List and explain the criteria used to classify world climatic regions
The criteria used to classify world climatic regions are based on several factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and vegetation. These criteria help in differentiating and categorizing various climatic zones around the world. Here are the main criteria used:
1. Temperature: Temperature is a crucial factor in climate classification. It is measured based on average monthly or annual temperatures. Regions are typically classified as hot, warm, temperate, or cold, based on their average temperatures.
2. Precipitation: Precipitation refers to the amount of moisture that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of the Earth. It includes rainfall, snowfall, and other forms of precipitation. Regions are classified as arid, semi-arid, humid, or polar, based on their average annual precipitation.
3. Humidity: Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. It is measured using relative humidity values. Regions can be classified as humid or arid based on the level of moisture in the atmosphere.
4. Vegetation: Vegetation plays a significant role in climate classification as it is influenced by factors like temperature and precipitation. Different vegetation types such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra are indicative of specific climatic conditions. Regions can be classified based on the dominant vegetation types found in an area.
5. Climate Zones: The classification of climate zones is often based on combinations of the above criteria to create distinct climate types. For instance, the Köppen climate classification system uses temperature and precipitation patterns to identify various climate zones such as tropical, temperate, Mediterranean, continental, polar, etc.
6. Geographic Location: The geographic location of a region, including its latitude and altitude, can greatly influence its climate. Locations near the equator tend to have hotter climates, while those at higher latitudes experience colder climates. Altitude also affects temperature, as higher altitudes generally have cooler temperatures.
It is important to note that different classification systems may emphasize certain criteria more than others, depending on the purpose of the classification and the specific region being studied.