Consider the following statements with reference to the South-West Mon...
South-West Monsoon
- The climate of India is described as the ‘monsoon’ type. In Asia, this type of climate is found mainly in the south and the southeast.
- Out of a total of 4 seasonal divisions of India, monsoon occupies 2 divisions, namely:
- The southwest monsoon season - Rainfall received from the southwest monsoons is seasonal in character, which occurs between June and September. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The retreating monsoon season - The months of October and November are known for retreating monsoons.
- The Factors Influencing South-West Monsoon Formation are:
- The differential heating and cooling of land and water creates a low pressure on the landmass of India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.
- The shift of the position of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain (this is the equatorial trough normally positioned about 5°N of the equator. It is also known as the monsoon-trough during the monsoon season). Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The presence of the high-pressure area, east of Madagascar, approximately at 20°S over the Indian Ocean. The intensity and position of this high-pressure area affect the Indian Monsoon.
- The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer, which results in strong vertical air currents and the formation of low pressure over the plateau at about 9 km above sea level.
- The movement of the westerly jet stream to the north of the Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly jet stream over the Indian peninsula during summer.
- Tropical Easterly Jet (African Easterly Jet) and the Southern Oscillation (SO).
Consider the following statements with reference to the South-West Mon...
Statement 1: Rainfall received from the southwest monsoons is seasonal in character.
Statement 2: Its formation is influenced by the movement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone.
Explanation:
The South-West Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by the southwest winds that blow from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea towards the landmass of India. Now, let's analyze the given statements:
1. Rainfall received from the southwest monsoons is seasonal in character:
- This statement is correct. The South-West Monsoon is the primary source of rainfall in India, and it occurs during the summer months, typically from June to September. The monsoon winds bring abundant moisture from the Indian Ocean, resulting in heavy rainfall across the country. The monsoon rainfall is crucial for agriculture, as it supports the growth of crops.
2. Its formation is influenced by the movement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone:
- This statement is also correct. The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt of low-pressure located near the equator. It is formed due to the convergence of trade winds from both hemispheres. The movement of the ITCZ plays a significant role in the formation of the South-West Monsoon. As the ITCZ shifts northwards during the summer months, it brings the monsoon winds towards the Indian subcontinent. The ITCZ acts as a catalyst for the onset and progression of the monsoon season.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The South-West Monsoon brings seasonal rainfall to India, and its formation is influenced by the movement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone.
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