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.
1. Explain the reasons as to why Bay of Bengal is the hot-bed for frequent cyclonic storms on the east coast. What is its impact on the Sundarbans? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
A 2021 study Spatiotemporal analysis of tropical cyclone landfalls in northern Bay of Bengal, India and Bangladesh by the World Bank also underlined the increasing threat of cyclones in the Sundarbans area.
Key Demand of the question:
To write the reasons for a large number cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and its impact on Sundarbans.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of cyclones in Bay of Bengal with the recent examples.
Body:
First, mention the reasons as to why Bay of Bengal is the hot-bed for frequent cyclonic storms – The Bay of Bengal is shaped like a trough, high sea surface temperature, more rainfall with sluggish winds and warm air currents, constant inflow of fresh warm water etc.
Next, write about its impact on Sundarbans ecosystem and mention steps to mitigate it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
