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The Origin of Monsoons: The Role of Continental-Scale LandmassIn a challenge to the traditional explanation for the cause of monsoons Chao and Chen (JAS 2001) argued that land-sea thermal contrast is not necessary for the existence of monsoons. However, the question of whether land-sea thermal contrast plays any modifying role still exists. This study tries to answer that question. The result is a more complete theory of the origin of monsoons than that proposed by Chao and Chen. Two criticisms of the traditional explanation for the cause of monsoons do not apply to this theory. They are: 1) no explanation for monsoon onset and retreat, let alone the fact that monsoon onset is much faster than monsoon retreat, and 2) for the South Asian monsoon, land-sea thermal contrast is greatest just prior to monsoon onset, not at the height of the monsoon season. Land-sea thermal contrast acts as a facilitator for monsoon onset. If it does not exist, monsoon onset can still occur but at a later time. Our results are supported by GCM experiments.
Document ID
20100014817
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Chao, Winston
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2010
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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