Dew can also be a water resource; accumulation of dew in north and north-east India during 6 months from October to March is
Show Hint
Dew condensation of 15 to 30 mm during the winter is a vital moisture source for dryland rabi crops in Northern and North-Eastern India, often keeping crops alive during winter droughts.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dew is a form of condensation that occurs when the temperature of a surface (like a leaf or soil) drops below the dew point of the surrounding air, causing water vapour to condense into liquid droplets.
In arid and semi-arid regions during winter, dew serves as a crucial supplementary water resource for crops. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze dew condensation patterns in India:
- The winter season in North and North-East India (from October to March) is characterized by clear skies, high relative humidity at night, and calm winds.
- These conditions are ideal for radiative cooling, which leads to significant dew formation.
- According to micro-meteorological studies in India, the total accumulation of dew over these six months is estimated to be around 15 to 30 mm.
- This represents a significant volume of water. It is equivalent to one light irrigation and is directly absorbed by the foliage or falls to the soil, helping to sustain rabi crops (such as wheat, mustard, and chickpea) during dry spells.
Therefore, Option (C) is the correct range. Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).
