Climate and its Classification - Koeppen

• The climate encompasses a wide array of meteorological conditions spread over vast geographical regions and diverse topographies, posing challenges in making overarching generalisations.
• It refers to the average weather conditions in a specific area over an extended period, typically spanning 30 years or more. 
• Earth exhibits a multitude of distinct climate types, influenced by interconnected factors such as latitude, longitude, elevation, topography, proximity to water bodies, and prevailing wind patterns.

KOPPEN'S CLIMATIC CLASSIFICATION

The Köppen Climate Classification System is widely recognized as one of the most extensively used contemporary methods for categorising climates.

Wladimir Köppen, a Russian-German climatologist, established this system by discerning a notable correlation between the flora and the climate peculiar to a specific region. 

His primary objective was to devise a system employing formulas and symbols that would delineate climatic boundaries in a way that closely aligned with the existing vegetation.

• Köppen examined the vegetation of specific regions and established a linkage between the region's vegetation and its climate. 
• Based on this relationship, he formulated a chart that grouped diverse climates along with their characteristic features.
• He selected specific temperature and precipitation values and linked these to the distribution of vegetation, utilising these values as the basis for classifying climates.
• The global climate was categorised using alphabetic letters in uppercase, such as A, B, C, D, E, and H. 
• These categories are further divided into subdivisions and types, denoted by lowercase letters like a, b, c, d, h, f, m, w, k, and s.
• The initial version of the climate classification scheme was introduced in 1918, and Wladimir Köppen made subsequent adjustments and enhancements until the final version was published in 1936.
• The modified Köppen system delineates five principal climate groups (A, B, C, D, and E), further segmented into a collective of 14 distinct climate types. Additionally, there is a special designation for highland (H) climates.

Wladimir Köppen's classification system delineates five primary climate groups. 

Four of these groups are based on temperature, while one is based on precipitation.

The capital letters: A, C, D, and E signify humid climates, while B indicates dry climates.

Each climatic group is further divided into types, represented by small letters, based on the seasonality of precipitation and temperature characteristics.

Seasons of Dryness: Indicated by the small letters f, m, w, and s:

1. f: No dry season
2. m: Monsoon climate
3. w: Winter dry season
4. s: Summer dry season

Major Climatic Types (subdivided):

• a: Hot summer, with the average temperature of the warmest month over 22°C
• c: Cool summer, with the average temperature of the warmest month below 22°C
• f: No dry season
• w: Dry season in winter
• s: Dry season in summer
• g: Gange’s type of annual march of temperature, where the hottest month precedes the solstice and the summer rainy season.
• h: Average annual temperature under 18°C
• m (monsoon): Short dry season

Additionally:

• Capital letters S and W designate the two subdivisions of dry climate: semi-arid or Steppe (S) and arid or Desert (W).
• Capital letters T and F are used for the two subdivisions of polar climate: tundra (T) and icecap (F).

The Köppen Climate Classification System categorises various climatic zones, each characterised by distinctive temperature and precipitation patterns. 

The five primary climate groups are summarised as follows:

1. Tropical Moist Climates (Group A):

These zones lie within approximately 15 to 25 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. 

The temperature remains above 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Three subtypes exist based on the seasonal distribution of rainfall:

• Af: Tropical wet climate, with rainfall all year round and low temperature variations.
• Am: Tropical monsoon climate, with similar annual precipitation, but the majority occurs during the warmest months.
• Aw: Tropical wet and dry climate, experiencing an extended dry season during the winter.

2. Dry Climates (Group B):

These areas span 20 to 35 degrees latitude from the equator and experience more evaporation than precipitation. 

• BW: Dry arid climate or true deserts, covering about 12% of the Earth's land area.
• BS: Dry semi-arid climate or steppe, receiving more precipitation than the arid regions.
• The letters h and k indicate the climate's location in the subtropics or mid-latitudes, respectively.

3. Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude Climates (Group C):

Located between 30 to 50 degrees latitude north and south, these zones experience warm, humid summers and mild winters. 

• Cfa: Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Cfb: Marine climates with a humid climate, hot and dry summers, and mild winters.
• Cs: Mediterranean climates with rainfall primarily in mild winters and scarce precipitation in summer.

4. Moist Continental Mid-latitude Climates (Group D):

These regions, situated poleward from moist subtropical mid-latitude climates, experience warm summers and cold winters. Divisions include Dw, Ds, and Df based on dry winters, dry summers, or precipitation throughout the year.

5. Polar Climates (Group E):

Polar climates maintain low temperatures throughout the year. Subtypes include ET or Polar Tundra, where soil remains permanently frozen, and EF or Polar Ice Caps, covered in ice or snow.

Pros of Köppen Classification:

• Quantitative and coincides with vegetation patterns.
• Considers effective precipitation.

Cons of Köppen Classification:

• Emphasis on average values.
• Ignored weather elements such as precipitation intensity and daily temperature variations.
• Did not account for air masses, daily extremes, and causative factors of climate.
• Köppen's system, while comprehensive, has limitations and simplifications that might not fully represent the intricacies of climate.

FAQs - Köppen Climate Classification System

1. What is the Köppen Climate Classification System?

Ans. The Köppen Climate Classification System is a widely used method of categorising the world's climates based on temperature and precipitation patterns. It was established by climatologist Wladimir Köppen to associate vegetation and climate.

2 .How does Köppen classify climates?

Ans. Köppen divides climates into five main groups (A, B, C, D, E) based on temperature (A, C, D, E delineating humid climates and B representing dry climates). Each group is further subdivided into types, with additional distinctions based on precipitation and seasonality.

3. What are the primary climate types in Köppen's system?

Ans. The primary climate types are Tropical Moist Climates (A), Dry Climates (B), Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude Climates (C), Moist Continental Mid-latitude Climates (D), and Polar Climates (E).

4. How do Tropical Moist Climates differ?

Ans. Tropical Moist Climates, designated by Af, Am, and Aw, vary in their seasonal distribution of rainfall. Af experiences year-round precipitation, while Am has most rain during the warmest months. Aw encounters an extended dry season in winter.

5. What characterises Dry Climates in Köppen's classification?

Ans. Dry Climates (B) feature areas where evaporation exceeds total precipitation. The subtypes include arid (BW) for true deserts and semi-arid (BS) for steppe climates. The letters h and k indicate subtropical or mid-latitude location.

6. What are the distinguishing features of Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude Climates?

Ans. Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude Climates (C) have warm, humid summers and mild winters. Subtypes like Cfa and Cfb differ in seasonal variations and precipitation patterns.

7. What are the key characteristics of Moist Continental Mid-latitude Climates?

Ans. Moist Continental Mid-latitude Climates (D) experience warm summers and cold winters, with divisions based on dry or wet seasons.

8. How do Polar Climates differ within Köppen's system?

Ans. Polar Climates (E) maintain consistently low temperatures throughout the year. Subtypes include Polar Tundra (ET) and Polar Ice Caps (EF), each representing distinct frozen and icy regions.

9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Köppen system?

Ans. The system is advantageous for its quantitative approach and its alignment with vegetation patterns. However, it has limitations in considering various weather elements and air masses.

10. How can Köppen's classification be applied practically?

Ans. The Köppen Climate Classification System helps in understanding and comparing climate variations across the globe, aiding in agriculture, ecology, and understanding the distribution of various climate-related phenomena.