EnvironmentGS-IGS-III· 1 min read
Study Links Invisible Tropical Waves to Extreme Rainfall in India
Why in news?
A new study has identified a significant link between tropical atmospheric waves and extreme rainfall events along India's west coast, with implications for regions like Kerala.
Key points
- Invisible atmospheric disturbances (Kelvin, Rossby, Mixed Rossby-Gravity waves) significantly enhance heavy rainfall.
- These waves organize deep convective cloud systems and increase moisture convergence.
- Rossby waves have the strongest influence, amplifying extreme rainfall by 20-60%.
- The research is the first comprehensive assessment of these waves' role in rainfall extremes over the region.
- Past extreme events in Kerala (2018, 2019 floods) and Wayanad (2024 landslides) were associated with strong Rossby wave activity.
Background & context
The study by researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), UK Met Office, and France, highlights the role of atmospheric dynamics in extreme weather events. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone areas like Kerala.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Rossby waves can amplify extreme rainfall over land by 20-60%.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Climate patterns, Natural Disasters); GS Paper 3: Disaster Management.