Phys.org: Earth science

The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) plays a crucial role in shaping the regional climate and ecosystem. It is a key driver of seasonal precipitation patterns that sustain agricultural productivity and water resources in East Asia. Additionally, the EASM facilitates heat and moisture transport, modulating the regional energy balance and influencing large-scale atmospheric circulation.

Chinese scientists have discovered that fragile swamp forests in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region suddenly collapsed approximately 2,100 years ago (2.1 ka)—with human activity as the cause.