Monsoon
A wind that changes direction with the seasons
Real World Example
In history, monsoons were crucial for trading empires in Asia, such as the Gupta and Chola Empires, as they relied on seasonal winds to facilitate maritime trade across the Indian Ocean. These winds allowed ships to travel efficiently between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, promoting the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. The monsoon system helped solve the problem of long and difficult sea voyages, making trade routes safer and more predictable. Today, monsoons still significantly impact agriculture and water supplies in countries like India, affecting millions of people's livelihoods. For example, farmers depend on the timely arrival of monsoon rains to grow crops, which directly influences food production and prices in the region.