Atmospheric Memory: A New Key to Understanding Monsoon Patterns
- vidyarthee2021
- May 9
- 2 min read
Recent scientific findings have challenged the traditional understanding of monsoon behaviour, revealing that "atmospheric memory" plays a crucial role in determining the onset and retreat of monsoons — not just solar radiation, as previously assumed.
What is Atmospheric Memory?
It refers to the atmosphere's ability to store physical information, primarily in the form of water vapour.
This memory affects the persistence or cessation of rainfall, meaning the atmosphere 'remembers' its previous wet or dry state and responds accordingly.
Key Findings of the Study
Traditional View: Monsoon cycles were largely thought to be direct responses to solar heating.
New Insight: The past state of the atmosphere (whether rainy or dry) influences its present behaviour.
Bistability Phenomenon:
If the atmosphere is already wet (raining), it is likely to continue raining.
If it has been dry, initiating rainfall becomes difficult, even if solar radiation levels are favorable.
This means atmospheric history is as important as current environmental factors.
Implications for UPSC Aspirants
Relevant for GS Paper 1 (Geography) and GS Paper 3 (Climate Science).
Enhances understanding of monsoon variability, which is crucial for agriculture, water policy, and disaster preparedness.
Can be linked to topics such as climate change, atmospheric circulation, and weather forecasting improvements.
UPSC Prelims Question
Consider the following statements regarding Atmospheric Memory:
Atmospheric memory influences the behaviour of the monsoon based on its historical state.
It depends primarily on the atmospheric content of water vapour.
The concept of atmospheric memory rejects the influence of solar radiation in monsoon formation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct – Atmospheric memory refers to the atmosphere being influenced by its prior wet or dry state.
Statement 2 is correct – It relies on stored water vapour as the key physical information.
Statement 3 is incorrect – The new theory does not reject solar radiation; it adds another important variable.
UPSC Mains Question
Discuss the role of atmospheric memory in influencing monsoon onset and withdrawal. How does this new understanding alter existing climate models and strategies for monsoon prediction in India? (GS Paper 1)
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