Why Is It Cold in August in Du Fu's Time?

It is a well-known fact that August is typically a hot month in many parts of the world, including ancient China. However, during the Tang Dynasty, the poet Du Fu experienced unusually cold weather in August. This phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of natural climate patterns and human activities.

One of the primary reasons for the cold August weather in Du Fu's time was the La Niña phenomenon. La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This cooling effect can lead to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which in turn can cause cooler temperatures in certain regions, including parts of China. Historical records suggest that La Niña events were more frequent during the Tang Dynasty, which could explain the cold August weather experienced by Du Fu.

Additionally, the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and agricultural practices, may have contributed to the cold August temperatures. During the Tang Dynasty, there was significant deforestation, which reduced the amount of vegetation to absorb solar radiation. This, in turn, could have led to cooler temperatures, as less heat was being absorbed by the land. Furthermore, the overuse of water for agriculture and irrigation may have disrupted the natural water cycle, leading to cooler temperatures as well.

According to a study published in the Journal of Climate, the average temperature in China during the Tang Dynasty was approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius cooler than the 20th century. This suggests that the cold August weather experienced by Du Fu was not an isolated incident but rather a part of a broader climate pattern during that time.

In conclusion, the cold August weather in Du Fu's time can be attributed to a combination of natural climate patterns, such as La Niña, and human activities, including deforestation and agricultural practices. These factors contributed to cooler temperatures during the Tang Dynasty, making the experience of cold August weather a notable and memorable event for Du Fu.