Climate s – Climate Zones
Climates
Climate Zones
The Earth’s surface is made up of many different climates. To help them
organize it all, climatologists (scientists who study climates) have grouped
climates that are similar. Each group has the same kinds of vegetation, average
temperature, and precipitation.1 Here’s a look at some of the major groups.
Tropical Climates
Right around the equator is the tropical climate zone. This zone is mostly
found between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. In some places
it extends as wide as 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south latitude. Tropical
climates receive a lot of sunlight and are very warm. Rainfall is heavy, so they
are also very wet. This climate is perfect for rainforests, teeming with an
amazing amount of life and growth. Hot and muggy conditions provide a
habitat2 for many different types of plant and animal species.
Desert Climates
Deserts barely receive any rain. Usually the average rainfall for an entire
year is less than 10 inches. Some years it may not rain at all. Desert air is so hot
that when rain does fall, it can evaporate even before it reaches the ground!
Deserts often receive full sunlight because there are no clouds to filter3 the sun’s
rays. At night deserts can be extremely cold. The soil in a desert is dry and often
sandy. Very little life thrives 4 in the desert. Cacti are one exception. The cactus
plant has evolved5 so that it stores water. The stem of the cactus is like a water
bottle. It is full of water and allows very little to leave the plant. Some famous
deserts include the Sahara in West Africa and the Mojave in the United States.
Savannas
Savannas are often found between tropical climates and subtropical
deserts. Savannas have vegetation, but it is mostly scrub and brush. There is
not enough water for many trees. The grasses grow during a very short rainy
season. They then die in the completely dry winter months.
Temperate Climates
Temperate is a synonym of moderate. The weather in temperate climates
is never too extreme. Summers are warm and wet. Winters are cool and dry.
Neither season has very hot or very cold temperatures. Many plant and animal
species thrive in these moderate conditions. Most of the United States falls into
1 precipitation: moisture in the form or rain, snow, sleet, ice or hail
2 habitat: the place where an animal or plant naturally grows
3 filter: to lessen the intensity of by preventing passage through
4 thrive: to grow well
5 evolve: to gradually develop characteristics that will help a species survive in an environment;
adapt
