Previous Year Question
The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
An approximately opposite change in wind direction with the seasons is the typical or defining characteristic of the monsoon climate. The word ‘monsoon’ is derived from the Arabic word mausim, meaning season.
Summer conditions:
During summer, land heats more rapidly than the adjoining ocean.
Low pressure develops over the continent, while comparatively higher pressure exists over the cooler ocean.
Winds blow from the ocean towards land and carry substantial moisture.
Over India, these winds produce rainfall mainly as the South-West Monsoon between June and September.
Winter conditions:
During winter, land cools more rapidly than the ocean.
High pressure develops over the continent, while relatively lower pressure exists over the warmer ocean.
Wind direction reverses, and winds begin to blow from land towards the sea.
Over India, these are generally called the North-East Monsoon winds. After acquiring moisture from the Bay of Bengal, they produce rainfall over Tamil Nadu and the south-eastern coast.
Besides differential heating of land and water, the seasonal reversal is influenced by the north-south migration of the ITCZ, the Tibetan Plateau, subtropical jet streams and oceanic conditions.
Other options:
The equatorial climate remains under the influence of trade winds and the ITCZ, but complete seasonal wind reversal is not its defining characteristic.
The Mediterranean climate has dry summers and rainy winters, but seasonal reversal of winds is not its defining feature.