2.  Climate is average of weather conditions for 30+ years  Climatologists employ many different tools to organize the wealth of information about earth's climates to bring order and understanding  graphs, classification systems, and maps are among the most common  Temperature & Precipitation are the most important expressions of climate, and these have been used in Climographs (See above) and in climate classification schemes 

3. Climate Classification Systems There are two fundamental types of classification used in modern climatology: 1.Genetic classification, based on the causes or genesis of climatic variation Requires information about many climatic elements – solar radiation, air masses, fronts, pressure systems, etc. (e.g., A.N. Strahler’s Classification based on Air Mass origin and interactions → 3 major groups + H: Low-, Mid- and High-latitude Climates + Undifferentiated Highlands); each group subdivided into climates with unique characteristics. Complex and difficult to create and use because of the multitude of variables and data needed → Not widely used.

4. 2.Empirical Classification that are based on observable characteristics and/or statistical and mathematical parameters Most climate classification systems, including the Early Greek System (Torrid, Temperate, Frigid), and the Thornthwaite System, are examples of empirical classification

5. Thornthwaite classification system focuses on a local scale & is based on the concept of potential evapotranspiration  Climate types based on water requirements. Motivated by the desire to predict the supply and demand for water in different climate regions  Moisture Index Recognizes 3 global climatic zones based on potential ET: 1. Low-latitude climates (PET  51  ), 2. Middle-latitude climates (PET  51  but  20.5  ) 3. High-latitude climates (PET  20.5  )  Subdivided by intensity and duration of deficit.

6. However, the most widely used climate classification was developed by the German botanist and climatologist Wladimir Koppen The Koppen Climate Classification: An empirical system Easy to use, and data requirements are minimal Based on observations of temperature and precipitation These are two basic climatic characteristics that can be readily measured, and probably the ones with the longest historical record Each climate is defined according to set values of mean monthly precipitation & mean monthly temperature, the grouping based on annual averages and seasonal extremes

7. Climate regions formulated to coincide with well-defined vegetation regions, and described by the natural vegetation most often found there The Simplified Köppen system, as modified by later climatologists, recognizes six major climatic types, each designated by a capital letter:  A = Tropical Rainy Climates  B = Arid (Dry) Climates  C = Humid Mesothermal (Mild Winter) Climates  D = Humid Microthermal (Severe Winter) Climates  E = Polar Climates  H = Highland Climates

9. subtypes The subtypes of the major categories are distinguished by a second (Upper or lower case) letter, and often a third (lower case) letter, giving us 14 to 23 sub-categories. (See pp. 226-229 in textbook)

10. Modified Koppen Classification of World Climates

12. Note: (B) Arid (Dry) Climates Evaporation (Potential ET) exceeds precipitation BWh, BWk: Desert (Precipitation less than half the potential ET) BSh, BSk: Steppe (Precipitation more than half the potential ET)

18. Highland Climates  Topoclimates  Vertical Zones of Microclimates and Vegetation

19. Factors Influencing the World Climatic Regions Climate patterns show the close relationships among the elements and factors of weather and climate controls: 1) Latitude and its influence on solar radiation received 2) Air mass influences 3) Location of global high and low pressure zones/belts 4) Pattern of prevailing winds (wind belts) 5) Location of mountain barriers 6) Heat exchange from ocean currents 7) Distribution of land and water 8) Altitude or elevation At a macro level, the first three factors are most important in influencing a region's climate.

20. Diversity of Climates within Proximate Areas – Influence of Geography?

21. Vegetation is the most visible expression of climate

23. Classification of Global Natural Vegetation

24.  HOW DOES CLIMATE INFLUENCE OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT? Animal life adapts to both climate and vegetation Soils develop in response to climate and vegetation Landforms are constantly modified by climate-related processes Water availability is related to humid vs. arid climates  HOW DOES CLIMATE RELATE TO ECOSYSTEMS? The interaction of climate, vegetation, animal life, soils, and landforms creates an environmental complex or ecosystem Unique ecosystems evolve primarily as a result of differing climate conditions

25.  WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE UPON PEOPLE'S LIVES? Regions of extreme climatic conditions have fewer people -- Deserts, rainforests, polar regions Climate influences agriculture -- Choice of crops grown and animals raised Tourism and recreation patterns are shaped by climatic conditions Water resources availability and utilization also affected by climate Climate and disease – relationships have persisted despite technological advancement  Climatologists and geographers study and compare climate regions that have evolved in response to different moisture and temperature conditions, in order to enhance our understanding of these and other relationships.