Monsoons occur as a result of deviations in the normal patterns and direction of wind circulation. Such changes are mostly witnessed in Southern and Eastern Asia. In South East Asia, an off-shore flow of the wind in winter and an on-shore flow in summer are reported. The winds tap moisture in their movement causing a seasonal form of precipitation with heavy rains in summer and a pronounced dry winter due to the off-shore movement of the wind. A better part of the population in South East Asia and the world as a whole relies on monsoon rains for agriculture. On the other hand, floods may also be witnessed during the rains, leading to significant damages. Besides bringing the much-needed rains to the patched areas, monsoon winds can also cause floods that have adverse social and economic implications for the affected areas.

Causes of Monsoon Winds

The occurrence of monsoon winds is attributed to the uneven changes in atmospheric temperatures. The unequal warming of the Earth surface and the oceans causes changes in the direction of the wind. In summer, the high temperatures present a warm surface characterized by low atmospheric pressure. The cold temperature and high pressures in the ocean instigate an on-shore movement of the oceanic air (Hess and Tasa 127). On the other hand, the low temperatures and high pressures in winter results in an off-shore movement of the winds. The difference in the atmospheric pressures of the ocean and the content as a result of the difference in temperatures is the major cause of monsoon winds and monsoon rains.

            The occurrence and impacts of monsoon winds are constantly reported in South East Asia. The monsoon seasonal rains in the region are as a result of the East Asian and South Asian monsoon winds. The summer monsoon is witnessed at the south where onshore winds move from the Indian oceans into the mainland causing rains. The winter season is observed in East Asia and is characterized by the offshore movement of winds from the dry land to the ocean. As a result, the winters in the region remains dry (Hess and Tasa 128). Even though the onshore winds are also experienced in summer in East Asia, they are not as notable as those observed in the south. Nevertheless, these winds also carry some moisture to the mainland causing precipitations, though in lower volumes and for a short period.

The Effects of Monsoon Winds

Monsoon winds control seasonal rains in different parts of the world. Agricultural activities conducted in most parts of the world are dependent on these weather events. Since agriculture supports many livelihoods, the monsoon winds play a major role in assuring food security (Hess and Tasa 127). Any delay in the rain results in severe drought that has both economic and social negative effects.

            In some instances, the rains witnessed during summer occur in heavy volumes causing dangerous floods. These floods are mostly witnessed in South Asia. A case in point is the floods witnessed in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India as a result of monsoon winds. The floods caused significant damages, including displacement of communities in the region, blocking or roads and barring children from accessing the school. About 1200 people died due to the floods (Haroon).  Monsoon winds may be beneficial in bringing rain to the patched areas; however, the adverse effects of floods that may occur from the heavy runs witnessed in March cannot be overlooked.

Conclusion

The term monsoon winds refers to the changes in the direction of the wind that either cause drought or floods in the patched areas. These winds occur as a result of the thermal-instigated changes in the atmospheric pressures of the ocean and the mainland. The monsoon winds are mostly witnessed in South and East Asia. Apart from being the major source of seasonal rains that support agriculture, monsoon winds can cause floods that result in deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of people.

Response

Your discussion on Ocean heat waves is detailed and explanatory. The exhaustive description of the causes and dangers of the heat waves avails a proper understanding of the concept. It is correct that climate change and the greenhouse gases on the atmosphere contributes to the heating of the waves. I also agree with you that the rising levels of greenhouses gases factors have intensified the temperatures of the waves as well as enhanced their frequency. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the duration of the heat waves has also changed as a result of climate change. It is reported that the increasing levels of greenhouse gases have led to a 17% increase in the duration of the heat waves. Besides the changes in temperature and frequency of the heat waves, climate change has also impacted on the duration of the heat waves.