q Monsoon (Arabic “season”)
q Monsoon is a climate feature that is
characterized by the seasonal reversal in surface
winds.
q The very different heat capacity of land and
ocean surface is the key mechanism
that produces monsoons.
q During summer seasons, land surface heats up
faster than the ocean. Low pressure center is established over land
while high pressure center is established over
oceans. Winds blow from ocean to land
and bring large amounts of water
vapor to produce heavy precipitation over land: A rainy season.
q During winters, land surface cools down fast
and sets up a high pressure
center. Winds blow from land to ocean: a dry
season.