Atmospheric Rivers

16.04.2025

Atmospheric Rivers

Why in the news?   

Recently, a large part of the United States experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms caused by an atmospheric river.

Atmospheric rivers:

• They are narrow, fast-moving bands of moisture and wind—like rivers in the sky—that transport large amounts of water vapor from tropical oceans to land.
• They typically span 402 to 606 km in width and over 1,600 km in length.
• They often resemble hurricanes in intensity and are most common in mid-latitudes.
  • A famous example is the Pineapple Express, which carries moisture from Hawaii to the U.S. and Canadian West Coasts.
  • However, the recent storm in the U.S. originated from the Caribbean.

Importance and Threats

• Most atmospheric rivers are weak and beneficial, supplying vital rain and snow
• They can also cause severe weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and mudslides.

Study:

A NASA study predicts that future atmospheric rivers will be longer, wider, and more intense, increasing the risk of severe flooding.

                               Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statement regarding to the Atmospheric Rivers:

1.They are narrow, fast-moving bands of moisture and wind—like rivers in the sky.

 2.These rivers transport large amounts of water vapor from tropical oceans to land.

3.They often resemble hurricanes in intensity and are most common in mid-latitudes.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer C