Climate type distribution and characteristics

Tropical type

Tropical rainforest landscape

Tropical rainforest climate

The characteristics of tropical rainforest climate (also called equatorial rainforest climate) are: It is hot and rainy all year round. Located near the equator, extending about 5° to 10° south and north, its main distribution areas are: the Amazon Plain in South America, the Congo Basin in Africa, the Malay Peninsula and the Malay Islands.

These areas are located in the equatorial low-pressure zone, where the airflow is mainly upward movement, and there are many opportunities for water vapor to condense and cause rain. It rains all year round, with no dry season. The annual precipitation is generally more than 2000 mm, with at least 100% rainfall per month. The amount also exceeds 60 mm, and there are frequent thundershowers; the average monthly temperature is 25° to 28°C, with long summer all year round, no seasonal changes, the annual range is generally less than 3°C, and the average daily range can reach 6° to 12°C .

Several special distributions: eastern Madagascar, northeastern Australia, southeastern Brazil, and northeastern Caribbean island countries. In this climate with high temperature and rain all year round, plants can grow all year round. There are many tree species, dense layers of vegetation, and a wide variety of animals and plants.

Tropical grassland landscape

Tropical grassland climate

The characteristics of tropical grassland climate (also called tropical dry and wet season climate) are: high temperature all year round, dry precipitation Wet for two seasons.

Mainly distributed on the north and south sides of the tropical rain forest climate zone, that is, Central and South America and Africa at about 5° to 15° south and north latitudes (some extend to 25°). Its main characteristics are, first of all, due to the north-south movement and alternating influence of the equatorial low-pressure belt and the trade wind belt, there are distinct dry and wet seasons in a year.

When controlled by the equatorial low-pressure belt, the equatorial ocean air mass prevails, and there are convergent updrafts, forming a wet season, humid and rainy, with dense tall grass and shrubs growing everywhere, mixed with sparse trees. , that is, savanna landscape. When affected by the trade winds, tropical continental air masses prevail, resulting in dryness and little rain, forming a dry season in which the soil is dry and cracked, the grass is withered and yellow, and the trees are leafless.

Compared with the rainy equatorial climate, there is at least 1 to 2 months of dry season a year. Secondly, the temperature is high throughout the year, with the characteristics of high temperatures at low latitudes. The average temperature in the coldest month is above 16°C to 18°C. The hottest month occurs after the dry season and before the rainy season. Therefore, the climate in this area is generally divided into three seasons: dry, hot and rainy. The annual temperature range is slightly larger than that in the equatorial rainy climate zone.

Tropical desert landscape

Tropical desert climate

The characteristics of tropical desert climate (also called tropical arid and semi-arid climate, tropical desert climate) are: year-round High temperature and little rain.

It is roughly distributed on the west coast and inland of the continent where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses. It is most widely distributed in the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, West Asia (Arabian Peninsula) and central and western Australia. The tropical desert climate zone is under the control of subtropical high pressure and trade winds all year round. Tropical continental air masses prevail and the airflow sinks. Therefore, hot and dry conditions have become the main characteristics of this climate. The temperature is high and it is known as the "hot pole" in the world. There is very little precipitation, with the annual rainfall being less than 200 mm, and the variability is very high, and there may even be no rain for many years. The strong sunshine and strong evaporation further aggravate the dryness of the climate.

Tropical monsoon forest landscape

Tropical monsoon climate

The characteristics of tropical monsoon climate are: high temperature throughout the year and two seasons of precipitation, dry and rain.

Mainly distributed in Indochina, most parts of the Indian Peninsula, the Philippine Islands, and the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan, China, southern Taiwan Province, Leizhou Peninsula, and Hainan Island. In addition, there is a slightly similar distribution in the northern coastal zone of the Australian continent.

It has high temperatures all year round, with the annual average temperature above 20°C and the coldest month generally above 18°C. The annual precipitation is large, concentrated in the summer. This is due to the control of equatorial ocean air masses in summer, more convective rain, and the passing of tropical cyclones bringing large amounts of precipitation, resulting in more summer rain than in savanna climates; in some areas On the windward coast, due to topography, summer precipitation even exceeds that in equatorial rainy climate areas. Annual precipitation is generally 1,500 to 2,000 mm. The tropical monsoon in this area is developed, with obvious dry and rainy seasons. In the northern hemisphere, northeasterly winds blow in winter, forming a dry season; in summer, southwesterly winds from the Indian Ocean (northwesterly winds in the southern hemisphere) blow from the Indian Ocean, which are rich in water vapor and concentrate precipitation, forming a rainy season. ?

Subtropical type

It should be noted that the subtropical zone is also a temperate zone.

Subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest landscape

Subtropical monsoon climate

The subtropical monsoon climate is characterized by high temperatures and rainy days in summer and mild and dry winters.

Occurs on the east coast of the subtropical continent at 25° to 35° north latitude. It is a zone where tropical oceanic air masses and polar continental air masses alternately control and compete with each other. It is mainly distributed in the area south of the Huaihe River in the Qinling Mountains in eastern China and north of the tropical monsoon climate type, as well as in southern Japan and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The winter here is warm, with the average temperature in the coldest month above 0℃; the summer is hot, with the average temperature in the hottest month above 22℃. The seasonal changes in temperature are significant, and the temperature changes in the four seasons are clear. The annual precipitation is generally between 1000 and 1500 mm, but there is no obvious dry season. Compared with the temperate monsoon climate, the seasonal changes are basically similar, except that the winter temperature is higher and the annual precipitation is higher.

In addition, there is a subtropical humid climate (also called a monsoon humid climate), which is similar to the subtropical monsoon climate, but the monsoon characteristics are not as obvious as the subtropical monsoon climate.

Subtropical evergreen sclerophyll forest landscape

Mediterranean climate (subtropical summer dry climate)

Mediterranean climate (also known as subtropical summer dry climate, winter rain climate ) is characterized by: hot and dry summers, mild and rainy winters, with rain and heat in different periods.

Located on the west coast of the continent at subtropical latitudes (the west coast of the continent at 30° to 40° north and south latitudes), the Mediterranean region is the most typical, including the coast of California, the coast of central Chile, and the southwestern tip of South Africa (Cape of Good Hope region) and the southwestern tip of Australia. It is in the transition zone between tropical semi-arid climate and temperate oceanic climate.

These areas are significantly affected by the seasonal displacement of the pressure zone. In summer, they are controlled by the subtropical high pressure and the airflow sinks. Therefore, except for the western coast of the mainland, which is affected by the cold current, the summer temperature is very hot and the downdraft airflow is unfavorable to the mood. It rains, so the climate is dry; in winter, affected by the westerly wind, it is mild and rainy. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with annual precipitation ranging from 300 to 1,000 mm.

Note: The following two climates can be classified as temperate continental climates.

Subtropical desert climate

Subtropical desert climate (subtropical continental arid and semi-arid climate). Mainly distributed in the interior of subtropical continents, including the Iranian Plateau and Anatolian Plateau in West Asia, the inland plateau of the western United States, and the Glan Chaco in South America. The formation of the arid climate is due to the fact that it is located far inland from the sea or is blocked by mountains, making it difficult for moist air to reach. Also, it is located in the subtropical zone, so it has high temperatures in summer and mild winters. Semi-arid climate is a transition type from arid climate to other climates. The vegetation type here is desert steppe, with xerophytic shrubs and grasses usually growing there, and the soil is semi-desert light brown soil.

Subtropical grassland climate

The characteristics of subtropical grassland climate are basically the same as tropical grassland climate, but they are distributed in the subtropics.

Temperate zone type

Temperate marine climate

The characteristics of temperate marine climate are: no severe cold in winter, no scorching heat in summer, uniform precipitation throughout the year, mild and humid .

Temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest landscape

It is located on the west coast of the continent at 40° to 60° north and south latitudes (temperate zone). It is in the westerly belt all year round and is deeply influenced by marine air masses. There are warm currents passing along the coast. There is no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. The average temperature in the coldest month is above 0℃ and the hottest month is below 22℃. The temperature varies from year to year. All small. There is less precipitation throughout the year in spring and summer, and more in autumn and winter. The annual precipitation is generally more than 1,000 mm, and can reach more than 2,000 to 3,000 mm on the windward slopes of mountains. This climate is most typical in western Europe and has the widest distribution area. It is also distributed in corresponding latitude zones on the west coast of South and North America, as well as Tasmania and New Zealand in Oceania.

Temperate monsoon climate

The characteristics of temperate monsoon climate are: hot and rainy summers, cold and dry winters.

Distributed in the eastern part of the temperate zone of the Eurasian continent, including Northeast China and North China, the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, the northern part of Japan, and the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk (including the Kamchatka Peninsula). In winter, affected by northerly winds from high latitudes inland, polar continental air masses prevail here, which is cold and dry; in summer, affected by polar oceanic air masses or modified tropical oceanic air masses, easterly and southeasterly winds prevail, making it warm, hot and rainy, with rain and heat in the same season. The annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm, about two-thirds concentrated in summer (June-August). The temperature changes clearly throughout the year and the weather is changeable. As the latitude increases, the temperature range in winter and summer increases correspondingly, while the precipitation gradually decreases.

Temperate continental climate

The characteristics of temperate continental climate are: cold winters, hot summers, and little rain throughout the year.

Temperate coniferous forest landscape

This climate is the most widespread climate type in the world. Mainly distributed in Eurasia and North America. This climate is somewhat similar to the temperate monsoon climate in terms of changes in temperature and precipitation, but the seasonal changes in wind direction and wind force are not as obvious as in the temperate monsoon climate. In winter, there is slightly more precipitation due to the influence of cyclone activity; in summer, there is convective rain, but the concentration of summer rain is not as significant as in temperate monsoon climate. There are also large non-periodic changes in weather.

Note: The following three climates are all temperate continental climates.

Temperate grassland climate

Temperate grassland landscape

Temperate continental arid and semi-arid climate. Also known as temperate desert and temperate steppe climate, it is mainly distributed in the hinterland of Asia and the North American continent, as well as in places such as the Patagonia Plateau and the Pampas of South America. Such climate zones in Asia and North America are far away from the sea, deep inland, and surrounded by mountains and plateaus, making it difficult for moist ocean air to reach. Temperate continental air masses prevail all year round, thus forming a temperate continental climate with cold winters, hot summers, dryness and little rain. Arid and semi-arid climates. Generally speaking, the average annual precipitation in arid climates is less than 250mm, and in semi-arid climates it is 250 to 500mm.

Temperate desert climate

The temperate desert climate is a climate located in the desert area in the hinterland of the temperate continent. It is extremely arid and has scarce rainfall. The average annual precipitation is 200 to 300mm. In some places, it is even There has been no rain for many years. Summers are hot, with the highest daytime temperature reaching 50°C or above; winters are cold, with the average temperature in the coldest month being below 0°C. The annual and diurnal temperature ranges are also large. There are few clouds, relatively long sunshine, and strong solar radiation.

The natural landscape is mostly desert, and the natural plants include only a small number of sand plants. Central Asia and the Tarim Basin in China have a desert climate.

The temperate semi-arid climate is on the periphery of the arid climate. The summer temperature is lower than that of the temperate arid climate, and the rainfall is greater than that of the temperate arid climate.

Subarctic coniferous forest climate

Subarctic coniferous forest climate (also called subarctic continental climate). This climate occurs between 50° and 65° north latitude and is distributed in a band across North America and Eurasia. Specifically, in North America from Alaska through Canada to Labrador and most of Newfoundland; in Eurasia from Scandinavia in the west (except the south), through Finland and western Russia (the southern limit is St. Petersburg —Nizhny Novgorod-Sverdlovsk line?[3]?) to eastern Russia (except the south). The northern part is bounded by the 10°C isotherm of the hottest month. The climate in this area is mainly affected by polar ocean air masses and polar continental air masses, and is the source of polar continental air masses.

In winter, there are many opportunities for arctic air masses to invade; during the warm season, tropical continental air masses can sometimes penetrate. The main characteristics of this type of climate are: winters are long and cold, with average temperatures below 0°C for 5 to 7 months each year, and severe cold weather of -50°C often occurs; summers are short and warm, with average monthly temperatures above 10°C and high temperatures. The temperature can reach 18℃～20℃, and the annual temperature range is particularly large; the annual precipitation is generally 300～600 mm, mainly summer rain. Due to weak evaporation, the relative humidity is very high.

Cold zone type

Cold zone climate

The cold zone climate includes the following two types of climates, mainly distributed within the polar circle.

Tundra Landscape

Tundra Climate

Tundra climate is distributed in the Arctic Ocean coast of Eurasia and North America, part of the coast of Greenland and several islands in the Arctic Ocean. ; in the southern hemisphere, it is distributed in places such as the South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Its characteristics are: long winter without summer, short warm season, and scarce precipitation. The annual precipitation is about 200 to 300 mm, mainly snow; there is permafrost on the ground, and there are only low plants such as lichens and mosses.

Icefield climate

Icefield landscape

The icefield climate is cold all year round and precipitation is scarce. This climate is mainly distributed in Greenland and Antarctica, including the interior of Greenland and the ice plateau of the Antarctic continent. This is the birthplace of the icy ocean air mass and the Antarctic air mass. It is in a state of perpetual night throughout the winter. Although it is perpetual day in the second half of the year, due to the oblique sunlight, the heat gained is weak, so the climate is extremely cold all year round, with the temperature in every month being below 0℃; The annual average temperature of the Antarctic continent is -25°C, making it the coldest continent in the world. In 1967, Norwegians measured the absolute lowest temperature of -94.5°C, which can be called the world's "cold pole". The ground is mostly covered with thick ice and snow, and there are severe storms, with almost no plants growing.

Plateau Mountain Climate

The plateau mountain climate is mainly distributed in mountainous plateaus at mid- to low-latitudes. It is distributed in the Himalayas, Pamir Plateau and Tibetan Plateau in Asia, the Cordillera Mountains in South and North America, the Alps in Europe and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Because climate elements such as temperature and precipitation change vertically as the terrain increases, a vertical climate zone structure is formed. Different mountains or plateaus have different vertical climate zone structures. Even the same mountain or plateau often has different vertical climate zone structures due to differences in internal slope direction, height and location.