Global warming is having a significant impact on various aspects of our planet, including the monsoon seasons. In this essay, we will explore how global warming affects monsoons in terms of their onset, withdrawal, seasonal total rainfall, and extremes. Additionally, we will examine the influence of global warming on cyclones over the Indian Ocean and typhoons over the northwestern Pacific Ocean. By understanding these effects, we can gain insight into the complex relationship between climate change and monsoons.
Cyclone Formations and Monsoon Onset
One crucial aspect to consider is the presence of cyclone formations during the pre-monsoon cyclone season. These cyclones often occur closer to the onset of the monsoon and are believed to be influenced by a warmer Arctic Ocean’s impact on the winds over the Arabian Sea. The warmer Arctic Ocean creates a connection, known as the ‘atmospheric bridge,’ between two distant regions, allowing for interactions that affect the monsoon. Similarly, the Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, plays a role in this process by forming an ‘atmospheric bridge’ and an ‘oceanic tunnel’ connecting remote oceanic regions.
The Significance of Cyclone Position
The position of a cyclone plays a critical role in its impact on the monsoon. Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean can have both positive and negative effects on the monsoon’s onset. The circulation of winds around cyclones is in an anticlockwise direction, and the cyclone’s location influences its impact on the transition of the monsoon trough. The monsoon trough is a low-pressure region that is a characteristic feature of monsoons. When a cyclone is positioned further north in the Bay of Bengal, the back-winds blowing from the southwest to the northeast can pull the monsoon trough forward, aiding in the monsoon’s onset.
Consequences of Anomalous Anticyclones
One severe consequence of anomalous anticyclones, which have been observed since March, is the significant warming of both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal by more than 1º C during the pre-monsoon season. This warming can have far-reaching effects on the monsoons, influencing their intensity and patterns. Such anomalies disrupt the delicate balance of temperature and pressure, leading to alterations in weather systems, rainfall distribution, and monsoon dynamics.
Influence on Cyclones and Typhoons
Global warming not only affects monsoons but also has an impact on cyclones over the Indian Ocean and typhoons over the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Rising sea surface temperatures caused by global warming provide favorable conditions for the intensification and development of cyclones and typhoons. Warmer waters act as a source of energy, fueling the storms and increasing their strength. This can result in more frequent and severe cyclones and typhoons, posing a significant threat to coastal regions.
Important Points:
- 🌍 Global warming impacts monsoons: Global warming affects monsoons in terms of onset, withdrawal, rainfall, and extremes.
- 🌀 Cyclone formations: Pre-monsoon cyclones, influenced by a warmer Arctic Ocean, occur closer to the monsoon onset.
- 🌊 Atmospheric bridge and tunnel: Distant regions connect in the atmosphere (bridge) and ocean (tunnel), affecting monsoons.
- 🌀 Cyclone position matters: The location of cyclones in the North Indian Ocean impacts the transition of the monsoon trough.
- ➡️ Pulling the monsoon trough: Cyclones positioned further north in the Bay of Bengal can pull the monsoon trough forward, aiding the monsoon’s onset.
- 🔥 Consequences of anomalous anticyclones: The warming of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal by more than 1º C during pre-monsoon season disrupts monsoon dynamics.
- 🌪️ Impact on cyclones and typhoons: Global warming intensifies and increases the frequency of cyclones and typhoons due to warmer sea surface temperatures.
- 🏞️ Protecting monsoon systems: Recognizing and understanding the effects of global warming is crucial for developing effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Why In News
The influence of global warming on the monsoons becomes evident through discernible changes in their onset, withdrawal, seasonal total rainfall, and extreme events, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of climate change. Furthermore, global warming significantly alters the dynamics of cyclones in the Indian Ocean and typhoons in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, exacerbating the intensity and frequency of these powerful storms.
MCQs about Global Warming’s Influence on Monsoons
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What is the impact of global warming on cyclones and typhoons?
A. Decreased frequency and intensity
B. No effect on their occurrence
C. Increased frequency and intensity
D. Indirect influence on monsoons only
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Which factor is crucial in determining the impact of cyclones on the monsoon’s onset?
A. Cyclone’s size
B. Cyclone’s direction of rotation
C. Cyclone’s wind speed
D. Cyclone’s location
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What are the consequences of anomalous anticyclones?
A. Cooling of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal
B. Weakening of monsoon winds
C. Disruption of monsoon dynamics and warming of ocean regions
D. Delayed onset of the monsoon
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What role do atmospheric bridges and tunnels play in monsoon dynamics?
A. Connect remote oceanic regions
B. Impact the formation of cyclones
C. Enhance the intensity of monsoons
D. None of the above
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