Question

Explain the monsoon climate type region under the following heads :

(a) Temperature

(b) Air pressure and winds

(c) Vegetation

(d) Three seasons of Indian subcontinent.

Answer 1

Monsoon climate type region under :

(a) Temperature: In summer, when the Sun is overhead on the Tropic of **, the Northern Hemisphere is intensely heated. Summer temperature varies from 27°C to 30° C in the coastal areas and 35° C to 38° C in the interior.

1. In winter, the Sun is overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn. Temperature varies from 22° C to 25° C in the coastal areas and 15° C to 18° C in the interior.

2. In some northern parts of India, the temperature during May and June becomes exceptionally high due to the prevalence of hot winds locally known as a loo.

(b) Air pressure and winds.

1. The low pressure is strong enough to attract the moisture bearing winds from the Indian ocean.

2. The South East Trade winds from the Southern Hemisphere are drawn into India as the South-West monsoon winds after they cross the Equator.

3. Monsoon areas are affected by high and low-pressure systems due to winter and summer seasons respectively.

4. There is a complete reversal of pressure gradients over the Asiatic landmass.

(c) Vegetation. Important trees :

1. Sal

2. Teak

3. Bamboo

4. Mahua

5. Jamun

6. Neem

7. Shisham, etc.

Trees are normally deciduous because of the marked dry season during which they shed their leaves to withstand the drought. Forests are more open, less luxuriant. Tidal forests grow in Delta plains and along the coasts. The Sunderbans of Ganga – Brahmaputra delta are famous mangrove forests.

(d) There are three main seasons in a year in Indian subcontinent.

1. The hot, dry season is from March to mid-June. During this ** temperature is very high. Sun’ apparent movement is northwards to the Tropic of *****. Relative humidity is low. The coastal region experiences some relief from the intense heat due to the moderating influence of the sea. Dust storms are very common in the northern region.

2. Humid warm summer season is also known as the rainy season which is from July to October. The maximum rainfall is concentrated in these months. Due to rains, the temperature is considerably low.

3. Dry winter season from November to February. During this ** North-East monsoon prevails. Winds are dry but over the Bay of Bengal they pick up moisture which is deposited in the south-east Indian peninsula.