Question 1155Navigation General

70% to pass

Monsoons are characterized by _______________.

A strong, gusty winds that blow from the same general direction all year
B steady winds that reverse direction semiannually
C light, variable winds with little or no humidity
D strong, cyclonic winds that change direction to conform to the passage of an extreme low pressure system
AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) steady winds that reverse direction semiannually. Monsoons are characterized by seasonal changes in wind direction. During the summer, monsoon winds blow from the southwest, bringing warm, moist air from the ocean. In the winter, the winds reverse direction, blowing from the northeast. This semiannual reversal of wind direction is the defining characteristic of monsoons. The other answer choices do not accurately describe the nature of monsoons. Monsoons are not characterized by strong, gusty winds from the same direction (choice A), light variable winds with low humidity (choice C), or strong cyclonic winds (choice D).

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