Tropical Monsoon Climate and Vegetation


Tropical Monsoon Climate

The major controlling factor over the monsoon climate is its relationship to the monsoon circulation.The Monsoon is a seasonal change in wind direction.
The “classic” monsoon circulation of Asia exhibits an onshore flow of air (air moving from ocean towards land) during the summer or high-sun season, and offshore air flow (air moving from land toward water) during the winter or low-sun season. The change in direction is due to the difference in the way water and land heat.
As shown in the climograph for Mangalore, India the average annual temperature is 27.05 oC (80.7oF)  but only has an annual temperature range of 3.6 oC (2oF).

India Climate

A greater variation in the mean monthly temperatures .
In northern hemisphere, autumn and winter are experienced between october and february.  Monsoon countries in the north experience lower temperature during these month.
Between March and September, it is spring and summer in the northern hemisphere. Temperatures increase and monsoon countries experience warmer weather during this period.
The diurnal temperature range varies with the wet and dry seasons.
The Wet season, extensive cloud cover and most of incoming solar radiation during the day and traps the outgoing solar radiation during the day and traps the outgoing radiation at night.
The diurnal temperature is small.
Found in tropical areas with a distinct  dry season.  Examples part of India, Bangladesh, South east Asia, China, South Central Africa, the West Indies, Central and South America and Australia.
Structure of the forest
Tropical Monsoon forest has three layered structure.

3 Layers

1.Canopy tree- from 25 to 30 m tall and grow closely together to form a continuous canopy layer. Epiphytes and lianas and parasitics plants are found on the canopy.
2.Understorey layer- a layer of shorter tree about 15 m.
3.Ground layer- very dense layer of shrubs.
Most of trees are deciduous trees which shed all their leaves over the same period of time.  The trees shed their leaves during the dry season.

Deciduous tree

Tropical Monsoon forest are hardwoods
Examples are Teak  and Rosewoods
Waxy, leathery and hairy broad leaves with drip tips to help the tree get rid of excessive water quickly during the wet season.
Dry season shed their leaves to prevent loss of water by transpiration.
Roots are deep to anchor into the soil firmly and provide good support for the trees. Deep roots also allow the trees to tap the underground water during the dry seasons.

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