Monsoons

Monsoons are one of nature's most misunderstood and unique phenomenons. Though sometimes incorrectly referred to as a singular event, a monsoon is actually a type of climate. A monsoon climate is characterized by long periods of dry weather accompanied by an abrupt seasonal shift to heavy rain periods, sometimes lasting as long as four months. This unique occurrence is created by differences in wind pressure. As a result of differences between land and air temperatures, during winter months wind is carried out into the ocean and during the summer months wind flows inland. During the summer months, the inland wind flow coupled with raising temperatures leads to the heavy rain fall.

Monsoons are native to a variety of areas throughout the world. The most notable monsoon climates are located throughout Southeast Asia and India. For centuries these areas, which are the most densely populated in the world, have experienced dry periods and the heavy rains of summer. For example, in India, it is not uncommon for it to rain every day in June, even though the country experiences very little to no perception in preceding months. Scientists have recently discovered that even some areas of the United States actually have a monsoon climate; although it is noted to be marginal. In the southwest states of New Mexico and Arizona, nearly a third of the annual rain fall is experienced during July, August and September with only around 5% coming in April, May and June. This abrupt shift in rainfall levels is a tale-tale sign of a monsoon climate. Monsoon climates can also be found in the Atlantic coastal regions of northern South America and the coastal regions of central Africa.

Though most native populations have learned to use agricultural and domestic methods that accommodate their polarized living conditions, monsoons have the potential to be very dangerous to human population. The danger of monsoons usually arises if the rainy seasons are particularly intense or the dry seasons are too long. One of the most noted consequences of monsoon climate is flooding. In some cases this flooding is desired-rice farmers need flooded soil to grow their crops-but in most cases severe flooding costs a great deal of destruction. Bangladesh experienced its worst monsoon created floods in 1998 with more than half of the country was flooded for an unprecedented two months. Too much flooding can cause crops, homes and personal items to be washed away, as well as increasing the risk of disease and drowning. Droughts caused by extended dry months can be equally as destructive. Without rainfall, crops and grassing land cannot grow, which results in economic and sustenance disasters for local populations. In many cases the negative impacts of monsoons are amplified by human environmental follies such as deforestation, land degradation and erosion.

Though usually only given notoriety for the occasional destruction caused by their floods, monsoons are actually a natural rhythmic climate that populations throughout the world have thrived in for centuries. The drastic changes from dry to wet seasons have become a staple of many countries's economy, such as India and areas of China who use monsoon weather to grow rice and other primary crops. It must be remembered that just as with any other climate system, natural disasters do occur; a fact that monsoons are not immune from. As a result, half of the world's population must respect and cope with unique monsoon weather patterns.