What are the two types of monsoon?

Answer 1

'Monsoons' is derived from the Arabic word "mausim" which means season and it is a weather phenomenon which is common to Asia. Monsoons are defined as winds that change their direction with the change of seasons. Monsoons are seasonal reversals of wind direction that affect the Indian sub-continent and are caused by the following factors:

1. Extreme heating and cooling of large land masses in relation to the surrounding sea, which impacts on pressure and winds.

2. The Himalayas that is high enough to interfere with general atmospheric circulation.

3. Movement northwards of the ITCZ in summer in the northern hemisphere.

Types of Monsoons:

· Summer Monsoons or the south-west monsoons: This takes place in the form of cycles with the cool air of the oceans blowing towards the land and creating precipitation and releasing energy. This energy then gives rise to another cycle. This kind of monsoon is central to the continental part of Asia. The ITCZ shifts northwards as the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. Isolation over Northern India increases, causing air to rise and creating low pressure. Equatorial maritime (Em) and Tropical maritime (Am) air is drawn north and diverted northeast due to the Coriolis force. The humid unstable air results in rainfall. Amounts are increased as air is forced aloft over the Himalayas and Western Ghats. The rainfall is vital for the cultivation of rice.

· Winter Monsoons or the north-east monsoons: In winter when the landmass of the continents is cold and the water is warmer the air flows in the reverse direction. This occurs in countries like Sri Lanka, northern Australia, Indonesia and coastal regions of eastern India. Low temperatures over Central Asia create areas of high pressure, at the same time, the sub-tropical jet and ITCZ shift south. Air moving out from the area of high pressure is very dry and becomes drier as it crosses over the Himalayas, causing clear skies and sunny weather over most of India from November to May.

Answer 2

The two types of monsoons are wet and dry.