Simulations of the 1987 and 1988 Indian monsoons using the LMD GCM

Results from 90-day simulations with the LMD GCM are described, where sea surface temperatures of 1987 or 1988 years are respectively prescribed. The simulated precipitation rates over India show a strong contrast between the two years, with drought occurring during summer 1987 and abundant rainfall during summer 1988. The dry regime simulated during 1987 corresponds to an eastward displacement of the outflaw at 200 mb and a weaker westerly flow at the surface as compared with 1988, both features being in agreement with reality. The changes in simulated rainfall over India are studied in more detail. Very early, the importance of evapotranspiration in simulating land rainfall was emphasized.