Distribution
This climate type hugs the eastern edges of continents in the mid-latitudes, roughly between 35° and 45° north.
You’ll find it in:
- Northeast China (Manchuria)
- Korean Peninsula
- Southern Japan
- The Maritime Provinces of Canada
- New England region of the US
- Parts of Russia near the Pacific coast
These areas lie in the path of wet onshore winds, which shape their weather throughout the year.
Climate
This region experiences a true four-season climate.
- Summers are warm, humid, and wet, thanks to moist winds blowing in from nearby oceans.
- Winters are cold, with some areas getting snowfall.
- Rainfall is evenly spread, but summer sees more rains due to thunderstorms or passing cyclones.
- The overall climate is like a milder version of the monsoon, without the heavy extremes.
The sea’s influence moderates the temperature, but as you move inland, the winters can get sharper and colder.
Natural Vegetation
The natural cover here is mainly deciduous forests.
- Trees like oak, maple, birch, and beech dominate.
- These trees shed their leaves in winter to conserve water and energy.
- In colder or wetter regions, conifers like pine and fir start to mix in, forming mixed forests.
- In drier or more inland areas, you’ll also see grassy patches and shrubs.
These forests support a rich variety of wildlife and have been an important resource for timber and fuelwood.
Economic Development
This climate supports dense populations and high economic activity.
Why?
- The land is fertile and rainfall is reliable – great for farming (especially wheat, soybeans, and maize).
- Mixed farming (crop cultivation + livestock) is common.
- The forests offer lumber and pulpwood, which feed paper and construction industries.
- Industries and cities have flourished, especially around coastal ports.
Places like New England, Korea, and Japan are global examples of industrial growth in this climatic zone.
Fishing off Newfoundland, the Maritime Provinces, and New England
This entire North Atlantic coastline is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world, especially around the Grand Banks off Newfoundland.
Why?
- Cold Labrador Current meets the warm Gulf Stream, stirring up nutrients and making the waters ideal for plankton—food for fish.
- This encourages large populations of cod, haddock, and herring.
- Coastal settlements in Nova Scotia, Maine, and Massachusetts historically grew around this fishing economy.
- Overfishing has led to some decline, but the region still remains significant in global fish production.
Fishing off Japan
Japan has turned fishing into a science.
- Its location along the meeting point of the cold Oyashio Current and the warm Kuroshio Current makes the surrounding waters highly productive.
- Species like sardines, tuna, salmon, and mackerel are found in abundance.
- Japan has a deep fishing culture and a massive fishing fleet—from small boats to ocean-going vessels.
- Fishing supports millions and contributes significantly to Japan’s economy and diet.
Even though Japan is short on other natural resources, its marine resources are world-class.
