What is a monsoon?
Quick Answer
A monsoon is a seasonal reversal of wind that brings a dramatic shift between wet and dry periods, most famously the heavy summer rains across South Asia.
The Full Story
A monsoon is not simply heavy rain but a large-scale seasonal change in wind direction driven by the different rates at which land and sea heat up and cool down. In summer, land warms faster than the ocean, and the rising warm air draws in moist air from the sea, delivering heavy rainfall. In winter the pattern reverses, with dry winds blowing from land to sea. The South Asian monsoon is the best known, bringing the majority of India annual rainfall in just a few months and sustaining agriculture for over a billion people. Monsoon systems also occur in parts of Africa, Australia, and the Americas, and their timing and strength have huge economic importance.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Monsoons — The Great Seasonal Winds That Feed Billions"