Daily Current Affairs : 23-December-2023
A recent study published in the American Meteorological Society’s Journal of Hydrometeorology sheds light on the susceptibility of peninsular river basins in India to widespread flooding compared to their transboundary counterparts.
High Probability in Peninsular Basins:
The study identifies the Narmada basin as the most vulnerable, with a staggering 59% probability of experiencing widespread flooding. Additionally, other peninsular river basins like Mahanadi (50%) and Godavari (42%) face significant risks, while Krishna (38%) and Cauvery (19%) also exhibit notable probabilities.
- Narmada basin: 59% probability
- Mahanadi basin: 50% probability
- Godavari basin: 42% probability
- Krishna basin: 38% probability
- Cauvery basin: 19% probability
Comparatively Lower Risks in Transboundary Basins:
In contrast, transboundary river basins such as Ganga and Brahmaputra demonstrate lower probabilities of widespread flooding, standing at 21% and 18%, respectively.
- Ganga basin: 21% probability
- Brahmaputra basin: 18% probability
Reasons Behind Widespread Flooding:
The driving force behind the increased vulnerability of peninsular river basins is associated with atmospheric rivers. These are extensive atmospheric circulations that carry moisture from the tropics to extratropic regions. Notable instances, including the 2018 Kerala floods, the 2022 Pakistan floods, and the lower Mississippi River floods in 2008, 2011, and 2015–19, have been linked to these atmospheric rivers.
Understanding Atmospheric Rivers:
Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions of the atmosphere responsible for transporting water vapor from the tropics to the poles. Ranging from 250 to 375 miles in width and over 1,000 miles in length, these rivers significantly contribute to precipitation when they make landfall.
Himalayan vs. Peninsular River Systems:
The study underscores the importance of distinguishing between the Himalayan and peninsular river systems. While the former, exemplified by Ganga and Brahmaputra, exhibits lower risks, the latter faces a higher likelihood of widespread flooding due to the influence of atmospheric rivers.
Important Points:
- Vulnerability of Peninsular Basins:
- Narmada basin has the highest probability of widespread flooding at 59%.
- Other susceptible peninsular basins include Mahanadi (50%) and Godavari (42%).
- Comparative Risk in Transboundary Basins:
- Ganga and Brahmaputra, being transboundary river basins, show lower probabilities of widespread flooding at 21% and 18%, respectively.
- Reasons Behind Vulnerability:
- Widespread flooding in peninsular basins is linked to atmospheric rivers.
- Events like the 2018 Kerala floods and 2022 Pakistan floods were associated with atmospheric rivers.
- Atmospheric Rivers Defined:
- Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow atmospheric regions transporting water vapor from tropics to poles.
- They can be 250–375 miles wide and over 1,000 miles long, significantly contributing to precipitation upon landfall.
- Himalayan vs. Peninsular River Systems:
- Distinction is crucial in understanding flood risks.
- Transboundary Himalayan basins (Ganga and Brahmaputra) have lower probabilities, while peninsular basins face higher risks due to atmospheric rivers.
Why In News
A recent study published in the American Meteorological Society’s Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals that peninsular river basins in India, including Narmada, Mahanadi, and Godavari, face a higher likelihood of widespread flooding compared to transboundary rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra, underscoring the urgent need for region-specific flood mitigation strategies in the affected areas.
MCQs about Peninsular River Basins in India
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Which of the following transboundary river basins has the lowest probability of widespread flooding?
A. Ganga
B. Brahmaputra
C. Both have the same probability
D. Insufficient information to determine
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What connects atmospheric rivers to the increased vulnerability of peninsular river basins?
A. Ocean currents
B. Large atmospheric circulations
C. Underground aquifers
D. Glacier melt
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What distinguishes atmospheric rivers in terms of their impact on precipitation?
A. They are narrow regions with low humidity.
B. They transport water vapor from poles to tropics.
C. Their width can range from 100 to 250 miles.
D. They contribute significantly to precipitation upon making landfall.
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