Interconnectedness of the Spheres: A Study of Japan and Mongolia's Geological Features, Climate, and Biodiversity

This article explores the relationship between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere in Japan and Mongolia. It discusses the geological features, climate, and biodiversity of both countries and the challenges they face. Measures to improve the environment are also highlighted.

Physical Geography 1
Name
Professor
Physical Geography
12 Apr 2018
INTRODUCTION
Japan and Mongolia are both endowed with various geological features. Specifically, both
countries have mountains which are of different significance to each. There is a relationship between the
atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Noteworthy both countries has geological features.
In addition, both countries face climatic challenges and threat from human activity. However, there are
measures in place to restore balance.
LITHOSPHERE
JAPAN
Notably, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with an elevated 12388 feet off the
ground .Mount Fuji is situated on the Honshu Island in Japan. Additional, Japan’s northern and Southern
Alps are among the highest mountain range in the country. These mountainous forms have created
revenue for the Japanese government due to their size, tourism thrives(Worldatlas,2018).In Japan,
mountains have a religious and cultural significance .Further, the mountain range are home to alpine
vegetation which is unique as they develop along the mountain slopes. Uniquely, some Japanese
population have extended their settlement near the mountain slopes (World atlas, 2018).In addition, Japan
is endowed with the Ocean dome which is the largest indoor beach in the world. The Ocean dome
occupies 1200miles and it is situated at the Kyushu Island. As shown in “seas and

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oceans”photograph.Approximately, the beach is 300 m long and 100m wide. The fact that it is an indoor
beach and large make it a magnet for tourists.
MONGOLIA
Mongolia’s Gobi desert is the largest in Asia thus making it a tourist attraction as showed in the
“gobi” photograph. The desert is spread across China and Mongolia. The Gobi desert stretches 16000km
in length and approximately 1000 km in width (Platanovich & Allito).The Gobi desert is endowed with
dinosaur fossil thus making it a tourist attraction site to the rest of the world and a source of revenue for
the Mongolian government. For the Mongolian population, mountains are of a spiritual significance. The
Tavan Bogd is the highest mountain in Mongolia, shared by Russia and China. It is located 4374 m above
sea levels. The mountain is significant due to the adventure of climbing the mountain. At the Khuiten
peak, the Tayan Boyd is at its highest.
ATMOSPHERE
Noteworthy, Japan has four seasons ;winter,spring,summer and Autumn.Specifically,summer is
experienced within the months of June-August, Autumn from September to November, Spring extends
from march to May and Winter covers December to February. Temperature in Tokyo during the winter is
around 4.5 degrees celcious with a precipitation figure of 52 p(mm).During Spring, Tokyo temperature
ranges 14.6 degrees Celsius with a precipitation rate of 125p(mm)(J.N.T.O). Recently, Japan‘s climate
has been experiencing some changes owing to the global warming and other reasons. Rainfall and rising
temperature has been the common trend in Japan. This climatic changes are likely to affect Japan
negatively in various areas. Some areas are likely to experience drought while others natural disaster
owing to too much downpour (‘Climate change…).Japan’s response to climate changes has been mainly
due to the implementation of environmental sustainable practices.
MONGOLIA

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Primarily, the climate in Mongolia is characterized by summers and winters. Approximately,
Mongolia enjoys 250 days of sun yearly thus making it a very sunny. The temperature is considered
diurnal all year round. For Mongolia, the summer season is warm and dry whereas its winters are
extremely cold.Noteworhy, Mongolian climate is considered the most continental in the world.
Averagely, the temperature in Mongolia between the months of November and March is -0 degrees
Celcious.During winter season, the average temperature is -40 degrees Celcious. At summer, the average
temperature is often above 40 degrees celcious (Weather Online).Owing to the global warming and other
climatic changes, Mongolia has also felt the effects of climate change. ).Specifically, desertification, low
water volumes for most water bodies, increased number of pests and rodents and reduced biomass volume
are some of the consequences of climate change in Mongolia(Ministry of environment).
HYDROSPHERE
Notably, Japan is boarded by the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Japan has its own share of large
water bodies such as the Yoshinogawa,Ara-Kwa among others. In addition, Japan boarders the Sea of
Japan. The Sea of Japan is 1752 m deep and covers 978000 square meters (‘Sea of Japan”).Noteworthy,
the Khovsgol Nuur is the largest fresh water source for Mongolia (World Atlas).The lake covers 136km
in the North west region of the country.Further,the lake boarders the Russian border. However, the
Khosvgul Nuur is considered the second biggest lake in Mongolia. The lake stands at 1645metres above
sea level. Also, the lake freezes during the winter thus raising challenges for the Mongolian people. The
second largest water body in Mongolia is the Hovd River.
BIOSPHERE
JAPAN
Noteworthy, Japan has a wide diversity of biodiversity. Among the commonest animal
species in Japan are the Tanuki (dog), wild boar, bears. Native animal species in Japan include
the Ussuri bear, Sika deer, Serow, flying squirrel and the Leopard cat among others(‘3D

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Geography’).Other native In addition, Japan has a list of exotic animals and plant species. For
the plant species, various herbs and shrubs have been introduced into Japan from Asia and other
countries. For instance, the Abelmoschus Moschatus native home is India and China. Also, there
are endangered plant species in Japan. Specifically, the Ogasawarana Metamorpha(shellfish),the
Fabriciana Nerippe (Insect).Hynobius abei (salamander),the Opisthotropris Kikuzatoi (stream or
brook snake) and the Japanese river otter are considered among the endangered species in the
country(Ministry of Environment).
MONGOLIA
Mongolia also has its own share of exotic and native species in the plant species. Among
the native plant species is the Acer ginnala which is a tree species, Agrilus Planipennis which is
an insect and the Alectoris chukar which is a bird species (‘Global invasive species database’).
Equally, Mongolia has its share of endangered animal and plant species. Primarily, the Argali
sheep, snow leopards, the Gobi bear and the wild ass are among the most endangered species in
this part of the country.
INTERACTION BETWEEN THE SPHERES
Undoubtedly, there is an interconnectedness among the spheres. Both the Hydrosphere and the
atmosphere has a connection as to how the rain falls. Water bodies play a part in the climatic changes on
the earth. The global water cycle is an example of the relationship hydrosphere and atmosphere
connection “interaction between atmosphere” image shown below.Specifically, owing to the vaporization
of water from water bodies and reaches the cold trap in the atmosphere which later turns into water falling
down as rainfall. In addition, the climatic changes could be as a result of the Hydrosphere and
Atmosphere relationship (Khain, 470-473).Particularly, high temperature in the atmospheres lead to

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warming of the water, endangers marine life such as corals and jellyfish thus the assertion that there is
interconnection between hydrosphere and the atmosphere.
Human being consumption of hydrological features has various consequences on this resources.
On the water quantity, quality and ecology, human actions have consequences such as overfishing,
pollution, over irrigation. Some of this action have led to rivers drying up and marine life being
endangered. Human actions such as fishing, irrigation and transport vessels (pollution), dangerous fishing
habits through the use of chemicals has endangered ecological stability and marine life (Booth and
Derek).Overfishing might lead to extinction of certain fish species whereas pollution might cause death of
marine life or bleaching of coral reefs which is injurious to marine life. To curb the danger of these
human countries, countries have implemented anti-pollution legislative frameworks to guide the use of
these hydrological resources. In addition, some countries have declared part of their water bodies a no
fishing zone to preserve the fish species from extinction among other measures (Holroyd)
Environmental concerns for japan and Mongolia and Efforts to improve
Collectively, both Japan and Mongolia face challenges of animal and plant species extinction.
This species endangerment might be attributed to climate change. Climate change is an international
environmental issues and not just affecting Japan and Mongolia thus the need for their participation in
mitigating the effects of climate change. The challenges facing Japan and Mongolia are challenges faced
by many other countries in the world hence there is no reason why these challenges are Unique to Japan
and Mongolia.
Conclusion
The atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere roles are interconnected. For Japan and
Mongolia both face similar challenges when it comes to environmental factors. Geological features of
both countries have economic significance .However, there are religious, settlement and cultural
significance to these geological features. All in all, Japan and Mongolia share some similarities.

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