How do the climates in Tibet and Mongolia affect the types of crops grown there compared to southeastern China and eastern India?
To understand how the climates in Tibet and Mongolia affect the types of crops grown there compared to southeastern China and eastern India, we need to consider the unique climatic characteristics of each region. Here's an explanation of how these climates contribute to different crop choices:
1. Tibet:
Tibet has a high-altitude, cold, and dry climate due to its location on the Tibetan Plateau. The extreme altitude leads to lower temperatures and limited precipitation. These climatic conditions make it challenging to cultivate crops that require warmer temperatures and more moisture, such as rice or tropical fruits. Instead, the main crops grown in Tibet are barley, wheat, buckwheat, and different varieties of cold-tolerant vegetables like root crops.
2. Mongolia:
Like Tibet, Mongolia experiences a harsh and continental climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The limited precipitation and large temperature fluctuations make it difficult to grow certain crops. Agriculture in Mongolia is primarily focused on livestock herding, with grazing animals like sheep, goats, and yaks being the mainstay of the economy. Crop cultivation is less prevalent, but certain regions do grow crops like wheat, barley, potatoes, and vegetables in more temperate and fertile parts.
3. Southeastern China:
Southeastern China has a subtropical climate with ample rainfall and relatively mild winters. The warm and humid climate allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including rice, tea, citrus fruits, tropical fruits (mango, banana, etc.), and various vegetables. The region's relatively high temperatures and abundant rainfall make it ideal for these agricultural activities.
4. Eastern India:
Eastern India experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by hot, humid summers with heavy rainfall and mild winters. This climate supports the growth of diverse crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, millets, pulses, oilseeds, spices, and tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas. The region's well-distributed rainfall and warm temperatures contribute to the fertility of the soil, making it suitable for a wide range of agricultural activities.
In summary, the distinct climates of Tibet and Mongolia, characterized by cold temperatures, limited precipitation, and high altitude, restrict the range of crops that can be grown there compared to the warmer and more fertile climates of southeastern China and eastern India.