Context:
Delhi witnessed a sudden dust storm with strong winds and light rain.
Dust Storms:
- Formation – When strong and turbulent winds lift up particles of dust/sand to great height.
- Generally associated with a thunderstorm (characterized by rain and lightning)
- Mostly occurs in – Arid and semi-arid regions.
- Frequent in – Northern Africa, Middle East, Central Asia and North India.
- Sources –
- About 75% of global dust emissions originate from natural sources in the world’s drylands, such as hyper-arid regions, topographic depressions, and dry ancient lake beds (UNCCD)
- The remaining 25% are attributed to human activities, mainly agriculture.
- Dust storm in India – Northwest India experiences convective dust storms, locally called “aandhi”
- Trigerred by – Western Disturbance and Easterly winds
- Impact of Climate Change – According to IPCC, the severity and frequency of dust storms will rise due to rising global temperature.
- Impact of Dust Storms – Trigger respiratory ailments in humans, act as a carrier for infectious diseases, destroy crops, reduce visibility and affect marine biomass production.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why?
1. The Southern Hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to the Northern Hemisphere.
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2011 Prelims]
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. Coriolis force is strongest in the polar regions and zeroes at the equator.
