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Koppen Climate Classification: Group A, Group B & More | UPSC Notes
IMPORTANT LINKS
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GS Paper |
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Topics for UPSC Prelims |
Koppen Climate Classification, Tropical Climate, Rainforest Climate, Monsoon Climate, Savanna Climate, Climatic Zones, Vegetation. |
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Topics for UPSC Mains |
Koppen Climate Classification System, Tropical Rainforest, Monsoon, and Savanna Climates |
About Koppen Climate Classification
The Köppen Climate Classification is a widely used system for categorizing and classifying climates around the world. The system is based on temperature, precipitation, and vegetation patterns. It was developed by German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in the early 20th century. The Köppen classification system divides climates into distinct groups represented by letters.
- During his study, V. Koppen selected certain values of temperature and precipitation and further related them to the distribution of vegetation. This relation he used for classifying the climates.
- This classification scheme is based on the mean annual and mean monthly temperature and precipitation data. Along with that he also discovered how to use capital and small letters to designate climatic groups and types.
- In this classification scheme, Koppen discovered five major climatic groups, four of them are based on temperature and one on precipitation.
Read the article on Climate of India!
About Koppen Climate Classification Group A: Tropical Humid Climates
This climate exists between the tropic of cancer and the tropic of capricorn. As the region’s sun is exactly overhead throughout the year and Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) presence makes the climate of this region hot and humid. In this climatic region the annual range of temperature is very low whereas annual rainfall is high.
The tropical group is further sub-divided into three types, they are:
- Af- Tropical wet climate
- Am – Tropical monsoon climate
- Aw- Tropical wet and dry climate
Koppen’s Tropical Wet Climate (Af)
Such a climate is seen near the equator. The major areas where such climate is experienced are: Amazon Basin in South America, western equatorial Africa and the islands of East Indies. Such areas receive significant rainfall with thundering showers in the afternoon. Along with that such areas have uniform high temperatures and the annual temperature range is negligible. Such areas receive a maximum temperature around 300C in a day and minimum of about 200C. Such a climate is suitable for tropical evergreen forest.
Read the article on Trewartha Climate Classification!
Koppen’s Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am)
Such a climate is experienced over the Indian sub-continent, North Eastern part of South America and Northern Australia. Such regions, heavy rainfall mainly in the summer and winter is dry over there.
Koppen’s Tropical Wet and Dry Climate (Aw)
Such climate is found in the North and south of the Af type climatic region. Such climatic regions receive less rainfall than in Af and Am climate types and are variable also. Such climatic regions receive high temperature throughout the year and diurnal ranges of temperature are the greatest in the dry season. Such climatic conditions are favourable for deciduous forest and tree-shredded grasslands. Such climate is extensively found in countries like north and south of the Amazon forest in Brazil and adjoining parts of Bolivia and Paraguay in South America, Sudan and south of Central Africa.
Read the article on Forces Affecting Velocity And Direction Of Wind: Geography UPSC NCERT Notes!
Other Koppen Climate Classification Systems
Apart from the tropical Group A climates, this system includes several other major categories below.
Group B: Dry Arid and Semi-Arid Climates
This is characterized by low precipitation, high evaporation rates well in excess of precipitation. Divided into steppe BS and desert BW climates.
- BWh: Hot Desert, e.g., Sahara
- BWk: Cold Desert
- BSh: Hot Semi-Arid, e.g., Sahel
- BSk: Cold Semi-Arid
Group C: Temperate (Mild Mid-Latitude) Climates
This is characterized by Moderate temperatures, no extreme seasonal variations. Rainfall throughout the year or seasonal. Subcategories include:
- Cfa: Humid Subtropical, e.g., Southeastern USA
- Cfb: Oceanic, e.g., Western Europe
- Csa: Mediterranean, e.g., Southern California
Group D: Continental (Severe Mid-Latitude) Climates
Characteristics: Large temperature differences between summer and winter. Generally inland, away from moderating ocean influences. Subcategories include:
- Dfa: Humid Continental, hot summer, American Midwest
- Dfb: Humid Continental, warm summer
- Dfc: Subarctic, e.g., Siberia, Alaska
Group E: Polar Climates
These are always cold in the year with summer temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F). Subcategories include:
- ET: Tundra (example: Northern Canada)
- EF: Ice Cap (example: Antarctica)
Group H: Highland Climates
There are a wide variety of climates that are created by the altitude. Generally cooler and more moist than lower latitude locations. There are no standard subcategories but altitude and orientation have a great effect on the climate.
Learn in detail about Koppens Group C Climate Classification here.
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Koppen Climate Classification UPSC FAQs
What is a Group C climate classified as?
Group C climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, is classified as a temperate climate with mild summers and cool to cold winters. This climate is commonly found in regions such as the eastern coast of the United States and parts of Europe.
Write a brief note on Köppen climate classification in India.
Köppen climate classification in India encompasses a wide range of climate types due to the country's vast size and diverse topography. The classification includes tropical climates (Group A), dry climates (Group B), humid subtropical climates (Group C), and alpine climates (Group H), among others.
What is the Köppen classification of the climate system termed as?
The Köppen classification of the climate system is commonly referred to as the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. It is named after Wladimir Köppen and his collaborator Rudolf Geiger.
What are the four types of climates?
The four types of climates, based on the Köppen climate classification, are tropical (Group A), dry (Group B), temperate (Group C), and cold (Group D).
Where would you find an A type climate?
An A type climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, is typically found in tropical regions near the equator. This includes areas such as the Amazon Rainforest and parts of Southeast Asia.