World- Climatic Regions | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
  
Climatic Regions of the World 
Introduction 
Understanding the climatic regions of the world is essential for gaining knowledge 
about the diverse environmental conditions and their impact on various aspects 
of life. Climatic regions are defined by factors such as relief, temperature, rainfall, 
natural vegetation, and cultural environment. These regions are not bound by 
political boundaries and remain constant over time, shaped by nature itself. In 
this article, we will explore the different climatic regions of the world in detail, 
providing valuable insights into their characteristics and geographical locations. 
Equatorial Region 
The equatorial region stretches approximately between 10° to 15° latitude north 
and south of the equator. It exhibits a consistently hot and wet climate 
throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variations. The combination of high 
Page 2


World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
  
Climatic Regions of the World 
Introduction 
Understanding the climatic regions of the world is essential for gaining knowledge 
about the diverse environmental conditions and their impact on various aspects 
of life. Climatic regions are defined by factors such as relief, temperature, rainfall, 
natural vegetation, and cultural environment. These regions are not bound by 
political boundaries and remain constant over time, shaped by nature itself. In 
this article, we will explore the different climatic regions of the world in detail, 
providing valuable insights into their characteristics and geographical locations. 
Equatorial Region 
The equatorial region stretches approximately between 10° to 15° latitude north 
and south of the equator. It exhibits a consistently hot and wet climate 
throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variations. The combination of high 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
temperatures and humidity creates unfavorable conditions for sustained human 
activity, but it fosters the growth of dense vegetation. 
Tropical Grassland (Savanna) Region 
This region lies within the interior of continents, extending from the tropical belt 
to the western coast. During summer, it falls under the influence of the equatorial 
belt, experiencing convectional rainfall. In contrast, the region faces dry trade 
winds during winter, leading to drought conditions. It is typically located between 
5° north and 20° south latitudes and is prevalent in Africa, parts of the Brazilian 
Plateau, and the Orinoco basin in South America. 
Tropical Deciduous Forest Region 
Located along the eastern margins of continents between 10° north and south 
and 30° north and south latitudes, the tropical deciduous forest region exhibits 
moderate rainfall patterns, except in coastal and mountainous areas. Summers 
are characterized by heat and rain, while winters are warm and dry. 
Tropical Deserts 
Situated on the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt, tropical 
deserts are known for their arid conditions. They fall roughly between 20° and 30° 
north and south latitudes. Annual precipitation is generally less than 25 cm, and 
the region experiences high diurnal temperature ranges due to clear skies, 
enabling intense insolation during the day and efficient outgoing radiation during 
the night. 
China Type Region 
This region lies on the eastern margins of continents within the subtropical belt, 
between 20° and 48° latitudes in both hemispheres. Summers are warm and 
moist, driven by trade winds blowing from adjacent oceans. In contrast, winters 
are dry, with westerly winds blowing from the interior towards the oceans, 
resulting in reduced rainfall. 
 
Page 3


World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
  
Climatic Regions of the World 
Introduction 
Understanding the climatic regions of the world is essential for gaining knowledge 
about the diverse environmental conditions and their impact on various aspects 
of life. Climatic regions are defined by factors such as relief, temperature, rainfall, 
natural vegetation, and cultural environment. These regions are not bound by 
political boundaries and remain constant over time, shaped by nature itself. In 
this article, we will explore the different climatic regions of the world in detail, 
providing valuable insights into their characteristics and geographical locations. 
Equatorial Region 
The equatorial region stretches approximately between 10° to 15° latitude north 
and south of the equator. It exhibits a consistently hot and wet climate 
throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variations. The combination of high 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
temperatures and humidity creates unfavorable conditions for sustained human 
activity, but it fosters the growth of dense vegetation. 
Tropical Grassland (Savanna) Region 
This region lies within the interior of continents, extending from the tropical belt 
to the western coast. During summer, it falls under the influence of the equatorial 
belt, experiencing convectional rainfall. In contrast, the region faces dry trade 
winds during winter, leading to drought conditions. It is typically located between 
5° north and 20° south latitudes and is prevalent in Africa, parts of the Brazilian 
Plateau, and the Orinoco basin in South America. 
Tropical Deciduous Forest Region 
Located along the eastern margins of continents between 10° north and south 
and 30° north and south latitudes, the tropical deciduous forest region exhibits 
moderate rainfall patterns, except in coastal and mountainous areas. Summers 
are characterized by heat and rain, while winters are warm and dry. 
Tropical Deserts 
Situated on the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt, tropical 
deserts are known for their arid conditions. They fall roughly between 20° and 30° 
north and south latitudes. Annual precipitation is generally less than 25 cm, and 
the region experiences high diurnal temperature ranges due to clear skies, 
enabling intense insolation during the day and efficient outgoing radiation during 
the night. 
China Type Region 
This region lies on the eastern margins of continents within the subtropical belt, 
between 20° and 48° latitudes in both hemispheres. Summers are warm and 
moist, driven by trade winds blowing from adjacent oceans. In contrast, winters 
are dry, with westerly winds blowing from the interior towards the oceans, 
resulting in reduced rainfall. 
 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
Mediterranean Type Region 
Poleward of the tropical deserts, this region is situated on the western margins of 
continents, roughly between 30° and 40° north and south latitudes. Summers are 
hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Trade winds blowing from land to 
sea during summer bring little to no rain, while in winter, the region is influenced 
by moist westerlies, resulting in cyclonic rainfall. 
Mid-Latitudes Desert 
These deserts are found in the interior plateaus and basins of Asia and North 
America, surrounded by high mountain regions. Tibet and Gobi are typical 
examples. The region receives minimal rainfall due to the blocking effect of 
surrounding mountains, resulting in significant temperature extremes between 
summer and winter. 
St. Lawrence Type Region 
Situated poleward of the Warm East Margin Region, this area experiences warm 
and wet summers, along with cold and dry winters. Key areas falling under this 
region include the northeastern United States, parts of Canada, North China, 
Manchuria, Korea, and northern Japan. 
Mid-Latitude Grasslands 
These grasslands are located in the interior of continents and receive relatively 
low levels of rainfall. They exhibit a high annual temperature range due to warm 
summers and cold winters. Rainfall primarily occurs during summer through 
convectional ascent of air. The scarcity of rainfall, combined with cold winters, 
prevents the growth of extensive tree cover. 
Cool (Mid-Latitude) West European Type 
Regions of this type are found on the western margins of continents, influenced 
by the permanent zone of westerlies. This category includes Western Europe 
(Northern Norway to the British Isles), the northwestern United States, southern 
Chile in South America, and Tasmania Island in Australia. These regions 
experience moderate temperatures and high rainfall, supporting diverse 
ecosystems. 
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World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
  
Climatic Regions of the World 
Introduction 
Understanding the climatic regions of the world is essential for gaining knowledge 
about the diverse environmental conditions and their impact on various aspects 
of life. Climatic regions are defined by factors such as relief, temperature, rainfall, 
natural vegetation, and cultural environment. These regions are not bound by 
political boundaries and remain constant over time, shaped by nature itself. In 
this article, we will explore the different climatic regions of the world in detail, 
providing valuable insights into their characteristics and geographical locations. 
Equatorial Region 
The equatorial region stretches approximately between 10° to 15° latitude north 
and south of the equator. It exhibits a consistently hot and wet climate 
throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variations. The combination of high 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
temperatures and humidity creates unfavorable conditions for sustained human 
activity, but it fosters the growth of dense vegetation. 
Tropical Grassland (Savanna) Region 
This region lies within the interior of continents, extending from the tropical belt 
to the western coast. During summer, it falls under the influence of the equatorial 
belt, experiencing convectional rainfall. In contrast, the region faces dry trade 
winds during winter, leading to drought conditions. It is typically located between 
5° north and 20° south latitudes and is prevalent in Africa, parts of the Brazilian 
Plateau, and the Orinoco basin in South America. 
Tropical Deciduous Forest Region 
Located along the eastern margins of continents between 10° north and south 
and 30° north and south latitudes, the tropical deciduous forest region exhibits 
moderate rainfall patterns, except in coastal and mountainous areas. Summers 
are characterized by heat and rain, while winters are warm and dry. 
Tropical Deserts 
Situated on the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt, tropical 
deserts are known for their arid conditions. They fall roughly between 20° and 30° 
north and south latitudes. Annual precipitation is generally less than 25 cm, and 
the region experiences high diurnal temperature ranges due to clear skies, 
enabling intense insolation during the day and efficient outgoing radiation during 
the night. 
China Type Region 
This region lies on the eastern margins of continents within the subtropical belt, 
between 20° and 48° latitudes in both hemispheres. Summers are warm and 
moist, driven by trade winds blowing from adjacent oceans. In contrast, winters 
are dry, with westerly winds blowing from the interior towards the oceans, 
resulting in reduced rainfall. 
 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
Mediterranean Type Region 
Poleward of the tropical deserts, this region is situated on the western margins of 
continents, roughly between 30° and 40° north and south latitudes. Summers are 
hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Trade winds blowing from land to 
sea during summer bring little to no rain, while in winter, the region is influenced 
by moist westerlies, resulting in cyclonic rainfall. 
Mid-Latitudes Desert 
These deserts are found in the interior plateaus and basins of Asia and North 
America, surrounded by high mountain regions. Tibet and Gobi are typical 
examples. The region receives minimal rainfall due to the blocking effect of 
surrounding mountains, resulting in significant temperature extremes between 
summer and winter. 
St. Lawrence Type Region 
Situated poleward of the Warm East Margin Region, this area experiences warm 
and wet summers, along with cold and dry winters. Key areas falling under this 
region include the northeastern United States, parts of Canada, North China, 
Manchuria, Korea, and northern Japan. 
Mid-Latitude Grasslands 
These grasslands are located in the interior of continents and receive relatively 
low levels of rainfall. They exhibit a high annual temperature range due to warm 
summers and cold winters. Rainfall primarily occurs during summer through 
convectional ascent of air. The scarcity of rainfall, combined with cold winters, 
prevents the growth of extensive tree cover. 
Cool (Mid-Latitude) West European Type 
Regions of this type are found on the western margins of continents, influenced 
by the permanent zone of westerlies. This category includes Western Europe 
(Northern Norway to the British Isles), the northwestern United States, southern 
Chile in South America, and Tasmania Island in Australia. These regions 
experience moderate temperatures and high rainfall, supporting diverse 
ecosystems. 
World- Climatic Regions 
 
 
The Taiga (Coniferous) Region 
Extending across Europe, Asia, and North America, this region occupies a broad 
belt between the mid-latitude grassland region and the polar tundra. The climate 
is cold and moist, with short, warm summers and long, cold winters. Rivers freeze, 
and snow covers the ground for several months. Coniferous forests dominate the 
landscape, featuring softwood trees such as oak, birch, and maple. 
Polar Lowlands (Tundra) 
The polar lowlands, also known as tundras, are vast low-lying areas along the 
shores of the Arctic Ocean. These regions experience long and severe cold 
winters, with a short cool summer. The ground remains frozen for a significant 
part of the year. Polar lowlands are found in northern Asia, Canada, and Europe, 
known as Barren lands in the latter region. 
Polar Highlands (Icecap Type) 
Antarctica and Greenland exemplify large landmasses in polar regions with 
permanent ice caps. Summers in these areas do not see temperatures exceeding 
10°C. Precipitation is scarce and predominantly occurs as snowfall during winter. 
Conclusion: Exploring the Wonders of Climatic Regions 
Understanding the climatic regions of the world is like embarking on a captivating 
journey through diverse landscapes, each with its own unique climate, flora, and 
cultural tapestry. From the sweltering Equatorial Region to the icy Polar 
Highlands, our planet showcases an awe-inspiring range of environmental 
conditions.