The Temperate Climate
Temperate climates are those without extremes of
temperature and precipitation (rain and snow). The
changes between summer and winter are generally
invigorating without being frustratingly extreme. There
are two types of temperate climate: maritime and
continental. The maritime climate is strongly influenced
by the oceans, which maintain fairly steady temperatures
across the seasons. Since the prevailing winds are
westerly in the temperate zones, the western edge of
continents in these areas experience most commonly the
maritime climate. Such regions include Western Europe,
in particular the UK, and western North America at
latitudes between 40 and 60° north.
Continentally increases inland, with warmer summers and
colder winters as the effect of land on heat receipt and
loss increases. This is particularly true in North
America, where the north-south aligned Rocky Mountains
act as a climate barrier to the mild maritime air
blowing from the west. Maritime climate, on the other
hand, penetrates further into Europe where the major
mountain range - the Alps - is orientated east-west.
Deciduous Forest Biome - Moist
Continental Climate (Cf)
This climate is in the polar front zone - the
battleground of polar and tropical air masses.
Seasonal changes between summer and winter are
very large. Daily temperatures also change
often. Abundant precipitation falls throughout
the year. It is increased in the summer season
by invading tropical air masses. Cold winters
are caused by polar and arctic masses moving
south.
-
Temperature
Range: 31 °C (56 ° F)
-
Average Annual
Precipitation: 81 cm (32 in).
-
Latitude
Range: 30° - 55° N and S (Europe: 45° - 60°
N).
-
Global
Position: eastern parts of the United States
and southern Canada; northern China; Korea;
Japan; central and eastern Europe.
Grasslands Biome -
Midlatitude Climates (Bs)
These dry climates are limited to the
interiors of North America and Eurasia.
Ocean air masses are blocked by mountain
ranges to the west and south. This
allows polar air masses to dominate in
winter months. In the summer, a local
continental air mass is dominant. A
small amount of rain falls during this
season.
Annual temperatures range widely.
Summers are warm to hot, but winters are
cold.
-
Temperature Range: 31 °C (56°F).
-
Annual
Precipitation: 81 cm. (32 in.).
-
Latitude Range: 30° - 55° N and S
-
Global
Position: western North America
(Great Basin, Columbia Plateau,
Great Plains); Eurasian interior.
Köppen
Classification & Biomes
| Cold
Climate |
Dry Climate
|
Temperate Climate |
Tropical Climate
|
