Monsoons

A monsoon is defined as the seasonal reversal of winds over large landmasses, accompanied by significant changes in seasonal precipitation patterns. It was first observed over the Indian subcontinent, where it marks the summer rainy season (June–September) and is locally known as the southwest monsoon season. During the summer months, the inter tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) migrates northward close to 30°N, heightening the differential heating between land and sea, as well as the physiographic barrier Himalayas to the north. These conditions produce moisture‐laden onshore winds from the adjacent Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal resulting in widespread rainfall across the subcontinent. The first monsoon winds strike India's southwestern coast from the southwest direction around the first week of June; by the first week of July the entire Indian landmass is affected by monsoonal circulation.

Ancient history · Bay · BENGAL · Climatology · Convergence zone · Geography · Indian subcontinent · Intertropical Convergence Zone · Meteorology · Monsoon · Precipitation · Wet season · Climate variability and models · Geology · Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations · Oceanography · Tropical and Extratropical Cyclones Research