Climate Characteristics and Classification

Climate: Long-Term Atmospheric Conditions

• Climate influences the types of plants and animals in a region.
• Water is a crucial resource, covering 70% of Earth's surface.
• All climates have two main characteristics: temperature and humidity.

Temperature

• Measured as the average yearly temperature.
• The annual temperature range shows the difference in average monthly temperatures throughout the year.

Humidity

• Humidity describes how moist a climate is.
• A dry climate occurs where precipitation (P) is less than evaporation (potential evapotranspiration – Ep).
• A humid (wet) climate occurs where precipitation is greater than evaporation.
• Humidity is determined based on the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration.
• Potential evapotranspiration (Ep) depends on temperature.
• The climate ratio (P/Ep) measures the humidity level of an area.
• Climographs visually represent climate data.

Climate Classification by Temperature

• Polar: Cold all year.
• Tropical: Warm all year.
• Temperate: Warm summers, cold winters.

Climate Classification by Humidity (Climate Ratio P/Ep)

• Arid: Dry climates (P/Ep around 1.2).

Climate Factors

• Factors affecting an area's climate include:
  • Latitude
  • Altitude
  • Prevailing Winds
  • Ocean Currents
  • Mountains
  • Inland/Coastal location

Latitude's Effect

• Higher latitudes correlate with lower average yearly temperatures and larger yearly temperature ranges.

Altitude's Effect

• Higher altitudes lead to lower average yearly temperatures.