Earth's Diverse Climates: Regions, Weather, and Ecosystems

Cold Climate Zones

Discover the unique characteristics of cold climate regions.

Location

• Primarily found at 60º N latitude in Eurasia and North America.
• Also present at high altitudes in more temperate latitudes and in southern Chile.

Temperature

• Winters are long and intensely cold.
• Minimum mean monthly temperatures can drop as low as -25ºC.
• Limited influence from the sea and low solar insolation.
• In areas within the North Arctic Circle, the sun may not rise for extended periods.
• Summers are short, but extended daylight hours and clear skies lead to relatively warm conditions.

Annual Precipitation

• Typically around 300 mm.
• Precipitation is light because the cold air holds limited moisture.
• Summer months may experience rainstorms.

Vegetation

• Dominated by coniferous forests.
• Trees are highly adapted to tolerate long, cold winters, cool summers, and limited precipitation.

Mediterranean Climate Zones

Explore the distinct features of Mediterranean climates and their unique vegetation.

Location

• Found on the west coasts of continents, between 30° and 40° north and south of the Equator.
• Key regions include:
  • California (USA)
  • Central Chile
  • Cape Province (South Africa)
  • Parts of Southern Australia

Temperature

• Characterized by dry summers and wet winters.
• Summers feature high sun angles and minimal cloud cover.
• Winters are mild, influenced by the moderating effect of the sea.
• Diurnal temperature ranges are often high due to frequent cloudless days.

Annual Precipitation

• Ranges from 400-600 mm.

Vegetation: Mediterranean Forest

• Mainly xerophytic (drought-resistant) plant species.
• Leaves are typically small, hard, leathery, waxy, or thorn-like, efficiently reducing transpiration.
• Many trees are evergreen, maximizing photosynthesis throughout the year.
• Trees often have thick, gnarled bark to further reduce transpiration.
• Possess long roots to access groundwater and bulbous roots for water storage.

Temperate Grasslands Biome

Understand the characteristics of cool temperate continental climates and their associated grasslands.

Climate Type: Cool Temperate Continental

Location

• Situated in the center of continents, approximately between latitudes 40° and 60° north of the Equator.
• The two primary regions are:
  • The North American Prairies
  • The Russian Steppes

Temperature

• High annual temperature range due to the lack of moderating oceanic influence.
• Summer maximum mean monthly readings are around 20°C.
• Winters experience several months with temperatures below freezing point.
• Clear skies contribute to a large diurnal (daily) temperature range.

Annual Precipitation

• Ranges from 400-600 mm.

Vegetation: Temperate Grassland

• Located south of the coniferous forest belt in the dry interiors of North America and Russia.
• Also found in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, typically between 30º and 40º latitude.
• Two main types of grass:
  • Feather grasses: Up to 50 cm tall, forming relatively even coverage.
  • Tufted grasses: Up to 2 m tall, found in compact clumps.

Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome

Learn about the cool temperate western margins climate and its characteristic deciduous forests.

Climate Type: Cool Temperate Western Margins

Location

• Found on the west coasts of continents, approximately between latitudes 40° and 60° north and south of the Equator.
• Notable regions include:
  • North-west Europe
  • The North-west USA and British Columbia
  • Southern Chile
  • Tasmania and South Island, New Zealand

Temperature

• Summers are cool, with the warmest month typically around 15°C. This is due to:
  • The low angle of the sun in the sky.
  • Frequent cloud cover.
  • The cooling influence of the sea.
• Winters are mild. Mean monthly temperatures remain a few degrees above freezing, attributed to:
  • The warming effect of the sea.
  • The presence of warm, offshore ocean currents.
  • Insulating cloud cover.

Annual Precipitation

• Ranges from 800-1500 mm.

Vegetation: Deciduous Forests

• Characterized by deciduous trees that exhibit seasonal leaf fall.
• Common tree species include:
  • Oaks
  • Elm
• Beech
• Sycamore
• Chestnut

These trees develop large crowns and broad, thin leaves.Relatively few dominant tree species.A growing season typically lasts 6 to 8 months.Some stratification (layering) of vegetation is observed.