Post on 18-Dec-2014
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Western Pacific OceanLarge land mass of Asia to the north and West (narrow Sea of Japan)Largest body of deep ocean to the east and south
Climate
It is important to remember that the arc of the main islands that make up Japan stretches from 46o north as far south as 30o north (16o is the difference between Glasgow and Southern Italy). In reality when all of the smaller islands are included Japan stretches for 25o latitude.
This in itself will lead to a variety of climates within the country.
Japan belongs to the temperate zone with four distinct seasons, but its climate varies from cool temperate in the north to subtropical in the south.
The climate is also affected by the seasonal winds that blow from the continent to the ocean in winters and vice versa in summers.
Two primary factors influence Japan's climate: a location near the Asiancontinent and the existence of major ocean currents.
HIGH PRESSURE SYTEMS form over Asian land mass
Oceans in tropics relatively warm – LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEMS
Seasonal winds in Winter months bring
cool air from the NORTH WEST
Winds pick up moisture as they pass over the still relatively warm SEA OF JAPAN
ASIAN LAND MASS warms in summer months – LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS
Oceans in tropics now relatively cool – HIGH PRESSURE
SYSTEMS
Seasonal winds in Summer months bring
warm moist air from the South and East
Climate of Niigata
Climate of Tokyo
Peak rainfall in winter months in Niigata
Peak rainfall in summer months in Tokyo
In summer months prevailing winds from the
south and east lead to greater amounts of relief
rainfall in Tokyo
In winter months prevailing winds from the northwest lead to greater amounts of relief rainfall
in Niigata
Remember the winds may be cool and dry as they leave the Asian land mass but the quickly pick up moisture from
the warm Sea of Japan