World Climate Patterns

Ch. 3 Sec. 3

Climate Regions

• Geographers divide the Earth into regions that have similar climates.

– Each of these divisions has its own Characteristic soils and natural vegetation.

Climate Zones

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAJOR CLIMATIC ZONES OF THE EARTH?

Watch the following clip to identify the three zones of the earth and where they are located.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24jlwpSwox0&feature=player_detailpage

Climates

• Each of the five climate regions we will learn about in this chapter fit into one of these three zones.

• As we go through the material see if you can match the zone with its appropriate region.

The Tropics – Tropical Climates are found in or near the

low latitudes. • Tropical Wet– Average

annual rainfall about 80”– Hot year round

Tropical DryDry winters, Wet summersHot year round

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuk-JW-wng0&feature=player_detailpage

Dry Climates– There are two types of dry climates which occur in

low and mid latitudes

Desert

Rainfall of 10” or less/yearTemperatures vary widely

Steppe

Borders Deserts10-20 inches of rain/year

Midlatitude Climates– This climate experiences variable weather patterns and season changes that give rise to a variety of natural vegetation The Four

Temperate Climate Regions

1. Marine west coast climate

2. Mediterranean3. Humid Subtropical4. Humid Continental

• Marine West Coast Climate

– Along western coasts– Cool summers and cool damp winters– Abundant rainfall

Midlatitude Climates

Midlatitude Climates• Mediterranean– Mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers

Midlatitude Climates

Humid Subtropical

– Found in Southeastern part of continents

– Short, mild winters– Nearly year round

rain/high humidity areas

Midlatitude Climates• Humid Continental– Northern Hemisphere• More northeastern part of continents

– Severe snowy winters, shorter and cooler summers

High-Latitude Climates

– Freezing temperatures are common throughout the year because of the

lack of direct sunlight.

There are three high-latitudeclimates regions

1. Subarctic2. Tundra3. Ice Cap

Subarctic• Just south of arctic circle• Bitterly cold winters• Short and cool summers• Permafrost

– Permanently frozen sub soil

High-Latitude Climates

Ice CapSnow and ice often more than 2 miles thick

Tundra• Closer to the poles• Winter darkness and bitter cold• Last for several months

Highland Climates– High mountain areas, even along the Equator,

share some of the same characteristics because of the thinning of atmosphere at high altitudes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_THTbynoRA&feature=player_detailpage

Something to Consider How does climate

impact vegetation?

To further understand the connection between climate and vegetation click on the link below.