With reference to temperate cyclones, consider the following statemen...
Cyclonic or frontal rainfall: - Cyclonic or frontal rainfall occurs due to ascending of moist air and adiabatic cooling caused by convergence of two extensive air masses.
- The mechanism of cyclonic precipitation is of two types on the basis of two types of cyclones viz. temperate cyclones and tropical cyclones. Rainfall associated with temperate cyclones occurs when two extensive air masses of entirely different physical properties converge.
- When two contrasting air masses coming from opposite directions converge along a line, a front is formed. The warm wind is lifted upward along this front where as cold air being heavier settles downward. Such cyclonic fronts are created in temperate regions where cold polar winds and warm westerlies converge. The warm air lying over cold air is cooled and gets saturated and condensation begins around hygroscopic nuclei.
- Since the lifting of warm air along the warm front of temperate cyclone is slow and gradual, with the result precipitation occurs in the form of drizzles but continues for longer duration. Thus, the precipitation associated with warm front is widespread and of long duration. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- On the other hand, the precipitation associated with cold fronts is always in the form of thunder showers but is of short duration. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
With reference to temperate cyclones, consider the following statemen...
Explanation:
Temperate cyclones are large-scale weather systems that occur in the middle latitudes (between 30° and 60°) and are characterized by low pressure centers, strong winds, and atmospheric disturbances. These cyclones are responsible for much of the weather in the mid-latitude regions, including precipitation events.
Statement 1: Precipitation associated with the warm front is of short duration.
- When a temperate cyclone approaches an area, it is typically accompanied by a warm front and a cold front.
- The warm front is the leading edge of the warm air mass that is advancing and replacing the colder air mass.
- As the warm air rises over the cold air, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and precipitation along the front.
- The precipitation associated with the warm front is generally characterized by a broad area of steady and continuous rain or drizzle.
- This type of precipitation can last for an extended period of time as the warm front moves through the area.
Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: Precipitation associated with cold fronts is always in the form of a thunder shower.
- Cold fronts occur when a mass of cold air displaces a mass of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly.
- As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are responsible for thunderstorms.
- Thunderstorms are characterized by heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail.
- However, not all precipitation associated with cold fronts is in the form of thunderstorms. It can also include rain showers or even snow showers, depending on the temperature.
Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
In conclusion, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.