Climatic Region: The China type of Climate

The China type of climate is observed on the eastern boundaries of continents in the warm temperate latitudes just outside the tropics. It is one of the variants of Warm Temperate Eastern Margin and exhibits extreme heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter. Compared to the Mediterranean Climate falling in the same latitudes, these regions receive more rainfall. Most of the rainfall is observed during the summer. The China type of climate is found in the northern and central parts of China and southern Japan. This climate not only affects the seasons but also has a considerable impact on farming and the livelihood of people. 

Conditions that create the China Type of Climate

The vast landmass of the Asian continent and mountainous regions that lie in the heart of it create great changes in pressure between the winter and summer seasons. It results in a temperate monsoon kind of climate. 

Low pressure is created in the Asiatic interior due to intense heat during the summer. This causes the moist air stream from the Tropical Pacific to flow in and cause rain in the form of the South-East Monsoon. This contributes to heavy precipitation in the northern and central parts of China, which results in annual rainfall of approximately 100cm. 

During winter, a higher pressure gradient is created between Siberia’s and Mongolia’s cold interior regions and the Pacific coastline, where it is relatively warm. This results in extremely dry and cold winds in the form of the North-West Monsoon, resulting in minimum rainfall but heavy snowfall as the cold winds are heated, causing them to carry moisture.

These conditions result in the temperate monsoon or the China type of climate that showcases a varied temperature range throughout the year. Typhoons are a feature of this climate. Typhoons are tropical cyclones that originate in the Pacific Ocean and move towards the west coastlands along the South China Sea.

Other variants of Warm Temperate Eastern Margin

The other variants of Warm Temperate Eastern Margin include the Gulf type of climate and the Natal type of climate.

The Gulf type of climate 

In the United States, the regions of the Gulf-Atlantic have a similar climate to that of China. However, the monsoon characteristics are less prominent here. 

As the pressure gradient between the land and the Atlantic ocean here is not as defined as it is in the China type, the winds do not fully reverse between the seasons.

There is heavy rainfall ranging from 100 to 150 cm. Also, the dry period is not distinctly noticed, and the climate goes towards the summer maximum. 

Regular thunderstorms during summer and hurricanes between September and October are responsible for the heavy rainfall in this region. 

The Gulf type of climate reflects a lesser annual temperature range as compared to the China type of climate. As the land gets heated up intensely, even violent tornadoes are witnessed. 

Natal Type of Climate 

This type of climate is experienced in the Southern Hemisphere covering countries like Brazil, Northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. As the continents are narrow and the influence of the seas is dominant here, the monsoon characteristics are neutralised, resulting in the Natal Type of Climate. 

Temperature 

In the China type of climate, the temperature varies from 4 °C to 25 °C. The influence of the ocean can be seen on the temperature in the regions that experience this type of climate. 

Frosts are generally rare, but they happen in the colder interiors of the region. As the cold winds penetrate from the interior parts of the continent, the temperature can drop to freezing points.

• Warmest months: August and July

• Coldest months: December and January 

• Highest temperature on average: 31 °C

• Lowest temperature on average: −10 °C 

Precipitation 

With rainfall ranging from 60 cm to 150 cm, the amount of rainfall is above moderate levels.

The rainfall is high enough for agriculture and, therefore, a variety of crops are grown. 

The China type of climate is observed in the regions that are densely populated. 

The annual distribution of rainfall is fairly uniform. The moist winds blowing from the subtropical anticyclonic regions affect these regions during summer. 

Differences in the Climate of Warm Temperate Eastern Margin Variants 

The main features of climate in the different Warm Temperate Eastern Margin variants are highlighted below.

Impact of Warm Temperate Eastern Margin on Economy 

The regions that fall in Warm Temperate Eastern Margin are important centres of economy. It is because these regions are productive in terms of agriculture. These regions are the most tilled regions of the world. They support the economies of the middle latitudes as they minimize the chances of drought and ensure adequate rainfall. Even the cold season is warm enough for conducting farming and other activities conveniently. 

Farming in Monsoon China 

China is the highest producer of rice, and as much as one-third of the world’s rice is cultivated here. The regions that fall in the Eastern Margin Climate along with China and southern Japan constitute one-third of the world’s population. 

Wet-paddy farming is practised in China that requires intensive labour. As a result, the high population of the region is an advantage. Apart from this, the warm climate, adequate rainfall, fertile alluvial soil, and vast lowlands are the perfect conditions for rice paddies. 

The development of agricultural technologies and awareness has resulted in farmers cultivating two or three times a year. This has also increased rice production. 

Sericulture (the production of raw silk with the help of silkworms) is also practiced in this region. However, the practice of producing silk is gradually declining. Though China produces tea and rice on a large scale, it does not export them. It is because they get consumed by its vast population. Farming in Monsoon China is carried out mostly during summer. 

Conclusion 

China’s climate is characterised by dry seasons and rainy monsoons, resulting in significant temperature changes between winter and summer. Northern winds from high latitude places are chilly and dry in winter; southern breezes from lower latitude sea areas are warm and wet in summer. China’s type of climate and its influence on temperature, agriculture, and livelihood are important for studying the impact of climate on population.