Focus on the Asian Monsoon |
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Monsoon means wind that changes direction with season. Monsoon conditions are found in a variety of regions around the world, the most noted is the monsoon of Asia. During the summer time the continent of Asia heats up more that the surrounding ocean due to the differences in the way land and water heat. The warm surface creates a large area of low pressure over north-central Asia and a smaller one over India. This creates an onshore wind bring the moisture laden maritime air from the Pacific and Indian oceans onto land. As the air streams across the land convection, convergence into the areas of low pressure and uplift along major mountain systems like the Himalayas force the air to rise creating the abundant rainfall of the wet monsoon season. During the winter the flow of air reverses. The continent cools rapidly forming a large area of high pressure of north central Asia, known as the Siberian High, and a smaller area over India. Now the drier, colder air air of the continent blows offshore creating the dry monsoon season. |
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