The Summer Atmospheric Circulation over the Arabian Sea

Abstract

Ramage's model for the summer atmospheric circulation over the Arabian sea is discussed and it is shown that the inversion there as well as over the West Pakistan heat low area is due to air masses and not to subsidence. The role of the Western Ghats in 1) breaking up the inversion, 2) causing precipitation and the consequent development of cyclonic circulation above 2 km over the Bombay arm at the western end of the trough axis, and 3) producing a moist air current about 5 km deep over the Peninsula, is emphasized. The causes responsible for the development of the trough over the Gangetic Valley as well as for rainfall between 18 and 27N in western India are indicated. Ramage's model and his various interpretations cannot be accepted by experienced Indian meteorologists. His model for the Bay of Bengal monsoon referred to in his concluding remarks also cannot be accepted.