World Climatic Classification Overview

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

Learn about the world climatic classification system, including the Köppen Climate Classification, and its categorization of climates based on temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.