Why in the News?

Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan are facing severe flooding caused by a land-based deep depression.
- The unusual formation of this deep depression over land was intensified by moisture influx from soils or the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

What is Land-Based Deep Depression?

A land-based deep depression is a type of cyclonic system characterized by a significant drop in atmospheric pressure leading to sustained wind and significant weather impact.
They form and intensify over land, which is relatively rare due to the limited availability of moisture.
Characteristics:
- It forms over land or water.
- Wind Speed ranges from 51 to 62 km/h, just below the threshold for a tropical cyclone (62-88 km/h).
- Relies on moisture from soil and surrounding environments rather than oceanic sources.
- It often has an unpredictable path and can cause significant rainfall and localized flooding.

These systems can bring prolonged and intense rainfall, leading to widespread flooding, especially in regions unaccustomed to high levels of precipitation.
Heavy rainfall can lead to significant soil erosion, affecting agricultural productivity and altering landscapes.
Prolonged flooding can cause waterlogging in agricultural fields, leading to soil salinization and reduced fertility.

[2012] Consider the following statements:

1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.

2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2