भारतीय मानसून तंत्र की क्रियाविधि एवं विशेषताओं का विश्लेषण कीजिए। Analysis of the Mechanism and Characteristics of the Indian Monsoon System (69th BPSC)

Analysis of the Mechanism and Characteristics of the Indian Monsoon System (69th BPSC)

Mechanism of the Indian Monsoon System

The Indian monsoon system is primarily influenced by changes in air pressure, ocean currents, variations in land and water temperatures, and geographical features like the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The process can be understood in the following stages:

1. Formation of Low-Pressure Zone Due to Summer Heat

1. • During summer, especially in the northern plains of India, intense heating leads to the formation of a low-pressure zone known as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
   • This low-pressure zone attracts moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

2. Flow of the South-West Monsoon

1. • The monsoon winds enter India through the Kerala coast in early June.
   • These winds split into two main branches:
     • Arabian Sea Branch: Causes heavy rainfall upon hitting the Western Ghats, making the western coastal areas highly humid.
     • Bay of Bengal Branch: Leads to heavy rainfall in northeastern India, particularly in Mawsynram, Meghalaya, which records the highest annual rainfall.

3. Monsoon Impact Across India

1. • By the end of June, the monsoon reaches central and northern India, covering the entire country by July.
   • Rajasthan and western India receive relatively less rainfall as the Aravalli Range does not obstruct the monsoon winds effectively.
   • When monsoon winds hit the Himalayas, they cause significant rainfall in northern India.

4. Retreating Monsoon (October-November)

1. • By the end of September, the monsoon starts withdrawing, leading to what is known as the northeast monsoon.
   • During this period, winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal, causing rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Characteristics of the Indian Monsoon

1. Unpredictability: The arrival and retreat dates of the monsoon are not fixed, affecting agriculture.
2. Impact on the Indian Economy: Often referred to as the “real finance minister of India” because Indian agriculture heavily depends on monsoon rainfall.
3. Seasonal Winds: The monsoon consists of seasonal winds that change direction at specific times of the year.
4. Types of Rainfall: The monsoon leads to two types of rainfall in India—
   • Orographic Rainfall (due to mountains)
   • Cyclonic Rainfall (due to low-pressure systems)
5. Irregular and Uneven Rainfall: Different regions of India receive varying amounts of rainfall.
6. Fluctuating Intensity: Some years experience excessive rainfall, while others face drought.
7. Intermittent Rainfall: Monsoon rains do not occur continuously but in intervals.
8. Temperature Regulation: The monsoon helps lower temperatures in most parts of India.

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