Which of the following phenomena is not related to the monsoon in India?

The correct answer is Western Disturbance.

Key Points

• Western disturbances originate from the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Atlantic Ocean and reach the northwestern regions of India through westerly winds.
• They cause rain and snowfall mainly in the winter season in North India and Pakistan. They are very important for Rabi crops like wheat.
• Western disturbances cause heavy snowfall in the hilly areas and winter rainfall in the plains, which affects the normal winter season.
• ​Western disturbances are not a part of the monsoon. It is a non-monsoon system which remains active in the winter season in India.

Additional InformationArabian Sea Branch​:

• This is the main branch of the South-West monsoon.
• It carries moisture from the warm winds of the Arabian Sea and causes heavy rainfall on the western coast of India.
• The monsoon enters the Kerala coast through this branch.
• It emerges on the Western Ghats and brings most of the rain.
• The Arabian Sea branch reaches Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab.
• This branch causes heavy rainfall on the western coast.

Rainfall gap​:

• The reduction in rainfall during the monsoon is called the rain gap.
• It is also called a break in monsoon.
• It generally occurs between June to September.
• This phenomenon occurs when the monsoon winds become weak.
• During this period, there may be drought in some parts of the country and heavy rainfall in some parts.
• The duration of the rain gap may range from a few days to a few weeks.

Cloud burst:

• The phenomenon of sudden and excessive rainfall is called cloudburst.
• In this, a huge amount of water falls in a very short period of time.
• This phenomenon occurs mostly in hilly areas.
• Cloudbursts can cause floods and landslides.
• It is caused by the sudden meeting of hot air and cold air.
• Cloudburst is common during monsoon and in low-pressure areas.