Monsoons

To explain the differences

between the monsoon periods
Objective:
To develop knowledge of
Monsoons
Aim:
Definition
Monsoon
A seasonal wind
Winds change direction by 180 or close to
180
Generally with change of wind direction, one
season will be associated with heavier rainfall.
(Wet summer, drier winter)
Short inter-monsoon period
Idealised planetary
wind systems
Trade winds
Assumptions?
Earth rotates about its
axis
Suns declination is
zero
Earths surface is
uniform
Monsoon Experience
Anywhere with large land masses close to the
ITCZ
North Indian Ocean, South East Asia &
Western Pacific.
West Africa (failure of the monsoon leads to
drought conditions)
Australia
Brazil
Central & Eastern North America (weak)

What happens to the ITCZ in July?

Jan to July ITCZ moves N
July to Jan ITCZ moves S
Cause of the Monsoons?
Complete explanation is not yet available!!
Unequal heating and cooling of the earths surface:
ie land versus sea.
Note topography complicates the monsoon circulation
and the distribution of rainfall disruption of the jet
stream.
North East Monsoon (Nov ~ Mar)
N of the Equator
Wind: NE force 3 - 4 decreasing towards
equator.
Weather: fine & clear
W Pacific
Wind: NE force 5 to 6 decreasing
towards equator & more northerly.
Weather rain or drizzle
Note Double ITCZ in Indian
Ocean (S of Equator).
North Australia (NW monsoon)
Wind: NW force 6
Weather: cloudy skies & heavy rain
showers
Weather
For detailed descriptions see
Ocean Passages for the World
South West Monsoon (Jun ~ Sept)
Associated weather
Arabian Sea
Wind: SW force 6 to 7
Weather: extensive cloud & pptn
mod/poor vis
W Pacific
Wind: SE to SW force 3 to 4.
Weather: partial cloud cover, occ
showers or squalls (wind F7)
North Australia
Wind: SE trade winds
Socotra
For detailed descriptions see
Ocean Passages for the World
Intermonsoon Periods
(Apr ~ May & Oct)
Conditions vary greatly
SST reaches 27C
ITCZ moving

Therefore?
Monsoon activity today?
SPECIAL DAILY WEATHER REPORT

Progress of Monsoon

Synoptic chart
Surface winds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:India_southwest_summer_monsoon_onset_map_en.svg
Rainfall Chart
(cm)
http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/jan-feb-rainfall.htm
http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/jun-sep-rainfall.htm
Rainfall Chart
(cm)