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Difficulty: MediumClimate, Weather Systems, and Monsoon of India

Consider the following statements regarding Western Disturbances and their impact on Indian weather:

1. They originate as extratropical cyclones over the Mediterranean region and Atlantic Ocean.
2. Their eastward propagation towards the Indian subcontinent is steered by the Sub-Tropical Westerly Jet Stream.
3. The rainfall associated with them in the northern plains of India is crucial for the cultivation of Kharif crops.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Western Disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region. During northern hemisphere winter, the Sub-Tropical Westerly Jet Stream flows over northern India and carries these low-pressure weather systems eastward across Iran, Pakistan, and into northwestern India. The resulting winter rain is essential for wheat and other Rabi crops.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding origin.
Statement 1 is correct. Western Disturbances are low-pressure systems originating over the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, and Atlantic Ocean as extratropical depressions.
They travel across West Asia before entering Northwestern India during winter.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding steering mechanism.
Statement 2 is correct. The high-altitude Sub-Tropical Westerly Jet Stream shifts southward during winter and drives these disturbance systems eastward into India.
Upper-air westerly jet streams maintain the upper-level atmospheric flow guiding these cyclones.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding agricultural impact.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The precipitation (rain in plains and snowfall in western Himalayas) occurs during winter and is highly beneficial for Rabi crops (e.g., wheat), not Kharif crops which are monsoon season crops.
Kharif crops depend primarily on the Southwest Monsoon from June to September.

Key Concept

Western Disturbances and Winter Weather Systems in India
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Climate, Weather Systems, and Monsoon of India

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