Geography 180
Chapter 8 - Climate Classification
Name:
Climate characteristics such as annual and seasonal rainfall and temperature are a result of
latitudinal and topographic variations on the earth’s surface. We had studied these processes
individually, but now we need to think geographically and understand how they together create
our various climates. These processes include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Types of rays – latitudinal variation in insolation (controls temperature)
Length of day – (same as above)
Continental vs. coastal location – control seasonal temperature extremes
Global Pressure Systems – controls precipitation (low pressure vs. high pressure)
Global Winds – controls prevailing onshore flow
Ocean Currents – controls humidity (warm vs. cold currents)
Adiabatic Heating & Cooling – controls precipitation (windward vs. leeward)
Global precipitation – lifting mechanisms & humidity
This exercise will require critical thinking and map reading skills. You will need to find
commonalties in climate type location and what processes listed above contribute to creating this
climate type. Describing the geographic distribution (where) of a climate will require analysis of
latitudinal range, coastal vs. interior, windward vs. leeward, west coast vs. east coast.
Part 1
1.
A - Humid Tropical Climates (p. 212)
Identify the climate characteristics of the Af climate:
Average monthly temperature:
Average monthly precipitation:
Annual temperature range:
2.
Af climates are located along the equator. What are the geographic processes in this area
that are responsible for:
High average temperatures?
High average precipitation?
Year round high temperatures?
3.
To be classified as a monsoon climate, the region must have more than 100 inches of
precipitation annually and a majority of that rain will fall during one season (3-5 months).
Using the map of climates and the topographic map in the front cover of the text or atlas,
identify the names of the mountains or highlands located near the areas of Am climate.
North Eastern South American coast:
Western Indian coast:
Southeast Asia west coast:
Australia northeast coast:
4.
What type of lifting mechanism is responsible for generating over 100 inches of rain in the
monsoon climates?
5.
Select the statement that best describes the geographic location of Aw climates:
Along the equator
Along east coasts between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn
North and south of Af climates in the tropics
6.
Identify the climate characteristics of the Aw climate from the Koppen handout:
“A”:
“w”:
7.
Refer to the map on page 215 of the ITCZ.
When the ITCZ shifts to the north in June, what season is it in the southern hemisphere?
When the ITCZ shifts to the north, what else shifts to the north?
What happens to precipitation in the southern hemispheres Aw climates in June?
When the ITCZ shifts to the south in December, what season is it in the northern
hemisphere?
What happens to precipitation in the northern hemispheres Aw climates in December?
8.
What are the geographic processes in this area that are responsible for the Aw climate:
High average annual temperatures?
Winter drought?
Year round high temperatures?
Part 2
1.
B - Arid / Dry Climates (p. 216)
The letter B indicates that the annual potential evaporation is greater than the annual
precipitation. This means that while the air has a potential to hold plenty of water vapor,
there is not enough available to meet the annual potential evaporation. This is different
from areas that experience a seasonal drought, such as Southern California, but that meet
the annual potential evaporation with precipitation.
The second letters for this climate measure how arid it is. To determine this, potential
evaporation is divided by two, and compared to the annual precipitation. Does the region
receive enough precipitation to meet half (50%) of its potential evaporation?
S (steppe, semi arid):
Yes, precipitation is greater than ½ potential evaporation
W (true desert):
No, precipitation is less than ½ potential evaporation
Example:
Potential Evaporation = 21
Precipitation = 6
Climate Classification (BS or BW?):
2.
What are the two third letters used for B climates and what is the annual average
temperature for each?
3.
Compare the locations of “h” deserts and “k” deserts and match the letters with the correct
geographic descriptions.
Midlatitude interiors (30°- 60° latitude)
Subtropical (10° – 30° latitude)
Match each arid third letter ( h or k )with the correct geographic processes:
Influenced by direct rays, consistent day length
Land heats and cools faster than water
4.
Identify the coast (east or west) for each of the deserts listed below.
Atacama (South America)
Baja California (North America)
Namib Desert (Africa)
Great Sandy Desert (Australia)
Why are there deserts located along these coasts?
5.
The Saharan Desert in Africa and the Simpson Desert in Australia are located at
approximately 30° latitude. What pressure system is located here that would contribute to
an arid climate? (Hint! Figure 8-13)
6.
The Great Plains in North America is a BSk (semi arid steppe). This is a result of its
(windward or leeward)
location relative to the (trade
winds or westerlies)
. The BSh desert in north Australia is
a result of its (windward or leeward)
winds or westerlies)
location relative to the (trade
.
7.
There are three main geographic factors that influence arid climates. Based on your
observations above, list the three factors:
a.
b.
c.
Part 3
1.
2.
C - Mild Midlatitude Climates (p. 222)
Match the C climates to their Koppen Characteristics:
C
1.
Consistent precipitation; one month above 71°
Cfa
2.
Consistent precipitation; no month above 71°, 4
months above 50°
Csb
3.
Mild winter, no month below 32°
Cfb
4.
Summer drought; no month above 71°, 4 months
above 50°
Identify the name of each C climate.
Cfa:
Csb:
Cfb:
3.
Use the map on pg. 223 to match the C climates with their geographic distribution /
location:
Cfa
1.
West coasts; 40° - 60° latitude
Csb
2.
East coasts; 20°-40° latitude
Cfb
3.
West coasts; 30°-40° latitude
4.
Both the Csb and Cfa climates have mild winters because of their latitude (below 40°).
However their rainfall amounts vary dramatically.
How does its location on the east coast contribute to Cfa’s year round rainfall?
Csb is located along west coasts. How does this influence the amount of rainfall?
Csb is also influenced by the shift of the Sub Tropical High in the summer. How does the
onshore shift of the STH in the summer contribute to the summer drought?
5.
The Cfb Marine West Coast climate experiences mild winters up to 60° latitude. This is in
part a result of the ocean currents in the region. Use the ocean current map on page 96 to
identify the temperature of the Alaska Current and the North Atlantic Drift.
Current Temperature:
6.
In addition to warming the air, the warm currents offshore also contribute to the area’s
humidity. Would the air over warm currents have high or low humidity? Explain why.
7.
The net result of these processes is an mP air mass sitting offshore of the west coasts
between 40° - 60° latitude. What wind system is responsible for moving this air mass
onshore?
8.
Compare the topography surrounding the Cfb climates listed below. Which two locations
also have orographic lifting?
North America West Coast
South America West Coast
Europe
Part 4
1.
2.
D - Severe Winter Humid Continental Climates (p. 226)
Match the D climates to their Koppen Characteristics:
D
1.
Winter drought, one month below -36°
Dfa/b
2.
Severe winter, at least one month below 32°
Dwd
3.
Consistent precipitation; one month above 71°
Identify the name of each D climate.
Dfa:
Dwd:
3.
Use the map on pg. 228 to identify the D climate type with the correct geographic location.
Interiors; 50°- 70° latitude
Interiors; 40° - 60° latitude
4.
Use the climographs on page 229 & 230 to identify the temperature range for this climate.
Chicago:
F
Verkhoyansk:
F
T Shenyang:
F
Dawson:
F
Why do the D climates experience this temperature range (hot summers & severe winters)?
(mantra.....)
5.
Turn to the climate map on page 210. Refer to the latitudes for the D climates (40°-70°) in
the southern hemisphere. Why are there no D climates in the southern hemisphere?
Part 5
1.
E - Polar Climates (p. 231)
Identify each of the following as either ET or EF:
No month above 50°; one to three months above freezing
No month above 50°; no month above freezing
Polar Frost / Ice Cap
Polar Tundra
Coastal areas above 60° latitude
Interiors of polar landmasses
2.
Part 5
1.
What are the geographic conditions responsible for the polar climates?
H Highland Climates (p. 235)
Highland is the designation used for areas that experience polar conditions as a result of
altitude instead of latitude. Compare the map on page 235 with the topographic map.
Which mountain ranges or highlands are associated with the Highland climates on each
continent?
North America:
South America:
Europe:
Africa:
Asia:
PHEW! You’re finished!