Climate

What is Climate?

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in a region. Unlike weather, which describes short-term atmospheric conditions, climate represents average conditions over extended periods, typically 30 years or more.

Climate Zones

Tropical

Hot and humid year-round with significant rainfall

• Temperature: 25-30°C average
• Precipitation: High (2000+ mm/year)
• Examples: Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, Southeast Asia

Dry (Arid & Semi-Arid)

Low precipitation with extreme temperature variations

• Temperature: Varies widely (-10 to 50°C)
• Precipitation: Very low (<250 mm/year)
• Examples: Sahara, Arabian Desert, Australian Outback

Temperate

Moderate temperatures with distinct seasons

• Temperature: 0-20°C average
• Precipitation: Moderate (500-1500 mm/year)
• Examples: Western Europe, Eastern US, New Zealand

Continental

Large temperature range between summer and winter

• Temperature: -30 to 30°C seasonal
• Precipitation: Moderate (400-900 mm/year)
• Examples: Central Asia, Central Canada, Russia

Polar

Extremely cold with minimal precipitation

• Temperature: -50 to 10°C
• Precipitation: Very low (<250 mm/year)
• Examples: Antarctica, Arctic regions, Greenland

Mediterranean

Hot dry summers and mild wet winters

• Temperature: 10-25°C average
• Precipitation: Moderate (400-800 mm/year)
• Examples: Mediterranean Basin, California, Chile

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While climate has always varied naturally, scientific evidence shows that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have accelerated warming since the mid-20th century.