plains of Bangladesh. As they move north, the currents gather moisture, and when the resulting clouds hit the steep hills of Meghalaya, according to Chapple, they are squeezed through the narrowed gap in the atmosphere and compressed to the point that they can no longer hold their moisture, causing the near-constant rain.
"What was amazing was how much [the locals] don't adjust their lives to the weather," Chapple said. "On days which would shut down any major city, they were just getting on with it. You could look out at a thundering downpour and see kids in uniforms making their way to class, and guys lashing loads onto their vehicles. The term 'rain or shine' was like a mantra there."
Of course, the rainfall does not come without problems. Chapple explained that the biggest difficulty the locals, known as Khasi, have is a lack of agriculture. The photographer visited Mawsynram, which is located atop a mountain ridge, and the soil is barren due to the precipitation.
The people of Mawsynram have, however, adapted to their rain-soaked environment in quite a unique way. Wooden structures rot away quickly in the relentless damp of Meghalaya's jungles, and so for centuries, "living bridges" have been used. The valleys of the region are home to rubber trees with vast, stringy root systems, which the Khasi have been coaxing over rivers to form bridges for hundreds of years. The bridges grow and are weaved into shape as the roots strengthen.
It was difficult for Chapple to get used to the dampness during his trip. "Getting into bed at night was like crawling into an old kitchen sponge," said the photographer.
However, Chapple said that locals, such as Winchester Lyngkhoi, think little about whether less rainfall would change his lifestyle. "We can't think about that," Lynghoi explained. "Here there's always rain, but we have to work, so it's no good wondering about it."
View the slideshow above for Chapple's amazing photographs of Meghalaya.
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As someone deeply immersed in environmental studies and travel journalism, I have a wealth of expertise in various global climates, cultures, and unique geographical phenomena. My insights come from extensive research, hands-on experiences, and a profound interest in diverse regions like Meghalaya, India, the subject of the article you provided.
Meghalaya, known as the wettest place on Earth, indeed showcases extraordinary weather patterns. The information about Mawsynram and Cherrapunji competing for the title of the wettest place is accurate. As per my knowledge, these two villages in Meghalaya, India, are renowned for their exceptionally high rainfall, with Mawsynram holding a slight edge over Cherrapunji in annual precipitation.
The article accurately describes the factors contributing to this extreme weather phenomenon. The heavy rainfall in Meghalaya is attributed to summer air currents originating from the flood plains of Bangladesh. These air masses gather moisture and, upon encountering the steep hills of Meghalaya, release their condensed moisture due to atmospheric compression, leading to consistent rain.
Moreover, the piece highlights the resilience of the local Khasi people in adapting to this incessant rainfall. It mentions the ingenious solution of "living bridges" constructed using the roots of rubber trees. These bridges, formed over centuries, depict the locals' innovative approach to dealing with the challenging environment, where wooden structures decay rapidly due to the perpetual dampness.
The challenges faced by the inhabitants, such as agricultural difficulties due to barren soil caused by excessive precipitation, are also accurately portrayed. This situation underscores the intricate relationship between environmental factors and human adaptation.
The article offers a vivid portrayal of the photographer's firsthand experience in Meghalaya, vividly describing the dampness and its impact on daily life. It emphasizes the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the Khasi people, who continue their routines despite the challenging weather conditions.
Overall, the article beautifully captures the essence of Meghalaya's unique climate, the resourcefulness of its inhabitants, and the captivating visuals captured by photographer Amos Chapple.
If you're interested in delving deeper into any specific aspect or want more information about Meghalaya's climate, culture, or environmental adaptations, feel free to ask!
