Climate Classification Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Final lecture on Climate Classification
• Upcoming topics:
  • Paleoclimate (historical climate change)
  • Modern day climate change

Severe Mid Latitude Climates (Capital D Classification)

Key Characteristics

• Distinguished by a colder month with temperatures below freezing (< 32°F)
• Must have at least one month warmer than 50°F
• Term often used: Severe Mid Latitudes (also referred to as Microthermal)

Examples

• Locations: Milwaukee, New York City, Great Lakes areas
• Winter: Very cold
• Summer: Warmer than some other colder regions
• Biomes:
  • Deciduous and mixed conifer forests
  • Typical vegetation: Pine, Spruce, Deciduous trees
  • Outdoor recreational activities: Hunting, fishing

Agricultural Impact

• Bread Basket of the United States
  • Crops: Corn, wheat, soybeans
• Soils:
  • Mollisols (rich, dark soil, good for grasslands)
  • Alfisols (less organic material but mineral-rich, good for forests)

Moving North: Taiga Biome

• Higher latitude: 50° to 70° north
• Temperature: Extensive periods below freezing
• Vegetation: Coniferous trees
• Permafrost: Continuous or sporadic permafrost, affects soil stability

Polar Climates

Characteristics

• Warmest month temperature < 50°F
• Examples: Tundra and Ice Cap climates

Tundra Climate

• Latitude: around 71° north
• Temperature: Below 50°F on average, but some summer melt
• Vegetation and Fauna: Lichens, arctic foxes, polar bears, reindeer, seals

Ice Cap Climate

• Examples: Central Greenland, Antarctica
• Year-round ice cover, no significant summer melt

Highland Climates

Characteristics

• Associated with elevation differences (relief)
• Climate affected by altitude and topography
• Vary based on starting climate (desert, tropical, etc.) and elevation

Examples

• Lower zones: Desert or tropical climates
• Higher zones: May reach polar or ice cap climates
• Diverse biomes: Depending on elevation range

Summary

• Review different climate classifications and associated biomes
• Understand temperature ranges and vegetation types for each classification
• Upcoming focus on historical climate and modern climate change