World Climatic Classification Overview

Study Notes

Overview of World Climatic Classification

World climatic classification is a system of categorizing climates into distinct types based on various factors such as temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.

Major Climatic Classification Systems

Köppen Climate Classification: Developed by Wladimir Köppen in 1900, this system is based on the concept of vegetation zones and is widely used. It categorizes climates into five main groups:
- A: Tropical climates
- B: Dry climates
- C: Temperate climates
- D: Continental climates
- E: Polar climates
Thornthwaite Climate Classification: Developed by Charles Warren Thornthwaite in 1948, this system is based on precipitation and evaporation rates. It categorizes climates into five main groups:
- A: Humid climates
- B: Subhumid climates
- C: Semi-arid climates
- D: Arid climates
- E: Hyperarid climates
Trewartha Climate Classification: Developed by Glenn T. Trewartha in 1966, this system is a modification of the Köppen system. It adds a sixth group:
- H: Highland climates

Climatic Zones

Tropical climates: High temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Found near the equator.
Desert climates: Low humidity and limited precipitation. Found near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Temperate climates: Moderate temperatures and precipitation. Found in mid-latitudes.
Continental climates: Large diurnal temperature range and low humidity. Found in inland regions.
Polar climates: Extremely cold temperatures and limited precipitation. Found at high latitudes.
Alpine climates: Cold temperatures and high precipitation. Found in mountainous regions.

Factors Influencing Climate

Latitude: Temperature and precipitation patterns vary with latitude.
Altitude: Temperature decreases with increasing altitude.
Ocean currents: Warm ocean currents moderate temperatures and increase precipitation.
Wind patterns: Trade winds and westerlies influence climate patterns.
Land use: Human activities such as deforestation and urbanization affect local climate conditions.

Overview of World Climatic Classification

World climatic classification is a system that categorizes climates based on factors like temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.

Major Climatic Classification Systems

Köppen Climate Classification:
- Developed by Wladimir Köppen in 1900
- Based on vegetation zones
- Categorizes climates into 5 main groups: Tropical, Dry, Temperate, Continental, and Polar
Thornthwaite Climate Classification:
- Developed by Charles Warren Thornthwaite in 1948
- Based on precipitation and evaporation rates
- Categorizes climates into 5 main groups: Humid, Subhumid, Semi-arid, Arid, and Hyperarid
Trewartha Climate Classification:
- Developed by Glenn T. Trewartha in 1966
- Modification of the Köppen system
- Adds a sixth group: Highland climates

Climatic Zones

Tropical climates:
- High temperatures and high humidity throughout the year
- Found near the equator
Desert climates:
- Low humidity and limited precipitation
- Found near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
Temperate climates:
- Moderate temperatures and precipitation
- Found in mid-latitudes
Continental climates:
- Large diurnal temperature range and low humidity
- Found in inland regions
Polar climates:
- Extremely cold temperatures and limited precipitation
- Found at high latitudes
Alpine climates:
- Cold temperatures and high precipitation
- Found in mountainous regions

Factors Influencing Climate

Latitude: Temperature and precipitation patterns vary with latitude
Altitude: Temperature decreases with increasing altitude
Ocean currents: Warm ocean currents moderate temperatures and increase precipitation
Wind patterns: Trade winds and westerlies influence climate patterns
Land use: Human activities like deforestation and urbanization affect local climate conditions