Significance of Indian monsoon and the impact of cyclone Biparjoy

 

Introduction

The Indian monsoon is a crucial weather phenomenon responsible for providing the majority of rainfall to the country. It brings relief from the scorching summer heat and plays a vital role in the agricultural sector. However, climate change and the emergence of cyclones like "Biparjoy" have raised concerns about the stability and predictability of the monsoon. This article aims to evaluate the significance of the Indian monsoon and the impact of cyclones on its onset and progress.

Significance of the Indian Monsoon

Causes and regional variations

The monsoon is triggered by temperature differences between the Indian Ocean and the Indian subcontinent. Rapid heating of the Indian landmass creates low-pressure areas, drawing in moist winds from the southwest. These southwest monsoon winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean, resulting in widespread rainfall. The western coast (Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra) and northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya) receive heavy rainfall due to the influence of the Arabian Sea. Northwestern regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat) experience arid conditions with relatively less rainfall.

Agricultural and Socioeconomic Significance

Monsoon rains are vital for agricultural productivity, as farmers rely on them for watering crops. Well-distributed and adequate rainfall supports irrigation, replenishes rivers and reservoirs, and ensures drinking water availability. Water availability for hydroelectric power plants is reliant on the monsoon in many areas. The monsoon's onset brings relief to people from the intense summer heat.

Challenges Associated with the Monsoon

Overabundant rainfall can result in flooding, landslides, and waterlogging, which can result in casualties and damage to property. Deficient rainfall or drought can result in crop failures, water scarcity, and economic hardships for farmers. Excess rain or deficient rainfall both causes damages to crops leading to loss of agriculture products leading to shortages as well as inflation.

Cyclone Biparjoy and its Impact

Formation and Influence on Monsoon Onset

Cyclones in the pre-monsoon season, like "Biparjoy," are influenced by warmer Arctic Ocean affecting winds over the Arabian Sea. Cyclones form due to low atmospheric pressure over warm ocean waters, deriving their energy from temperatures above 26.5°C. Such cyclones can disturb wind patterns, potentially delaying or disrupting the monsoon's onset.

Climate Change and its Effect on Monsoon Stability

Climate change has raised concerns about the stability and predictability of the Indian monsoon. Global climate patterns impact the monsoon, leading to erratic rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. The emergence of cyclones like "Biparjoy" is attributed to climate change, which can further disrupt the monsoon's regular patterns.

Mitigation Strategies

It is important to note that the economic losses resulting from cyclones can have long-term consequences. Disruptions in economic activities, reduced productivity, and increased costs can have ripple effects throughout the economy, affecting employment, income levels, and overall economic growth. Additionally, the psychological impact on individuals and communities affected by cyclones can further hinder recovery and economic stability.

Special attention and evaluation are required to understand and predict the behavior of cyclones like "Biparjoy" for effective mitigation (Figure 1). Timely prediction can help minimize damages caused by cyclones and support preparedness measures.

Figure 1. For development of a cyclone retardation technology the process and detail sequence of a cyclone formation is required. 

 Conclusions

The Indian monsoon plays a crucial role in providing rainfall for agriculture, replenishing water resources, and supporting socioeconomic well-being. However, climate change and cyclones like "Biparjoy" pose challenges to the monsoon's stability and predictability. It is essential to focus on evaluating and predicting such cyclones to mitigate their impact on the monsoon and take appropriate measures to minimize damages. A comprehensive understanding of these phenomena is necessary to ensure sustainable agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness in the face of changing climatic conditions. To develop a viable strategy for managing the process leading to the slowdown of such cyclones, more research and development is needed to understand the origin of such cyclonic processes.