Consider the following statements about cold waves in winter season i...
In northern India, there is light rainfall during winter. This is caused by the cyclonic storms which originate in the Mediterranean Sea and travel towards India. These winds are called western disturbances. They cause heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of the Himalayas and rainfall in the plains. They result in a cold wave in northern India.
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Consider the following statements about cold waves in winter season i...
Statement 1: There is a lack of maritime influence.
Northern India, especially the region around the Indo-Gangetic plains, experiences cold waves during the winter season. One of the reasons for this is the lack of maritime influence. The region is located far away from the coast, which means that it does not receive the moderating influence of the sea. The absence of the sea leads to a continental climate, characterized by extreme temperatures and weather conditions. In the absence of maritime influence, the region becomes vulnerable to cold waves, resulting in severe cold temperatures.
Statement 2: Northern India is nearer to the Himalayan region.
The second statement is correct. Northern India is indeed closer to the Himalayan region. The Himalayas act as a barrier and play a significant role in the weather patterns of the region. During winter, cold air masses from higher latitudes move southwards and encounter the Himalayas. The mountain range acts as a natural barrier, obstructing the movement of these cold air masses towards the southern parts of India. As a result, the northern plains of India, which are closer to the Himalayas, experience colder temperatures compared to other regions.
Statement 3: Air mass comes from polar regions to northern India.
The third statement is incorrect. The air masses that affect northern India during the winter season do not come directly from the polar regions. Instead, they originate from the Siberian High, which is an area of high pressure located over Siberia. These cold air masses move southwards and influence the weather patterns in northern India. The Siberian High is a semi-permanent feature during the winter season and is responsible for bringing cold and dry air to the region.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the statements, it can be concluded that statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. The lack of maritime influence and the proximity to the Himalayan region are two factors that contribute to the occurrence of cold waves in northern India during the winter season.
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