Possible Impact of Large-Scale Vegetation Restoration on the Climate in East Asia

The potential distribution of natural vegetation in East Asia and the possible impact of large-scale vegetation restoration from the cropland on climate change are explored using the dynamic vegetation model CLM4-CNDV, regional climate model RegCM4.6-CLM3.5, and global climate model CAM4. Part of the cropland in the northern Mongolia Plateau, Northeast and North China plains, and Sichuan basin could be occupied by bare soil. Part of the cropland in southeastern East Asia and the northern part of the Mongolia Plateau could be covered by woodlands. The cropland in the Sichuan Basin and the Shandong Peninsula could transit to shrubs; that in northeastern China, the Southeast coast, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River could transit to grassland. The restoration of natural vegetation could make a significant impact on regional climate change. Specifically, the enhancement of evapotranspiration caused by the increase of the vegetation leaf area index in most parts of East Asia could induce a significant increase in precipitation and a decrease in summer. A significant decrease in precipitation and increase in temperature in summer is found in North China, Sichuan Basin, and Central Guangdong Plain, in which the areas’ leaf area index is simulated to decrease. The climate in Mongolia Plateau is affected by the local change of the vegetation coverage and is adjusted by atmospheric circulation, which is caused by the vegetation change in India and southeastern China. Thus, the temperature in winter is simulated to decrease in the western Mongolia Plateau, while the temperature increases in summer in the eastern part with a significant decrease of precipitation. The experimental scheme adopted in the study is carried out under relatively ideal conditions, but results provide a reference for further distinguishing the impacts of vegetation cover changes in different areas.