MONSOONS

SOUTH AND EAST ASIA

MONSOONS: Seasonal winds of southeast Asia.

•Blow from the southwest in the summer to create a rainy season.

•Blow from the northeast in the winter to create a cool, dry season.

3 Distinct Seasons

• WINTER: cool and dry (40-60*F.) October - February.

• SPRING: hot and dry (70-110* F.) March - June. (school vacation)

• SUMMER: warm and rainy (70-90*F) July - September.

1. During the spring and summer, the sun heats the

land from direct sun’s rays.

2. Air above the land is warmed, causing it to rise.

4. A current of moist air begins to flow in from the ocean.

5. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing heavy rains south of the mountains.

3. This action creates a low pressure area which draws in air masses from

cooler areas.

Land Ocean

Summer Monsoon Advantages Disadvantages

• Brings rain for the crops (rice).

• Brings needed water supply.

• Relief from the heat.• Vegetation comes to

life.

• Flooding• Insects and reptiles.• Destruction of

property.• If rains come too late -

drought.

1.During the winter, the cold interior is not influenced by warm ocean currents.

2.This cool air descends, causing a high pressure area. 3. Cool, dry winds

move out toward the ocean.

Winds reverse ( low pressure is now found over the southern hemisphere.)

LANDOCEAN

Winter MonsoonsAdvantages Disadvantages

• Allows rice to ripen and be harvested.

• Gives relief from the constant rain.

• Unpredictable - often comes too early or too late.

Contrast: Spring & Summer

POPULATION DENSITY:The average number of people

per square mile• Sparsely populated -- few people per square

mile. (Ex: Plateau of Tibet)

• Densely populated -- many people per square mile. (Ex: near the Ganges R.)

• 2000 census data:

U.S.A. = 64 people per sq. mile

INDIA = 819 people per sq. mile