The 6 types of climate and their characteristics

Climate types can vary depending on a number of factors referring to the place where we are, to the characteristics of the seasons of the year in that place, and to the effects of any natural phenomenon that may occur.

In this article we will review what are the types of climate that exist under normal conditions, according to the season of the year and geographical location, as well as the different classifications that exist.

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What are the types of weather?

As we have already seen, the study of climate is not an exact science, there are circumstances that influence directly in what will be the state of the climate in a region, in general terms there are three types of climate, let's see which are

1. Warm climates

These types of climates, as the name implies, are characterized by high temperatures, and are located in areas with low latitudes.

In this case, the sun's rays have a greater impact on these areas due to their minimal inclination.

2. Temperate climates

In these types of climates temperatures are generally moderate, leaning more towards cold temperatures at some times of the year. These climates are located in the middle latitudes.

3. Polar climates

These are the climates where the predominance of cold is complete. They are found in the highest latitudes and temperatures during the coldest months of the year can be between -10 degrees Celsius.

This type of climate normally is the hegemonic in polar circles.

Classification of climatic regions

Taking into account which are the predominant types of climate, it is important to know that within these, in turn, there are a variety of subclimates, which are classified as follows according to the Wladimir Köppen scale (German climatologist).

1. Group A: Tropical climates

These climates are very little variable during the course of the year. Temperatures are high, with intense heat sources in certain regions, but with a regular presence of rains throughout the territory that these climates cover.

These climatic regions are home to savannas and arid territories.

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2. Group B: Dry climates

These regions are sandwiched between arid and tropical climates. Winters are usually cool, but not cold, and when it is summer time the heat tends to be quite strong.

3. Group C: Moderate climate

These are climates where the seasons of the year greatly influence their temperatures. For example, winters are usually mild and rainy, while the summer season is characterized by a lot of heat, with high temperatures.

In many of the regions where these types of climates occur, hurricane force winds are normal. In the west, where the wind blows towards the land, winters are usually colder than in other areas with this type of climate.

Some cities where you can experience this classification are; Seattle, United States and Wellington, New Zealand.

4. Group D: Continental climate

It is the type of climate par excellence in many areas of Eastern Europe. It is characterized by mildly hot summers and winters with significantly low temperatures.

In the natural course of the year the temperatures of this type of climate can oscillate below -3 to 22 degrees Celsius, which supposes a good range of minimum and maximum temperatures so that the human being can live and settle along these territories.

The region of Siberia and the North of Scandinavia present are within the climates that this classification encompasses.

Summers are cooler in these regions and winters are even colder. The precipitations that usually occur happen only during the summer season.

5. Group E: Polar climate

In this climatic category the general rule is cold. During all days of the year the climate prevails with very low temperatures, although there are certain regions peculiarities that can be an exception to this rule.

In this kind of weather, the regions where the ecosystem is tundra They are characterized mainly by arid climates where the surface of the soil is covered by a layer of ice, which is known as permafrost. This phenomenon can be seen in the northernmost areas of North America, in certain regions of Russia and in Antarctica.

Within this same classification we find the areas called Ice Cap. In these are the coldest climates on the planet, they are located in Greenland and in various regions of the Arctic continent.

6. Group H: Highland climate

Climates of group H are characterized by being highly changeable in short periods of time. They are found on land with a significant height and that are of mountainous properties.

It may happen that on certain occasions there are areas that share group E climates with group H climates; taking into account how quickly these change it is difficult to establish a constant in relation to its own climatic nature.

In addition, the rapid transition from one climate to another causes severe demographic crises to occur among the forms of life that inhabit these regions, with rapid population increases and rapid rises in mortality. Also, in treeless areas, heavy rains that fall after many weeks of drought can cause flooding.

Bibliographic references:

• Shepherd, Dr. J. M.; Shindell, D.; O'Carroll, C. M. (2005). What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?. POT.
• Thornthwaite, C. W. (1948). An Approach Toward a Rational Classification of Climate. Geographical Review. 38 (1): 55–94.