Monsoons are cyclical wave-like air masses that occur in the sub-tropics, moving onto land from the sea during the summer and returning over water in winter. The word monsoon comes from the Arabic mausim, meaning “season,” because these storms return year after year. For many countries along the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic, the yearly monsoon rains are essential for crops. However, although these storms will bring much needed water, they can also cause severe flooding, damage, and famine.

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Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/monsoons/whatsamonsoon.shtml [ m o n s o o n s   :   w h a t ' s   a   m o n s o o n ? ]

Monsoons are cyclical wave-like air masses that occur in the sub-tropics, moving onto land from the sea during the summer and returning over water in winter. The word monsoon comes from the Arabic mausim, meaning “season,” because these storms return year after year. For many countries along the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic, the yearly monsoon rains are essential for crops. However, although these storms will bring much needed water, they can also cause severe flooding, damage, and famine.

[ back to graphics version ]

Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/monsoons/whatsamonsoon.shtml