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Indian Monsoon & Climate – Quick Revision

UPSC Prelims Hot Topic | Page 3

Monsoon – Basics

• Seasonal reversal of winds
• Caused by differential heating of land and sea
• Driven by pressure differences

Monsoon Mechanism

• ITCZ shifts northwards in summer
• Low pressure develops over Indian landmass
• Moist winds from oceans bring rainfall
• Jet streams influence onset and withdrawal

Types of Monsoon

• Southwest Monsoon → June to September
• Northeast Monsoon → October to December (Tamil Nadu)

Key Influencing Factors

• ENSO (El Niño reduces rainfall)
• Ocean currents
• Pressure systems
• Jet streams

Rainfall Patterns

• Western Ghats → Orographic rainfall
• Rain shadow → Eastern side of Western Ghats
• Tamil Nadu → Winter rainfall (retreating monsoon)

Important Terms

• ITCZ → Inter Tropical Convergence Zone
• Loo → Hot dry winds
• Monsoon Burst → Sudden heavy rainfall

Quick Facts:
• Monsoon starts from Kerala
• Withdrawal starts from Rajasthan
• Cyclones peak in post-monsoon season
• ENSO strongly affects rainfall variability

Exam Focus:
• Understand concepts (ITCZ, ENSO)
• Learn rainfall patterns & regions
• Practice MCQs regularly

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UPSC Preparation Hub – Shaktimatha Learning

Indian Monsoon & Climate – Complete Series

Page 1: MCQs Practice
Page 2: Answers & Explanations
Page 3: Quick Revision
Page 4: PYQs & Analysis
Page 5: Full Mock Test