Climate Classification

Climate Climatology is the study of Earth’s climate and factors affecting it Climate describes long term variations in weather (30+ years)

Latitude Areas near the equator get more direct heating Results in some areas being colder and some being warmer Climate zones based on temperature and precipitation

Climatograph A climatograph shows the monthly average temperature and precipitation for a particular area

Climate Classification Koppen classification system Based on vegetation and average monthly precipitation and temperature

Tropical Climates Tropical climates have constant high temperatures Some has up to 600 cm of rain each year Tropical rain forests  vegetation Conditions - mT air masses South America, Indonesia – mainly along the equator

Dry Climates Dry climates cover 30% of Earth’s land Scarce vegetation Conditions - High temperatures, low moisture Influenced by cT air masses Sahara Desert, majority of Australia and SW of the US

Mild Climates or Temperate Mild climates generally do not have a huge temperature difference between their cold months and warm months Conditions - Winters are generally warmer Summers are generally cooler Southeastern United States, Europe, China

Continental Climates Far away from the moderating influence of the ocean Variation in precipitation Conditions - relatively dry with hot summers and cold winters Central parts of Asia Canada

Polar Climates Polar climates lie north of the continental climates Found near the poles and at high elevations Conditions - Known for constant cold temperatures and has low precipitation North/South Pole Andes Mountains