Monsoon Notes

What percentage of the Earth's population lives in areas affected by the Asian monsoon?

Almost 50%

Why do Monsoons occur?

Changing air pressures are the main reason. Monsoons are caused by the fact that the land heats up and cools down faster than water

What are the consequences of an excessively dry or rainfall deficient monsoon season?

Drought and consequent Famine

What other regions experience monsoons besides South and Southeast Asia?

Equatorial Africa, northern Australia, and to much lesser extend, southwestern USA and northern Mexico

What are the consequences of an excessively wet monsoon rainy season?

Flooding

What are the primary regions and countries impacted by the Southwest Monsoon?

India, Nepal, Bangla Desh, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, China, Japan, and Korea

What are the main countries in South and Southeast Asia impacted by the Southwest Monsoon?

India, Nepal, Bangla Desh, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Southeast China, Cambodia, and the Philippines

ITCZ

Inter Tropical Convergence Zone

What parts of the USA does the North American Monsoon (NAM), and what percentage of its total rainfall is derived from NAM?

It affects Mexico along the Sierra Madre Occidental as well as Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, West Texas, California, and perhaps Oklahoma.

What language is the word, "Monsoon," derived from?

The Arabic word, "mausin', which means 'season.'

What and where is the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone?

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is an area of low pressure that forms where the Northeast Trade Winds meet the Southeast Trade Winds near the Earth's Equator.

When does the North American Monsoon (NAM) occur?

The North American Monsoon (NAM) occurs from late June or early July into September, originating over Mexico and spreading into the southwest United States by mid-July.

monsoon

The seasonal reversal of wind direction along the shores of the Indian Ocean, that blow from the southwest during one half of the year and from the northeast during the other

What are the sources of moisture for the North American Monsoon?

This wind flow pattern directs moisture originating in the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California and the tropical Pacific by way of northern Mexico into the region, setting off brief, but often torrential thunderstorms, especially over mountainous terrain.

When does the Southwest or Summer Monsoon begin and end (approximately as it differs by location)?

begins in June and ends in September.

When does the Northeast or Winter Monsoon begin and end (approximately as it differs by location)?

begins in November/December and ends by early March

What is the effect of an El Nino Event in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, especially a strong one, on the Asian Southwest Monsoon? (does not hurt to ask this again!)

it suppresses or lessens the Asian Southwest Monsoon, meaning it will be shorter in duration and less intense, and in rare cases, not occur at all.

What are the primary regions and countries impacted by the Northeast Monsoon?

southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and northern Australia.

From what direction do the winds blow during the Northeast Monsoon?

winds blow from the Northeast

From what direction do the winds blow during the Southwest Monsoon?

winds blow from the Southwest.

What are some impacts of the North American Monsoon (NAM) in the parts of the USA that it occurs? (Flash Flooding)

• Flash flooding is a serious danger during the monsoon season. • Dry washes can become raging rivers in an instant, even when no storms are visible as a storm can cause a flash flood tens of miles away (never camp in a dry wash in the desert). • Lightning strikes are also a significant danger. • Because it is dangerous to be caught in the open when these storms suddenly appear, many golf courses in Arizona have thunderstorm warning systems.

What are some impacts of the North American Monsoon (NAM) in the parts of the USA that it occurs? (Wildfires)

• Monsoons play a vital role in managing wildfire threat by providing moisture at higher elevations and feeding desert streams. • Heavy monsoon rain can lead to excess winter plant growth, in turn a summer wildfire risk. • A lack of monsoon rain can hamper summer seeding, reducing excess winter plant growth but worsening drought.