The term monsoon refers to a seasonal wind system that is characterized by a reversal of prevailing wind patterns, typically occurring in the tropics and subtropics. During the summer months, these winds bring heavy rainfall and often result in flooding, while during the winter months, the winds are generally dry.

The term “monsoon” originally referred specifically to the seasonal winds that occur in South and Southeast Asia, but it is now used more broadly to describe similar wind patterns in other parts of the world. Monsoons are typically caused by differences in temperature and pressure between land and sea, and they are most pronounced in regions with large land masses surrounded by oceans, such as the Indian subcontinent.

Monsoons play a crucial role in agriculture and the overall ecology of the regions in which they occur. The heavy rainfall brought by the monsoon winds is essential for the growth of crops, but it can also cause flooding and landslides, leading to significant social and economic impacts.