Download Climate Regions - Burnet Middle School

Chapter 25, Section 2
(Pages 694–698)
Climate Regions
Geographic factors influence where people settle. As you read, complete
the diagram below. Identify the air masses that affect the climates in
the region.
Three Air Masses
That Affect Climate
Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Effects on Climate
Identify three physical features that
shape the climates
in East Asia and
Southeast Asia.
1.
2.
3.
Chapter 25, Section 2
(page 695)
Three different air masses influence the climates of East Asia
and Southeast Asia. The first one brings cold, dry air from the
Arctic region. The second air mass brings cool, dry air eastward
across Asia from the west. The final one brings warm, moist air
from the Pacific Ocean.
The winds, along with landforms, shape the climates of the
region. In winter, for example, cold Arctic winds blow across
Siberia. The result is lower temperatures in Mongolia and northern China.
In southern and eastern regions, monsoons are common in
the summer. Warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean blows into
East Asia, bringing rain. In the winter, however, dry winds blow
outward from Asia to the ocean, carrying little rain. Closer to
the Equator, temperatures are warm and rain falls more evenly
throughout the year.
Ocean currents also impact the climate, particularly on the
region’s islands. A warm-water current warms southeastern Japan.
A cold current along Japan’s Pacific coast brings cold winters to
northern Japan.
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Effects on Climate
(continued)
Hurricane-like storms called typhoons form in the warm
waters of the Tropics. They can blow across the coast of East
Asia. Their high winds, heavy rains, and large waves cause
much damage when they blow ashore.
Climate Zones
What are the characteristics of a humid
continental climate?
Climate zones vary widely throughout the region. East Asia
has mainly middle latitude climates, like the United States.
Southeast Asia has mostly tropical climates.
Dry Continental Climates
In the northern and far western regions of East Asia, the
climate is dry. A steppe climate covers most of Mongolia and
northern China. Vast grasslands grow in this mostly dry climate.
Ranchers and herders use the grasses to feed their cattle, sheep,
goats, and camels. Sometimes a weather pattern of a dry summer
followed by a harsh winter occurs. Mongolians fear this pattern,
called a dzud. The dry summers limit the food available for the
herds, which are then too weak to survive a harsh winter.
Some areas in the region are extremely dry because surrounding mountains block moisture. In southern Mongolia and
northern China lies a vast desert region called the Gobi. The name
Gobi means “place without water” in the Mongolian language.
Even less rain falls in the Taklimakan, a desert in western China.
Wet Continental Climates
Northeastern China, North Korea, and northern Japan experience a humid continental climate, which has extreme temperatures during the year. Summers in these areas are warm, and
winters are cold.
The rest of East Asia and the northern part of Southeast
Asia have a humid subtropical climate. Summers here are
slightly warmer than in the humid continental zone, and the
winters are milder. This is a good climate for growing rice.
Tropical Climates
Most of Southeast Asia is located in the Tropics and stays
warm all year. In summer, the direct rays of the sun result in
high temperatures. In winter, warm air from the Equator blows
over the region.
Even near the Equator, however, sea breezes keep temperatures moderate along coastal areas. High altitudes also keep the
temperatures low in tropical areas. Mountains on the islands of
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Chapter 25, Section 2
Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
What factors can
keep temperatures
lower near the
Equator?
(pages 696–698)
Climate Zones
Why is deforestation
particularly harmful
in tropical areas?
(continued)
Borneo and New Guinea can be quite cold and are sometimes
covered with snow.
Countries with a tropical rain forest climate receive heavy
rainfall. These rains result in lush forests that may hold 100 different kinds of trees and thousands of flowering plants. Yet in
Malaysia, Thailand, and several other countries, rain forests are
rapidly being cut. Deforestation has led to landslides, when soil
is washed down the treeless hillsides, burying villages in mud
and killing villagers.
Highland Climates
The Himalaya and Kunlan Shan, the Plateau of Tibet, and some
mountainous areas in Indonesia experience a highland climate.
Temperatures are cool to extremely cold in these regions. Dry
continental air results in dry landscapes in the highland zones.
Wrap -Up
Answer these questions to check your understanding of the entire
section.
Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1. Explaining What is a dzud, and why do Mongolians fear it?
2. Determining Cause and Effect How has deforestation affected some
Southeast Asian countries?
Descri pt
ptive
Chapter 25, Section 2
In the space provided, write a paragraph describing some of the
climate changes you would find as you travel throughout East Asia
and Southeast Asia.
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