What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

A cloudburst is an exceptionally intense, localised rainfall event over a small area in a short period, conventionally around 100 mm in one hour.

Formation

• Strong convection lifts warm, moisture-laden air rapidly into unstable layers.
• Orographic uplift over mountains forces ascent; clouds grow vertically and retain large quantities of water.
• When updrafts can no longer support droplets, concentrated precipitation is released suddenly.
• Local circulation, moisture convergence and topography can make prediction difficult.

Impacts and management

• Flash floods, debris flows, landslides, erosion and urban inundation can cause severe loss of life and infrastructure.
• Himalayan settlements are especially vulnerable because of steep slopes, fragile geology and unplanned construction.
• Dense weather radar networks, nowcasting, watershed treatment, land-use regulation, early warning and evacuation routes reduce risk.

Keywords: convection, orographic uplift, flash flood, nowcasting, debris flow.