APPENDIX 6 The Köppen Climate Classification System

APPENDIX 6 The Köppen Climate Classification System

As we learned in Section 8.1, the Köppen climate classification system recognizes six basic climate types: A, B, C, D, E, and H. Except for B, each is identified by temperature characteristics. B climates are identified by aridity. Each of the major climate types is subdivided further based on temperature and precipitation characteristics. H climates are reserved for elevations above 1,500 m (4,920 ft). Table A.1 provides the specific characteristics for each climate type. For a map of these climate types and the biomes associated with them, see Figure 8.2.

Table : TABLE A.1 Köppen Climate Types

FIRST LETTERS

CHARACTERISTICS

A

  • Tropical climates

  • Average monthly temperature above 18°C (64°F)

B

  • Dry climates

  • Average annual precipitation below 76 cm (30 in)

C

  • Mild midlatitude climates

  • The warmest month is above 10°C (50°F); the coldest month is between –3°C and 18°C (26°F and 64°F)

D

  • Severe midlatitude climates

  • Average temperature is above 10°C (50°F) in the warmest month; average temperature is below 0°C (32°F) in the coldest month

E

  • Polar climates

  • Warmest month is below 10°C (50°F)

H

  • Highlands

  • Variable cold highland climates

SECOND LETTERS

CHARACTERISTICS

F

  • Precipitation in all months

M

  • Monsoon

  • Short winter dry season

S

  • Summer dry

  • At least 70% of precipitation in winter

T

  • Tundra

  • Warmest month 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

W

  • Winter drought

THIRD LETTERS

CHARACTERISTICS

A

  • Hot summer

  • Warmest month above 22°C (72°F)

B

  • Mild summer

  • Warmest month below 22°C (72°F)

C

  • One to four months above 10°C (50°F)

D

  • Bitter cold winter

  • Coldest month below –38°C (–36°F)

H

  • Average yearly temperature above 18°C (64°F)

K

  • Average yearly temperature below 18°C (64°F)