IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLOBAL RAINFALL PATTERNS
Key Definitions
Q: What is global warming?
A: Global warming is the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: What is rainfall variability?
A: Rainfall variability refers to the uneven timing and amount of rainfall over a period.
Global Mechanisms
Q: How does global warming affect rainfall patterns globally?
A: Global warming leads to increased variability in rainfall patterns, resulting in more erratic rainfall with longer dry spells and more intense rain events.
Q: How does warmer air contribute to changes in rainfall?
A: Warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall during storms. This can result in more severe rain events in a shorter period.
Q: What factors influence the intensity of rainfall during storms?
A: The amount of water vapor in the air, the strength of storm winds, and the formation of large raindrops from smaller cloud particles all play a role in determining rainfall intensity.
Impact on India
Q: How does global warming affect rainfall patterns in India specifically?
A: In India, global warming has led to increased variability in rainfall patterns, causing more erratic rainfall with longer dry spells and more intense rain events.
Q: What are the main consequences of increased rainfall variability for India?
A: Increased variability raises the risk of both droughts and floods, posing significant challenges for agriculture, water resources, and disaster management.
Q: How are Indian cities affected by changes in rainfall patterns?
A: Cities like Mumbai and Chennai are experiencing more frequent and severe flooding due to intense rainfall overwhelming urban drainage systems.
Q: How does increased rainfall variability affect agriculture in India?
A: It can lead to crop failures due to either prolonged dry spells or excessive rainfall, impacting food security and farmer livelihoods.
Q: Are there any specific regions in India more vulnerable to these changes?
A: Regions like the western coast, northeastern states, and central India are particularly vulnerable due to their climatic and geographical conditions.
Mitigation and Adaptation
Q: What steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of increased rainfall variability?
A: Improved water management, sustainable agricultural practices, enhanced disaster preparedness, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are crucial to mitigating the impact.
Q: What role do policymakers have in addressing the challenges of increased rainfall variability?
A: Policymakers need to focus on developing resilient infrastructure, implementing climate-adaptive policies, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources to address these challenges effectively.
Future Outlook
Q: What is the long-term outlook for rainfall patterns in India?
A: Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, rainfall variability is expected to continue increasing, exacerbating the risks of droughts and floods.
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