What causes the extended rainy season in northeast India compared to central India?
The extended rainy season in northeast India, which lasts significantly longer than the central Indian monsoon season, is primarily influenced by the region’s unique geographical and climatic conditions. Factors such as the rate of temperature change with altitude in the troposphere, used as a proxy for the heat source over the region, play a crucial role.
How do climate phenomena like ENSO affect northeast India’s rainy season?
The El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) significantly impacts the duration and intensity of the rainy season. El Niño tends to shorten and dry the rainfall, while La Niña extends and intensifies the rainy season in northeast India.
Can climate change affect the rainy season in northeast India?
Yes, increasing greenhouse gas emissions are likely to shorten the northeast rainy season by about five days and trigger more frequent extreme rainfall events, altering the traditional patterns of the monsoon season.
Why is it important to accurately define the onset and withdrawal of the rainy season in northeast India?
Defining the onset, withdrawal, and length of the rainy season with greater precision can improve weather forecasts, which is vital for agricultural planning, water resource management, and preparing for flood and drought conditions.
What role do the Indian Ocean Dipole and Madden-Julian Oscillation play in the region’s climate?
Alongside ENSO, the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Madden-Julian Oscillation are key climate phenomena that affect the predictability of the northeast rainy season. Their combined effects contribute to the variability of monsoon patterns, impacting the onset, duration, and intensity of rainfall.
How are scientists studying the rainy season in northeast India?
Scientists, such as those from Cotton University in Guwahati, are analyzing observational and reanalysis data from 1901 to 2015, as well as CMIP6 model data sets from 1850 to 2014, to understand the historical and potential future shifts in the region’s monsoon patterns.
