14.2 Climate Classification TSWBAT describe the criteria used to classify climates; compare and contrast different climates

Climate Classification Koeppen Classification System A widely used classification system for climates Uses both temperature and precipitation for monthly data Also takes into account the distinct vegetaton

Koeppen Classification System Tropical Climates Constant high temperatures Less than 600cm of rain per year Tropical rain forests Maritime tropical air Wet and dry zones

Koeppen Classification System Dry Climates Cover 30% of Earth’s land area Deserts regions and arid regions/steppes Continental tropical air Low precipitation Scarce vegetation Located near the tropics High amounts of solar radiation

Koeppen Classification System Mild Climates Humid subtropical Influenced by” High pressure systems found over oceans Southern U.S. Warm, muggy weather – summer Dry, cool conditions - winter

Koeppen Classification System Mild Climates Marine west coast climate Constant inland flow of ocean air Mild winters Cool summers Abundant precipitation West coast U.S.

Koeppen Classification System Mild Climates Mediterranean climates Influenced by the Mediterranean sea Italy and Spain warm summers

Koeppen Classification System Continental Climates Warm summer climate Cool summer climates Subarctic climates Located in zones with polar fronts Tropical and polar air masses collide Extreme temperatures (both summer and winter) Wet summers

Koeppen Classification System Polar Climates Coldest regions on earth Low precipitation Low solar radiation High elevations Andes Mountains

Microclimates Microclimates Heat Islands A localized climate that differs from the main regional climate Mountain tops Heat Islands The climate is warmer than the surrounding rural areas Cities

With a partner In complete sentences answer questions 1-5 on page 368. Turn in when complete Finish for homework