1. Koeppen Classification System

2. Koeppen Classification System
The Koeppen classification system is used to classify climate
It was first done by natural vegetation
The system was later revised to include temperature and precipitation

4. Tropical Climates
Constant high temps and a lot of rainfall (some places) are characteristics of tropical climates
Tropical rain forests are included in this type of climate

6. Dry Climates These cover about 30% of Earth’s land area
This is largest climatic zone
This includes most deserts
Here evaporation rates are faster then precipitation
There are 2 subtypes:
Arid regions (deserts)
Semi-arid regions (steppes) - these are a little more humid

8. Mild Climates These have 3 subtypes
Humid subtropical
Marine wet coast
Mediterranean
Humid subtropical are found in SE United States
Warm and muggy in the summer and cool and dry in the winter
Marine west coast have mild summer and cool summers with abundant precip
Mediterranean are generally warm

10. Continental Climates These have 3 subtypes
Warm summers
Cool summer
Subarctic
These are normally battlegrounds for tropical and polar masses
Both summer and winter temps can be extremes

12. Polar Climates
These are to the north and are the coldest regions on Earth
The mean temp of the warmest month is less then 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees F)
Precip is low

14. Microclimates & Heat Islands
The climate of a small area can be much different from that of the larger area surrounding it
This is a microclimate
The presence of many concrete buildings and large expanses can create heat islands
This can cause the temp in cities to be warmer then the open area surrounding them