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Question

What are Jet streams and how do they affect the climate of India?


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Solution

  • At high altitudes in the troposphere, there is a narrow belt of westerly winds, these are known as Jet Streams.
  • These winds are located at an altitude of more than 12,000 m.
  • The speed of jet streams in winter is around 184 km/hr, whereas the speed of jet streams in summer is about 110 km/hr.
  • Different types of jet streams have been identified, the most common jet streams are subtropical jet streams and mid-latitude jet streams.
  • Subtropical westerly jet streams are located around 27°-30° north latitude.
  • Except summer, all through the year, these jet streams blow south of the Himalayas.
  • This Westerly flow brings the cyclonic disturbances experienced in the North-western and Northern parts of India.
  • During the summer months, approximately over 14°N, easterly jet streams blow over peninsular India. These are also known as the sub-tropical easterly jet stream.
  • With the apparent movement of the sun, the subtropical westerly jet stream moves north of the Himalayas.
  • In a south-easterly direction, over the southern Indian Ocean, air moves from the high-pressure area. Over the Indian subcontinent, air turns right towards the low-pressure areas.These are Southwest Monsoon winds.
  • Widespread rainfall occurs over the Indian mainland by these winds as they gather moisture while blowing over the warm oceans.
  • Westerly flow dominates the upper air circulation in this region. Jet stream is a very important component of this flow.

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