Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Monsoon climate (tropical wet-dry) dominates Monsoon Asia, supporting >50% of global population across India, China, Southeast Asia, etc. It is marked by seasonal reversal of winds and distinct wet-dry seasons, influencing agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods.
Key Characteristics of Monsoon Climate:
1. Seasonal Reversal of Winds:
- Summer: moisture-laden winds from ocean to land → heavy rainfall.
- Winter: dry winds from land to ocean → dry conditions.
2. Distinct Wet and Dry Seasons:
- Wet season (June–Sept): ~75–90% annual rainfall.
- Dry season (Oct–May): minimal or no rainfall.
3. High Rainfall Concentration:
- Annual rainfall ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 mm.
- Examples: Mawsynram (11,800 mm), Bangkok (1,500 mm), Hanoi (1,800 mm).
4. Temperature Range:
- High summer temperatures (>35°C) → low pressure attracts moist winds.
- Moderate winters (~10–20°C), no snow except in high latitudes.
5. Agriculture-Friendly:
- Rainfall synchronised with cropping seasons (Kharif, Rabi).
- Supports rice, tea, sugarcane, jute, etc. → intensive subsistence agriculture.
6. Large River Systems:
- Ganga, Mekong, Yangtze, Irrawaddy originate in Himalayas, fed by monsoon & snowmelt.
- Enable irrigation, transport, fisheries.
7. Dense Population Support:
- Fertile alluvial plains + predictable rainfall → high rural population densities (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plain, Yangtze Basin).
- Encouraged settled agriculture, surplus food, urbanization.
Conclusion:
Monsoon climate’s predictable rainfall, fertile soil, and river systems have enabled the rise of agrarian civilizations and continue to sustain over 50% of global population in Monsoon Asia. Its stability is crucial for food and water security in the region.
