What are facts about monsoons?

Answer 1

Thursday, December 07, 2006 Interesting Facts about Monsoons A mouse piggybacking on a frog may seem strange, but the floodwaters that these animals were escaping from were anything but unusual. In fact, they are a very common sight in India during the country's annual rainy season.

India's superdamp weather is caused by monsoons, or moist winds that bring heavy rains. These monsoons blow in each May and can last up to six months.

The monsoons produce about 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rain each month - that's more water than the ground can soak up. "Half the country can be underwater," says researcher John Fasullo of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

That may seem like a problem, but the locals actually welcome the rains. Why? Before the monsoons blow in, India is very dry. These rains provide much-needed water for the crops that the people eat.

That's good news for the people. India's mice and frogs, however, don't seem too thrilled.

The United States has its own monsoon. It occurs in Arizona and New Mexico from Late June to mid-September. During this time, rainfall increases by 23 percent in these states.

Monsoons can cause devastating landslides and floods. Indians prefer heavy monsoon seasons.
Monsoons create a perfect environment for rice farming.