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 mT air masses South America, Indonesia

Dry Climates Dry climates cover 30% of Earth’s land Influenced by cT air masses Scarce vegetation High temperatures, low moisture Sahara Desert

Mild Climates Mild climates generally do not have a huge temperature difference between their cold months and warm months Winters are generally warmer Summers are generally cooler Southeastern United States Italy

Continental Climates Continental climates are relatively dry with hot summers and cold winters Away from bodies of water Central parts of Asia Canada

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