Monsoon winds are unstable and usually changed in direction every season. These winds are observed during the Monsoon season. To understand the concept better, here is a discussion of the different seasons and what directions the monsoon winds take.
This movement is caused by the varied temperatures of oceans against land. This variation in temperature between the two affects the movement of the wind. The land breeze is usually higher in temperature causing an expansion of the surface and a simultaneous creation of a low pressure area. At night the reverse occurs; the land breeze is cooler.
The air moves from ocean to land in summertime. During winter, air from the land moves into the sea.
This is because of the temperature variations. In springtime, the movement of air is from the higher to the lower pressure area too, which in this case, is from the northern hemisphere to the continents of Asia. In winter, the opposite occurs.
There certain parts of the globe in which there is a sudden shift in temperatures; like when temperatures in a certain region is increased this causes a low pressure area which causes the winds from the high pressured area to flow.
This is seen in Asia like India where the southwest monsoon and the Arabian sea monsoon occurs. In the States monsoon winds occur in places like Arizona.
Recently, studies found out that there is a certain relationship between the monsoon strength and the amount of plants or green vegetation present in that particular area.
Factors that affect the monsoon winds direction.
1. The pressure gradient is also one of the he earth’s atmosphere is balanced by nature through movement of air from making use of force from a higher pressure to lower pressure areas.
The pressure gradient is caused by temperature changes.
2. The next is the Coriolis Effect on the other hand is similar to the above; it is the movement of wind from a higher pressure area to a lower pressure area which is caused by the earth’s rotation.
3. Centrifugal force is the force created by the wind moving in a straight path. This movement creates a force called the centrifugal force. This force helps in balancing airflow in the earth’s surface.
4. Friction is applicable only within a small area near the surface of the earth. It helps balance the speed of wind by becoming an antithesis to the Coriolis force.
5. Gravity of the earth’s surface is one factor that affects the winds direction. It holds the wind in place in one area of the earth as it rotates around the sun. It interacts with the rest of the factors to influence the monsoon winds direction.
Monsoon winds are usually destructive, because with it, comes monsoon rains. Year after year, reports of monsoon rains cause destruction of life and property. There is hope that scientists would soon discover a method to reduce the monsoon season. Hopefully, it would be soon.
