Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define monsoon climate. State its significance in feeding over 50% of the world’s population in Monsoon Asia. 2. Body A. Key Characteristics of Monsoon Climate Seasonal Rainfall Patterns Fact: “During the wet season, monsoon Asia can receive as much as 90% ...
According to the Aridity Anomaly Outlook Index for July, issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) this year, at least 85% of districts faced arid conditions across India. Also, around 21.06 percent of India was facing drought-like conditions, according to the Drought Early Warning System.Read more
According to the Aridity Anomaly Outlook Index for July, issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) this year, at least 85% of districts faced arid conditions across India. Also, around 21.06 percent of India was facing drought-like conditions, according to the Drought Early Warning System. Aridity is defined, in meteorology and climatology, as the degree to which a climate lacks effective, life-promoting moisture. Drought is a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance.
The differences between the two include:
- Difference in measurement: Aridity is measured by comparing long-term average water supply (precipitation) to long-term average water demand (evapotranspiration). If demand is greater than supply, on average, then the climate is arid. Drought refers to the moisture balance that happens on a month-to-month (or more frequent) basis. If the water supply is less than water demand for a given month, then that month is abnormally dry and if there is a serious hydrological impact, then a drought is occurring that month.
- Difference with respect to time scale: Drought is a recurrent and temporary aberration, unlike aridity, which is a permanent feature of climate.
Multi-dimensional impacts of droughts are the following:
- Water supply: During droughts, communities may have limited access to water for household use, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc. Further, it affects transportation and power generation.
- Agriculture: Droughts affect livestock and crops thereby having a devastating effect on farming and food production, which contributes to food price instability. In countries already facing food insecurity, cost spikes can lead to social unrest, migration, and famine.
- Energy: Droughts can raise concerns about the reliability of electricity production from plants that require cooling water to maintain safe operations. Hydroelectric power may also become unavailable during droughts. Further, when heat waves coincide with droughts, electricity demands can grow, compounding stress on the grid.
- Public health: Reduced flows in rivers and streams due to droughts can lead to a concentration of pollutants, thereby threatening the quality of water used for drinking and recreation. Also, drought-fuelled wildfires can expose nearby communities to smoke and pollutants, which can exacerbate chronic respiratory illnesses.
- Social impacts: Due to frequent droughts, there can be outmigration of the population from drought-affected areas leading to greater indebtedness, alienation from land and livestock assets, malnutrition, starvation, etc. There needs to be regular monitoring of droughts in states by setting up Drought Monitoring Centres (DMCs), which will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of meteorologists, hydrologists, and agriculture scientists. Also, state governments and businesses need to identify their vulnerability to droughts and improve resilience by practicing and promoting water conservation and enhancing water efficiency.
(i) The Mediterranean climatic regions are found in the western parts of the continents within the latitudinal zone of 30°-45° in both hemispheres. The Sub-Tropical High-Pressure Belts extending between 30°-35° latitudes are characterized by dry trade winds during the summer season and anti-cyclonic conditions. This belt extends up to 40° latitudes in the Northern hemisphere at the time of summer solstice and in the Southern hemisphere at the time of winter solstice. Thus, the western parts of the continents within the zone of 30°-40° latitudes do not receive rainfall during the summer season. On the other hand, the Sub-Tropical Belt shifts towards the Equator at the time of winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere and at the time of summer solstice in the Southern hemisphere. Consequently, the zone is characterized by the Westerlies, which lead to precipitation during the winter season. The Mediterranean type of climate is thus characterized by dry summers and wet winters. (ii) The regions lying between 60°-70° latitudes are characterized by two types of winds in a year. With the northward migration of the sun at the time of summer solstice, the Polar Easterlies are weakened because the Westerlies extend over these areas due to the northward shifting of Sub-Polar Low-Pressure Belts. The situation is reversed at the time of winter solstice when there is southward migration of the sun. The Polar Easterlies are re-established between 60°-70°N because of the shifting of the belt of the Westerlies southward. Consequently, it creates a climate characterized by wet summers through the Westerlies and associated cyclones and dry winters due to Polar Easterlies. (iii) Monsoon climate is also the result of the shifting of pressure and wind belts. Due to the northward migration of the sun in the Northern hemisphere at the time of summer solstice, the North Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (NITCZ) is extended up to 30°N latitude over the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Thus, the Equatorial Westerlies are also extended over the aforesaid regions, which become the southwest or summer monsoons. These southwest monsoon winds bring much rain because they come from over the ocean and are associated with tropical cyclones. The NITCZ is withdrawn from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia because of the southward shifting of pressure and wind belts due to the southward migration of the sun at the time of winter solstice. Thus, north-east trades are re-established which leads to the north-east or winter monsoons. Since they come from over the lands, they are dry.
Jet streams play a significant role in altering the global and regional climate.
Model Answer Introduction Monsoon climate is a distinct climatic pattern that plays a vital role in feeding over 50% of the world’s population residing in Monsoon Asia. This climate is characterized by seasonal changes in wind patterns, resulting in alternating wet and dry seasons, which are essentiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Monsoon climate is a distinct climatic pattern that plays a vital role in feeding over 50% of the world’s population residing in Monsoon Asia. This climate is characterized by seasonal changes in wind patterns, resulting in alternating wet and dry seasons, which are essential for agricultural productivity.
Body
1. Seasonal Rainfall Patterns
One of the most defining features of the monsoon climate is its seasonal rainfall. The wet season, typically from June to September, accounts for up to 90% of the region’s annual precipitation. This heavy rainfall is critical for replenishing water resources and supporting agricultural production, particularly for staple crops like rice.
2. Temperature and Humidity
The monsoon season is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, creating an optimal environment for crop growth. These conditions are particularly favorable for rice cultivation, which is a staple food in many countries within the region. The humidity also supports the growth of various tropical fruits and vegetables.
3. Fertile River Deltas
Monsoon regions often feature large rivers and fertile deltas, such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. These areas provide rich alluvial soils and ample water resources, making them ideal for agriculture. Such fertile regions support the cultivation of essential crops like wheat and jute.
4. Adaptation Strategies
Farmers in monsoon Asia have developed various adaptation strategies to cope with the seasonal changes. These include crop diversification, crop rotation, and efficient water management techniques such as irrigation and rainwater harvesting, which enhance food security.
Conclusion
The unique characteristics of monsoon climate—seasonal rainfall, high temperatures, fertile soils, and effective adaptation strategies—combine to create highly productive agricultural systems. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable development in Monsoon Asia and beyond.
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