Mains Daily Question
March 20, 2024
Q.2 Explain how western disturbances impact the climate over the Indian subcontinent. (10M/150W)
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Approach for the answer The question talks about the western disturbances and its impact on climatic conditions over Indian subcontinent. Here we need to explain what the western disturbances are and how they are responsible to bring different changes over the Indian subcontinent.
Introduction: We can introduce the question by defining western disturbances in short and their area of origin. Body: Since the directive is to explain how, we need to explain the impact of western disturbance on each component of the climate over Indian subcontinent along with some examples, facts, and must include the map showing western disturbance and its area of influence. Conclude: We can conclude the answer by mentioning the overall impact of the western disturbance on the climate |
Answer:
Western disturbances (WDs) are low-pressure weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean Sea and move eastward across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They are responsible for change in weather conditions over the Indian subcontinent.
Impact of the Western Disturbances over the climate of the Indian subcontinent:
Positive impacts:
- Rainfall: Western disturbances bring a significant amount of rainfall to the region, especially during winter. This rainfall helps to replenish the aquifers and reservoirs that are essential for agriculture. It also helps to reduce the risk of drought and water scarcity in the region.
- Reduction in air pollution: The rainfall from the western disturbances helps to reduce air pollution in the region. The moisture helps to capture pollutants such as dust and smoke particles, thus improving air quality.
- Moderate temperature: The moisture from the western disturbances helps to moderate the temperatures in the region, thus creating a more pleasant environment.
Negative impacts:
- Strong winds: The western disturbances often bring with them strong winds which can cause damage to infrastructure, especially in coastal areas.
- Heavy Rainfall: The rainfall from western disturbances can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in property damage and loss of life.
- Disturbs human activities: The strong winds and heavy rain associated with western disturbances can cause disruption to transportation and communication networks.
- Storms and thunderstorms: These disturbances can also cause dust storms and thunderstorms, leading to reduced visibility and hazardous air quality.
Overall western disturbances have a significant impact on the climate over the Indian subcontinent, bringing much-needed rain and snowfall to some regions, affecting temperature and wind patterns, and contributing to the water supply of several important rivers.
