108新課綱｜國八地理｜東北亞的氣候

Summary

In this engaging story, Fox Cat and the Frog siblings explore the climate of East Asia as they wander through a shopping street. Through a fun and interactive conversation, they discuss the impact of latitude and seasonal winds on climate, using examples from Taiwan, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. They learn about monsoon climates, the influence of the surrounding seas, and the differences in temperatures between regions. The dialogue offers both educational insights and playful moments, ending with the trio indulging in delicious East Asian cuisine, tying the lesson to real-world experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Taiwan's Christmas doesn't have snow because of its lower latitude and warmer temperatures, which make it difficult to see snow at ground level.
• 😀 The climate in East Asia, especially Japan and the Korean Peninsula, is primarily influenced by the monsoon, with winds changing direction between summer and winter.
• 😀 Temperatures in East Asia are significantly affected by latitude, with northern regions being colder than the south.
• 😀 The East Asian monsoon brings different weather patterns in summer (southeast winds from the ocean) and winter (northwest winds from the continent).
• 😀 Japan and the Korean Peninsula experience temperate monsoon climates, characterized by distinct seasons and cold winters with snowfall.
• 😀 Snowfall in East Asia can be beautiful, but it also brings challenges such as natural disasters and inconveniences for local people.
• 😀 Even though Japan and Korea share similar latitudes, their climates differ due to the surrounding seas and other factors such as the Kuroshio Current (Black Current).
• 😀 Coastal regions like Japan experience milder winters and more humidity compared to inland regions like the Korean Peninsula, even at the same latitude.
• 😀 In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom first in the southern regions and gradually move northward, influenced by the varying latitude.
• 😀 The ocean's impact on climate is significant; regions closer to the ocean have milder temperatures and more rainfall due to the monsoon, while inland areas experience greater temperature fluctuations and less rainfall.
• 😀 Even though the latitudes of New York and Tokyo are similar, Tokyo is warmer due to the influence of the surrounding seas and ocean currents, such as the Kuroshio.

Q & A

Why is it hard to see snow in Taiwan during Christmas?

It's because Taiwan is located at a lower latitude and has a relatively higher average temperature, making it difficult to see snow on the plains. Snow is more commonly found in higher altitude areas like mountains.

How does latitude affect temperature?

Latitude plays a significant role in determining the average temperature of a region. As latitude increases, regions tend to experience cooler temperatures due to the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth.

What type of climate does Japan and the Korean Peninsula have?

Japan and the Korean Peninsula have a temperate monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasonal winds: the southeast monsoon in summer and the northwest monsoon in winter.

What is a monsoon, and how is it formed?

A monsoon is a seasonal wind that reverses direction between summer and winter. It is formed due to the difference in temperature between the land and the surrounding seas, with winds blowing from the ocean to land in summer and from land to the ocean in winter.

Why can Japan experience snowy winters, unlike Taiwan?

Japan experiences snowy winters because of its higher latitude, where temperatures drop below freezing. Additionally, the cold air from Siberia picks up moisture from the sea, bringing heavy snow to the region.

What is the typical climate of regions with a temperate monsoon climate?

Regions with a temperate monsoon climate have clear seasons with cold winters and hot, humid summers. In winter, temperatures can fall below freezing, and snowfall is common in higher latitudes.

Why does Japan's climate differ from the Korean Peninsula despite their similar latitudes?

Japan is surrounded by seas, which moderate its climate. The oceanic influence helps keep Japan warmer and more humid compared to the Korean Peninsula, which is farther from the ocean and experiences more extreme temperature variations.

How does the ocean affect a region's climate?

The ocean affects climate by regulating temperatures. Coastal areas tend to have milder winters and cooler summers because the ocean absorbs and releases heat slowly, compared to landmasses that heat up and cool down quickly.

What are the main characteristics of the temperate monsoon climate?

The temperate monsoon climate is characterized by distinct seasonal changes, with summer winds coming from the sea (southeast monsoon) and winter winds coming from the land (northwest monsoon). These regions also experience four distinct seasons and temperatures below freezing in winter.

Why does snowfall in Japan sometimes lead to disasters?

Heavy snowfalls can cause significant disruptions in daily life in Japan, such as transportation issues, property damage, and safety concerns. The accumulation of snow can also strain infrastructure and lead to accidents.