competition wizard Published this article page no 69 Economic significance of Karewas21Karewa deposits have different soil and sediments such as sand clay silt shale mud lignite and losses. Hence these are very useful for agricultural and horticulture activities. Karewa formations are useful for the cultivation of Zafran. Zafran is a local variety of Saffron in Kashmir valley. These are also important for the cultivation of almond walnut apple and orchards. Context The Konkan region including Mumbai has been experiencing sweltering heat in the recent days with maximum temperatures touching the 40degree mark. So why is Konkan experiencing heatwave conditions? The ongoing heatwave in Konkan including Mumbai is because it is under the direct influence of the prevailing heatwave in the adjacent SaurashtraKutch regions of Gujarat. The hot and dry winds from northwest India are reaching parts of Konkan. In addition the slow movement of sea breeze along the Maharashtra coast and the overall clear sky conditions have together resulted in such hot conditions. What is a heatwave? The IMD says heatwave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station touches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains 37 degrees Celsius or more for coastal regions and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for hilly regions. What are the criteria? Heatwave is declared when the departure from normal temperature is by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius and a severe heatwave is when the departure from normal is more than 6.4 degrees Celsius. For plains based on actual maximum temperature IMD considers heatwaves when actual maximum temperature is more than 45 degrees Celsius and severe heat wave when it is more than 47 degrees Celsius. This apart if the locality records over 45 degrees and 47 degrees on any given day then the IMD declares heatwave and severe heatwave. Reasons why India is experiencing more heat waves are 1. Magnified effect of paved and concrete surfaces in urban areas and a lack of tree cover. 2. Urban heat island effects can make ambient temperatures feel 3 to 4 degrees more than what they are. 3. More heat waves were expected as globally temperatures had risen by an average 0.8 degrees in the past 100 years. Nighttime temperatures are rising too. 4. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer more intense heat waves are becoming22increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. 5. High intensity of UV rays in mediumhigh heat wave zones. 6. Combination of exceptional heat stress and a predominantly rural population makes India vulnerable to heat waves. Way ahead for India How should India deal with heat waves? 1. Identifying heat hotspots through appropriate tracking of meteorological data and promoting timely development and implementation of local Heat Action Plans with strategic interagency coordination and a response which targets the most vulnerable groups competition wizard buy.
No comments:
Post a Comment