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