Köppen climate classification - SS2 Geography Lesson Note

The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for categorizing climate zones based on temperature and precipitation patterns. It uses a combination of letters and subcategories to describe different climate types. 

A - Tropical Climates:

 

Af (Tropical Rainforest): Characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Found in the Amazon rainforest.

Am (Tropical Monsoon): Also warm year-round but with distinct wet and dry seasons. Often seen in parts of Southeast Asia.

B - Dry Climates:

 

Aw (Tropical Savanna): Warm temperatures with a dry season. Common in regions like the African savannas.

Bs (Steppe): Semi-arid regions with more distinct temperature variations. Often found in the Great Plains of the United States.

Bw (Desert): Extremely dry and hot conditions, such as the Sahara Desert.

C - Mild Temperate Climates:

 

Cw (Subtropical): Mild winters and hot summers with some precipitation. Common in the southeastern U.S.

Cs (Mediterranean): Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Typical in Mediterranean regions like Southern California.

D - Continental Climates:

 

Df (Humid Continental): Four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Found in parts of the U.S. and Europe.

Ds (Subarctic): Extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. Seen in northern Canada and Siberia.

E - Polar Climates:

 

ET (Tundra): Cool summers and very cold winters with limited precipitation. Found in regions like northern Canada.

EF (Ice Cap): Extremely cold, with permanent ice and snow. Mainly in Antarctica.

These categories are based on average temperature and precipitation, which help in understanding the major climate characteristics of different regions around the world.