The Koppen Climatic Classification and Terrestrial Biomes

GEO 302C

Part 1-

Refer to chapter 18, the Koppen map (p.498 in text), and Table 9.2 (class handout)

 

1.  The Koppen classification system is based on which variables?

 

 

2.  Identify the four major temperature regimes recognized by Koppen.

 

 

3.  To be considered a tropical climate, the mean temperature of the coolest month must be at least _______________, according to Koppen.

 

4.  To be considered a polar climate, the mean temperature of the warmest month must be ____________, according to Koppen.

 

5.  The highest temperatures worldwide are associated with which climate type?  Why?

 

6.  List two problems with the Koppen system.

 

 

 

Koppen's Major Climates

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

Tropical moist climates

 

 

 

 

 

B

Dry climates

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

Midlatitude moist climates, mild winters

 

 

 

 

D

Midlatitude moist climates, cold winters

 

 

 

 

E

Polar climates

 

 

 

 

 

Principle climatic types according to Koppen's classification

 

 

Af

Tropical wet

Cw

Midlatitude wet-and-dry, mild winter

 

Aw

Tropical wet-and-dry

Cf

Midlatitude rainy, mild winter

 

 

Am

Tropical monsoon

Dw

Midlatitude wet-and-dry, cold winter

 

BS

Semi-arid

 

Df

Midlatitude rainy, cold winter

 

 

BW

Desert

 

ET

Tundra

 

 

 

 

Cs

Mediterranean

EF

Ice Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Part 2

Refer to Table 10.1 (class handout) 

1. What type of climate is conducive to the development of the rain forest biome?

 

 

2.  Where are the majority of the world’s rain forests located?

 

 

3.  What type of climate is associated with the Earth’s grasslands?

 

 

4.  What types of vegetation dominate the grassland biome and why?

 

 

5.  Distinguish between the grassland and savannah biomes (briefly).

 

 

6.  What type of flora and fauna are found in the desert?

 

 

7.  What are the flora and fauna of the taiga biomes and where are they located?

 

 

8.  What are the flora and fauna of the tundra biomes and where are they located?

 

 

9.  Identify three regions of the world that grasslands are located.

 

 

 

10.  Identify three regions of the world that deserts are found.

 

  

Part 3

List the biomes and the vegetation types associated with each of the following Koppen climate classifications.  Refer to the Koppen map and tables.

1. Cf

2.  ET

3. BW

4. BS

5. Af

6. Cw

7. Df

8.  Any thoughts about the terrestrial biomes and the Koppen climatic classification?