Cloudburst
26.06.2024
Cloudburst
|
For Prelims: About Cloudburst, How does it occur? |
Why in the news?
Recently, a cloudburst triggered several landslides and a flood-like situation in Itanagar.
About Cloudburst:
- It is a localized but intense rainfall While it can also occur in plains, the phenomenon is most common in hilly regions.
- A cloudburst has a very specific definition: Rainfall of 10 cm or more in an hour over a roughly 10 km x 10 km area is classified as a cloudburst event.
- Cloudbursts are not uncommon events, particularly during the monsoon months.
- Most of these happen in the Himalayan states where the local topology, wind systems, and temperature gradients between the lower and upper atmosphere facilitate the occurrence of such events.
How does it occur?
○It is found that during a cloudburst, the relative humidity and cloud cover will be at the maximum level with low temperature and slow winds because of this situation a high amount of clouds may get condensed at a very rapid rate and result in a cloudburst.
○As temperatures increase the atmosphere can hold more and more moisture and this moisture comes down as a short very intense rainfall for a short duration.
- Forecasting of Cloudbursts: The India Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall events well in advance, but it does not predict the quantum of rainfall — in fact, no meteorological agency does.
Source: The Hindu
Ques :- Consider the following statements with reference to the Cloudburst:
1.It is a localized but intense rainfall.
2.Cloudbursts are not uncommon events, particularly during the monsoon months.
3.Most of these happen in the Himalayan states where the local topology, wind systems, and temperature gradients
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None
Answer C