Physical Environment: Gabal

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Physical Environment Overview

Gabal is a small country located in an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. It borders Belesia and South Torbia with whom it has friendly relations. The country’s terrain consists primary of forested mountains and low grassy valleys. Both vegetation and climate are tropical in nature. Multiple natural hazards exist, resulting from the country’s geology, weather, native wildlife, and human activity.

Physical Map of Gabal

Table of Physical Environment Data

Physical Environment Data
Measure	Data	Remarks
Land Area (km2)	14,649	Palawan, Busuanga, Culion, and Coron
Land Border (km)	0	Island group—does not border other countries
Coastline (km)	2,000	Approximately
Highest elevation (m)	2,086	Mount Mantalingajan
Lowest Elevation (m)	0	Sea Level (many places)
Arable (cultivated) Land (%)	10	Primarily southern Culion
Permanent Crops (%)	<1
Permanent Pasture (%)	<1	36% grasslands that could be used for pastoral purposes
Irrigated Land (%)	<1
Forested Land (%)	52	Rainforest (27); other wooded (22); scrub (2)
Urban Areas (%)	<1
Legend: kilometer (km); meter (m)

Terrain

Gabal occupies a group of more than 1700 islands and islets in the Southwest Pacific. It is part of a larger archipelago that is bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The country shares only maritime borders with its neighbors, which include South Torbia to the northeast and Belesia to the southeast and southwest. The islands are mountainous in nature, with interspersed valleys on the larger islands.

Gabal can be broken into four primary island groups centered on the largest islands: Palawan, Busuanga, Culion, and Coron. Palawan is the largest island, with 12, 188.6 square kilometers (km), with a length of 425km and a width of 40km. The entire length of Palawan is formed by a mountain range, with a peak altitude of 6,844 ft. Busuanga is the northernmost island, and covers 956 square km. The island consists primarily of long, narrow mountain ranges separated by narrow valleys. Two larger valleys exist; one on the northeastern end of the island, and one along the northern shore of the island’s southern half. Culion Island lies to the southwest of Busuanga and, at 399 square kilometers, is the country’s second-largest island. Though also covered by mountains and valleys, the terrain does not form a distinctive pattern as it does on Busuanga. Coron island covers 72 sq. km, and is considered sacred by Gabalian tribesmen. Roughly triangular in shape, it consists of mountain plateaus on the north, west, and south, and a flat valley in the east; its most notable feature is Cabugao Lake, which lies in the center of the island.

Bodies of Water

As an island nation, Gabal is surrounded by bodies of water on all sides. The South China Sea lies to its northwest, and the Sulu Sea to its southeast. The Mindoro Strait separates the country from South Torbia in the northeast, and the narrower Linapacan Strait separates it from Belesia in the southwest. The islands possess multiple bays, harbors, and lagoons. The largest of these, Coron Bay, is sheltered by the three northern island groups: Coron on the east, Busuanga on the north, and Culion on the west. The bay is famous for its shipwrecks from World War II, and is a popular diving location for tourists. Inland waters include a few short rivers on Culion and Busuanga Islands, with some being navigable near their mouths by shallow-draft vessels. and a series of lakes on Coron Island. Cabugao Lake is the largest, covering a surface area of 4.04 square kilometers (405 hectares), while Kayangan Lake is believed to be the cleanest lake in the entire region. Surface and subsurface caves are common in the archipelago, and are popular tourist attractions.

Mobility Classification

Movement in Gabal is difficult due to the mountainous island nature of the country. Water transport is the only way to move between islands. Once on land, mountain ranges naturally canalize movement. Heavy rains, flooding, and mud/landslides can seriously hamper troop movement during the rainy season. Forests at higher elevations provide cover for enemy forces and smugglers, while multiple rivers and streams challenge mechanized and motorized movement. Air operation impediments include mountain ranges, forests, steep valleys and gorges, and cyclonic storms.

Subterranean Environment

The islands are full of caves, both above and below sea level. In addition to the multitude of naturally occurring caves and underground rivers, mining on the islands produced networks of artificial tunnels. Many of these were abandoned as chromite reserves were exhausted, and are now used occasionally by smugglers for storing illegal contraband. Higher-level tunnels are used as emergency shelters by local residents during and after larger cyclonic storms.

Vegetation

Around 52% of Gabal is forested, primarily consisting of rain forest in the upper elevations of the mountains and on Coron Island. Most trees are broadleaf varieties such as balau, meranti, and narra; other plant species found in montane forests—such as bamboo, ferns, orchids, and climbing palms (rattan)—are also present. Due to the country’s climate, trees keep their leaves year round. Most trees are younger due to previous clear-cutting operations. A considerable number of Culion’s valleys—primarily in the island’s south—are devoted to agriculture. Those areas that are not forested or cultivated are covered by tropical savannahs, mixed grasslands, and scrub trees. Small mangrove swamps can be found on the coastline. The country has made a concerted effort to reverse a decades-long deforestation trend in recent years, and is slowly seeing results in this area.

Agriculture

Most agriculture on Gabal is subsistent in nature. Commercial agriculture takes place primarily in the lowland valleys of Culion Island, and is almost exclusively annual crops: cabbage, cassava, corn, eggplant, garlic, onion, peanut, sweet potato, rice, sugarcane, tobacco, and vegetables. The country’s main commercial crops are rice, corn, and sugarcane. Permanent crops are not a focus of the formal agricultural community, and are basically limited to backyard fruit trees—coconut, lemon, mango, pineapple, and papaya—that are kept for personal consumption purposes. The country has no agricultural exports: all locally grown foodstuffs are either consumed by the general populace or by the country’s many tourists. Gabal imports flour, grains, and soybeans, in addition to products grown in neighboring countries. 

Slash-and-burn agriculture has been used historically as a method of crop production, but has fallen out of favor in the country’s push to regrow its forests. In the few cases where this method been replaced with using commercial seeds, improper application of chemical fertilizers and insecticides has contaminated both soil and water. The government is attempting to increase agricultural success by encouraging such methods as crop rotation and co-planting of complementary plants, but results have been inconsistent.

Climate and Weather Overview

DATE Pacific Subregional Climate Types

Gabal experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, also called a monsoonal climate. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season runs from November–April, and the rainy season is from May–October. Rainfall is the lowest in March and reaches its peak in August. The coolest part of the year occurs during the dry season, while the warmest temperatures occur during the transition period to the rainy season. Relative humidity is high year-round, though somewhat lower during the dry season. Winds follow a distinctive northeast, east, southwest cycle that corresponds to—and causes—the country’s seasons.

Climate Map

Gabal is almost entirely composed of one climate. In very small parts of Gabal, the area may be considered “Af” as compared to “Am”  (if several islands in OE, could have more than 1 map; each of the different climates on the map will be shown on the chart below)

Placeholder for the Koppen Climate Map

Köppen climate classification
Zone	Precipitation Type	Heat Type	Acronym: Description
Tropical Climate (Zone A)	Rainforest (f)		Af: In isolated parts of Gabal where there are rainforests, the weather can be slightly different than the prevailing monsoon weather in the rest of the country. This is the warmest climate in the classification system with no true dry season.
	Monsoon (m)		Am: This is the primary climate throughout almost all of Gabal that features a year round warm climate with a short dry season.

Seasons Overview

Seasons Overview. The chart below shows the standard low and high temperatures; precipitation including the average number of rainy days; and average wind speed for each month for the 4 largest cities in Gabal.

Seasons Chart-Puerto Princesa
Month	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	73.6	88.2	1.5	5	15.0
February	73.6	88.2	1.0	3	13.2
March	75.4	89.4	1.5	4	11.1
April	24.5	90.5	1.8	7	9.0
May	76.5	90.5	4.5	12	7.9
June	75.6	31.9	7.1	17	8.8
July	75.4	89.4	6.3	18	9.2
August	75.4	88.2	7.5	18	10.5
September	75.4	88.9	7.1	17	9.0
October	75.4	88.9	8.7	19	8.9
November	75.4	88.3	8.5	15	10.9
December	75.2	88.0	5.9	12	13.1

Seasons Chart-Coron
Month	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	73	87	0.9	3	15.3
February	72	87	0.4	2	14.5
March	74	88	0.2	1	13.5
April	75	89	1.1	2	10.7
May	75	88	6.9	10	8.7
June	75	87	14.8	19	9.9
July	74	86	18.3	24	11.3
August	75	86	21.1	22	11.8
September	75	86	17.6	21	9.8
October	75	87	11.5	17	9.7
November	74	87	6.5	10	12.2
December	73	86	3.9	6	14.8

Seasons Chart-Busuanga
Month	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	70	88	1.0	3	5.4
February	70	90	0.4	2	5.4
March	72	90	0.4	1	5.4
April	73	91	1.0	2	5.4
May	73	91	6.7	10	5.4
June	72	88	15.7	19	5.4
July	72	86	15.9	24	5.4
August	72	86	21.9	22	5.4
September	72	86	16.5	21	3.6
October	72	88	12.2	18	5.4
November	72	88	5.1	10	5.4
December	72	88	3.0	7	5.4

Seasons Chart-Culion
Month	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	73	82	0.9	12	8
February	73	86	0.5	7	7
March	73	88	0.6	9	6
April	73	91	1.4	12	5
May	79	91	2.8	18	5
June	79	90	3.0	18	5
July	77	86	4.9	22	4
August	77	86	2.5	18	4
September	77	88	3.9	20	5
October	77	88	2.8	17	5
November	77	86	1.0	9	6
December	73	86	1.6	11	7

Precipitation

Precipitation in Gabal comes in the form of rain, with an annual average of over 100 inches. February and March have the least amount of rainfall—less than an inch—with slightly greater amounts in April. The months of May–June experience increasing levels of precipitation that culminate in July and August, the country’s wettest months, with almost inches. Rainfall then drops from September–January, with before the cycle begins again.

Temperature-Heat Index

Gabal lies in a tropical zone, and the country’s temperatures reflect this. Average monthly highs range from the mid-80s to the lower 90s degrees Fahrenheit. Monthly lows are not much cooler, only dropping less than ten degrees. The average difference between night and day temperatures is usually greater than the seasonal variation of either one. Record highs usually fall in the 90s, but have been known to reach 100 degrees. When combined with Gabal’s high relative humidity, the heat index can easily reach levels that could affect military operations.

Temperature-Wind Chill Index

Temperatures very rarely drop below 68°F at night, even during the coolest part of the year. The only exception is on the higher mountain peaks, where the elevation, humidity, and ocean breezes combine to produce temperatures cool enough to necessitate a light jacket at night.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity is high throughout the year in Gabal. Typically above 85% in the mornings, it reaches the mid-90s during July–November. Evenings are more tolerable, when the humidity drops around 13 percentage points from its morning level. When combined with the country’s high temperatures, it produces the type of hot, humid conditions typically associated with tropical jungles.

Wind

. Gabal's annual wind cycle drives the country’s seasons. Trade winds from the northeast begin blowing in November, ushering in the dry season. These winds, known as the amihan or the northeast monsoon, blow through February and bring cool, dry air to the country. They recede and are replaced with the silanganin, or “easterlies,” from March–June, which bring clouds, heat, and increasing rainfall. The habagat, or southwest monsoon, begins in July and runs through October. This wind brings cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Precipitation in the country peaks and then recedes during this time. Tropical cyclones, which are rated from tropical depression (mildest; winds under 32 knots) to super typhoon (most severe; winds over 118 knots), occur from June to December. Though the country’s eastern and northern neighbors usually take the brunt of these storms, Gabal is not immune to them.

Visibility

Gabal experiences almost the same visibility conditions as South Torbia as the two countries are not that far apart geographically. Gabal normally averages 5-9 hours of sun daily and the only reason it is that low is due to the rains during the monsoon season. During the dry season, the sky is less cloudy than the wet season. Cloud cover is lightest on the leeward coast. Sunshine is more common during the morning periods while clouds are more frequently associated with the afternoons.

Hazards

Gabal is subject to several different hazards, either those that occur within the country or in nearby countries that can affect Gabal.

Events

The major natural disasters that occur in Gabal are almost all related to the rainfall that comes with the monsoon season. These rains can cause flash floods and mudslides. While there is an extinct volcano on Coron Island showing past signs of volcanic activity, there has not been any in recent history. This does not mean that Gabal is immune from the effects of volcanic activity as eruptions in nearby countries could cause issues within Gabal. Gabal is also susceptible to tsunamis, mostly those that would originate to the west and north of the country. Since many of the Gabalians live on the coasts, tsunamis without a warning can cause a great deal of harm to the country’s infrastructure as well as massive casualties. Tropical cyclones can also be an issue, but these usually do not occur on a regular basis.

Disease

Major diseases in Gabal include bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, and the zika virus (See the Social Variable for more details on these diseases).

Flora

Pong-Pong	This is called the “suicide tree” by locals and has a beautiful flower on it. It contains a powerful poison that is so potent that natives have used it to commit suicide for many years.
Trompeta	This beautiful flower is called the “Angel’s Trumpet”, but it is a hallucinogen that needs to be avoided. Too much of the plant being ingested can cause death due to the dangerous alkaloids it contains—atropine, hyoscyamine, hyoscine, and metoloidine.
Belladonna	Properly used, this plant has medicinal purposes. Improperly ingested, especially from a young plant, the victim will lose their voice; suffer from dry mouth, headaches, and convulsions; with a difficult time breathing. The berries are most dangerous and being naturally sweet attract children. Only ten to twenty berries can kill an adult.
English Yew	This plant is often used for landscaping, but it is deadly. The fruit is the only non-toxic part of the plant. 50 grams can kill a human. Symptoms include muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, convulsions, and then a final collapse.
Wolfsbane	Found only in the cool mountainous regions, the plant bellows to the buttercup family. People in South Torbia and other countries have been known to use the poison for their arrow times in the not too distant path. Once eaten, there is a burning sensation in the abdomen and the extremities. Death can occur in as little as two to three hours.
Castor plant	This plant is found in many parts of the world and can be used for healing as Castor Oil. The seeds are poisonous and only four or five of them can kill an adult if eaten. If eaten, there is a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. The victim also vomits and is affected by diarrhea. Death is due to dehydration.
Rosary Pea	This red pea is found in medium altitude areas in South Torbia. Three micrograms have been known to kill an adult. The poison is 75 times more deadly than the castor bean.
Dieffenbachia	Often used as a home decoration, this plan can cause severe problems if eaten. These symptoms include severe swelling of the moth, drooling, dysphagia, respiratory compromise, and dermatitis. Many years ago, locals would use it to make their arrows poisonous.
Talumpunay Tree (Cachubong)	This plant contains hallucinogenic properties. Locals may add it to their tea in very small doses, but it can cause the user to exhibit wild behavior.
Buta-buta	This is called the “blinding tree” by locals. Its wood is ideal for firewood and timber, but its sap is toxic. It was used once upon a time as a fish-poison preparation. The sap causes the skin to blister and if it gets in one’s eyes, the person can lose their sight.

Fauna

Mosquitoes	Mosquitoes cause a number of diseases including dengue. Dengue victims begin showing symptoms three to fourteen days after infection with a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pains, and normally a skin rash. There is no cure for dengue fever and victims need to rest, drink fluids, and take a pain medicine that includes acetaminophen. Other diseases that mosquitoes can carry include the chikungunya virus, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, or the Zika virus.
Northern Spitting Cobra	This brown hooded venomous snake is found throughout Gabal and is normally about one meter in length as an adult, but some may reach 1.6 meters in length. The Northern Spitting Cobra lives in low-lying plains and forested regions subsisting on frogs; small mammals such as mice, small rats, and birds; and other snakes. This snake is one of the most venomous in the region.
Samar Cobra	This cobra, also called the Southeastern Spitting Cobra, is found throughout Gabal. It is dark gray in color, but with a yellow head and hooded area. This snake can grow up to 1.4 meters in length. The Samar Cobra can live in mountainous jungle to tropical plains and enjoys living near humans. This snake eats rodents, frogs, and reptiles so it is often found near rice patties. They are quick to strike if threatened and do so by spitting venom in its attackers’ eyes. An antivenin is available, but is produced only in small numbers as this snake is limited to Gabal.
Equatorial Spitting Cobra	This black venomous snake (silver/grey possible on the underneath side near the head/hood) is found not only in Gabal, but many other countries in southeast Asia. The adult Equatorial Spitting Cobra averages around 1 meter long, but some have known to reach 1.5 meters in length. This snake likes lower elevations and tropical forests, but has been known to be found in gardens, parks, and even urban areas. It feeds on lizards, small mammals, and other snakes. Normally not aggressive, but the Equatorial Spitting Cobra will strike if cornered or threatened.
Pit Viper	There are many species of pit vipers in the world and one of them lives in Gabal. The trimeresurus flavomaculatus is normally green and adults are normally about a meter in length. This variety of a pit viper is arboreal feeding on birds, lizards, and other small mammals.  It is a reclusive snake that attempts to avoid human contact. Most bites are by accident, but they can be fatal.
Leyte Cat Snake	The boiga angulate is a species of the snake family Colubridae found in Gabal. While poisonous, there have been no recent reported human deaths. They come in a variety of colors, but most are a brownish color with slightly darker spots. The snakes are fairly thin and can grow up to two meters in length. Leyte Cat Snakes normally live in lower elevations and prey on rodents and other small mammals; small amphibians and reptiles; and smaller snakes.
Redback Spider	This spider is also known as the “Australian black widow.” The Redback Spider is not native to Gabal, but arrived from its originating country by storing away on ships. The spider has flourished in Gabal. The adult female is about one centimeters in length with slender legs. It is black in color with a red or orange stripe on its upper torso and an hourglass-shaped red marking on its belly. The male Redback Spider is much smaller than the female at only 3–4 millimeters in length. Its color is light brown with white markings on top and a pale hourglass marking on its underneath side. After mating, the female kills the male and can store the sperm up to two years to fertilize several clutches of eggs. Each clutch will average 250 eggs. Once bitten, the skin around the bite will die. Without treatment, there is a chance that a human bitten by the Redback Spider could die.
Centipedes	Most are harmless, but there have been reports of people dying of centipede bites in Gabal.
Jellyfish	Many jellyfish are dangerous and even a small amount of its venom can lead to heart seizures or cause it to stop.
Blue-ringed Octopus	This beautiful creature has a bite that is not too painful so the victim often does not know they are bitten until it is too late. One Blue-ringed Octopus can carry enough venom to kill ten human adults.