Question

what are the characteristics of monsoon?

Answer 1

India has a monsoon-type climate as it comes under the influence of monsoon winds. During the summer season, a low pressure area is created over the Indian landmass. Air moves from high pressure area over the Indian Ocean to the low pressure area over the land in a south-westerly direction after crossing the equator. This air forms the south west monsoon winds. The winds gather moisture while blowing over the warm oceans and cause heavy rainfall over the Indian landmass. The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of India by June. From there, it gets divided into two branches – the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. The Arabian Sea branch brings rainfall in the western half of India comprising Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh. The Bay of Bengal branch heads directly towards Assam. From there, it gets deflected by the mighty Himalayas towards the Ganga plains where they cause heavy rain. Both branches meet over the north-western part of the Ganga plain and move towards Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.