<P> Theographical features of the Indian subcontinent)), along with associated atmospheric, oceanic, and geophysical factors, inluence the behavior of the monsoon . Because of its effect on agriculture, on flora and fauna, and on the climates of nations such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka--among other economic, social, and environmental effects--the monsoon is one of the most anticipated, tracked, and studied weather phenomena in the region . It has a significant effect on the overall well - being of residents and has even been dubbed the "real finance minister of India". </P> <P> The word monsoon (derived from the Arabic "mausam," meaning "season"), although generally defined as a system of winds characterized by a seasonal reversal of direction, lacks a consistent, detailed definition . Some examples are: </P> <Ul> <Li> The American Meteorological Society calls it a name for seasonal winds, first applied to the winds blowing over the Arabian Sea from the northeast for six months and from the southwest for six months . The term has since been extended to similar winds in other parts of the world . </Li> <Li> The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes a monsoon as a tropical and subtropical seasonal reversal in both surface winds and associated precipitation, caused by differential heating between a continental - scale land mass and the adjacent ocean . </Li> <Li> The Indian Meteorological Department defines it as the seasonal reversal of the direction of winds along the shores of the Indian Ocean, especially in the Arabian Sea, which blow from the southwest for half of the year and from the northeast for the other half . </Li> <Li> Colin Stokes Ramage, in Monsoon Meteorology, defines the monsoon as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation . </Li> </Ul> <Li> The American Meteorological Society calls it a name for seasonal winds, first applied to the winds blowing over the Arabian Sea from the northeast for six months and from the southwest for six months . The term has since been extended to similar winds in other parts of the world . </Li>

When do the three seasons found in much of south asia occur