Physical Geography 180
Chapter 8 Study Guide
Climate Classification & Distribution of Major Climate Types
Terms
Koppen System
Climograph
** You will need to know all of the letter abbreviations & climate names
Concepts
What data did Koppen use to establish the climate boundaries?
Climates
Tropical Humid Climates
Where are tropical climates located?
What are the two main characteristics of the tropical climate?
Tropical Wet Climates
Why does this climate experience consistent temperature and rainfall?
Tropical Monsoon Climates
Where are monsoon climates located? How does this contribute to high rain?
Tropical Savanna Climate
Where is the savanna climate located?
What is responsible for the summer drought and winter rain regimen?
Dry Climates
What causes an arid climate?
What causes an arid climate in the sub tropics? Mid latitudes?
What is the difference in rainfall between desert and steppes?
SubTropical Desert
Where are the subtropical deserts located?
What do the Atacama and Austraila have in common that cause aridity?
SubTropical Steppe
What is the difference in temperature and rainfall from the desert?
Midlatitude Desert
Where are the midlatitude deserts located?
What are the differences between midlatitude and subtropical deserts?
What happens to temperature in the winter?
Midlatitude Steppe
Where are the midlatitude steppes located?
Mid Latitude Mild Climates
Where are mid latitude mild climates located?
What is responsible for the variability of climate in the midlatitudes?
Mediterranean Climate
Where are the mediterranean climates located?
What causes the summer drought conditions?
Humid Subtropical Climate
Where are the humid subtropical climates located?
What are the differences between the humid sub tropical and mediterranean climates?
How do ocean currents affect these two climates?
Marine West Coast Climate
Where are the marine west coast climates located?
Why is North America’s marine west coast climate restricted in comparison to Europe?
Severe Mid Latitude Climates
Where are the severe mid latitude climates located?
How does continentality affect these climates?
Humid Continental Climate
Where is the humid continental climate found?
How do the westerly winds impact the climate?
Subarctic Climate
What is the winter like in this climate? Summer?
Polar Climates
What is the distinguishing characteristic of the polar climates?
What is the main difference between polar and tundra?
Tundra Climate
What is the treeline?
Ice Cap Climate
Why is precipitation limited?
Highland Climate
What is the climactic control for the highland climate?
What is vertical zonation?