Illustrative comparisons of monthly mean surface temperatures over China based on obser vations from 1956-1990 (OBS.), simulations using a general circulation model (CCMI), and simulations using a mesoscale model nested in a global circulation model (MM4B+CCMI).

A. Lines illustrate the respective January mean 0°C isopleths. B. Lines illustrate the respective July mean 24°C isopleths. Results illustrate the systematic tendency of the global model to underpredict temperatures over China, while the nested mesoscale model appears to do a reasonable job of representing the observed temperature distribution.

(Figure produced from Zhou Xiuji, 1995)