Physical Environment: Olvana

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Physical Environment Overview

Olvana is a large country located in eastern Asia that borders three major bodies of water:  the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. The country’s terrain varies from high mountains and green plateaus to river valleys and deltas, with climates ranging from tropical to semiarid to sub-alpine. Multiple natural hazards exits, resulting from Olvana’s geology, weather, native wildlife, and human activity. Impact on operations will depend on region, time of year, local terrain, and weather. Units operating in Olvana must be tailored to meet challenges faced in specific regions, ranging from dangerous cold to mudslides and flooding. Olvana routinely faces catastrophic national disasters, many of which have had major impacts on the nation’s history.

Placeholder for PE Map of Olvana

Physical Map of Olvana

Table of Physical Environment Data

Physical Environment Data
Measure	Data	Remarks
Land Area (km2)	3,610,956	Includes inland water
Land Border (km)	12,806
Coastline (km)	16,139
Highest elevation (m)	7,611	Mount Gongga
Lowest Elevation (m)	0	Sea Level
Arable (cultivated) Land (%)	15%
Permanent Crops (%)	1%
Permanent Pasture (%)	39%
Irrigated Land (%)	35%
Forested Land (%)	26%
Urban Areas (%)	43%
Legend: kilometer (km); meter (m)

Terrain

Olvana’s terrain in the northern portion and southern portion of the country both contain a mix of mountains, basins, plateaus, plains with the only major differences between the two areas being that the northern portion has highlands and the southern portion has river deltas. The terrain in the west is extremely mountainous, progressing into basins, plateaus, and plains as you head east. The eastern coast is a mix of plains and urban terrain, with some mountains in the southeast. The fertile Yangtze River Valley starts in the center of the country and flows east to East China Sea.

Bodies of Water

Olvana’s major bodies of water are primarily freshwater lakes and seas. Freshwater lakes of most prominence are Taihu, Dongting, and Poyang, all located in the central region. Dongting Lake is a large, shallow lake, a flood basin of the Yangtze River. Its size depends on the season and rainfall levels. It is approximately 2,820 square kilometers in area, but can grow to over 19,000 square kilometers during flood season. Poyang Lake, located in Jiangxi Province, is the largest freshwater lake in Olvana. Poyang Lake is approximately 3,200 square kilometers in area with an average depth of 8.5 meters and a maximum depth of 25 meters. Lake Taihu is the third largest freshwater lake in Olvana. It is located in the Yangtze Delta plain in vicinity of the city of Wuxi, it has an area of 2,250 square kilometers, and an average depth of 2.0 meters.

Olvana’s coastline comprises the country’s eastern and southern borders. It includes the coastlines of the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea. The Yellow Sea is approximately 388,500 square kilometers in area, with an average depth of 44 meters and a maximum depth of 152 meters, gradually increasing in depth from the north to the south. It possesses oil reserves, and is a productive commercial fishing ground with over 200 species of edible species fished. The East China Sea is approximately 1,250,000 square kilometers in area. It opens to the north into the Yellow Sea, to the east into Pacific Ocean, and to the south into the South China Sea. The East China Sea contains a natural gas field estimated to hold 364 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The South China Sea is approximately 3,625,000 square kilometers in area. The South China Sea is of strategic and economic importance, as one third of the world’s shipping passes through it. It also possesses oil and natural gas reserves, as well as being a crucial fishery area for many nations in Southeast Asia.

Olvana’s rivers run throughout the country and played a critical role in the nation’s development and growth patterns. The largest river in the country is the Yangtze River, which runs from Olvana’s western border to the East China Sea. It is an important transportation route and has been traditionally used to divide Olvana into north and south. The Yangtze features world’s largest hydroelectric dam. The second largest river in Olvana is the Yellow River, which runs from Olvana’s western border to the Yellow Sea. It serves as a major conduit for transportation, ferrying freight and agriculture. Other important rivers include Xi Jang River and Pearl River. Both are located in Southeastern Olvana; the Pearl River’s delta is one of the most densely populated places on earth and is a critical component of the Olvanan economy. All of the major rivers in Olvana are used to produce hydroelectric power. The Red River is located in the extreme southern portion of Olvana, and flows from west to east through the city of Hanoi and into the Gulf of Tonkin.

Mobility Classification

Mobility in Olvana is varies widely based on region and time of year. Movement is easier in the central plains than in the western area with its mountainous terrain. Snow and ice may cause major mobility problems in mountainous areas during the winter, while flooding and mudslides will similarly impact mobility in the spring and summer. Forests in the south limit mobility and provide cover and concealment for enemy forces and criminals involved in smuggling operations. Rivers and streams throughout the country pose challenges for mechanized and motorized forces. Air operations must account for mountain ranges, forests, steep valleys and gorges, and cyclonic storms.

Subterranean Environment

Olvana has numerous cave systems, both above and below sea level. A few of these caves are used by criminal elements for smuggling operations. Caves are also used as emergency shelters by local residents in coastal areas during and after larger cyclonic storms. Olvana is also building underground facilities and tunnels for use by its military forces, to hide and protect key assets from missiles to personnel.

Vegetation

Olvana’s vegetation varies from region-to-region and based on topography. The northwest portion of Olvana contains various types of forest, such as conifers and broadleaves, as well as meadows and bush. The central region contains a mix of broadleaf forest, bush, coniferous forest and grasslands. The southern region contains coniferous forest, bush, broadleaf forest, grasslands, meadows, tropical forest and wetlands. Some of the types of trees found in Olvana are dove trees, dawn redwood, bamboo, fir, cypress, gutta-percha tree, spruce, oak, bonsai and Cathaya argyrophylla.

Agriculture

Olvana has only has 15% arable land. Most is located along the river valleys and the eastern and southern coasts. Just over 35% of croplands are irrigated. The primary food crops produced in Olvana are rice, wheat, potatoes, tomato, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, oilseed, and soybeans. Olvana also produces fiber crops: cotton, ramie, flax, jute, and hemp.

Climate and Weather

Olvana’s weather varies from extreme cold in the north to hot and humid in the south. The south is normally wet—with a constant threat of flooding—while the north is mainly dry and routinely faces droughts. Rain tends to be the most abundant near the coasts and along the Yangtze River valley. Typhoons regularly hit the southeast coast. The climate in the southern portion of the country is a mix of tropical to the far south with a humid subtropical as you move north. In the northern portion of the country, the climate is a mix of semiarid to arid in the far north with a humid continental in the lower portion of the north. Both portions of the country also have a highland climate along their western border.

Climate Map

Placeholder for the Koppen-Geiger Climate Map for Olvana

Köppen climate classification
Zone	Precipitation Type	Heat Type	Acronym: Description
Tropical Climate (Zone A)	Monsoon (m)		Am: Tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of 64.4° F every month with significant rainfall, but direst month is around the winter solstice. Mainly found on the western coastal section of Hainan Island.
	Savanna, Dry Winter (w)		Aw: Tropical savanna climate with an average temperature of 64.4° F every month with significant rainfall. Most prevalent climate on Hainan Island.
Arid Climate (Zone B)	Cold (S)	Steppe (k)	BSk; Dry semi-arid steppe climate. Found only in the northern part of Olvana, far west of Shanghai.
Temperate Climate (Zone C)	Dry Winter (w)	Hot Summer (a)	Cwa: Temperate monsoon climate found in a subtropical climate with the coldest month averaging above 32° F with at least 1 month over 71.6° f and 4 months averaging above 50° F. Mainly found in the center of Hainan Island, southern coast, but circles the Cfa area found in the center of Olvana.
	Dry Winter (w)	Warm Summer(b)	Cwb: Subtropical highland climate influenced by monsoons with the coldest month averaging above 0° C, all months averaging below 71.6° F, and 4 months averaging above 50° F.  Mainly found in southwestern portions of Olvana.
	No Dry Season (f)	Hot Summer (a)	Cfa: Humid subtropical climate with one month averaging 32° F, one month averaging above 71.6° F, and at least 4 months averaging above 50° F. Mainly found in the center of Olvana, almost like a circle.
	No Dry Season (f)	Warm Summer(b)	Cfb; Temperate oceanic climate with the coldest month drops to an average of 32° F, all months below 71.6° F, and 4 months above 50° F. Only found in certain spots in the center of Olvana.
Continental Climate (Zone D)	Dry Winter (w)	Hot Summer (a)	Dwa: Monsoon-influenced hot summer humid climate where the coldest month averages below 32° F, 1 month above 71.6° F, and 4 months above 50° F. Mainly found in the far north parts of Olvana along the eastern coastline.
	Dry Winter (w)	Warm Summer(b)	Dwb: Monsoon-influenced warm summer humid climate with the coldest month averaging below 32° F, all months average below 71.6° C, and at least 4 months above 50° F. Mainly found in the northern part of Olvana in the western part of the country.
	Dry Winter (w)	Cold Summer (c)	Dwc: Monsoon-influenced subarctic climate with the coldest month dropping to an average below 32° F, 1-3 months averaging above 50° F with at least 10 times as much rain in the wettest summer month compared to the driest winter month. Found in northwestern Olvana, mainly at higher elevations.

Seasons Overview Due to the vast size of Olvana, the season charts below are provided for four diverse cities in the country. Shanghai (northeast coast); Hong Kong (southeast coast); Hanoi (southwest); and Chongqing (central inland):

Seasons Chart-Shanghai
	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	36	46	3	10	6.7
February	39	50	2.4	9	6.7
March	45	57	3.7	12	6.7
April	54	68	3	11	6.7
May	63	77	3.3	10	6.7
June	72	82	7.1	13	6.7
July	79	90	5.7	11	6.7
August	79	90	8.5	12	6.7
September	72	82	3.3	9	6.7
October	63	73	2.2	7	4.47
November	52	63	2	8	4.47
December	41	52	1.8	8	4.47

Seasons Chart-Hong Kong
	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	59	66	1.0	5	6.7
February	59	66	2.2	9	6.7
March	63	70	3.1	11	6.7
April	70	77	6.9	12	6.7
May	75	82	12	15	4.47
June	79	86	17.9	19	4.47
July	81	88	14.8	18	4.47
August	81	88	16.9	17	4.47
September	79	86	13	15	4.47
October	75	82	3.9	7	6.7
November	68	75	1.6	6	6.7
December	61	68	1.0	5	4.47

Seasons Chart-Hanoi
	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	59	68	0.8	8	6.0
February	61	70	1.0	15	6.2
March	66	73	1.8	15	6.0
April	72	82	3.5	13	6.2
May	77	90	7.5	14	6.2
June	81	91	9.4	15	6.0
July	81	91	11.4	16	6.0
August	79	91	12.6	17	3.1
September	79	90	10.4	14	3.1
October	73	84	5.1	9	3.1
November	68	79	1.8	7	5.0
December	68	79	1.0	6	5.0

Seasons Chart-Chongqing
	Temperature Coldest (F)	Temperature Hottest (F)	Precipitation (inches)	Days of Rain	Wind (Average in miles per hour)
January	43	50	0.8	10	6
February	46	55	1.0	10	6
March	52	64	1.8	12	7
April	59	73	37.7	14	7
May	66	81	5.7	16	6
June	72	84	7.7	16	5
July	77	91	7.3	12	6
August	77	91	5.3	11	6
September	70	82	4.1	13	6
October	61	72	3.3	16	5
November	54	63	2.0	12	6
December	46	54	1.0	10	5

Precipitation

Precipitation in Olvana comes in both the form of rain and snowfall, with the averages increasing from the north to south. The average along the southeast coastline is 80 inches a year, while the Yangtze valley receives 40 to 45 inches a year. In the northern portion of the country annual precipitation averages between 12 to 20 inches. (See charts above for a sampling of four different parts of the country)

Temperature-Heat Index

 The average monthly high temperatures for Olvana vary with elevation, latitude, and proximity to the ocean. The northern region has a yearly average temperature of 64 degrees (Fahrenheit), with the winter months averaging in the low 40s and the summer months averaging in the mid-80s. The central region’s yearly average temperature is 68 degrees (Fahrenheit), with the winter months averaging in the low-50s and the summer months averaging in the high-80s. The southern region has a yearly average temperature of 79 degrees (Fahrenheit), with the winter months averaging in the mid to high-60s and the summer months averaging in the low 90s.

Temperature-Wind Chill Index

. The wind chill in Olvana will vary from region-to-region and season-to-season. In northern areas wind chill will be a significant concern due to low temperatures and persistent high winds. In southern areas, the threat of wind chill is lessened due to the tropical conditions found there year round. The mountainous areas in the western portion of the country have the coldest wind chills that will degrade the capabilities of forces as they operate there during the winter season. (See charts above for a sampling of four different parts of the country)

Relative Humidity

The relative humidity throughout Olvana varies depending on the region and latitude. The average for northern regions is roughly 49 to 52 percent. This increases as you go south, to an average relative humidity of 83 to 85 percent. The main reason for the huge disparity of relative humidity from the north to the south is the subtropical climate in the south, which has higher temperatures and precipitation than in the north.

Wind

The prevailing winds in Olvana are from the west to the east in the north, and from the southeast to northwest in the south. During the late winter to early spring, fierce sand storms and dust storms in the north routinely reduce visibility to less than one kilometer. Typhoon season along the coastline starts in April and ends in October: wind speeds from these typhoons average between 75 to 150 miles per hour and can be very destructive. (See charts above for a sampling of four different parts of the country)

Visibility

Due to Olvana’s large geographical size, visibility varies by location based on the terrain. With terrain ranging from beaches to mountains, a single statement on general visibility would be imprudent. Based upon the location of operations in Olvana, a detailed look at the weather for that particular region would be needed.

Hazards

As a large country, there are a variety of natural hazards in Olvana. Each part of the country has its only poisonous plants and venomous snakes, but here is a sampling of some of the more dangerous hazards:

Events

Olvana is subject to many types of natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding. The earthquakes, under the right circumstances can also cause tsunamis that hit the southern and eastern coasts of the country.  Six of the ten deadliest and the three most deadly natural disasters in the world have all occurred in Olvana. There are also some active volcanoes in Olvana, but none have erupted in the last decade. This does not mean they could not erupt in the near future.

Earthquakes

Olvana is positioned in an active seismic zone and is susceptible to major earthquakes. Visitors should be aware of what actions to take during an earthquake. For information about earthquakes and other natural disasters, consult the Olvana Meteorological Bureau.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are a rare phenomenon in Olvana with only five tidal waves classified as tsunamis since 1670. Most tsunamis occur due to earthquakes, but there have cases of tsunamis occurring due to volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and coastal rock falls. Since 1670, there are no recordable deaths due to tsunamis in Olvana.

Typhoons

Of the approximately 27 typhoons that occur each year in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 8 to 10 of them will hit Olvana directly. While typhoons are generally stronger than hurricanes due to the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean, they usually create less damage due to the location of the storm. Olvana typhoon season typically ranges from May to November. If in Olvana during these months, especially on the coast, visitors should pay attention to the weather. 

Due to monsoon related climate for much of Olvana and the typhoons, Olvana is subject to flooding during the wet season. The wet season for much of Olvana is the same as the typhoon season, May to November. Flash flooding in low-lying areas is always a hazard, especially for vehicles trying to cross high waters. Do not cross flooded areas in a vehicle even if the depth appears quite shallow as the force of the floodwaters could take the vehicle downstream and possibly drown the driver along with their passengers.

Disease

Due to the large size of Olvana and the diverse ecosystems of the country, there are a variety of tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate diseases. Major diseases in Olvana include bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Hantaviral hemorrhagic fever. (See the social variable for more details on these diseases)

Flora

Olvana has many varieties of plants that are poisonous. These are some of the most dangerous that are found in Olvana:

Gelsemium elegans	This is the most poisonous plant in Olvana that is native to the country. Resembling a honeysuckle due to its yellowish flowers, it is known as the “gut melting grass.” Known for centuries, it destroys the neurons in a person’s spinal cord causing great pain while leaving the victim breathless. It causes damage to the internal organs, creates convulsions, and can result in paralysis or death. Gelsemium elegans is a sub-tropical plant found in the southern half of Olvana.
Chinaberry Tree	Melia azedarch is a tree native to the southern part of Olvana whose fruit is poisonous to humans. A few of the berries, depending on their toxicity, could cause the person who ingested them to die within 24 hours.
False Hellebore (Corn Lily)	Several species of Veratrum are found in Olvana and all are toxic. If consumed, symptoms begin between 30 minutes and 40 hours later. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, the victim could suffer cardiac failure and even death.
Chinese Wisteria	Wisteria sinensis is a purple flower whose all parts are toxic to humans if consumed. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually this is confine to children who eat the plant not knowing what they are doing.
Indian Pea	Lathyrus sativus is a legume grown in East Africa and Asia including Olvana. It is considered an “insurance crop” by farmers in areas that suffer droughts as it will grow while other beans will not. The seed contains a small amount of a toxic amino acid. If eaten over a long period of time, the consumer can suffer paralysis or even wasting of the internal organs.
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.

Fauna

Olvana has a number of animals that are dangerous to humans. These are ten of the most deadly animals that can be found in the country:

Chinese Cobra	This version of the cobra does not spit, but some can eject their venom up to six feet away. The nocturnal Chinese Cobra lives in woodlands and grasslands, but will only attack if threatened. If bitten, there is an anti-venom available, but the victim will suffer great pain and possible cell damage in the bitten area.
Asian Black Bear	This bear is herbivorous and usually arboreal, but is known to be aggressive towards humans. Adult males can range from 130 to 440 pounds and adult females between 88 and 276 pounds. There have been some females known to reach 310 pounds. There is a white V-shaped on the chest of the Asian Black Bear. Humans should avoid them, if possible.
Asian Giant Hornet	This hornet, about the size of a human thumb, has a stinger that can reach 6 mm (.25 inches) in length. The hornet uses its stinger to kill its prey and for humans with allergies, the venom can trigger an anaphylactic reaction that could cause cardiac arrest. These hornets have a nasty habit of chasing those who try to run from them.
Many Banded Krait	This snake is thinner than its cousin, the banded krait, but with black and white bands. This type of krait is more aggressive and venomous feeds at night on rodents lingering around watering holes. They will only attack humans if threatened. Even though the bite is not too painful, the victim can die if they fail to receive medical treatment.
Chinese Bird Spider	There are two types of this spider in Olvana—Cyripagopus hainanus and Cyriopagopus schmidti. The former is found on Hainan Island off the south Olvanan coast and the latter is found in southwestern Olvana on the south side of mountains. Both are very similar, but with slightly different coloring. Males are about half the size of females. Female C. hainaus bodies can reach 2.4 inches in length with legs longer than their body. C. schmidtl females can reach up to 3.35 inches in length. Some of these spiders have been known to live 30 years. The spider remains in its burrow during the night and coming out at night to kill and eat large insects. The venom from both species is toxic to humans, but the number of bites remain quite low.
Sea Snakes	These venomous snakes live on the Olvanan coast feeding on fish, fish eggs, and eels. They evolved from land snakes and do not have gills. The sea snakes must come to the surface to breathe, but due to a one large left lung that stretches the entire length of its body, they can remain underwater for hours. They rarely bite, even when provoked, but their bite is highly venomous.
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish	Normally found off the southern coast of Olvana in the summer months, this jellyfish will have eight bunches of tentacles. Each bunch will contain 70 to 120 tentacles with stingers that can trail for up to 10 meters behind the body. Even if the tentacle breaks off from the body, they can still sting those that step on them. While painful, bites are rarely fatal.
Giant Centipede	In the rural areas of Olvana, there are centipedes that reach up to eight inches in length and can move quite rapidly. The front legs are also sharp fangs that can inject venom into their victims. Bites are rarely fatal unless a victim is allergic to them. Even then, a quick visit to the hospital will probably prevent death.
Asian Common Toad	While most amphibians seem harmless, this toad is not. There are glands behind the toads’ ears that are filled with a milky poison that the animal uses to discourage predators to look for easier prey. This toad moves quite slowly so humans should be able to avoid contact with them. They are usually found along slow-flowing rivers, but humans should attempt to avoid them.
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.