World Climates

If YOU lived there...

SECTION
2
TEKS 6A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22D

You live in Colorado and are on your first serious hike in the Rocky
Mountains. Since it is July, it is hot in the campground in the What You Will Learn…
valley. But your guide insists that you bring a heavy fleece jacket.
Main Ideas
By noon, you have climbed to 11,000 feet. You are surprised to see
1. Geographers use tempera-
patches of snow in shady spots. Suddenly, you are very happy that ture, precipitation, and plant
life to identify climate zones.
you brought your jacket!
2. Tropical climates are wet and
warm, while dry climates
Why does it get colder as you climb higher? receive little or no rain.
3. Temperate climates have the
most seasonal change.
4. Polar climates are cold and
dry, while highland climates
Building Background While weather is the day-to-day change with elevation.
changes in a certain area, climate is the average weather condi-
tions over a long period. Earth’s different climates depend partly on
The Big Idea
the amount of sunlight a region receives. Differences in climate also
Earth’s five major climate
depend on factors such as wind, water, and elevation.
zones are identified by tempera-
ture, precipitation, and plant life.

Major Climate Zones Key Terms

In January, how will you dress for the weekend? In some places, monsoons, p. 58
savannas, p. 58
you might get dressed to go skiing. In other places, you might
steppes, p. 59
head out in a swimsuit to go to the beach. What the seasons are permafrost, p. 61
like where you live depends on climate.
Earth is a patchwork of climates. Geographers identify these
climates by looking at temperature, precipitation, and native
plant life. Using these items, we can divide Earth into five general
Use the graphic organizer online to
climate zones—tropical, temperate, polar, dry, and highland. take notes on Earth’s major climate
The first three climate zones relate to latitude. Tropical zones.
climates occur near the equator, in the low latitudes. Temperate
climates occur about halfway between the equator and the poles,
in the middle latitudes. Polar climates occur near the poles, in
the high latitudes. The last two climate zones occur at many
different latitudes. In addition, geographers divide some climate
zones into more specific climate regions. The chart and map on
the next two pages describe the world’s climate regions.

Reading Check Drawing Inferences Why do you think

geographers consider native plant life when categorizing climates?

55
World Climate Regions
To explore the world’s climate regions, start with the
chart below. After reading about each climate region,
locate the places on the map that have that climate.
As you locate climates, look for patterns. For example,
places near the equator tend to have warmer climates
than places near the poles. See if you can identify some NORTH
other climate patterns. AMERICA

ATLANTIC
Tropic of Cancer

OCEAN

PACIFIC
0° Equator
OCEAN SOUTH
AMERICA

Tropic of Capricorn

10

20
40°W
12

60°
14

80°
16

0°W
0°
0°
0°

W
W
W
W
W
Tropical
climate

Climate Where is it? What is it like? Plants

HUMID On and near the equator Warm with high amounts of rain year-round; in a Tropical rain
Tropical

TROPICAL few places, monsoons create extreme wet seasons forest

TROPICAL Higher latitudes in the tropics Warm all year; distinct rainy and dry seasons; at Tall grasses and
SAVANNA least 20 inches (50 cm) of rain during the summer scattered trees

DESERT Mainly center on 30° latitude; Sunny and dry; less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain A few hardy
also in middle of continents, on a year; hot in the tropics; cooler with wide daytime plants, such
west coasts, or in rain shadows temperature ranges in middle latitudes as cacti
Dry

STEPPE Mainly bordering deserts and About 10–20 inches (25–50 cm) of precipitation a Shorter grasses;
interiors of large continents year; hot summers and cooler winters with wide some trees and
temperature ranges during the day shrubs by water

MEDITERRANEAN West coasts in middle latitudes Dry, sunny, warm summers; mild, wetter winters; Scrub woodland
rain averages 15–20 inches (30–50 cm) a year and grassland

HUMID East coasts in middle latitudes Humid with hot summers and mild winters; rain Mixed forest
Temperate

SUBTROPICAL year-round; in paths of hurricanes and typhoons

MARINE WEST West coasts in the upper- Cloudy, mild summers and cool, rainy winters; Evergreen
COAST middle latitudes strong ocean influence forests

HUMID East coasts and interiors of Four distinct seasons; long, cold winters and short, Mixed forest
CONTINENTAL upper-middle latitudes warm summers; average precipitation varies

56 Chapter 3
 ARCTIC OCEAN 80°N

Arctic Circle
Polar
60°N
climate
EUROPE
ASIA
40°N

TIC PACIFIC
20°N
AN OCEAN
AFRICA

INDIAN
20°S

OCEAN AUSTRALIA
N

W E 40°S

S
20°W
40°W

20°E

E
40°E

60°E

E
E

0°

0°

0°

0°
80°
0°

10

12

14

16

60°S

Antarctic Circle
Dry
ANTARCTICA climate

Climate Where is it? What is it like? Plants

SUBARCTIC Higher latitudes of the interior World

HRW-MS Extremes of temperature; long, cold winters and
Geography Northern ever-
and east coasts of continents short, warm summers; little precipitation
mg7fvs_winmap013a green forests
World Climates
Polar

TUNDRA Coasts in high latitudes Cold all year; very long, cold winters and very short, Moss, lichens,
Approved – 6/14/05
cool summers; little precipitation; permafrost low shrubs

ICE CAP Polar regions Freezing cold; snow and ice; little precipitation No vegetation

HIGHLAND High mountain regions Wide range of temperatures and precipitation Ranges from
Highland

amounts, depending on elevation and location forest to tundra

Regions Note how Earth’s climate 3. Make Generalizations Where are

regions relate to different locations. many of the world’s driest climates
1. Locate Which climates are found found on Earth?
mainly in the Northern Hemisphere? 4. Interpreting Charts Examine the chart.
2. Identify What climate does most Which two climates have the least
of northern Africa have? amount of vegetation?

Climate, Environment, and Resources 57

 FOCUS ON C ULTURE Welcome to the humid tropical climate.
This climate is warm, muggy, and rainy
The Tuareg of the Sahara. year-round. Temperatures average about
80°F (26°C). Showers or storms occur
In the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, temperatures can
top 130°F (54°C). Yet the Tuareg ( twah -reg) of North and almost daily, and rainfall ranges from 70 to
West Africa call the Sahara home—and prefer it. The Tuareg more than 450 inches (180 to 1,140 cm) a
have raised camels and other animals in the Sahara for more year. In comparison, only a few parts of the
than 1,000 years. The animals graze on sparse desert plants. United States average more than 70 inches
When the plants are gone, the Tuareg move on. (180 cm) of rain a year.
In camp, Tuareg families live in tents made from animal
Some places with a humid tropical
skins. Some wealthier Tuareg live in adobe homes. The men
traditionally wear blue veils wrapped around their face and
climate have monsoons   , seasonal winds
head. The veils help protect against windblown desert dust. that bring either dry or moist air. During
one part of the year, a moist ocean wind
Summarizing How have the Tuareg adapted to life in a desert? creates an extreme wet season. The winds
then shift direction, and a dry land wind
creates a dry season. Monsoons affect sev-
eral parts of Asia. For example, the town
of Mawsynram, India, receives on average
more than 450 inches (1,140 cm) of rain
a year—all in about six months! That is
about 37 feet (11 m) of rain. As you can
imagine, flooding during wet seasons is
common and can be severe.
The humid tropical climate’s warm
temperatures and heavy rainfall support
tropical rain forests. These lush forests con-
tain more types of plants and animals than
anywhere else on Earth. The world’s largest
rain forest is in the Amazon River basin in
Tropical and Dry Climates South America. There you can find more
Are you the type of person who likes to than 50,000 species, including giant lily
go to extremes? Then tropical and dry pads, poisonous tree frogs, and toucans.
climates might be for you. These climates Tropical Savanna Climate Moving north
include the wettest, driest, and hottest and south away from the equator, we find
places on Earth. the tropical savanna climate. This climate
has a long, hot, dry season followed by
Tropical Climates short periods of rain. Rainfall is much lower
Our tour of Earth’s climates starts at the than at the equator but still high. Tem-
equator, in the heart of the tropics. This peratures are hot in the summer, often as
region extends from the Tropic of Cancer high as 90°F (32°C). Winters are cooler but
to the Tropic of Capricorn. Look back at rarely get cold.
the map to locate this region. This climate does not receive enough
Humid Tropical Climate At the equator, rainfall to support dense forests. Instead,
the hot, damp air hangs like a thick, wet it supports savannas—areas of tall grasses
blanket. Sweat quickly coats your body. and scattered trees and shrubs.

58 Chapter 3
Dry Climates Temperate Climates
Leaving Earth’s wettest places, we head If you enjoy hot, sunny days as much as
to its driest. These climates are found in a chilly, rainy ones, then temperate climates
number of locations on the planet. are for you. Temperate means “moderate”
Desert Climate Picture the sun baking or “mild.” These mild climates tend to have
down on a barren wasteland. This is the four seasons, with warm or hot summers
desert, Earth’s hottest and driest climate. and cool or cold winters.
Deserts receive less than 10 inches (25 cm) Temperate climates occur in the middle
of rain a year. Dry air and clear skies pro- latitudes, the regions halfway between the
duce high daytime temperatures and rapid equator and the poles. Air masses from the
cooling at night. In some deserts, highs can tropics and the poles often meet in these
top 130°F (54°C)! Under such conditions, regions, which creates a number of differ-
only very hardy plants and animals can ent temperate climates. You very likely live
live. Many plants grow far apart so as not in one, because most Americans do.
to compete for water. Others, such as cacti, Mediterranean Climate Named for the
store water in fleshy stems and leaves. region of the Mediterranean Sea, this
Steppe Climate Semidry grasslandsmg7fvs_wincht012a
or sunny, pleasant climate is found in many
prairies—called steppes (steps)—often bor- nal2 popular vacation areas. In a Mediterranean
der deserts. Steppes receive slightly more climate, summers are hot, dry, and sunny.
7/19/05
rain than deserts do. Short grasses are the Winters are mild and somewhat wet. Plant
most common plants, but shrubs and trees life includes shrubs and short trees with
grow along streams and rivers. scattered larger trees. The Mediterranean
climate occurs mainly in coastal areas. In
Reading Check Contrasting What are some the United States, much of California has
ways in which tropical and dry climates differ? this climate.

Mediterranean Climate
Climate Graph for Nice, France
The climate graph shows average temperatures and precipitation for Nice
80 8

Average Precipitation (in inches)

(neece), France, which has a Mediterranean climate.
Average Temperature (˚F)

Analyzing Graphs During which month is precipitation lowest? 70 7

60 6
50 5
40 4
FRANCE
30 3
Nice
20 2
10 1
0 0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month
HRW-MS World Geography
mg7fvs_winmap011a Source: The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc.
Nice, France: Locate It
Approved – 6/14/05

Climate, Environment, and Resources 59

Highland Climates Kilimanjaro rises to
19,341 ft (5,895 m).
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in The snow-covered
Africa. Although Kilimanjaro is only about 200 summit has an ice
miles (320 km) south of the equator, snow blan- cap climate.
kets its highest peak.

Climate and plant

life ranges from rain
forest, to steppe, to
desert, to tundra.

A tropical savanna climate

is found around the base ANALYSIS

of Mount Kilimanjaro. skill Analyzing Visuals

Which type of climate is found on the
top of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Humid Subtropical Climate The south- The moist air keeps temperatures mild
eastern United States is an example of the year-round. Winters are foggy, cloudy, and
humid subtropical climate. This climate rainy, while summers can be warm and
occurs along east coasts near the tropics. sunny. Dense evergreen forests thrive in
In these areas, warm, moist air blows in this climate.
from the ocean. Summers are hot and Humid Continental Climate Closer to the
muggy. Winters are mild, with occasional poles, in the upper–middle latitudes, many
frost and snow. Storms occur year-round. inland and east coast areas have a humid
In addition, hurricanes can strike, bringing continental climate. This climate has four
A CADEMIC
V OCABULARY violent winds, heavy rain, and high seas. distinct seasons. Summers are short and
distinct A humid subtropical climate supports hot. Spring and fall are mild, and winters
clearly different mixed forests. These forests include both
and separate are long, cold, and in general, snowy.
deciduous trees, which lose their leaves This climate’s rainfall supports vast
each fall, and coniferous trees, which are grasslands and forests. Grasses can grow
green year-round. Coniferous trees are also very tall, such as in parts of the American
known as evergreens. Great Plains. Forests contain both decidu-
Marine West Coast Climate Parts of North ous and coniferous trees, with coniferous
America’s Pacific coast and of western forests occurring in the colder areas.
Europe have a marine west coast climate.
This climate occurs on west coasts where Reading Check Categorizing Which of the
winds carry moisture in from the seas. temperate climates is too dry to support forests?

60 Chapter 3
Polar and Highland Climates Ice Cap Climate The harshest places on
Earth may be the North and South poles.
Get ready to feel the chill as we end our
These regions have an ice cap climate. Tem-
tour in the polar and highland climates.
peratures are bone-numbingly cold, and
The three polar climates are found in the
lows of more than –120°F (–84°C) have been
high latitudes near the poles. The varied
recorded. Snow and ice remain year-round,
highland climate is found on mountains.
but precipitation is light. Not surprisingly,
Subarctic Climate The subarctic climate no vegetation grows. However, mammals
and the tundra climate described below such as penguins and polar bears thrive.
occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere
Highland Climates Highland climates are F OCUS ON
south of the Arctic Ocean. In the subarctic R EADING
cool to cold climates in mountain areas.
climate, winters are long and bitterly cold. What is the effect
They are unique because they c­ontain
Summers are short and cool. Temperatures of elevation on
several climate zones. This is because,
­ climate?
stay below freezing for about half the year.
as you climb a mountain, the climate
The climate’s moderate rainfall supports
­changes. Temperatures drop, and plant life
vast evergreen forests, or taiga (ty-guh).
grows sparser. Going up a mountain can be
Tundra Climate The tundra climate occurs like going from the tropics to the poles. On
in coastal areas along the Arctic Ocean. As very tall mountains, ice coats the summit
in the subarctic climate, winters are long year-round.
and bitterly cold. Temperatures rise above
freezing only during the short summer. Reading Check Comparing How are polar
Rainfall is light, and only plants such as and highland climates similar?
mosses, lichens, and small shrubs grow.
In parts of the tundra, soil layers stay
frozen all year. Permanently frozen layers   
SUmmary and PReview As you can see,
of soil are called permafrost. Frozen earth Earth has many climates, which we iden-
absorbs water poorly, which creates ponds tify based on temperature, precipitation,
and marshes in summer. This moisture and native plant life. In the next section
causes plants to burst forth in bloom. you will read about how nature and all
living things are connected.

Section 2 Assessment ONLINE QUIZ

Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and Places Critical Thinking

1. a. Recall Which three major climate zones are most 5. Categorizing Create a chart like the one below
closely related to latitude? for each climate region. Then use your notes to
b. Summarize How do geographers categorize describe each climate region’s average tempera-
Earth’s different climates? tures, precipitation, and native plant life.
2. a. Define What are monsoons?
b. Make Inferences In which type of dry climate Climate Region Temperature Precipitation Plant Life
do you think the fewest people live, and why?
3. a. Identify What are the four temperate climates?
b. Geographic Questions Use the climate graph Focus on Viewing
on page 59 to pose and answer a question about
6. Discussing World Climates Add information
climate patterns in Nice, France.
about the climate of the place you have selected,
4. a. Describe What are some effects of permafrost?
such as average temperature and precipitation.
b. Explain How are highland climates unique?

Climate, Environment, and Resources 61