[General Studies I: Geography ] [150 words, 10 marks]
| Explain- If the question is on explain, the answer should focus on how and why, arrange your answer in a sequence of events, define the terms within their specific context for better clarity, support your arrangement with relevant research works if needed. |
Answer Structure:
- Introduction: Definition and characteristics of cloudburst
- Body: Formation of cloudburst and its reasons
- Conclusion: Areas where cloudbursts occur
Answer
Introduction
Cloudburst refers to highly concentrated sudden downpour over a limited area (20-30 sq km radius) in a short duration. Over 100 mm of rain in an hour is the basic criterion for cloudburst. As a natural hazard it causes heavy loss of life and property.
Body
Cloudbursts occur due to rapid vertical lifting of dense clouds (convective clouds) by steep orography of the region, which extends upto 15 kilometres above the ground. This process is called “cumulonimbus convection condition”. The lifting causes thermodynamic instability resulting in rapid condensation and highly concentrated heavy downpours.
Formation of Cloudburst
1. Warm humid air is pushed up along mountain slope.
2. Air mass keeps rising and forms large thunder clouds.
3. Lack of upper-level wind prevents dissipation of thunder clouds.
4. Concentrated localised rainfall occurs.
Conclusion
In India, cloudbursts are more frequent in monsoon season and occur in hilly regions. In Himalayas, clouds are lifted up faster and accompanied by soil moistened (additional source of moisture) by earlier precipitation.
Other areas prone to cloudbursts- Western Ghats, western coasts, central and western India.
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(Titles introduction, body and conclusion are just for reference, aspirants should not write these titles in the answer sheet.)