Koeppen's Climate Classification - Group D Climate - NCERT Notes for UPSC

An Overview of Koeppen’s D Group Climates

The middle and high latitudes encompass a set of climates recognized in the Koeppen scheme as C and D groups.

• The average temperature exceeds 10 °C during their warmest months.
• The average temperature during the coldest month is under −3 °C.
• These climatic conditions are typically found in the interiors of continents and their upper east coasts, usually north of 40°N.
• D group climates are quite rare in the Southern Hemisphere due to the smaller land masses in the middle latitudes and the near-total absence of land between 40–60° south.
• They are only found in some highland locations.

The Cold Snow Forest Climates (D)

• The cold snow forest climate is observed in the extensive continental area in the northern hemisphere, specifically between 40°-70° North latitudes.
• The regions that experience this climate include:
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North America
• Cold snow forest climates can be split into two types:
  • Df- Cold climate with humid winter.
  • Dw- Cold climate with dry winter.
• The severity of winter increases with higher latitudes.

Cold Climate with Humid Winters (Df)

• This type of climate is found north of the mid-latitude steppe and marine west coast climate.
• The winters are characterized by snow and cold temperatures.
• The frost-free season is relatively short.
• The annual ranges of temperature are considerably high.
• Weather changes can be abrupt and short-lived.
• Towards the poles, winters can be extremely harsh.

Cold Climate with Dry Winters (Dw)

• This climate type is mainly found over North-Eastern Asia.
• Rainfall typically occurs during the summer.
• The annual rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 12-15 cm.
• The onset of a pronounced winter anticyclone and its weakening in the summer causes a monsoon-like reversal of wind in this area.
• Towards the poles, summer temperatures are lower and winter temperatures can be extremely low, with many locations experiencing below freezing point temperatures.

To further your understanding of Koeppen’s Climate Classification, refer to the links below:

UPSC Preparation: