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Eastern Hemisphere

An Introduction

By EUROPE CAREERS || Last updated date: 25th Mar 2023

The Eastern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies east of the Prime Meridian, which is a line of longitude that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. This hemisphere includes most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, as well as parts of the Arctic and Indian oceans. It is often contrasted with the Western Hemisphere, which includes North and South America, and is divided by the International Date Line, which is located in the Pacific Ocean.

Features

The Eastern Hemisphere is home to diverse landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems. Here are some of its notable features:

  1. The world’s largest continent: Asia covers more than 30% of the Earth’s land area and is home to more than 60% of the world’s population.

  2. The highest mountain range: The Himalayas, located in Asia, are home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

  3. The largest desert: The Sahara, located in Africa, is the world’s largest hot desert and covers an area of about 9 million square kilometers.

  4. The longest river: The Nile, also located in Africa, is the world’s longest river, stretching over 6,600 kilometers.

  5. The largest country: Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, covering more than 17 million square kilometers.

  6. The oldest civilizations: The Eastern Hemisphere is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley civilization.

  7. The most diverse ecosystems: The Eastern Hemisphere is home to a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, tundra, and taiga forests.

  8. The busiest waterway: The Mediterranean Sea, which is located between Europe, Africa, and Asia, is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and has been an important center of trade and commerce for thousands of years.

  9. The largest archipelago: Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising more than 17,000 islands.

  10. The most spoken languages: The Eastern Hemisphere is home to the most widely spoken languages in the world, including Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, and Russian.

Climate

The Eastern Hemisphere has a wide range of climates due to its vast size and varied geography. Here are some of the main climate types found in the Eastern Hemisphere:

  1. Tropical climates: Tropical climates are found in many parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, and northern Australia. These regions are characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall.

  2. Subtropical climates: Subtropical climates are found in regions bordering the tropics, such as the Mediterranean, southern Africa, and parts of Asia. These regions are characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with moderate rainfall.

  3. Temperate climates: Temperate climates are found in much of Europe and parts of Asia, including Japan and the Korean peninsula. These regions have moderate temperatures and distinct seasons, with moderate rainfall.

  4. Continental climates: Continental climates are found in much of central and eastern Asia, including Siberia and Mongolia. These regions have hot summers and extremely cold winters, with low precipitation.

  5. Arctic climates: Arctic climates are found in northernmost parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, including northern Siberia and the Arctic Ocean. These regions are characterized by extremely cold temperatures and little precipitation.

  6. Desert and semi-arid climates: Desert and semi-arid climates are found in many parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, and central Australia. These regions are characterized by hot temperatures and very low precipitation.

Overall, the Eastern Hemisphere has a diverse range of climates, influenced by factors such as latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and prevailing winds.

Seasons

The seasons in the Eastern Hemisphere are similar to those in the Western Hemisphere, with some variations due to the region’s geography and climate. Here’s a brief overview:

  1. Spring: Spring in the Eastern Hemisphere starts in March and lasts until May. During this time, temperatures begin to warm up, and trees and flowers start to bloom. This season is especially beautiful in areas with cherry blossoms, such as Japan and Korea.

  2. Summer: Summer in the Eastern Hemisphere starts in June and lasts until August. This is the hottest time of year in many parts of the region, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Beaches and resorts are popular destinations during this season, especially in Southeast Asia and Australia.

  3. Autumn: Autumn in the Eastern Hemisphere starts in September and lasts until November. This is the time of year when leaves change color, and temperatures start to cool down. Harvest festivals are common in many parts of the region, including China, Korea, and Japan.

  4. Winter: Winter in the Eastern Hemisphere starts in December and lasts until February. This is the coldest time of year in many parts of the region, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Skiing and winter sports are popular activities during this season, especially in the mountains of Japan, South Korea, and Europe.

Overall, the Eastern Hemisphere experiences a wide range of seasons, influenced by its geography, climate, and location in relation to the equator.