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A study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) highlights that the strength of a monsoon cloud band plays a crucial role in determining its movement and the intensity of rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.
What are the Findings of the Study on Monsoon Cloud Bands?
Strength of Cloud Bands: Only strong equatorial cloud bands can move northward and trigger wet spells in India.
Weak bands fail to propagate, contradicting earlier models which assumed consistent propagation regardless of strength.
The study finds that the duration and intensity of wet spells depend on the size and strength of the cloud band
Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO) influences monsoon wet and dry spells by moving cloud bands from the equator to the Indian subcontinent.
Air-Sea Interaction: Air-sea interactions in the equatorial Indian Ocean are crucial for moisture buildup and wind strength.
Stronger coupling enhances atmospheric moisture, intensifying the monsoon.
Climate Change Impact: A warmer atmosphere will result in higher background moisture, increasing the intensity of wet spells.
Rainfall during wet spells is projected to increase by 42% to 63% over India and adjoining seas in the future.
Findings will help improve the efficacy of seasonal and sub-seasonal monsoon forecasting models.
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