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. What is a cold wave? How is it formed? Analyse its impact on the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down To Earth
Why the question:
Cold waves have gripped several parts of northwest India from December 15, 2022 that are expected to continue for the next few days as well.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes and impact of cold waves in north India.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining a cold wave.
Body:
In the first part, write about formation of cold waves – Cold wave conditions form due to lack of western disturbances which are extratropical storms that mostly appear during the winter months, change the wind patterns in the northern parts of India. Presence of an active western disturbance cold winds from the Himalayas continue to blow in to the northern parts of India thereby allowing the prevailing cold conditions to continue and intensify. Parts of the plains of north-west, central and west India encounter cold wave, fog and ground frost conditions etc.
Next, write about its impact on humans, health, transport and agriculture etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to deal with cold waves.
