UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

Explanation:

• Monsoon’ refers to the seasonal reversal in the wind direction during a year. The monsoon type of climate is characterised by a distinct seasonal pattern. The weather conditions greatly change from one season to the other. These changes are particularly noticeable in the interior parts of the country. The coastal areas do not experience much variation in temperature though there is variation in rainfall pattern.
  
  
• With the gradual movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) towards the tropic of Cancer along with the withdrawal of the southern arm of the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream (STWJ), the trade winds cross the equator to arrive at the Indian mainland.
  
  
• The Tibetan low pressure attracts these moisture-laden winds to later turn around with the southern movement of ITCZ.
  
  
• Thus this seasonal reversal of winds creates the South West Monsoon season in India and Asia.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Climate Weather and Atmosphere