Overview of Climate Zones

Areas with distinct weather patterns, temperature ranges, and precipitation levels. Classification: Köppen Climate Classification System

MAJOR CLIMATE ZONES

1. TROPICAL CLIMATE (A)

A. Tropical Rainforest (Af) Temp: 25-28°C year-round Rainfall: >2000mm, no dry season Areas: Amazon, Congo, SE Asia

B. Tropical Monsoon (Am) Temp: 24-30°C Heavy seasonal rain, short dry season Areas: India, Bangladesh, Australia

C. Tropical Savanna (Aw) Temp: 20-30°C Pronounced dry season Areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil

2. DRY/ARID CLIMATE (B)

A. Hot Desert (BWh) Temp: 40-50°C summer Rainfall: <250mm Areas: Sahara, Arabian Desert

B. Cold Desert (BWk) Temp: 20-30°C summer Cold winters Areas: Gobi, Great Basin

C. Semi-Arid/Steppe (BS) Temp: 15-30°C Transition zone Areas: Great Plains, Sahel

3. TEMPERATE/MILD CLIMATE (C)

A. Mediterranean (Csa, Csb) Temp: 25-35°C summer Dry summers, wet winters Areas: Mediterranean Basin, California

B. Humid Subtropical (Cfa) Hot, humid summers Year-round precipitation Areas: SE USA, China

C. Oceanic/Marine (Cfb) Cool summers, mild winters Frequent rain Areas: Western Europe, Pacific NW

4. CONTINENTAL CLIMATE (D)

A. Humid Continental (Dfa, Dfb) Four distinct seasons Cold, snowy winters Areas: USA, Europe, China

B. Subarctic (Dfc, Dfd) Very cold, long winters Short, cool summers Areas: Canada, Russia

5. POLAR CLIMATE (E)

A. Tundra (ET) Warmest month <10°C Permafrost Areas: Alaska, Canada, Russia

B. Ice Cap (EF) Permanent ice cover Extremely cold Areas: Antarctica, Greenland

6. HIGHLAND/MOUNTAIN CLIMATE (H)

Varies with altitude Multiple zones on one mountain Cooler than lowlands Areas: Himalayas, Andes, Rockies

FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE ZONES

1. Latitude 2. Altitude 3. Ocean Currents 4. Distance from Water 5. Prevailing Winds 6. Mountain Barriers

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