1. Climate Classification

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

8. 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

10. 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

12. 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

14. 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