14.2 Climate Classification

TSWBAT describe the criteria used to classify climates; compare and contrast different climates

Climate Classification

Koeppen Classification System A widely used classification system for

climates Uses both temperature and precipitation

for monthly data Also takes into account the distinct

vegetaton

Koeppen Classification System

Tropical Climates Constant high temperatures Less than 600cm of rain per year

Tropical rain forests Maritime tropical air Wet and dry zones

Koeppen Classification SystemDry Climates

Cover 30% of Earth’s land areaDeserts regions and arid regions/steppes

Continental tropical air Low precipitation Scarce vegetation Located near the tropics High amounts of solar radiation

Koeppen Classification System

Mild Climates Humid subtropical

Influenced by” High pressure systems found over

oceansSouthern U.S.

Warm, muggy weather – summer Dry, cool conditions - winter

Koeppen Classification System

Mild Climates Marine west coast climate

Constant inland flow of ocean airMild wintersCool summersAbundant precipitation

West coast U.S.

Koeppen Classification System

Mild Climates Mediterranean climates

Influenced by the Mediterranean sea

Italy and Spain warm summers

Koeppen Classification SystemContinental Climates

Warm summer climate Cool summer climates Subarctic climates

Located in zones with polar frontsTropical and polar air masses collideExtreme temperatures (both summer

and winter)Wet summers

Koeppen Classification System

Polar Climates Coldest regions on earth Low precipitation Low solar radiation High elevations

Andes Mountains

Microclimates

Microclimates A localized climate that differs from the

main regional climate Mountain tops

Heat Islands The climate is warmer than the

surrounding rural areas Cities

With a partner

In complete sentences answer questions 1-5 on page 368.

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