The monsoon is defined as the seasonal reversal in wind direction during a year, typically bringing significant rainfall in affected regions. The word "monsoon" is derived from the Arabic word "mausim," meaning season. It is characterized by winds changing direction cyclically, such as the summer monsoon winds blowing from the sea towards the Indian landmass bringing rain, and winter monsoon winds blowing from land to sea.
The "break in monsoon" refers to a temporary pause or significant reduction in monsoon rainfall during the monsoon season. During this break, there are rainless intervals lasting from a few days to a few weeks, despite it still being the monsoon period. This phenomenon results from the shifting position of the monsoon trough (a low-pressure zone parallel to the Himalayas) which can move northward close to the Himalayan foothills, causing rainfall to cease over the northern plains but increase in the northeast regions. This shift changes the rainfall pattern abruptly, affecting areas differently, and sometimes leading to dry spells in the plains while the Himalayan foothills and northeast receive heavy rain.
In summary:
- Monsoon is the seasonal reversal of winds bringing wet and dry seasons.
- Break in monsoon is the interval during the monsoon season when rainfall stops or reduces significantly, caused mainly by the northward movement of the monsoon trough, changing the regional rainfall distribution.
This understanding of monsoon and its breaks is essential for agriculture, water resources, and climate study in monsoon-affected regions.
