1. World Climate Patterns
Ch. 3 Sec. 3

2. Climate Regions
Geographers divide the Earth into regions that have similar climates.
Each of these divisions has its own Characteristic soils and natural vegetation.

3. Climate Zones What are the three major climatic zones of the earth?
Watch the following clip to identify the three zones of the earth and where they are located.

4. Climates
Each of the five climate regions we will learn about in this chapter fit into one of these three zones.
As we go through the material see if you can match the zone with its appropriate region.

5. The Tropics Tropical Climates are found in or near the low latitudes.
Tropical Wet
Average annual rainfall about 80”
Hot year round
Tropical Dry
Dry winters,
Wet summers
Hot year round

7. Dry Climates
There are two types of dry climates which occur in low and mid latitudes
Desert
Rainfall of 10” or less/year
Temperatures vary widely
Steppe
Borders Deserts
10-20 inches of rain/year

9. Midlatitude Climates
– This climate experiences variable weather patterns and season changes that give rise to a variety of natural vegetation
The Four Temperate
Climate Regions
Marine west coast climate
Mediterranean
Humid Subtropical
Humid Continental

10. Midlatitude Climates Marine West Coast Climate Along western coasts
Cool summers and cool damp winters
Abundant rainfall
Midlatitude Climates

11. Midlatitude Climates Mediterranean
Mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers

13. Midlatitude Climates Humid Subtropical
Found in Southeastern part of continents
Short, mild winters
Nearly year round rain/high humidity areas

14. Midlatitude Climates Humid Continental Northern Hemisphere
More northeastern part of continents
Severe snowy winters, shorter and cooler summers

16. High-Latitude Climates
There are three high-latitude climates regions
Subarctic
Tundra
Ice Cap
– Freezing temperatures are common throughout the year because of the lack of direct sunlight.
High-Latitude Climates

17. High-Latitude Climates
Tundra
Closer to the poles
Winter darkness and bitter cold
Last for several months
Ice Cap
Snow and ice often more
than 2 miles thick
Subarctic
Just south of arctic circle
Bitterly cold winters
Short and cool summers
Permafrost
Permanently frozen sub soil

18. Highland Climates
– High mountain areas, even along the Equator, share some of the same characteristics because of the thinning of atmosphere at high altitudes.

20. Something to Consider
How does climate impact vegetation?
To further understand the connection between climate and vegetation click on the link below.