Koppen Climate Classification System Flashcards

Koppen Climate Classification System

• A system for classifying global climates based on temperature, precipitation, and natural vegetation
• Uses annual and monthly averages of temperature and precipitation to categorize climates

A Climates (Tropical Humid Climates)

• Located near 15-20° N and S latitude
• Characterized by never freezing temperatures
• The coolest month has temperatures above 64.4°F

Af (Tropical Wet)

• Consistently moist year-round with rainfall throughout each month
• Experience similar weather daily with warm temperatures and minimal annual temperature variation

Am (Tropical Monsoon)

• Influenced by monsoons with a short dry season
• Experienced heavy rainfall during summer months

Aw (Tropical Savanna)

• Exhibits a pronounced dry winter period
• Receives less rainfall compared to Af and Am classifications

Characteristics of B Climates

• Defined by low relative humidity and lack of cloud cover
• Features a high diurnal temperature range
• Classified based on precipitation rather than temperature

BW (Subtropical Desert)

• Characterized by scarce and unreliable rainfall
• Receives less than 15 inches of precipitation annually
• Average temperature exceeds 64.4°F, found in low and mid-latitude regions

BS (Subtropical Steppe)

• Also classified as dry, primarily consists of steppe regions

C Climates (Humid Mild Mid-Latitude Climates)

• Characterized by relatively mild winters
• Experiences long hot summers and short, mild winters

Cfa (Humid Subtropical)

• Mild mid-latitude climate with no dry season
• Summer temperatures exceed 71.6°F, almost tropical in nature

Cfb (Marine West Coast)

• Mid-latitude climate with no significant dry season
• Warm summers, but the warmest month remains below 71.6°F
• Dominated by maritime polar (mP) air masses

Cs (Mediterranean)

• Mild mid-latitude climate with distinct summer dry season
• Characterized by drought in cooler months, typically found on the western sides of continents

Characteristics of C Climates

• Modest winter precipitation with warmest months above 71.6°F
• Summers feature clear skies and abundant sunshine

D Climates (Severe Mid-Latitude)

• Occur only in the Northern Hemisphere, between 40-70° N
• Characterized by four distinct seasons

Dfa (Humid Continental)

• Mid-latitude climate with severe winters and no dry season
• Summers characterized by average monthly temperatures exceeding 71°F

Dfc (Sub-Arctic)

• Mid-latitude climate with severe winters and no dry period
• Summers cool, with temperatures above 50°F for 1-4 months

E Climates (Polar Climates)

• These climates lack true summers; can be further classified into ET (Tundra) and EF (Ice Cap)

ET (Tundra Climate)

• Polar climate characterized by the absence of a true summer

EF (Ice Cap Climate)

• Polar climate with no month averaging above 32°F
• Characterized by complete lack of vegetation

EF Climate

• Identified as an ice cap; classified as a polar desert
• Receives less than 5 inches of precipitation annually, with extremely cold air

Highland Climates

• Climates not initially indicated by the Köppen system
• Found at various elevations with a high diurnal temperature range

Learn about the Koppen climate classification system through these handy flashcards. This system organizes the world's climates based on temperature, precipitation, and vegetation. Understand the different climate types, especially Tropical humid climates, and their characteristics.