🟦 Geography Optional – MAINS
Paper–II : Indian Geography
Page – 18 | Indian Climate & Monsoon
UPSC / UPPSC | Shaktimatha 369 Learning
Q18. Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. Discuss the factors responsible for its variability and recent changes.
Directive: Explain + Discuss (Conceptual + Contemporary)
Introduction
The Indian monsoon is a complex seasonal wind system that governs the climate and economy of the subcontinent. It is not a single-factor phenomenon but the result of multiple interacting atmospheric and oceanic processes.
Main Body
1. Mechanism of the Indian Monsoon
- Differential heating of land and sea
- Seasonal shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
- Formation of low-pressure area over northwest India
- Cross-equatorial flow and Coriolis force
- Role of subtropical jet streams and tropical easterly jet
2. Onset and Advancement
- Sudden onset over Kerala in early June
- Branching into Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal currents
- Progressive coverage of the subcontinent
3. Factors Responsible for Monsoon Variability
- ENSO: El Niño weakens monsoon rainfall
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): Positive IOD enhances rainfall
- Snow cover: Himalayan snow affects land heating
- Jet stream fluctuations
4. Recent Changes in Indian Monsoon
- Increase in extreme rainfall events
- Erratic spatial and temporal distribution
- Rising influence of climate change
- More frequent droughts and floods
5. Impact on Indian Economy
- Agricultural productivity and food security
- Water resource availability
- Disaster vulnerability
Conclusion
The Indian monsoon is a dynamic and evolving system. Understanding its mechanisms and variability is crucial for agricultural planning, disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies.
Maps/Diagrams to draw in exam:
• Indian monsoon wind system
• Seasonal shift of ITCZ
• ENSO–IOD influence diagram
Examiner’s View:
✔ Multi-factor explanation is compulsory
✔ Link monsoon with climate change
✔ Diagrams fetch easy marks
✔ Avoid outdated thermal theory alone
End of MAINS – Paper II | Page 18
Shaktimatha 369 Learning
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