Climate Zones
A climate zone is a region of Earth with similar temperature and precipitation patterns year-round. Climate determines what plants, animals, and human activities exist there.
The Five Major Climate Zones
| Zone | Location | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Near Equator (0°–23.5°) | Hot year-round, heavy rain; rainforests |
| Dry (Arid/Semi-arid) | 23.5°–35° lat. | Low precipitation; deserts and steppes |
| Temperate | 35°–60° lat. | Mild, four seasons; deciduous forests |
| Continental | 40°–70° lat. | Extreme temperatures; grasslands/forests |
| Polar | 66.5°–90° lat. | Extremely cold; tundra and ice caps |
What Causes Climate?
Latitude (distance from equator), altitude (higher = colder), proximity to oceans (moderate temperatures), and ocean currents all determine climate. Mountains create rain shadows — wet on windward side, dry on leeward.
Biomes and Climate
Tropical → Rainforest. Dry → Desert. Temperate → Deciduous Forest. Continental → Grasslands (Great Plains). Polar → Tundra/Ice cap. Each biome has organisms uniquely adapted to its climate.
Köppen Climate Classification
The most common system — five main groups (A–E) with subdivisions. A = tropical, B = dry, C = temperate, D = continental, E = polar.
FAQ
What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather = short-term daily conditions. Climate = average conditions over 30+ years.
Why is it colder at the poles? Sunlight hits at a steep angle at high latitudes, spreading energy over more surface area.
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.