Monsoons

Aim: To develop knowledge of

Monsoons
Objective: To explain the differences
between the monsoon periods
Definition

• Monsoon
– A seasonal wind
– Winds change direction by 180° or close to
180°
– Generally with change of wind direction, one
season will be associated with heavier rainfall.
(Wet summer, drier winter)
• Short inter-monsoon period
• Idealised planetary
wind systems
– Trade winds
• Assumptions?
– Earth rotates about its
axis
– Suns declination is
zero
– Earth’s surface is
uniform
Monsoon Experience
Anywhere with large land masses close to the
ITCZ
• North Indian Ocean, South East Asia &
Western Pacific.
• West Africa (failure of the monsoon leads to
drought conditions)
• Australia
• Brazil
• Central & Eastern North America (weak)
What happens to the ITCZ in July?
Jan to July ITCZ moves N
July to Jan ITCZ moves S
Cause of the Monsoons?
Complete explanation is not yet available!!
Unequal heating and cooling of the earth’s surface:
ie land versus sea.
Note – topography complicates the monsoon circulation
and the distribution of rainfall – disruption of the jet
stream.
North East Monsoon (Nov ~ Mar)
Weather
For detailed descriptions see
Ocean Passages for the World
N of the Equator
Wind: NE force 3 - 4 decreasing towards
equator.
Weather: fine & clear
W Pacific
Wind: NE force 5 to 6 decreasing
towards equator & more northerly.
Weather rain or drizzle
Note – Double ITCZ in Indian
Ocean (S of Equator).
North Australia (NW monsoon)
Wind: NW force 6
Weather: cloudy skies & heavy rain
showers
South West Monsoon (Jun ~ Sept)

Associated weather
Arabian Sea
Socotra Wind: SW force 6 to 7
Weather: extensive cloud & pptn –
mod/poor vis

W Pacific
Wind: SE to SW force 3 to 4.
Weather: partial cloud cover, occ
showers or squalls (wind F7)

North Australia
For detailed descriptions see
Ocean Passages for the World Wind: SE trade winds
Intermonsoon Periods
(Apr ~ May & Oct)
Conditions vary greatly
SST reaches 27°C
ITCZ moving

Therefore?
Monsoon activity today?

SPECIAL DAILY WEATHER REPORT

Progress of Monsoon

Synoptic chart
Surface winds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:India_southwest_summer_monsoon_onset_map_en.svg
Rainfall Chart
(cm)

http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/jan-feb-rainfall.htm
Rainfall Chart
(cm)

http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/jun-sep-rainfall.htm