Definition

Monsoon is traditionally defined as seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea.

However, because of the winds and weather usually associated with the monsoons in India and Southeast Asia, the word monsoon is often used to mean the prevailing wind and associated weather of these regions.

The Monsoon Process

Continental land masses warm up considerably in summer and cool down in winter. The biggest temperature variations are found in the land masses of North America and Asia.