Unit 14: Climate Classification and Regionalization

Unit 14: Climate Classification and Regionalization

OBJECTIVES• Define climate and discuss the general problems of climate classification based on dynamic phenomena• Outline a useful climate classification scheme devised by Köppen, based on temperatures and precipitation amounts and timing.• Understand climate types and their regional

distribution.• Apply the modified Köppen classification system to Earth, and briefly describe appropriate climate regions as they appear on a hypothetical continent and the world map

The ideal climate classification system would achieve five objectives:

1. It should clearly differentiate among all the major types of climates that occur on Earth.2. It should show the relationships among these climate types.3. It should apply to the entire planet.4. It should provide a framework for further subdivision to cover specific locales.5. It should demonstrate the controls that cause any particular climate.

Classifying Climates

The Köppen Classification

Simplified version of the modern Koppen climate classification system.

Distribution of climate types across a hypothetical continent.

Fig 16.2

Köppen Classification

Global distribution of climates according to the modified Köppen classification system.

Fig 16.3

Description of the Köppen Climate Types

A-Tropical climates

Af-tropical rainforest, Am-monsoon forest, Aw-savanna

B-Desert climates

BW-true desert, BS-steppe

C-Mesothermal, moderate temperature

Cf-no dry season, Cs-summer dry, Cw-winter dry

D-Microthermal, snow forest

Df-no dry season, Dw-winter dry, continental

E-Frost climates

ET-tundra, EF-eternal frost

H-Highland climates

Changing location of the January 18oC isotherm in S. Florida, 1941-1979.