Why do the north east trade winds change their directions while blowin...
The North East Trade Winds and their Direction Change in the Ganga Valley
The North East Trade Winds are prevailing winds that blow from the northeast towards the equator in the northern hemisphere. These winds are influenced by various factors and can change their direction while blowing through the Ganga Valley.
Factors Influencing the Direction Change:
1. Geographical Factors: The Ganga Valley is located between the Himalayas and the Vindhya Range. The presence of these mountain ranges creates a unique topographic setting that affects the direction of the trade winds.
2. Mountain Valleys: The Ganga Valley is a large, elongated valley formed by the Ganges River. The valley is surrounded by mountains on both sides, creating a funnel-like effect. As the trade winds enter the valley, they are forced to squeeze through the narrow opening, causing the wind direction to change.
3. Orographic Lifting: When the trade winds encounter the Himalayas, they are forced to rise due to the mountain barrier. This process is known as orographic lifting. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation. This lifting process contributes to the change in wind direction as the air is deflected and redirected.
4. Valley Breezes: During the day, the Ganga Valley experiences differential heating. The valley floor heats up faster than the surrounding mountains, creating a temperature gradient. This temperature difference leads to the development of valley breezes, which blow up the valley from south to north. These valley breezes can interact with the trade winds and cause a change in their direction.
5. Monsoonal Influence: The Ganga Valley is significantly affected by the Indian Monsoon. During the summer monsoon season, the prevailing winds change direction and blow from the southwest. The monsoonal winds can interact with the trade winds and influence their direction while blowing through the Ganga Valley.
Conclusion:
The North East Trade Winds change their direction while blowing through the Ganga Valley due to various geographical factors such as the presence of mountain ranges, orographic lifting, valley breezes, and the influence of the Indian Monsoon. These factors create a unique topographic setting and atmospheric conditions that cause the trade winds to change their direction and interact with other wind patterns in the region.