Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
2. Discuss the phenomena of cloudburst, how is it different from regular rainfall? Analyse the Indian dimension of it. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article presents to us the case of cloudbursts witnessed in the State of Uttarakhand in the recent times.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the phenomena of cloudburst, how is it different from regular rainfall? Analyse the Indian dimension of it.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with what Cloudbursts are.
Body:
Cloudbursts are sudden and extreme rainfall events over a limited area in a short span of time. There is no universal definition of a cloudburst.
A cloudburst occurs when moisture-carrying air moves up a hilly terrain, forming a vertical column of clouds known as ‘cumulonimbus’ clouds. Such clouds usually cause rain, thunder and lightning. This upward motion of the clouds is known as an ‘orographic lift’.
Discuss how they are different from regular rainfall? – These unstable clouds cause an intense rainstorm over a small area after becoming heavy enough and locked in the ridges and valleys between the hills.
Present the Indian dimension.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its impact and interlinkages with climate change in general.
