Key learning points

1. Monsoons lead to distinct wet and dry seasons.
2. The north-east monsoon occurs in the winter months and the south-west monsoon occurs during the summer.
3. The change in wind direction during the monsoon is caused by a difference in pressure over the land and ocean.
4. The monsoon is very important to India’s people and its economy.
5. Climate change is causing the monsoon rains to become more erratic and unpredictable.

Keywords

• Monsoon - a seasonal change in wind direction that brings a very rainy season or a very dry season

• Pressure - a force pushing or pressing on a given area

• Hydroelectricity - electricity created by water flowing downhill turning a turbine

• Economy - the way money in a particular area is made and spent

• Climate change - a large-scale and long-term change in the planet’s climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures

Common misconception