Q. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.

Model Answer: 

Cloudbursts

Cloudbursts are extreme weather events characterized by sudden, intense rainfall over a small geographical area, typically lasting for a short duration. These phenomena are of significant concern due to their potentially devastating impacts.

Key characteristics of cloudbursts:
• Extremely heavy rainfall, often exceeding 100mm per hour
• Usually occur in mountainous regions
• Short duration, typically lasting 2-3 hours
• Highly localized, affecting areas of about 20-30 square kilometers

Meteorological conditions and formation:

1. Cloudbursts form when warm, moisture-laden air rises rapidly up a mountainside.
2. As the air ascends, it cools and condenses, forming cumulonimbus clouds.
3. The mountain topography traps these clouds, preventing their dispersion.
4. Continued updrafts and moisture influx lead to the accumulation of water droplets.
5. When the droplets become too heavy, they fall as intense rainfall.

Impacts of cloudbursts:
• Environmental: Flash floods, landslides, soil erosion
• Socio-economic: Loss of life, destruction of property and infrastructure, agricultural damage
• Long-term: Changes in local ecosystems, displacement of communities

Case study: Uttarakhand, India (2013)
A severe cloudburst event led to catastrophic floods and landslides, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and widespread destruction. This incident highlighted the need for better prediction and preparedness in vulnerable regions.