With reference to the climate of India, the Western disturbances originate over which one of the following?

Western disturbances are shallow cyclonic depressions that originate over the Mediterranean Sea [1][t1]. These extra-tropical weather systems travel eastward across West Asia, including Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan, before entering the Indian subcontinent from the northwest [1]. Their movement into India is facilitated by the westerly jet streams [1][c3]. These disturbances are most frequent between November and May, peaking during the winter months from December to April [1]. They play a crucial role in Indian agriculture by providing light winter rainfall, which is highly beneficial for Rabi crops like wheat [1]. While they originate in the Mediterranean region, they may also pick up additional moisture from the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf during their journey toward India. In contrast, the Arabian Sea is primarily associated with the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones rather than western disturbances [c2][c5].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Western Disturbances > p. 52