Geography of Taiwan

Taiwan Pinyin or T'ai-wan in the western Pacific Ocean, about 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of southeast China, is the island of Taiwan, also known as Portuguese Formosa. Its maximum width is 90 miles (145 km), and its length from north to south is roughly 245 miles (395 km). The Republic of China's government is located in Taipei, in the north. It is a part of a group of islands that stretch from Japan south through the Philippines to Indonesia off the coast of East and Southeast Asia.

The East China Sea and the Ryukyu Islands, which are Japan's southernmost islands, border Taiwan to the north and northeast, respectively. The vast Pacific Ocean can be found to the east, and the Bashi Channel, which divides Taiwan from the Philippines, can be found to the south. The Taiwan (Formosa) Strait, which separates Taiwan from the Chinese mainland, is located to the west.

Physical Features

The main island, which is 35,808 square kilometers (13,826 square miles) in size, is located about 180 kilometers (112 miles) from the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s southeast coast across the Taiwan Strait. The island is bordered to the north by the East China Sea, to the east by the Philippine Sea, to the south by the Luzon Strait, and to the southwest by the South China Sea. The Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait, the Kinmen and Matsu Islands in Fuchien close to the PRC's shore, and a few South China Sea Islands are among the smaller islands that the ROC also governs.

Geologically, the main island is made up of a tilted fault block, which is distinguished by the contrast between the western third, which is mostly made up of flat to gently rolling plains, and the eastern two-third, which is mostly made up of five rugged mountain ranges running parallel to the east coast. Numerous peaks are higher than 3,500 meters; the tallest being Yu Shan, which rises to 3,952 meters (12,966 feet), making Taiwan the fourth-highest island in the world.

The tectonic barrier that created these ranges is still active, and as a result, the island frequently experiences earthquakes, some of which are extremely damaging. In the Taiwan Straits, there are a lot of active undersea volcanoes as well.

Climate

With the exception of the island's extreme south, Taiwan has a subtropical climate. The summer season lasts from April or May to September or October, and it is hot and long. Although snow does occasionally fall at lower elevations in the north and in the mountains, the winters are brief and pleasant. The island's average annual high temperature is 70 °F (21 °C); elevation has a significant impact on wintertime temperatures but has little impact on summertime temperatures.

Temperatures on the island are moderated by the mild Kuroshio (Japan Current), which flows northward and to the east of Taiwan. The annual amount of precipitation in Taiwan is roughly 102 inches (2,590 mm), which falls over the course of the entire year. Rainfall is generally heavier in the mountains and on the east side of the island. However, the seasonal monsoon (wet-dry) wind patterns determine where it is distributed. While the southern portion of the island experiences dry weather during the winter (October through March), the north of the island experiences a rainy season.

In the summer, the situation is reversed. The climate patterns in the nearby islands to Taiwan are comparable, with the exception that elevation has no bearing on them. The offshore islands' climate is comparable to that of coastal southeast China.

Flora And Fauna

Due to abundant rainfall and warm weather for the majority of the year, Taiwan's terrain is almost entirely covered by vegetation. Once almost entirely covered in trees, the island is today only little more than half covered in them. Taiwan has a wide diversity of trees, although hardwoods make up over three-fourths of the forests. Less than one-fifth of all trees are conifers, which are the most advantageous for construction.

On the smaller islands that Taipei rules, there are typically fewer trees since strong winds there prevent the formation of forests. Particularly so in the case of the P'eng-hu Islands (Pescadores). Due to various soil types, elevations, and other variables, Taiwan also has a wide range of diverse plant life.

Taiwan is home to 45 different mammal species, with the majority of the others being close relatives of those found on the mainland. The Formosan black bear is the largest mammal. In less populated areas of the island, you can still find foxes, flying foxes, deer, and wild boars. Bird sightings on Taiwan have totalled about 550 species and subspecies, of which 85 are native species.

There are many different types of snakes, many of which are poisonous, among the numerous reptile species. There are fewer types of plant and animal life on the smaller Taiwanese islands.

Drainage

The Tan-shui (Danshui, or Tamsui) River, which flows northward from the mountains and passes close to Taipei before emptying into the Taiwan Strait, is an exception to the rule that most rivers in Taiwan are short, small, and incapable of being navigated. The majority of Taiwan's rivers begin on the Chung-yang Range's slopes, and the rivers that flow east are steeper and have faster currents than the rivers that travel west.

After leaving the mountains, west-flowing streams have a tendency for their riverbeds to be wide and shallow; this, combined with the fact that those rivers transport a lot of sediment, makes managing water resources challenging. The Kao-p'ing (Gaoping) River in the south has the greatest drainage basin, and the Cho-shui (Zhuoshui) River in central Taiwan is the longest river on the island at 116 miles (186 km). Many of Taiwan's rivers are connected by irrigation and drainage channels.

Soils

Taiwan's soils have a wide range of fertility. The island's rich soils are a result of its volcanic origin. However, prolonged irrigation and frequent rains have largely stripped those soils of their nutrients. The soils in arable land are largely acid alluvials and latosols in the northern part of the island, and neutral to weakly alkaline and planosol-like alluvial soils in the southern part of the island. Fertilizers are required to yield good harvests in Taiwan's phosphorus and potash-deficient soil, particularly where land is double-cropped.

Conclusion

Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean. The island of Taiwan, which has a varied geography, takes up the majority of the ROC's land area. The eastern part of the island is rugged, with peaks rising higher than 3,500 meters, including the striking Yu Shan at 3,952 meters. The Kuroshio current has an impact on the subtropical climate, which has distinct seasons and heavy rainfall.

Although the amount of forest has reduced over time, Taiwan's plentiful vegetation is made up of several varieties of different plants. Numerous mammals, bird, and reptile species live on the island, including rare endemic varieties like the Formosan black bear. Rivers have an impact on agriculture and water management as they flow east and west from the central mountain range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Taiwan located?

Taiwan is situated in the western Pacific Ocean.

What is the official name of Taiwan?

Taiwan is officially known as the Republic of China (ROC).

How is Taiwan's climate characterized?

Taiwan has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and influences from the Kuroshio current.

What is the highest peak in Taiwan?

Yu Shan is the tallest peak in Taiwan, rising to 3,952 meters, making Taiwan the fourth-highest island globally.

What are some unique wildlife species in Taiwan?

Taiwan is home to diverse wildlife, including the Formosan black bear, various mammal species, native birds, and multiple reptile species.

How do rivers influence Taiwan's geography?

Rivers originate from the central mountains and flow in both east and west directions, impacting agriculture and water management.