Incidents of “cloudburst” occur every year during the monsoon every year in the hilly states of India, especially Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim and the Northeast.
These incidents are usually destructive, in which floods, landslides and heavy damage to public wealth are seen.
But the question arises: After all, why clouds burst on the mountains, not in the plains? Is there only the height responsible behind it, or are there even more deep reasons?
Let us understand this entire natural developments in detail from the perspective of geographical, physical and meteorology.
What is a cloud burst?
Cloud bursting is a highly local and intense rainfall occur, with more than 100 mm rainfall in a very short time (20–30 minutes). It usually occurs in an area less than 10 sq km. When the cloud is completely filled with water and is unable to wear it, it suddenly falls – this is ‘cloud bursting’.
Why do clouds burst in hilly areas?
1. Orographic Effect
– When moisture -filled winds walk from the plains and collide with the mountains, they have to rise up. – The temperature falls as height increases, causing vapor rapidly condensed and heavy rainfall. – If the condensation becomes very fast and the amount of water exceeds the limit, then the event like cloudburst decreases.
2. Low air pressure and height effect
– Air pressure is low in height areas. – This condition inspires the cloud to rain more intensely by losing “balance”.
3. Threat of sharp drainage and slope
– Water flows down rapidly in the mountains. – As a result, the soil flows, river drains are boiled, and incidents like landslides become common.
4. Temperature instability
– Day and night temperatures change rapidly in the mountains. – It also promotes the rapid condensation and breakdown of clouds.
Then why don’t clouds burst in the plains?
1. Flat landlords and stable temperatures
– There is no height barrier to raise the air in the plains, causing clouds to remain stable and rain slowly. – The temperature here is relatively stable, which reduces the chances of sudden rainfall.
2. Balanced drainage and soil structure
– The drainage in the plains is slow, causing water to spread, and its effect is limited. – Fertile soil and crops have the ability to absorb water, which reduces floods and erosion.
Role of natural and man -made factors
1. Deternation of Forests and Construction Activities
– Cutting of trees in mountainous areas, illegal mining, and disorganized tourism have made the land unstable. – When there is heavy rains on the weak mountains, the possibility of disaster increases manifold.
2. Climate change and global temperature
Scientists believe that the monsoon has become more irregular and fierce due to Climate Change. – Due to this, incidents of excess rainfall like “cloud bursting” are becoming more than before.