Hot Climates II

Topic Content:

Tropical Monsoon:

Location: This climate is found mainly in Southeast Asia, the southern part of Australia, and on a smaller scale in parts of Senegal, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. It lies roughly between 10° and 25° north and south of the EquatorThe Equator is Zero degrees (0°) latitude. The Sun is directly overhead the equator at noon on the two equinoxes (March and Sept. 20 or 21). The equator divides the globe... More. It is strongly influenced by seasonal land and sea winds known as monsoonA monsoon is a seasonal wind that reverses its direction between summer and winter, often bringing heavy rains in one season and dry conditions in the other. Example: In South Asia,... More winds , which reverse direction between summer and winter, affecting both continents and the surrounding oceans.

Characteristics of the Tropical Monsoon:

• The key feature is reversing seasonal winds .
  • Summer: Winds blow from sea to land , bringing heavy rainfall to coastal and inland areas.
    • Most of the summer rain is convectional (caused by heat making the air rise), but it can be made heavier when moist air is forced up mountains ( orographic rain ) and by the seasonal monsoon winds.
  • Winter: Winds blow from land to sea , resulting in much drier conditions.
• Temperature:
  • Hot period: around 32 °C
  • Cool season: about 25 °C
  • Annual range: approximately 7 °C
• Rainfall:
  • heavy rains, usually totalling 1,800 – 2,000 mm a year in most regions.
  • Very high in some areas, e.g.