UPSC Prelims 2002·GS1·geography·climatology

Consider the following climatic and geographical phenomena: 1. Condensation 2. High temperature and humidity 3. Orography 4. Vertical wind Thunder Cloud development is due to which of these phenomena?

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  1. A1 and 2
  2. B2, 3 and 4
  3. C1, 3 and 4
  4. D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct

Explanation

All four phenomena are responsible for the development of thunder clouds (cumulonimbus). 1. Condensation: Essential for cloud formation. Water vapour condenses around hygroscopic nuclei to form water droplets and ice crystals that make up clouds. 2. High temperature and humidity: High temperature causes intense evaporation, providing abundant moisture. High humidity ensures sufficient water vapour is available for condensation when air is lifted. 3. Orography: Mountain barriers force moist air to rise. This orographic lifting cools the air and triggers condensation, contributing to the formation of thunder clouds especially in mountainous regions. 4. Vertical wind: Strong updrafts (vertical winds) are critical for thunder cloud development. They carry warm, moist air rapidly upward, enabling the cloud to grow vertically into a towering cumulonimbus, which produces thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall. All four factors work together in the formation of thunder clouds, making (d) the correct answer.
geography: Consider the following climatic and geographical phenomena: 1. Condensation 2. High temperature and humidity 3. Orograph

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