Work

The C‐Shaped Landmass: A Key Driver of Monsoon Formation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Monsoon dynamics research has largely focused on idealized rectangular continents, primarily in the Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes. To investigate the broader impact of landmass configuration on monsoon formation and variability, we conducted extensive sensitivity experiments. Our findings reveal that a C‐shaped continent in the tropical and subtropical latitudes is optimal for monsoon development. This configuration fosters three key monsoon characteristics: (a) A well‐defined pathway for water vapor transport, involving cross‐equatorial winds and monsoonal trough turning winds; (b) A thermally induced low‐pressure system over the southeastern continental margin, driving persistent water vapor convergence; and (c) A distinct monsoon rain belt extending from the southeastern corner of the continent into adjacent oceans. These results provide a definitive answer to the question of which landmass shape is most conducive to monsoon formation and significantly advance our understanding of monsoon dynamics.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl112127

Authors: Junyu Mei, Xinyu Wen, Fuda Yu, Yuzhen Yan

Institution: Peking University

Language: English

Topic: Climate variability and models

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190