climate types Weather studies Cd6 y3 geog 2026

what are the different climate types

1. Tropical

2. Dry

3. Temperate

4. Continental

5. Polar

characteristics of tropical climates

1. Hot and humid

2. Average temperatures>18°C

3. More than 59 inches of precipitation each year all year round

characteristics of dry climate

1. Extremely dry because moisture is rapidly evaporated from the air

2. Very little precipitation

Characteristics of temperate climate

1. Moderate temperatures with distinct seasons

2. warm and humid summers

3. mild winters

characteristics of continental climate

1. warm to cool summers

2. very cold winters <-30°C

3. normally found in interior of large land masses

characteristics of polar climates

1. extremely cold all year round

2. even in summer, temperatures never go higher than 10°C

What are the types of tropical climates

1. Tropical equatorial

2. Tropical monsoon

3. Tropical wet and dry aka savanna

Describe the location of tropical equatorial climates and its characteristics (of rainfall and temp)

1. located between latitudes 10°N and S of the Equator

2. Uniform temperature throughout the year→mean annual temp vary between 26°C-29°C with little seasonal change in temp due to dense clouds(no distinct hot or cold seasons)

3. High annual rainfall: >2000mm, no distinct dry season

Why do tropical equatorial climates have its characteristics?

1. Low latitudes so high temps year round

2. High precipitation due to constant high temps, warm air rising constantly to create low pressure area, convectional uplift favors condensation + cloud formation and hence precipitation

Whats the location and characteristics of tropical monsoon climate

Located within tropics (23.5°N/S)

Affected by tropical monsoons→Onshore(frm sea):wet monsoon in summers and offshore(from land): dry monsoon in winter

Relatively high temps throughout the year>21°C when the sun is overhead, mean annual temp ~24°C generally decreasing inland

Cooler season is dry, cloudless and warm with low night temperatures due to smaller extent of cloud cover

Distinctly seasonal rainfall: annual rainfall avg 1500mm with clear wet and dry szns, corresponding to arrival of monsoon winds

windward slopes of mountain ranges receive high rainfall from relief rain