One important point before we begin:👉 Even today, scientists don’t fully agree on a single “universal” theory of how tropical cyclones originate. But we do understand the broad conditions necessary for their birth. Earlier, some geographers supported the Frontal Theory – the idea that cyclones form due to frontogenesis (meeting of contrasting air masses). They…
Before classifying, let’s remember one key point:👉 No two tropical cyclones are identical. They differ in size, speed, rainfall, and destructive power. Still, for our understanding, geographers divide them into four major types: On the basis of intensity, these can be grouped as: Now let’s explore them one by one. 1. Tropical Disturbances (Easterly Waves)…
Since fronts are born out of the clash of contrasting air masses, they naturally bring contrasting weather conditions. Weather Associated with Warm Fronts 👉 Imagine warm, light, moist air advancing towards a region of cold, dense air. Process Weather Characteristics of a Warm Front 👉 This classic sequence is a telltale sign of a warm…
Asia’s vast size, varied topography, and strong seasonal contrasts make it a fascinating laboratory for studying air masses. The Himalayas, Siberian High, summer monsoons, and surrounding oceans all shape the behaviour of air masses here. We’ll look at winter and summer separately. A. Winter Air Masses 1. Continental Polar (cP) Origin: Modification & Routes into…
We have understood the theory of air masses; now we’ll see how it plays out in the real world — specifically in North America and Asia. In this section we will discuss North America. A. Winter Air Masses In this season, the continent experiences interactions between polar, tropical, continental, and maritime air masses — creating…
Now that we know where air masses form, the next step is to understand how scientists classify them.Classification is important because different types of air masses bring different types of weather — and UPSC often asks questions that hinge on identifying these relationships. Basis of Classification When classifying air masses, meteorologists consider: So, classification is…
Let’s imagine you’re a policymaker or a farmer. The most crucial question before the monsoon hits is—“Kitni barish hogi iss saal?” (How much rainfall will there be this year?) And the answer to that question is not just academic—it affects agriculture, food security, GDP, disaster preparedness, and even stock markets. Ancient Foundations: India’s Early Meteorological…
When we talk about the Indian monsoon, we’re not just talking about rain — we’re talking about the lifeline of our agriculture, water resources, and even the rhythm of our rural economy. In India, monsoon is both a climatic phenomenon and an economic driver. Seasonal Reversal – The Identity of Monsoon The term monsoon itself…
Indian Monsoons – Role of Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) What is TEJ? The Backstory – How TEJ Forms Connection with Other Winds TEJ and the Monsoon Onset How TEJ Aids the Monsoon 💡 Memory Tip:“STJ moves away → TEJ takes over → Upper air switches to low pressure → Monsoon gets the green signal.” Indian…
Suppose you are on a journey, starting at the sweltering equator, moving through lush forests, dry deserts, temperate lands, and finally, reaching the icy poles. This is precisely how G.T. Trewartha classified the world’s climates—using temperature and precipitation as the guiding factors, but with a simplified approach compared to Koeppen and Thornthwaite. Unlike Koeppen, who…
