Monsoons
8 questions tagged Monsoons — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
Why do monsoon rains arrive in seasonal bursts rather than all year round?
Monsoons are driven by seasonal shifts in temperature between land and ocean, which reverse wind patterns and pull moist air inland. That creates a wet season and a dry season.
Where are monsoon regions found?
Monsoon regions are found mainly around South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, West Africa, and northern Australia. They occur where seasonal wind reversals bring wet and dry periods.
Why do some places have monsoons while others with similar heat do not?
Monsoons need a strong seasonal contrast between land and ocean heating plus a large nearby moisture source. That combination reverses winds seasonally and brings a pronounced wet season.
Where is the West African monsoon centered?
The West African monsoon is centered over West Africa, especially the Gulf of Guinea and the Sahel region. It brings seasonal rains northward from the tropical Atlantic.
Where is the Indian summer monsoon strongest?
The Indian summer monsoon is strongest over the Indian subcontinent, especially the western coast, northeastern India, and the Western Ghats. It is a major seasonal rain system.
Where is the East Asian monsoon centered?
The East Asian monsoon is centered over eastern China, Korea, Japan, and nearby seas. It brings hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters to the region.
Where is the monsoon trough usually located?
The monsoon trough is usually located over South and Southeast Asia during the monsoon season, but it can shift across the Indian subcontinent and into nearby waters. It is a zone of low pressure and storms.
Which place has the strongest monsoon rainfall on record?
Monsoon regions in Meghalaya, India, are among the strongest rainfall zones on Earth, with Mawsynram often cited at about 11,871 mm annually.