With reference to “cloudbursts”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a sudden, intense rainfall that results in more than 10 cm of rain in less than an hour over a small area.
2. They occur within cumulonimbus clouds under conditions of high atmospheric instability and abundant moisture.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to &ldquo;cloudbursts&rdquo;, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a sudden, intense rainfall that results in more than 10 cm of rain in less than an hour over a small area.
2. They occur within cumulonimbus clouds under conditions of high atmospheric instability and abundant moisture.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Recently, multiple regions across India have experienced cloudbursts.

Statement 1 is correct: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloudburst is defined as rainfall of 100 mm (10 cm) or more within an hour over a small area of about 20&ndash;30 square kilometers. This intense downpour can overwhelm natural drainage systems, leading to flash floods, landslides, and mudflows, especially in hilly terrain.

Statement 2 is correct: Cloudbursts form in large, tall clouds called cumulonimbus clouds, which can hold a lot of moisture. Warm, moist air rises quickly inside these clouds, creating strong upward winds called updrafts. These updrafts keep the water droplets from falling immediately, allowing the clouds to hold lots of water. When these updrafts weaken, the accumulated water suddenly falls down as a heavy and intense rain, causing a cloudburst. This sudden downpour can lead to flash floods and damage in the area below.

Weather Phenomena

Cloudbursts

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to “cloudbursts”, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a sudden, intense rainfall that results in more than 10 cm of rain in less than an hour over a small area. 2. They occur within cumulonimbus clouds under conditions of high atmospheric instability and abundant moisture. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2