Figure 5: Comparison of typhoon paths over paleo-mainland China (left,pre-1.55 Ma) vs East China Sea (right, post-1.55 Ma). Left (pre 1.55Ma):On this path typhoons likely lost strength after making landfall owing to thelack of supply of water vapor from the warm ocean as well as airflow (wind)deceleration because of marginal high mountain ranges of the continentalmargin volcanic arc (that later became the Ryukyu arc) [1]. Right (post 1.55 Ma): Since 1.55 Ma the typhoon path toward Japan did not pass over the mainland owing to the opening of the Okinawa trough. Because the typhoon path has remained over warm ocean in this region since 1.55 Ma, typhoons have been able to maintain or increase strength before reaching Japan.