South America - Climate, Natural Vegetation and Population | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

 Page 1


South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Climate
Introduction
The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for classifying the
world's climates based on the combination of temperature and precipitation
patterns. South America is a continent with diverse climatic conditions due to its
vast size and varying topography. According to the Köppen classification, South
America exhibits several climatic zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here's an explanation of the different climatic zones in South America according
to the Köppen classification:
1. Equatorial (Af)
The equatorial zone is found near the equator, primarily in the northern part of
South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This zone
experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures
above 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed, with no
Page 2


South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Climate
Introduction
The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for classifying the
world's climates based on the combination of temperature and precipitation
patterns. South America is a continent with diverse climatic conditions due to its
vast size and varying topography. According to the Köppen classification, South
America exhibits several climatic zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here's an explanation of the different climatic zones in South America according
to the Köppen classification:
1. Equatorial (Af)
The equatorial zone is found near the equator, primarily in the northern part of
South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This zone
experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures
above 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed, with no
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
distinct dry season. Rainfall occurs in the form of heavy showers or
thunderstorms, often in the afternoon.
2. Tropical Monsoon (Am)
The tropical monsoon climate is found along the northeastern coast of South
America, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. This zone is
characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average
temperatures above 18°C (64°F). It experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The
wet season is influenced by the monsoon winds, bringing heavy rainfall, while the
dry season is relatively drier.
3. Tropical Savanna (Aw)
The tropical savanna climate is prevalent in large parts of northern South
America, covering countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. This zone
has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs during the summer
months when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brings heavy rainfall. The
dry season is characterized by lower precipitation and higher temperatures.
Average temperatures remain above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year.
4. Desert (BWh, BWk)
The desert climate is found in the coastal areas of Peru and northern Chile, such
as the Atacama Desert. This zone experiences extremely arid conditions with very
low rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures vary based on the latitude and
elevation, but they generally remain high. The desert climate is divided into two
subtypes: BWh (hot desert) and BWk (cold desert), depending on whether the
region experiences high or low temperatures.
5. Mediterranean (Csb, Csa)
The Mediterranean climate is found along the central and southern coast of Chile,
including regions like Santiago and Valparaíso. This zone is characterized by warm,
dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers have average temperatures above
22°C (72°F), while winters are mild with average temperatures between 8°C and
17°C (46°F - 63°F). Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter months.
Page 3


South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Climate
Introduction
The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for classifying the
world's climates based on the combination of temperature and precipitation
patterns. South America is a continent with diverse climatic conditions due to its
vast size and varying topography. According to the Köppen classification, South
America exhibits several climatic zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here's an explanation of the different climatic zones in South America according
to the Köppen classification:
1. Equatorial (Af)
The equatorial zone is found near the equator, primarily in the northern part of
South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This zone
experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures
above 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed, with no
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
distinct dry season. Rainfall occurs in the form of heavy showers or
thunderstorms, often in the afternoon.
2. Tropical Monsoon (Am)
The tropical monsoon climate is found along the northeastern coast of South
America, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. This zone is
characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average
temperatures above 18°C (64°F). It experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The
wet season is influenced by the monsoon winds, bringing heavy rainfall, while the
dry season is relatively drier.
3. Tropical Savanna (Aw)
The tropical savanna climate is prevalent in large parts of northern South
America, covering countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. This zone
has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs during the summer
months when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brings heavy rainfall. The
dry season is characterized by lower precipitation and higher temperatures.
Average temperatures remain above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year.
4. Desert (BWh, BWk)
The desert climate is found in the coastal areas of Peru and northern Chile, such
as the Atacama Desert. This zone experiences extremely arid conditions with very
low rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures vary based on the latitude and
elevation, but they generally remain high. The desert climate is divided into two
subtypes: BWh (hot desert) and BWk (cold desert), depending on whether the
region experiences high or low temperatures.
5. Mediterranean (Csb, Csa)
The Mediterranean climate is found along the central and southern coast of Chile,
including regions like Santiago and Valparaíso. This zone is characterized by warm,
dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers have average temperatures above
22°C (72°F), while winters are mild with average temperatures between 8°C and
17°C (46°F - 63°F). Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter months.
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
6. Humid Subtropical (Cfa, Cwa)
The humid subtropical climate is prevalent in the southeastern regions of South
America, including parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This zone
experiences hot and humid summers, with average temperatures above 22°C
(72°F). Winters are relatively mild with temperatures between 4°C and 18°C (39°F
- 64°F). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, although summers
tend to be wetter.
7. Oceanic (Cfb)
The oceanic climate is found in the southernmost part of South America, including
parts of Chile and Argentina, especially in regions like Tierra del Fuego and the
southern Andes. This zone experiences cool summers with average temperatures
below 22°C (72°F) and mild winters with temperatures above freezing.
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with relatively high rainfall
due to the influence of westerly winds.
8. Subpolar/Subantarctic (Cfc)
The subpolar or subantarctic climate is present in the far southern regions of
South America, including parts of Chile and Argentina, such as the southernmost
tip of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. This zone is characterized by extremely
cold and windy conditions throughout the year. Summers are short and cool,
while winters are long, freezing, and snowy. Average temperatures remain below
10°C (50°F) even during the warmest months.
It's important to note that within each climatic zone, there can be local variations
due to factors such as elevation, proximity to the ocean, and topography.
Additionally, climate change can influence these zones, leading to shifts and
alterations in the boundaries and characteristics of each climate type over time.
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South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Climate
Introduction
The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for classifying the
world's climates based on the combination of temperature and precipitation
patterns. South America is a continent with diverse climatic conditions due to its
vast size and varying topography. According to the Köppen classification, South
America exhibits several climatic zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here's an explanation of the different climatic zones in South America according
to the Köppen classification:
1. Equatorial (Af)
The equatorial zone is found near the equator, primarily in the northern part of
South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This zone
experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures
above 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed, with no
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
distinct dry season. Rainfall occurs in the form of heavy showers or
thunderstorms, often in the afternoon.
2. Tropical Monsoon (Am)
The tropical monsoon climate is found along the northeastern coast of South
America, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. This zone is
characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average
temperatures above 18°C (64°F). It experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The
wet season is influenced by the monsoon winds, bringing heavy rainfall, while the
dry season is relatively drier.
3. Tropical Savanna (Aw)
The tropical savanna climate is prevalent in large parts of northern South
America, covering countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. This zone
has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs during the summer
months when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brings heavy rainfall. The
dry season is characterized by lower precipitation and higher temperatures.
Average temperatures remain above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year.
4. Desert (BWh, BWk)
The desert climate is found in the coastal areas of Peru and northern Chile, such
as the Atacama Desert. This zone experiences extremely arid conditions with very
low rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures vary based on the latitude and
elevation, but they generally remain high. The desert climate is divided into two
subtypes: BWh (hot desert) and BWk (cold desert), depending on whether the
region experiences high or low temperatures.
5. Mediterranean (Csb, Csa)
The Mediterranean climate is found along the central and southern coast of Chile,
including regions like Santiago and Valparaíso. This zone is characterized by warm,
dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers have average temperatures above
22°C (72°F), while winters are mild with average temperatures between 8°C and
17°C (46°F - 63°F). Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter months.
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
6. Humid Subtropical (Cfa, Cwa)
The humid subtropical climate is prevalent in the southeastern regions of South
America, including parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This zone
experiences hot and humid summers, with average temperatures above 22°C
(72°F). Winters are relatively mild with temperatures between 4°C and 18°C (39°F
- 64°F). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, although summers
tend to be wetter.
7. Oceanic (Cfb)
The oceanic climate is found in the southernmost part of South America, including
parts of Chile and Argentina, especially in regions like Tierra del Fuego and the
southern Andes. This zone experiences cool summers with average temperatures
below 22°C (72°F) and mild winters with temperatures above freezing.
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with relatively high rainfall
due to the influence of westerly winds.
8. Subpolar/Subantarctic (Cfc)
The subpolar or subantarctic climate is present in the far southern regions of
South America, including parts of Chile and Argentina, such as the southernmost
tip of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. This zone is characterized by extremely
cold and windy conditions throughout the year. Summers are short and cool,
while winters are long, freezing, and snowy. Average temperatures remain below
10°C (50°F) even during the warmest months.
It's important to note that within each climatic zone, there can be local variations
due to factors such as elevation, proximity to the ocean, and topography.
Additionally, climate change can influence these zones, leading to shifts and
alterations in the boundaries and characteristics of each climate type over time.
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Natural Vegetation
Page 5


South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Climate
Introduction
The Köppen climate classification is a widely used system for classifying the
world's climates based on the combination of temperature and precipitation
patterns. South America is a continent with diverse climatic conditions due to its
vast size and varying topography. According to the Köppen classification, South
America exhibits several climatic zones, each with its own unique characteristics.
Here's an explanation of the different climatic zones in South America according
to the Köppen classification:
1. Equatorial (Af)
The equatorial zone is found near the equator, primarily in the northern part of
South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. This zone
experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures
above 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed, with no
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
distinct dry season. Rainfall occurs in the form of heavy showers or
thunderstorms, often in the afternoon.
2. Tropical Monsoon (Am)
The tropical monsoon climate is found along the northeastern coast of South
America, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. This zone is
characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average
temperatures above 18°C (64°F). It experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The
wet season is influenced by the monsoon winds, bringing heavy rainfall, while the
dry season is relatively drier.
3. Tropical Savanna (Aw)
The tropical savanna climate is prevalent in large parts of northern South
America, covering countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. This zone
has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs during the summer
months when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brings heavy rainfall. The
dry season is characterized by lower precipitation and higher temperatures.
Average temperatures remain above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year.
4. Desert (BWh, BWk)
The desert climate is found in the coastal areas of Peru and northern Chile, such
as the Atacama Desert. This zone experiences extremely arid conditions with very
low rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures vary based on the latitude and
elevation, but they generally remain high. The desert climate is divided into two
subtypes: BWh (hot desert) and BWk (cold desert), depending on whether the
region experiences high or low temperatures.
5. Mediterranean (Csb, Csa)
The Mediterranean climate is found along the central and southern coast of Chile,
including regions like Santiago and Valparaíso. This zone is characterized by warm,
dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers have average temperatures above
22°C (72°F), while winters are mild with average temperatures between 8°C and
17°C (46°F - 63°F). Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter months.
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
6. Humid Subtropical (Cfa, Cwa)
The humid subtropical climate is prevalent in the southeastern regions of South
America, including parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This zone
experiences hot and humid summers, with average temperatures above 22°C
(72°F). Winters are relatively mild with temperatures between 4°C and 18°C (39°F
- 64°F). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, although summers
tend to be wetter.
7. Oceanic (Cfb)
The oceanic climate is found in the southernmost part of South America, including
parts of Chile and Argentina, especially in regions like Tierra del Fuego and the
southern Andes. This zone experiences cool summers with average temperatures
below 22°C (72°F) and mild winters with temperatures above freezing.
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with relatively high rainfall
due to the influence of westerly winds.
8. Subpolar/Subantarctic (Cfc)
The subpolar or subantarctic climate is present in the far southern regions of
South America, including parts of Chile and Argentina, such as the southernmost
tip of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. This zone is characterized by extremely
cold and windy conditions throughout the year. Summers are short and cool,
while winters are long, freezing, and snowy. Average temperatures remain below
10°C (50°F) even during the warmest months.
It's important to note that within each climatic zone, there can be local variations
due to factors such as elevation, proximity to the ocean, and topography.
Additionally, climate change can influence these zones, leading to shifts and
alterations in the boundaries and characteristics of each climate type over time.
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Map of South America Natural Vegetation
South America - Climate, Natural
Vegetation and Population
Introduction
A natural vegetation map of South America depicts the distribution of various
plant communities across the continent. South America is known for its rich
biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to
grasslands, deserts, and montane forests. Here's a detailed explanation of the
natural vegetation map of South America:
1. Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest covers a significant portion of South America, primarily in
Brazil, but also extending into other countries like Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.
It is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, characterized by dense evergreen
forests with a high diversity of plant and animal species. The dominant tree
species include Brazil nut, mahogany, rubber tree, and various species of palms.
2. Atlantic Forest
The Atlantic Forest, also known as the Mata Atlântica, is a tropical rainforest
ecosystem that once spanned along the Atlantic coast of Brazil, but now only a
fraction of it remains due to deforestation. It is known for its high levels of
endemism and is home to diverse plant species, including bromeliads, orchids,
and several tree species such as Brazilian rosewood and jacaranda.
3. Cerrado
The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna region covering a large portion of central
Brazil. It is characterized by a mix of grasslands, scrublands, and wooded
savannas. The vegetation consists of a variety of grasses, shrubs, and small trees,
with adaptations to the region's seasonal climate, including drought-tolerant
species like Brazilian pepper and fire-resistant plants like the Cerrado flora.
4. Pantanal
The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area, located mostly in western Brazil
but also extending into parts of Bolivia and Paraguay. It is a mosaic of flooded
grasslands, forests, and shrublands. The vegetation is adapted to the wetland
environment and includes grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, and trees such as the
carandá palm and the Paraguay tea.