ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution Q.2(b) Western Disturbances and Westerlies

ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution Q.2(b) Western Disturbances and Westerlies. Detailed answer explaining Western Disturbances, Westerlies, their differences from monsoons, and their impact on India.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution | Q.2(b) Western Disturbances and Westerlies

ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution

Q.2(b) What are Western Disturbances and Westerlies and how are they different from monsoons? In which part of India are they confined?

Answer : 

Western Disturbances are extra-tropical cyclonic storms that originate in the Mediterranean region and travel eastward towards the Indian subcontinent. These weather systems are carried by the Westerlies, which are prevailing winds blowing from west to east in the temperate latitudes.

Western Disturbances are responsible for winter rainfall in northwestern India and snowfall in the Himalayan region. They play a vital role in maintaining soil moisture and supporting the cultivation of wheat and other Rabi crops.

Western Disturbances differ from Monsoons in several ways. Monsoons are seasonal wind systems caused by differential heating of land and sea, whereas Western Disturbances are cyclonic weather systems originating outside India. The Southwest Monsoon brings heavy rainfall during summer, while Western Disturbances mainly provide rainfall during winter.

In India, Western Disturbances primarily affect Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Their influence decreases as they move towards eastern and southern parts of the country.

Thus, Western Disturbances are essential components of India's winter weather system and contribute significantly to agricultural productivity and water availability.

Conclusion

Western Disturbances and Westerlies play an important role in shaping the winter climate of northwestern India. Unlike monsoons, they are external weather systems that bring winter rainfall and snowfall, supporting agriculture and water resources in the region.