The Origin of Monsoons

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Abstract
The monsoon is interpreted as an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) substantially away (more than 10°) from the equator and the existence of the ITCZ does not have to rely on land–sea contrast. Land–sea contrast can provide a favorable longitudinal location for the ITCZ but this role can be replaced by sea surface temperature contrast in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the interpretation of the monsoon presented herein differs from the long-held fundamental belief that its basic cause is land–sea thermal contrast on the continental scale in the sense that the existence of landmass is not considered a necessary condition for monsoons. Through general circulation model experiments, support has been found for this interpretation. The Asian and Australian summer monsoon circulations are largely intact in an experiment in which Asia, maritime continent, and Australia are replaced by ocean with sea surface temperature (SST) taken from that of the surrounding oceans. Thus, in these areas land–sea c... Abstract The monsoon is interpreted as an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) substantially away (more than 10°) from the equator and the existence of the ITCZ does not have to rely on land–sea contrast. Land–sea contrast can provide a favorable longitudinal location for the ITCZ but this role can be replaced by sea surface temperature contrast in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the interpretation of the monsoon presented herein differs from the long-held fundamental belief that its basic cause is land–sea thermal contrast on the continental scale in the sense that the existence of landmass is not considered a necessary condition for monsoons. Through general circulation model experiments, support has been found for this interpretation. The Asian and Australian summer monsoon circulations are largely intact in an experiment in which Asia, maritime continent, and Australia are replaced by ocean with sea surface temperature (SST) taken from that of the surrounding oceans. Thus, in these areas land–sea c...

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