ESS200A
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Monsoon: Sea/Land-Related Circulation of the Atmosphere
q Monsoon (Arabic “season”)
q Monsoon is a climate
feature that is characterized by the seasonal reversal in surface
winds.
q The very different heat capacity of land and
ocean surface is the key mechanism that produces monsoons.
q During summer seasons, land surface heats up
faster than the ocean.
Low pressure center is established over land
while high pressure center is established over oceans.
Winds blow from ocean to land and bring large amounts
of water vapor to produce heavy precipitation over
land: A rainy season.
q During winters, land surface cools down fast
and sets up a high pressure center. Winds blow from land
to ocean: a dry season.
(figures from Weather & Climate)
Courtesy to Kevin G. Cannariato