Hokkaido's climate is characterized by cool summers and icy winters. Precipitation is highest in late summer and early fall (August, September), with January as its coldest month and August as the warmest.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hokkaido natural vegetation
The natural vegetation of Hokkaido consists of montane conifers such as fir and spruce at higher elevations, and norther hardwoods such as oak, maple, and elm at lower altitudes. Because Hokkaido produces much of Japans wheat, potatoes, corn, rice, and dairy products, most of the flat land is used as pastures for animals such as cows, or as fields for agriculture. Species present in Hokkaido include red crested white cranes, white foxes, brown bears, and flying squirrels.
Hokkaido natural hazard
September 25, 2003 Earthquake
On september 25, 2003, Hokkaido experienced a 8.3 magnitude earthquake. Earthquakes as well as volcanoes are very common in Japan because of its location on the fault line of the pacific ring of fire
Hokkaido maps
Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second largest island. It has a mountainous terrain and is home to 18 active volcanoes. Coastal Planes also cover much of the land.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
España
Natural Disasters:
Earthquakes are common natural disasters in Spain. One of the more recent ones took place on April, 2010. The epicenter of the quake was located near Granada, Spain and the earthquake was recorded as a 6.2 magnitude.
Spain has also been prone to wildfires. They commonly occur in the Andalusia forests. One of the main factors of forest fires in Spain are the Eucalyptus tree.
Vegetation:
Spain's vegetation is most abundant in the spring and summer seasons.
The macquis shrub is plentiful in areas lacking agriclture or forest. They include plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary. The forests of the mountains in Spain include conifer or evergreen, of the evergreens, the scotch pine is common. The cork oak is a common evergreen oak located in Spain. The lower elevations of the mountains include many deciduous tree species.
The Doñana National Park is one of Spain's most popular national parks. The park is located in Southwestern Spain in Andalusia, Spain's largest and most popular region. The park consists of marshes, sand dunes, and shallow streams. The national park rock make-up consists of clay, limestone, and sand. Also called Coto de Doñana, it is home to the Spanish Lynx, rabbit species, and many species of birds such as the Purple Heron. Some plant species that can be found in the park are oleander, wallflower of the sea, heather, and lavender.
The Doñana National Park
Quercus Pyrenaica is a deciduous species found along the Mediterranean on the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain is located. A common animal found in the area of the Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula is the Iberian Lynx. Spain is a Chaparral, or Mediterranean forest, therefore it is apart of the temperate biome.
Climate:
The climate of Spain is split in to two parts. Separate by the Cantabrian Mountains, rainy Spain is located to the north and dry Spain to the south. Rainy Spain is more of a temperate climate with cooler summers and mild winters. Dry Spain consists of hot summers and cold winters. Mediterranean Spain has humid winters and dry summers. The weather in Spain varies depending on the time of the year. It is warmest in the summer season and coolest in the winter season. Most of the rainy season takes place in the winter.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kamchatka
The Kamchatka Peninsula, located in the Russian Far East, is a place of scenic beauty and biological diversity. Kamchatka, most notably known for its impressive volcanoes and thriving brown bear populations, is one of the few last true frontiers. First visited by outsiders in 1697, the wilderness of Kamchatka still remains largely unseen by humans. Kamchatka is famous for its impressive and unique geographic features. Rugged and mountainous, active volcanoes (Avachinsky, Krasheninnikov, Kronotsky, and Uzon) poke the sky, dominating the landscape. Few people call Kamchatka home due to its remote location, delicate ecosystem, and harsh climate. Therefore, Kamchakta remains largely undeveloped. In addition to its impressive chain of volcanoes, Kamchatka is home to the only geyser field in mainland Eurasia,The Valley of Geysers. This extraordinary ecosystem is vital in supporting the prolific brown bear population. Brown bears use the geysers as a fertile feeding ground in the spring months after harsh winters.
Naturally, Kamchatka's natural hazards are mainly its volcanoes. Many of the volcanoes on the peninsula are still active. Outgassing volcanoes pose a threat to life on the peninsula due to ash fallouts that accompany the outgassing.
The fauna of Kamchatka is just as impressive, if not more, as the region's distinctive landforms. Brown bears, Steller's sea eagles, wolf, European river otter, arctic fox, lynx, and wolverine all call Kamchatka home. In addition to hosting many impressive land species, Kamchatka is arguably the world's last stronghold for the wild Pacific salmon. Kamchatka holds the birthing grounds for a quarter of the entire population of wild Pacific salmon.
On land, Kamchatka boasts a diverse variety of vegetation. The forests of Kamchatka are dominated by mostly coniferous trees, including stone birch, larch, and spruce. Higher elevations are home to tundra vegetation, including mosses and lichens. Kamchatka's climate is very diverse, much like its wildlife. Kamchatka hosts three main climate zones: a moderate maritime zone on either side of the peninsula, a continental zone in the central valley of the peninsula, and an arctic zone in the northerly parts of the peninsula. Click here for monthly temperature averages. Weather patterns in Kamchatka frequently change on a daily basis without warning, making for potentially harsh conditions. Annual precipitation differs from about 400mm in the North and 1200mm in the South.
In the article regarding ablation at Koryto Glacier, climatic features such as air temperature, global radiation, and wind direction are closely looked at. The research gathered in the article shows an in depth view of the climate of one of Kamchatka's maritime, coastal climates.
Italy!
Italy
Natural Disasters:
Earthquakes are the most common natural disatsers in Italy. On April 6, 2009 in L'Aquila, middle of Italy, a 5.8 on the Richter scale killed 308 people.
Floods and mudslides have also occurred in Italy throughout the years. In Messina, southern island of Italy, a mudslide occurred October 1st-2nd in 2009 killing 31 people.
Vegetation:
The topography of Italy makes it a great place for fruits and vegetables. Italy is know for its fantastic grapes used for making its famous wines. Date, fig, almond, and pomegranate trees also roam the countryside. Lower elevations are composed of chestnut, oak, and cypress trees while the high elevation consist of more pine and fir trees. Since Italy hase been inhabited for centuries, few animals from the countryside.
Climate:
The climate of Italy is known as Mediterranean. Most inland regions are described as humid continental or temperate climate; having harsh winters and hot summers. The coasts tend to have more mild winters and warm and dry summers.
Italy is famous for its exquisit artwork and fascinating views. Italy holds some of the most prestigious artwork created by the most well-known artists. Rome, the capital of Italy, is home to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, and many more. Also located within Rome is Vatican City and St.Peters Cathedral.
If your looking for great views, Capri and Naples have some of the most outstanding sites to see. Castel Nuovo in Naples was used to house the royal family at the time. Also as a fortress during several wars.
The island of Capri is of the coast of Naples. It is a fabulous place for tourists to see a different side of Italy not many people get to witness. The most famous tourist attraction on the island is The Blue Grotto. You take a small paddle boat and row into a small cave. The inside opens up and the sunlight reflects off the water creating a magical blue color.
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