Monsoon-Basics That Should Be Known

Monsoon results in rain and hence the term monsoon often refers to a rainy season. Monsoon is in fact a shift in wind direction that causes a marked change in local weather conditions and results in rain.

What causes monsoon?

The imbalances in atmospheric pressures between two locations results in winds. The pressure imbalance is created when the temperature of land is warmer or cooler in comparison to the neighboring ocean. Depending on the temperature differential, the atmospheric pressure changes  and leads to winds.   

Land heats up and cools down soon where as the ocean heats up and cools down slowly. During summer season, severe sunlight results in increase of temperature of both the land and sea. The air over land heats soon and creates a low pressure area because of quick expansion of air. Since the ocean heats only slowly, the air above it has a high pressure. It also contains water moisture. Due to this pressure difference, winds flowing from ocean to land carry moist air, resulting in heavy rain over land area. Depending on the season, land areas in India and Asia become warmer or cooler compared to neighboring oceans and hence during summer season, the land areas in the region get heavy rain.

What is the importance of monsoon?

Monsoon brings heavy rains along with it. Water availability and agriculture in these areas are directly dependent on monsoon rains. A good monsoon results in better agricultural production and prosperity. A weak monsoon results in draught, famine, crop failures and death of animals and human beings. A strong monsoon leads to floods, loss of crop and death of animals and human beings.  Thus the prosperity and life in these areas are directly dependent on the rains that come along with monsoon. The countries that are heavily dependent on monsoon are India, China, Japan and those in Southeast Asia. 

Why is monsoon so important for India?

Majority of Indian population, around 65% of the population, is dependent on conventional methods of agriculture for the living.  Good rain in correct time is essential to ensure sufficient supply of rice, wheat, vegetables and fruits. Short supply of agricultural products causes price escalation. Over supply makes agricultural activity non-remunerative for farmers and leads unemployment of large population in villages. The inflation in India is heavily dependent on supply of agricultural products to a great extent and sufficient rain ensures sufficient supply of agricultural products. Good monsoon thus affects the overall economy of the country and GDP growth. 

YesJay

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