News Earth

Geology, not CO2, controlled monsoon intensity in Asia’s ancient past

Over millions of years, tectonic shifts modified the strength of the seasonal rains

Monsoon season in China

A storm drops rain in Yunnan, China, at the start of the monsoon season. Tectonic shifts were the main processes controlling the strength of the East Asian monsoon throughout geologic time, new research shows.

A. Farnsworth

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Shifting tectonic plates, not atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, controlled the strength of the powerful East Asian monsoon throughout its history, scientists say.