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.