Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes)
Q1. Ocean-atmosphere interactions in the Pacific exert a disproportionate influence on the Indian monsoon system. Elucidate. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
Recent monsoon forecasts indicating possible El Niño conditions highlight the growing importance of Pacific influences on India’s monsoon variability.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how Pacific Ocean–atmosphere interactions influence the Indian monsoon and why this influence is disproportionately high. It demands both mechanism-based understanding and analytical justification.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Bring out Indian monsoon as part of a global coupled ocean-atmosphere system.Body
- Pacific ocean-atmosphere influence on monsoon: Indicate role of ENSO in altering circulation, convection and rainfall patterns.
- Reasons for disproportionate influence: Highlight scale of Pacific, teleconnections and stronger correlation with monsoon variability.
Conclusion
Conclude by linking better ENSO understanding with improved monsoon prediction.
