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.