Subject: Geography Category: The Fundamentals of Physical Geography Topic: Koeppen’s Climate Classification- Group B Climates
In this article, we delve into the important concepts of the Koeppen’s Climate Classification, specifically focusing on Group B Climates. This topic is crucial for various competitive exams including UPSC civil services exam, banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams and others.
Let's take a deep dive into the intricacies of the Koeppen’s Climate Classification – Group B Climates.
An Overview of Koeppen's Group-B Climates
- Koeppen’s Climate Classification categorizes Group-B Climates as Dry Climates.
- These arid and semiarid climates encompass around 25% of the Earth's land surface.
- These climatic regions are found between 50° North and 50° South.
- However, they are primarily located in the 15–30° latitude belts in both northern and southern hemispheres.
- These regions are characterized by intense solar radiation and clear skies.
- The climatic conditions in these regions include:
- Limited precipitation
- High variability in yearly precipitation
- Low levels of relative humidity
- High rates of evaporation
- Dry climates can be further divided into:
- Steppe or semi-arid climate (BS) with two subtypes:
- Subtropical steppe (BSh)- located between latitudes 15° – 35°
- Mid-latitude steppe (BSk)
- Desert climate (BW) also having two subtypes:
- Subtropical desert (BWh) – found between latitudes 35°- 60°
- Mid-latitude desert (BWk)
- Steppe or semi-arid climate (BS) with two subtypes:
Delving into Subtropical Steppe (BSh) and Subtropical Desert (BWh) Climates
- The Subtropical steppe (BSh) and subtropical desert (BWh) have similar temperature and precipitation patterns.
- The summer temperatures in these regions can be extremely high.
- Both annual and daily temperature ranges are significantly high.
- The highest recorded temperature of 58°C was noted in Libya in 1922.
- These regions act as transition zones between dry and humid climates.
- The Subtropical steppe receives marginally more rainfall than the subtropical desert, enough to support sparse grasslands.
- Rainfall in both these climates is highly inconsistent.
- Rain usually occurs in short, intense bursts in deserts and doesn't contribute significantly to soil moisture.
- The unpredictable nature of rainfall impacts life in the steppe more than in the desert, frequently leading to droughts.
- Coastal deserts adjacent to cold currents often experience fog.
To deepen your understanding, you may also want to read:
NCERT Notes-Geography Physical Characteristics of Minerals
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