Climate Regions of North America
Continental Climate
The continental climate region is found in the northeastern and north central portion of the
United States. It extends from the Atlantic coastline across the Appalachian mountain range to the Great
Plains. The Mississippi river cuts through the region. The climate includes cold, snowy winters and warm
summers. The rainfall is moderate. The continental climate region has four seasons (winter, spring,
summer, autumn) with visible changes in the landscape. The region has ample rivers and forests. The
soil is fertile although the growing season is limited due to the cold winters.
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Four_seasons.jpg
Subtropical Climate
The subtropical region is found in the southeastern and south central portion of the United
States. It extends from the southern states on the Atlantic coastline across the Appalachian mountain
range to the Great Plains. The Mississippi river cuts through the region. The climate includes mild
winters and hot, humid summers. The rainfall is moderate to heavy. The subtropical region has seasonal
differences that are less dramatic than the seasons of the continental climate region. The region has
ample rivers and forests. The soil is fertile with an extended growing season due to the mild winters. In
some areas such as southern Florida, the climate is more tropical. Fruits such as oranges and lemons will
grow easily there.
Source: http://withfriendship.com/images/i/42183/humid-subtropical-climate6.jpg
Source: http://amvoice.3cdn.net/6c74af0f43d16e6db9_ncm6iihu0.jpg
Semi-Arid Climate
The semi-arid climate is found in the central portion of the United States between the Rocky
Mountains and the Mississippi river. It includes the Great Plains of the United States. The Missouri river
is a major river of the region. The region experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The
weather in the semi-arid climate is more extreme than the weather east of the Mississippi river.
Thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding are common occurrences. The land is flat with tall prairie
grasses and few trees. Today, much of the land is used for agriculture, such as corn and wheat.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison
Source: http://ngp.rangelands.org/photos.php
Desert
The desert climate is found in the southwest portion of the United States between the Rocky
Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountains. There is low rainfall here and the weather is very hot
throughout the year. Although there is little rain, the Colorado river is the main source of water for the
region. Death Valley is the hottest and lowest place on earth. It is 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley
is found in the states of California and Nevada, which is part of the desert region. Vegetation that grows
here is adapted to surviving with little water available. Examples of desert vegetation include cactus and
sagebrush.
Source: http://campingstyle.com/tag/desert-camping-tips/
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_North_American_deserts
Marine West Coast
The climate of the marine west coast is found in the northwest portion of the United States
between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast. The weather is mild and rainy all year. It rains
almost every day in this region. There are thick rain forests in this region. The ocean is the main
influence on the weather in this area. Water evaporates from the ocean into the air. The humid air is
trapped by the mountains, which then forms rain clouds. Marine life, such as salmon and seal, are
common in the region. Bears and other animals feed on the marine life.
http://spleen-me.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dsc_0140.jpg
http://www.tarleton.edu/Departments/range/Woodlands%20and%20Forest/Pacific%20Northwest%20F
orests/PacificNorthwestForests.html
http://www.nwplants.com/images/trees/pse_men_SangTrinh_cathedralgroveBritishColumbiasm.jpg
Highland Climate
The highland climate is found high in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. These
mountains create a special climate zone because the temperature varies widely depending on altitude.
At the top of the mountains, it is very cold with snow year round. In the spring, some of the snow at the
top of the mountains begins to melt. The fresh water from the snowmelt is the source of many rivers in
the United States. At the base of the mountains, forests and rivers support a variety of plants and
animals.
Source: http://www.vill.hara.nagano.jp/www/english/images/28519.jpg
Source: http://www.theadventurepost.com/wpcontent/uploads/2012/01/011612_Evergreen_Escapes_Rainier_opener.jpg