Climatic Regions of the World

 


🌎 Climatic Regions of the World – Geography Notes

🔍 What is Climate?

Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a region over a long period (typically 30 years or more). It includes elements like temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure.

📁 Classification of Climate

The most widely used system is Köppen’s Climate Classification, developed by Wladimir Köppen. It is based on temperature and precipitation patterns and classifies the world into major climatic zones.

🗺️ Major Climatic Zones (Köppen Classification)

1. Tropical Climates (Group A)

  • Location: 0° to 23.5° N and S (Tropics)
  • Temperature: High year-round (above 18°C)
  • Precipitation: Varies from very high to seasonal
a. Tropical Rainforest (Af)
  • Equatorial region (e.g., Amazon, Congo)
  • Heavy rainfall throughout the year
  • Evergreen forests
b. Tropical Monsoon (Am)
  • South and Southeast Asia
  • Seasonal heavy rainfall due to monsoon winds
  • Dense forests
c. Tropical Savanna (Aw)
  • Bordering tropical rainforests
  • Distinct wet and dry seasons
  • Grasslands with scattered trees

2. Dry Climates (Group B)

  • Location: 15° to 30° latitude (deserts and semi-arid zones)
  • Precipitation: Very low
a. Arid Desert (BWh, BWk)
  • Hot or cold deserts (e.g., Sahara, Gobi)
  • Sparse vegetation
  • Extreme temperatures
b. Semi-Arid (Steppe) (BSh, BSk)
  • Bordering deserts
  • Grasslands and shrubs
  • Moderate rainfall

3. Temperate (Mesothermal) Climates (Group C)

  • Location: 30° to 45° latitude (coastal and interior regions)
  • Temperature: Moderate winters, warm summers
a. Mediterranean (Csa, Csb)
  • Found in Mediterranean Basin, California
  • Dry summers and wet winters
  • Olive, grapes, shrubs
b. Humid Subtropical (Cfa, Cwa)
  • Southeastern USA, China, India
  • Hot summers, mild winters
  • Rainfall year-round or monsoonal
c. Marine West Coast (Cfb, Cfc)
  • Western Europe, Pacific NW USA
  • Cool summers, mild winters
  • Rainfall throughout the year

4. Continental Climates (Group D)

  • Location: 40° to 60° N latitude (inland areas of large continents)
  • Temperature: Large seasonal temperature differences
a. Humid Continental (Dfa, Dfb)
  • Northeastern USA, Russia
  • Hot summers, cold winters
  • Snow in winter, rain in summer
b. Subarctic (Dfc, Dfd)
  • Canada, Siberia
  • Short summers, long cold winters
  • Taiga forests

5. Polar Climates (Group E)

  • Location: Above 60° latitude
  • Temperature: Always cold (below 10°C)
a. Tundra (ET)
  • Arctic coastlines
  • Short summer thaw
  • Mosses, lichens, permafrost
b. Ice Cap (EF)
  • Antarctica, Greenland
  • Covered in ice year-round
  • No vegetation

6. Highland Climates (Group H)

  • Location: High mountains (e.g., Andes, Himalayas)
  • Characteristics:
    • Vary with elevation
    • Colder than surrounding lowlands
    • Can include all climate types on a single mountain

🌐 Importance of Climate Zones

  • Biodiversity: Different climates support different ecosystems (e.g., rainforests in the tropics, tundra in polar areas)
  • Agriculture: Determines crop suitability
  • Human Settlements: Influences population distribution, lifestyle, architecture
  • Economy: Affects industries like tourism, fishing, and agriculture

🌡️ Climate Change and Climate Zones

  • Global Warming is shifting climate zones
  • Deserts expanding (desertification)
  • Polar regions warming faster (melting ice)
  • Increased frequency of extreme weather events (floods, droughts, heatwaves)

🌍 Summary Table

Zone Example Regions Temp Range Rainfall Key Features
Tropical Amazon, Congo > 18°C High or Seasonal Rainforests, Savannas
Dry Sahara, Gobi Varied Very Low Deserts, Grasslands
Temperate Europe, E USA Moderate Moderate Forests, agriculture
Continental Russia, Canada Cold winters Moderate Taiga, snow
Polar Greenland, Antarctica < 10°C Very Low Ice caps, permafrost
Highland Andes, Himalayas Varies Varies Altitude effects, snow lines


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