Climate Classification
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 101

Global Climate Classification

Climate is a generalized statement of the prevailing weather conditions at a given location.
Climate is controlled by a number of factors including: temperature, precipitation, insolation, seasons, atmosphere, greenhouse effect, global air circulation patterns, global ocean circulation patterns, local weather conditions, etc.

Climate Type Classification

14 Climates based on Temperature and Precipitation
Based on classification scheme developed by Wladimir Köppen - 1900
Divided into 4 Groups

Group I - Low Latitude Climates

cT, mT, cE, mE air masses
ITC, Tradewinds, Subtropical High Pressure Belt are the main influences on weather patterns.

Group II - Mid-Latitude Climates

cP, mP, cT, mT air masses
Polar Front, Wave Cyclones, Prevailing Westerlies are the main influences on weather patterns.

Group III - High Latitude Climates

cP, mP, cAA, mA air masses
Polar Front is the main influences on weather patterns

Group IV - High Altitude

all air masses
Variable weather influences.
Microclimates are important.

Climate Classification Chart

Thornthwaite Classification

Developed in 1931
32 climate types based on 5 major humidity provinces - rainforest, forest, grassland, steppe, desert

Kendrew Classification

Based on continental geographic regions

Climographs

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