The Extent and Affect of the Monsoon's Through Comparing and Contrasting

As alluded to in the two previous posts of this blog, the climate conditions of Bangalore are formed by the cities relative position to the equator and the topographical makeup of the surrounding environment.  These geographical components create the air masses which dictate the climatic conditions of the region and are responsible for the monsoon winds that have such a significant impact throughout the seasons of the city.  So one would assume any pronounced differences in either the latitude of an area or a differing topographical regime would drastically change the climatic conditions affecting an area.  This is indeed usually the case; however the magnitudes of the monsoons that affect the Indian subcontinent tend to neutralize the extremities of these changes. A primary example of this is seen by comparing and contrasting the city of Bangalore, India with that of Kathmandu, Nepal.  The two cities are within 500 meters of each other in terms of elevation, but are found on the opposite ends of the Indian Subcontinent (from the northeast to the southwest), covering a distance of over 1,800 kilometers. With Bangalore residing within the tropic of cancer at 13 ̊ North latitude and Kathmandu within three degrees of the Horse Latitudes of 30 ̊ North, expectations of dramatic temperature and precipitation differentials should be pronounced.  However in this scenario it is not the case.  Kathmandu is unique in that it is positioned on the windward side of the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas. As illustrated below the sheltering dynamic surrounding the city along with the  pronounced force of the monsoons, has a dramatic effect on the cities climate. 

Map showing the location of the two cities in relation to each other.

Climate

The graphic above shows a comparison between the average monthly mean, high and low temperatures of the two cities.  The difference is slight in overall temperatures considering all factors, while near identical in the summer months of June, July, and August.  The most pronounced variation can be seen in the average monthly lows during the winter months.



While both cities high precipiation totals from the months of May to October and relativily low totals for the remainder of the year can be attributed to the monsoon winds and associated air masses, Kathmandu recieves vastly more because of the surronding topography.  The city lies on the windward side and at the base of the Himalayas.  This positioning subjects the city to copious amounts of rain from orographic lifting of the warm moist air mass from the Indian Ocean during the rainy season. 

 



Topography

Bangalore: As the above photograph confirms, the city lies on a relatively flat terrain with only slight variations found within the city proper and surrounding region.

Kathmandu: As seen the topography of the city is much more dramatic than that of Bangalore.  Sitting within the foothills of the Himalayas has a significant impact on the climate of the city.  The mountains can be seen faintly towering in the background. 

A map showing the total annual rainfall worldwide. A profound difference can be seen in the amount of precipitation received in southeast Asia when compared to the vast deserts of the Middle East in the Northern African Sahara, all which are approximately at the same latitude. 

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