The Earth’s Unique Climates

Foldable/Power Point Review

World Climate Zones

Tropical Climates

Surround the Equator between 23 ½˚ N and 23 ½˚ S

Tropical Climates

Tropical Rainforest Zone

Tropical Rainforest ClimateThe Amazon Rainforest is the largest in the world!

Location: Found in a belt between 23 ½˚ N and 23 ½˚ S

Seasons: Hot and moist year round

Vegetation: Lush-thick vegetation, green year-round

Precipitation: Up to 100+ inches per year

Tropical Savanna Zone

Tropical Savanna Climate

Semi-arid to semi-humid climateLocation: Also located between 23 ½˚ N and 23 ½˚ SSeasons:

2 distinct seasons, wet and dry season

Vegetation: Grasslands with a few treesPrecipitation: Varying amounts from 20 -60 inches per year

Mid–Latitude Climates

Found in mid-latitudes, 23 ½˚ - 60˚ North and South of Equator

Most of the World population lives in these climates

Mid-Latitude Climates

Marine West Coast Zone

Marine West Coast ClimateWinds off ocean keep climate and temps mild, lots of rain

Location: Located on West coastal area of continents -- Oregon, Washington, B.C.

Seasons: Winters = Rainy-mildSummers = Warm and mild

Vegetation: Deciduous Forests (lose leaves) and Coniferous Forests (Evergreens)

Precipitation: 60 - 80 inches per year

Mediterranean Zone

Mediterranean ClimateMild climate, hot summers

Location: Mainly around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe -- also southern California, northern Chile, southern Australia

Seasons: Winters = Mild and rainy Summers = Hot and dry

Vegetation: Shrubs and short trees

Precipitation: 10 – 20 inches per year

Humid Continental Zone

Humid Continental ClimateInland areas with harsher weather - this is where you live!

Location: Located mainly in interior North America, Asia, and Europe

Seasons: Winters = Cold and snowy Summers = Hot and dry

Vegetation: Deciduous trees/forests and vast grasslands

Precipitation: 20 - 45 inches per year

Humid Subtropical Zone

Humid Subtropical ClimateThe furthest south of the mid-latitude climates

Location: Close to the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer (23 ½˚ N and S of Equator)

Seasons: Winter = Short and very mild Summer = Hot and humid

Vegetation: Deciduous Trees, especially Palm, Oak and Magnolia trees

Precipitation: Rains all year, heaviest in summers, 100 inches along coast, lesser amounts inland

High–Latitude ClimatesFound at 60˚ N to North Pole and at 60˚

South to South Pole

Generally Cold-Frigid, and Snowy!

High-Latitude Climates

Subarctic ClimateVery few people live in these climates; sometimes huge evergreen forests called taiga grow here, especially in northern Russia

Visit the Taiga (:54)

Location: Closer to 60˚, mostly in northern Canada and northern Asia

Seasons: Winter = Bitterly cold, Summer = only a few degrees above freezing (32˚F)

Vegetation: Coniferous/ Evergreen Forests

Precipitation: 15 – 20 inches per year

Tundra Zone

Tundra ClimateTundra = Very harsh treeless plainLocation: North America, northern EurasiaSeasons:

Winter = Very long and cold Summer = 1 -2 months above freezing (32˚F)

Vegetation: Very little vegetation, only short grasses and ground hugging bushesPrecipitation: 10 inches per year

Ice Cap ClimateWorld record for coldest temp recorded is -128˚ F in Antarctica!Location: North and South PolesSeasons:

Winter = Very bitterly coldSummer = Rarely above freezing

Vegetation: Only vegetation grows on rocks, mosses / lichensPrecipitation: 1 – 2 inches throughout the year

Polar Bears on Thin Ice (1:55)

Ice Road Truckers (2:01)

The Disappearing Icecaps

Vanishing Ice Caps (3:17)

Dry Climates

Little to no vegetation

Temperatures range from very hot to very cool

Found throughout the world

Tundra and Ice Cap Climate can also be included

Desert Zone

Desert ClimateOften caused by rain shadow effect

Location: Every continent except Antarctica

Seasons: Winter = Very mild, Summer = Very hot

Vegetation: Scattered plants and cacti

Precipitation: Less than 10 inches per year

Welcome to the Desert (2:27)

Steppe Zone

Steppe ClimateDry, cold grassland; from the Russian word meaning “treeless plain”Location: Usually surrounds deserts

Seasons: Winter = Mild (some cold, depending on location)Summer = Hot

Vegetation: Bushes and short grasses, sagebrush

Precipitation: 10 – 20 inches per year Saving the Mongolian Steppes (2:37)

Highland ClimatesAreas of high elevation (mountains)

Usually cool climates year round

Highland Zone

Highlands Climate

Timberline = Point at which trees stop growingLocation: Above timberlines around the world Seasons - Cool year around due to altitudeVegetation - Only small shrubs and scattered wild flowersPrecipitation - Varies depending on elevation

Wyoming's Highlands (1:08)

Any Questions?