Land–Atmosphere Interactions in South Asia: A Regional Earth Systems Perspective

Abstract

Exchanges between the land and the atmosphere are complex and dynamic. Capturing these interactions provides a better understanding of the earth systems across multiple scales. Studies highlighting the energy budget partitioning and water cycle assessment have immensely contributed to de ning better mon- soon, weather and climate predictions as well as regional water vapor transport impacted by anthropogenic in uences in South Asia. In this chapter, we provide examples of how the land–atmosphere interactions are in uenced by changing soil moisture, evapotranspiration, water vapor transport, and planetary boundary layer depth over this region. Climate change adaptation requires the knowledge of how large-scale atmospheric and climate-induced forcings impact at a local scale. Therefore, proper physical understanding of the processes that in uence the feed- backs between the vegetation, water, and atmosphere becomes essential for future management of natural resources and water management.