Question map
Which one of the following causes rainfall in the north-western parts of India during Winter Season ?
Explanation
Rainfall in the north-western parts of India during the winter season is primarily caused by Western Disturbances [2]. These are extra-tropical cyclonic storms that originate in the Mediterranean region and are steered toward the Indian subcontinent by the subtropical westerly jet stream [t1][t5]. As these disturbances travel across West Asia, they pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas [t1]. Upon reaching India, they cause precipitation in the form of rain in the plains (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) and snowfall in the Western Himalayas [c1][t4]. This winter precipitation, though small in volume compared to the summer monsoon, is vital for the survival and growth of Rabi crops, particularly winter cereals like wheat [c1][c2]. While 'cyclonic depressions' are mentioned in the context of the retreating monsoon, they typically affect the eastern coast and southern peninsula rather than the north-west [t3].
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 1. The Cold Weather Season > p. 18
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > The Cool, Dry Season (October To February) > p. 431