Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the earth's rotation influence air mass trajectories, and what is a practical way to remember this effect?
How does the earth's rotation influence air mass trajectories, and what is a practical way to remember this effect?
- It deflects objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere; remember using the letter 'C'. (correct)
- It deflects objects to the left in the Northern Hemisphere and to the right in the Southern Hemisphere; remember using the letter 'C'.
- It only affects air masses near the equator, causing them to rise vertically.
- It deflects objects randomly in both hemispheres; there is no systematic way to predict deflection.
A cut-off low originates at the North Pole. What transformation does it undergo, and where does it travel before influencing the Indian subcontinent?
A cut-off low originates at the North Pole. What transformation does it undergo, and where does it travel before influencing the Indian subcontinent?
- It transforms into a Western Disturbance after crossing the Mediterranean Sea and travels southeastward across several countries. (correct)
- It remains a cut-off low, traveling eastward across Siberia and China.
- It transforms into a tropical cyclone and travels directly south across the Pacific Ocean.
- It dissipates over Greenland and has no impact on India.
What are the characteristics of cut-off lows that lead to the formation of Western Disturbances?
What are the characteristics of cut-off lows that lead to the formation of Western Disturbances?
- Moderate temperature air, uniform pressure, and visibility on surface pressure charts.
- Cold air, high pressure underneath, low pressure above, and visibility on the 500 millibar chart. (correct)
- Warm air, low pressure at all levels, and no visibility on any pressure charts.
- Warm air, high pressure at all levels, and visibility on surface pressure charts.
How do the Himalayas affect Western Disturbances, and what is the subsequent impact on weather patterns in North India?
How do the Himalayas affect Western Disturbances, and what is the subsequent impact on weather patterns in North India?
What atmospheric conditions and processes are essential for the formation of radiation fog?
What atmospheric conditions and processes are essential for the formation of radiation fog?
What is the primary process involved in the formation of an occluded front, and what weather conditions are typically associated with it?
What is the primary process involved in the formation of an occluded front, and what weather conditions are typically associated with it?
A meteorologist is explaining the winter weather patterns in North India. Which statement accurately describes the typical altitudes of Western Disturbances and Subtropical Jet Streams?
A meteorologist is explaining the winter weather patterns in North India. Which statement accurately describes the typical altitudes of Western Disturbances and Subtropical Jet Streams?
During winter in India, what is the general direction of movement of the subtropical jet stream, and how does this differ from the origin of Western Disturbances?
During winter in India, what is the general direction of movement of the subtropical jet stream, and how does this differ from the origin of Western Disturbances?
How does energy exchange between the equator and the poles relate to understanding the winter season in India?
How does energy exchange between the equator and the poles relate to understanding the winter season in India?
In the context of Indian topography and climate, what role do the Himalayas play in influencing the country's weather patterns?
In the context of Indian topography and climate, what role do the Himalayas play in influencing the country's weather patterns?
Flashcards
Western Disturbances
Western Disturbances
Weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region that bring winter rain and snow to Northwest India.
Radiation Fog
Radiation Fog
Fog that forms when the ground cools at night, cooling the air above it to its dew point.
Subtropical Jet Stream
Subtropical Jet Stream
A high-altitude, fast-flowing air current that moves over the Indian subcontinent during winter.
Rossby Waves
Rossby Waves
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Cut-Off Low
Cut-Off Low
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Coriolis Force
Coriolis Force
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Occluded Front
Occluded Front
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Study Notes
Indian Topography and Seasons
- India features diverse topography, including deserts and coastlines.
- The Himalayas significantly influence the climate.
- India experiences four main seasons: winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon.
Winter Season Overview
- The winter season includes Western Disturbances, Radiation Fog, and Subtropical Jet Streams.
Solar Radiation Dynamics
- Solar radiation is minimal at the North Pole.
- The equator and poles exchange energy to balance temperature.
- Understanding these dynamics is essential for understanding winter in India.
Cold Air Masses and Cut-Off Lows
- Cold air masses are found at high altitudes over the North Pole.
- These air masses can produce Rossby waves, which elongate and break off into cut-off lows.
- The separation of an elongated Rossby wave results in a cut-off low.
Coriolis Force Effects
- The Earth's rotation affects air mass trajectories via the Coriolis force.
- The Coriolis force deflects objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
- A mnemonic for Coriolis force deflection: "C" points upward (right) in the Northern Hemisphere and downward (left) in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cut-Off Lows and Their Path to India
- Cut-off lows travel southeast from the North Pole, crossing the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to reach India.
Western Disturbances
- A cut-off low transforms into a Western Disturbance after crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
- These disturbances then move toward North India.
Characteristics of Cut-Off Lows
- Cut-off lows contain very cold air, resulting in high pressure below and low pressure above.
- The low pressure is not typically visible on surface pressure charts.
- Low pressure is visible on the 500 millibar chart, around 18,000 feet.
- Their height decreases as they move toward Pakistan.
- The Himalayas obstruct these disturbances, diverting them eastward along the foothills.
Occluded Fronts
- An occluded front forms when a very cold air mass overtakes a less cold air mass.
- Very cold air forces cooler air upwards during occlusion.
- Occluded fronts often cause rain and are linked to Western Disturbances.
Radiation Fog Characteristics
- Ground surfaces lose heat at night, cooling the air.
- Air near the ground reaches dew point, leading to fog formation.
- This is common in areas like Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh
- Radiation fog occurs during the winter season.
Subtropical Jet Stream
- The subtropical jet stream is a consistently present, high-speed air current.
- During winter, it passes over the Indian subcontinent from west to east.
- It flows at high altitudes, approximately 12 kilometers (36,000 feet).
Key Differences between Western Disturbances and Subtropical Jet Streams
- Western Disturbances:
- Height: 6 kilometers.
- Originates from the North-West.
- Subtropical Jet Stream:
- Height: Approx 12 kilometers.
- Travels West to East
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