Question

Enumerate the factors which affect the climate of Asia.

Answer 1

Following factors affect the climate of Asia:

Large latitudinal Extent: The continent of Asia has a large latitudinal extent. It extends form 100S to 800N. It covers three heat zones as the Arctic Circle, Equator and the Tropic of cancer passes through it. Thus, while one country has a tundra type of climate, the country experiences equatorial type of climate.

Distance form the Sea: Major parts of Asia lie in the interiors far away from the moderating influence of the Sea. Thus, the extreme type of climate is experienced in these regions with low and uneven rainfall.

Winds: The Monsoon winds influence the climate of large parts of Asia by affecting the distribution of rainfall over many countries.

Mountain Ranges: The mountain ranges of Asia running in the east west direction obstruct the path of rain bearing winds coming from the south and bring rain to the areas which lie on the windward side of the mountains. Further, the Himalayas act as a barrier to the cold winds rising from Central Asia.

Ocean Currents: The ocean currents like the Oyashio current and the Kuroshio Current influence the climate of eastern coastal margins. While the cold Oyashio current makes west coast of Japan freezing cold. On the other hand, the warm Kuroshio Current washes the shores of eastern coast of Japan and makes winters still milder.