Where do monsoons take place? A.An ice cap B. Tropical climate C. Subtropical climate D. Inter-tropical climate
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Tropical climate
Explanation:
Monsoons primarily take place in tropical climates, where seasonal changes in wind patterns bring distinct wet and dry seasons. These tropical regions lie roughly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, including parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Africa, northern Australia, and Central America.
The monsoon is driven by the differential heating of land and ocean. During the summer, landmasses heat up faster than the surrounding oceans. This creates a low-pressure area over the land and a high-pressure area over the ocean. As a result, moist air from the ocean is drawn inland. When this warm, moist air rises and cools, it condenses and produces heavy rainfall. This is known as the summer monsoon, which brings the majority of annual rainfall to regions like India and Bangladesh.
In the winter, the process reverses: the land cools faster than the ocean, creating high pressure over land and low pressure over the ocean. Dry air flows from land to sea, bringing dry conditions. This is called the winter monsoon.
The tropical climate is ideal for monsoons because it provides the necessary heat and moisture. These areas receive high solar radiation throughout the year, which fuels the monsoon circulation. The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)—a belt of low pressure near the equator—also shifts seasonally and plays a key role in the monsoon system.
Monsoons are crucial for agriculture and water supply in many tropical countries. However, they can also bring flooding, landslides, and other natural disasters if the rainfall is excessive.
In contrast:
- Ice caps (A) are too cold and dry.
- Subtropical climates (C) are typically arid or semi-arid.
- Inter-tropical climate (D) is not a standard climate classification.
Thus, the correct and most accurate answer is B. Tropical climate.
