With reference to the 'Western Cyclonic Disturbances', consider the following statements: 1. They originate over the Bay of Bengal. 2. They move into India along with the westerly flow. 3. They are responsible for winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Western Cyclonic Disturbances are weather phenomena of the winter months characterized by shallow cyclonic depressions (extra-tropical cyclones). They are distinct from the tropical cyclones that typically affect the Indian coast. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Western Cyclonic Disturbances do not originate over the Bay of Bengal. They originate over the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions (such as the Caspian Sea and Black Sea). - Statement 2 is Correct: These disturbances travel eastwards across West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to enter the Indian subcontinent. Their movement is driven by the Sub-tropical Westerly Jet Stream (westerly flow). - Statement 3 is Correct: They are responsible for precipitation during the winter season in the northwestern parts of India. This manifests as rainfall over the plains (crucial for Rabi crops like wheat) and snowfall in the Himalayan mountains. Key Takeaway: Western Disturbances are temperate cyclones originating in the Mediterranean region, transported by Westerlies, causing winter precipitation in Northwest India.

NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 1: Climate

mcqmedium

With reference to the 'Western Cyclonic Disturbances', consider the following statements:

They originate over the Bay of Bengal.
They move into India along with the westerly flow.
They are responsible for winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Western Cyclonic Disturbances are weather phenomena of the winter months characterized by shallow cyclonic depressions (extra-tropical cyclones). They are distinct from the tropical cyclones that typically affect the Indian coast.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Western Cyclonic Disturbances do not originate over the Bay of Bengal. They originate over the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions (such as the Caspian Sea and Black Sea).
Statement 2 is Correct: These disturbances travel eastwards across West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to enter the Indian subcontinent. Their movement is driven by the Sub-tropical Westerly Jet Stream (westerly flow).
Statement 3 is Correct: They are responsible for precipitation during the winter season in the northwestern parts of India. This manifests as rainfall over the plains (crucial for Rabi crops like wheat) and snowfall in the Himalayan mountains.

Key Takeaway: Western Disturbances are temperate cyclones originating in the Mediterranean region, transported by Westerlies, causing winter precipitation in Northwest India.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Climate

Consider the following statements regarding the climatic conditions in India: 1. The climate of India is described as the 'Mediterranean' type. 2. There is a wide difference in day and night temperatures in the Thar Desert. 3. Coastal areas generally experience less contrast in temperature conditions compared to the interior. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following is the most likely reason for the wide difference between day and night temperatures in the Thar Desert compared to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

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With reference to the 'Climatic Controls', consider the following statements: 1. Air temperature generally increases from the equator towards the poles. 2. As one goes from the surface of the earth to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and temperature decreases. 3. Ocean currents have no influence on the climate of coastal areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the factors affecting India's climate: 1. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country. 2. The entire country lies in the tropical zone south of the Tropic of Cancer. 3. India's climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following best explains why the Indian subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to Central Asia?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Western Cyclonic Disturbances do not originate over the Bay of Bengal. They originate over the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions (such as the Caspian Sea and Black Sea).
Statement 2 is Correct: These disturbances travel eastwards across West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to enter the Indian subcontinent. Their movement is driven by the Sub-tropical Westerly Jet Stream (westerly flow).
Statement 3 is Correct: They are responsible for precipitation during the winter season in the northwestern parts of India. This manifests as rainfall over the plains (crucial for Rabi crops like wheat) and snowfall in the Himalayan mountains.

Key Takeaway: Western Disturbances are temperate cyclones originating in the Mediterranean region, transported by Westerlies, causing winter precipitation in Northwest India.