Chapter 21: The Warm Temperate Eastern Margin (China Type) Climate
This climate is found on the eastern margins of continents in the same latitudes as the Mediterranean (30°–45° N & S). Unlike the Mediterranean, which has dry summers, the China Type has rain all year round, with a maximum in summer.
1. Regional Variations
- China Type: Central & North China, Southern Japan (most typical).
- Gulf Type: South-Eastern USA (Florida, Georgia).
- Natal Type: SE Africa (Natal), SE Australia (New South Wales), and Southern Brazil/Paraguay.
2. Climate Characteristics
- Rainfall: Plentiful (75 cm to 150 cm) and well-distributed throughout the year.
- Summer: Moist trade winds or monsoons bring heavy rain.
- Winter: Conventional or cyclonic rain.
- Temperature: Warm, moist summers and cool, dry winters.
- Storms: This region is prone to violent tropical storms:
- Typhoons in the China Sea.
- Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Tornadoes in the Mississippi Basin (USA).
3. Natural Vegetation
The region supports a luxuriant growth of both Evergreen and Deciduous trees.
- Broad-leaved Forests: Oak, Camphor, and Magnolia.
- Conifers: Pine and Cypress (especially in sandy soils of the Gulf Type).
- Economic Value: This is one of the most productive timber regions in the world.
4. Economy: The Most Productive Climate
This climate is ideal for agriculture because of the long growing season and high rainfall.
- China: The “Rice Bowl” of the world. It also produces Tea, Silk (Mulberry trees), and Cotton.
- Gulf USA: World leader in Cotton (The Cotton Belt), Tobacco, and Corn.
- Natal/Brazil: Important for Sugar Cane, Coffee, and Maize.
10 Revision Questions with Mnemonics
Q1: How is the China Type different from the Mediterranean Type?
- A: Mediterranean has dry summers; China Type has wet summers.
- Mnemonic: “Medi is Moist in winter; China is Constantly moist.”
Q2: What is the “Natal Type”?
- A: The version of this climate found in the Southern Hemisphere (S. Africa, Australia, S. Brazil).
- Mnemonic: “Natal is in the Nether” (Southern) Hemisphere.
Q3: Which violent storms are common in the China Sea?
- A: Typhoons.
- Mnemonic: “Typhoons in Taiwan/China.”
Q4: What is the main food crop of the China Type climate?
- A: Rice.
- Mnemonic: “Rice is the Real deal in China.”
Q5: Where is the “Cotton Belt” located?
- A: The South-Eastern USA (Gulf Type region).
- Mnemonic: “Gulf is Good for Gingham” (Cotton).
Q6: What is “Sericulture”?
- A: The rearing of silkworms for silk production (famous in China).
- Mnemonic: “Sericulture = Silkworms & Soft silk.”
Q7: Which tree is a source of camphor?
- A: The Camphor Tree (found in China and Japan).
Q8: Why is the Gulf Type prone to “Tornadoes”?
- A: Intense heating and meeting of different air masses in the Mississippi basin.
- Mnemonic: “Tornadoes in the Tennessee valley.”
Q9: What is the main plantation crop of Brazil’s “Natal Type” region?
- A: Coffee.
- Mnemonic: “Brazil Brews Best coffee.”
Q10: Name a famous hardwood found in this region.
- A: Oak or Wattle (in Australia).
Quick Summary Table: Global Eastern Margins
| Region | Local Name | Primary Crop | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | China Type | Rice / Tea | “China = Constant Rice” |
| SE USA | Gulf Type | Cotton / Corn | “Gulf = Growing Cotton” |
| S. Africa | Natal Type | Cane Sugar | “Natal = Natural Sugar” |
