In the northeastern Asia, a climatic shift from humid condition in the northern part to and condition in the southern part can be found in a relatively narrow, boundary zone. As a consequence of the steep gradient in climatic conditions, a distinct "ecotone" (i.e., forest-grassland-desert) is formed in the northeastern Asia. Such a ecotone is sensitive to changes in external environment even though those changes are very small. The main focus of RAISE Project is the evaluation of the effects of these changes on the rangeland ecosystem with emphasis on the role of hydrologic cycle m northeastern Asia. The strategy of the project includes field observations for the understanding of the current status of the ecosystem and the modeling of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in this area. The models to be produced and optimized for the area will then be used for the prediction of the possible changes of the area in response to likely scenarios of future climate and land use changes
