Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Indian monsoon, a complex system influenced by land-ocean temperature contrasts, is now showing increased variability due to anthropogenic alterations to the landscape — a phenomenon termed “humanizing landscape”.
Impact of Humanizing Landscape on Monsoon Behaviour:
- Deforestation & Urbanization:
- Reduced evapotranspiration and altered heat flux patterns.
- Urban heat islands distort local convection cycles (e.g., cities like Delhi, Bengaluru).
- Agricultural Changes:
- Expansion of irrigated areas alters land moisture conditions.
- Rice-wheat cultivation shifts local humidity and monsoon feedback loops.
- Aerosols & Pollution:
- Emission of black carbon and aerosols from vehicles and industries affects cloud microphysics.
- Leads to suppression or delay of rainfall (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plain studies).
- Reservoirs & Dams:
- Large-scale water bodies like Tehri Dam change regional humidity profiles.
- Can enhance or inhibit localized rainfall patterns.
- Land Use Changes:
- Rapid land cover changes in Western Ghats and NE India affect orographic rainfall.
- Soil compaction and impermeability reduce monsoon water retention.
Conclusion:
Yes, the behaviour of the Indian monsoon is increasingly shaped by human-induced landscape modifications, resulting in unpredictable rain patterns, spatial disparities, and rising extreme weather events. Long-term sustainability requires restoring ecological balance and integrating climate-sensitive land use planning.
