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Home , Dry season, Middle latitudes, Subarctic climate, Tropical savanna climate, Wet season

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World SECTION 2 If YOU lived there... TEKS 6A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22D You live in and are on your first serious hike in the . 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 in shady spots. Suddenly, you are very happy that ture, , and you brought your jacket! life to identify zones. 2. Tropical climates are wet and warm, while dry climates Why does it get colder as you climb higher? receive little or no . 3. Temperate climates have the most seasonal change. 4. Polar climates are cold and dry, while highland climates Building Background While is the day-to-day change with elevation. changes in a certain area, climate is the average weather condi- tions over a long period. ’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 , 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, , p. 58 , p. 58 you might get dressed to go skiing. In other places, you might , p. 59 head out in a swimsuit to go to the beach. What the are , 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 . Tropical zones. climates occur near the , in the low . 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?

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World Climate Regions 80°N

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. 60°N As you locate climates, look for patterns. For example, EUROPE places near the equator tend to have warmer climates NORTH than places near the poles. See if you can identify some 40°N other climate patterns. AMERICA

ATLANTIC PACIFIC 20°N OCEAN OCEAN PACIFIC 0° Equator OCEAN INDIAN 20°S OCEAN N

W E 40°S

S

100°W 20°W 120°W 40°W 160°W 140°W 80°W 60°W 0°

20°E 40°E 60°E 80°E 100°E 120°E 140°E 160°E 60°S

Antarctic Circle Tropical climate

Climate Where is it? What is it like?

HUMID On and near the equator Warm with high amounts of rain -round; in a Tropical rain HRW-MS World Geography TROPICAL few places, monsoons create extreme wet seasons mg7fvs_winmap013a World Climates TROPICAL Higher latitudes in the Warm all year; distinct rainy and dry seasons; at Tall grasses and Tropical Approved – 6/14/05 least 20 inches (50 cm) of rain during the scattered

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 plants, such west coasts, or in rain shadows temperature ranges in middle latitudes as cacti

Dry Mainly bordering deserts and About 10–20 inches (25–50 cm) of precipitation a Shorter grasses; interiors of large continents year; hot and cooler 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 rain averages 15–20 inches (30–50 cm) a year and

HUMID East coasts in middle latitudes Humid with hot summers and mild winters; rain Mixed forest SUBTROPICAL year-round; in paths of hurricanes and

MARINE WEST West coasts in the upper- Cloudy, mild summers and cool, rainy winters; Evergreen

Temperate COAST middle latitudes strong ocean influence

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

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ARCTIC OCEAN 80°N

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

ATLANTIC PACIFIC Tropic of Cancer 20°N OCEAN OCEAN AFRICA PACIFIC 0° Equator OCEAN SOUTH AMERICA INDIAN 20°S Tropic of Capricorn OCEAN AUSTRALIA N

W E 40°S

S

100°W 20°W 120°W 40°W 160°W 140°W 80°W 60°W 0°

20°E 40°E 60°E 80°E 100°E 120°E 140°E 160°E 60°S

Antarctic Circle Dry ANTARCTICA climate

Climate Where is it? What is it like? Plants

SUBARCTIC Higher latitudes of theHRW-MS interior WorldExtremes Geography of temperature; long, cold winters and Northern ever- and east coasts of continentsmg7fvs_winmap013ashort, warm summers; little precipitation green forests World Climates Coasts in high latitudes Cold all year; very long, cold winters and very short, Moss, lichens, Approved – 6/14/05 Polar cool summers; little precipitation; permafrost low shrubs

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

HIGHLAND High mountain regions Wide range of temperatures and precipitation Ranges from amounts, depending on elevation and location forest to tundra Highland

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 ? 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?

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FOCUS ON CULTURE Welcome to the humid tropical climate. This climate is warm, muggy, and rainy The Tuareg of the . year-round. Temperatures average about 80°F (26°C). Showers or 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 . The animals graze on sparse desert plants. 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 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 . The winds then shift direction, and a dry land wind creates a . Monsoons affect sev- eral parts of Asia. For example, the town of Mawsynram, , 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 frogs, and toucans. climates might be for you. These climates 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.

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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, 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 —called steppes (steps)—often bornal2- 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, The climate graph shows average temperatures and precipitation for Nice (neece), France, which has a Mediterranean climate. 80 8

Analyzing Graphs During which month is precipitation lowest? (˚F) 70 7

60 6 (in inches) 50 5 40 4 FRANCE 30 3 Nice erage Temperature Temperature erage 20 2 Av 10 1 Precipitation erage Av 0 0 J FMAMJJASOND Month HRW-MS World Geography mg7fvs_winmap011a Source: The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc. Nice, France: Locate It Approved – 6/14/05

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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.

Clima te and plant life ranges from rain forest, to steppe, to desert, to tundra.

A tropical savanna climate is found around the base ANALYSIS nalyzing isuals of Mount Kilimanjaro. skill A V 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 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 ACADEMIC continental climate. This climate has four VOCABULARY violent winds, heavy rain, and high seas. distinct seasons. Summers are short and distinct A humid subtropical climate supports hot. 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 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?

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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, 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 south of the Arctic Ocean. In the subarctic FOCUS ON cool to cold climates in mountain areas. READING climate, winters are long and bitterly cold. They are unique because they contain­ What is the effect Summers are short and cool. Temperatures of elevation on ­several climate zones. This is because, stay below freezing for about half the year. climate? as you climb a mountain, the climate The climate’s moderate rainfall supports ­changes. Temperatures drop, and plant life vast evergreen forests, or (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, 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?

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