China

Monsoon winds, caused by differences in the heat-absorbing capacity of the continent and the ocean, dominate the climate. Alternating seasonal air-mass movements and accompanying winds are moist in summer and dry in winter. Tremendous differences in latitude, longitude, and altitude give rise to sharp variations in precipitation and temperature within China. China's northernmost point lies in the cold-temperate zone; its southernmost point has a tropical climate. Precipitation varies regionally even more than temperature. China south of the Qin Ling experiences abundant rainfall, most of it coming with the summer monsoons. To the north and west of the range, however, rainfall is uncertain. The northwest has the lowest annual rainfall in the country and no precipitation at all in its desert areas.