Chapter 11, Problem 11.1R

To determine

The reason for the suffering of China from soil erosion, floods, desertification, and deforestation than Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Answer to Problem 11.1R

Erosion of soil occurs as a result of ploughing during cultivation. Floods occur due to the deposition of sediments in the low lying plain. The low and unpredictable rate of precipitation causes desertification. The continued cultivation of crops on steep and easily eroded hillsides result in the soil erosion and thereby it prevents the growth of trees and leads to deforestation.

Explanation of Solution

China can be considered as a vast country with diverse environmental changes if the far western provinces are excluded. The area can be classified into two main areas, such as the drier zone that lies north of the Yangtze River (or Chang Jiang) Valley and the more humid region that includes the Yangtze and all areas to the south.

Most of the areas in East Asia is geologically active with frequent earthquakes. Those types of hazards are more common in Japan. However, due to lax standard of construction, usually, they are more destructive in china. China is suffering also from the most severe air and water pollution. The countries such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan experience a much clean natural environment because of their heavy investment in protecting the environment.

The North China plain experiences desertification due to the low and unpredictable precipitation rate. It results in sand and dust storms. When the amount of water withdrawal for irrigation and industrial use increases, it results in a severe seasonal water shortage.

The major portions in the highlands of China and North Korea are characterized only by grass, scrubby vegetation, and stunted trees. However, China lacks the historical tradition of conserving forest which is occurring in Japan. For hundreds of years, the most part of southern China is characterized by sweet potatoes, maize, and other crops that grown on steep and easily eroded hillsides. Many of this upland areas lost much of its soil after centuries of exploitation and due to this, they cannot easily support forests.

Considering the history of China, it can be seen that the most severe environmental problem that faced by China results from flood and soil erosion. The upstream erosion that occurs in the rivers of China transports huge sediment load. When the river arrives a low lying plain, the velocity decreases and the sediments are deposited. It results in the gradual rise of river level above the surrounding lands and it leads to the breaking of its river course to find a new path to the sea over low lying ground.