climate of the hawaiian islands

CLIMATE OF CLIMATE OF THE THE HAWAIIAN HAWAIIAN ISLANDSISLANDSVICTOR MARTINVICTOR MARTIN

How People Think Of Hawaii

Brief Information of Hawaii

50th State of the United States of America Admitted to the Union in 1959

Nicknamed the Aloha State and Paradise of the Pacific

2014 Population of 1,419,561 Capital (and largest city) is Honolulu Area of 10,931 square miles

Slightly smaller than Maryland, which has 12,405 square miles

Has 8 climate zones Maryland only has 2 climate zones

Have You Ever Wonder Why Hawaii Is So Popular? Hawaii is generally warm all year

Hawaii is 1,465 miles from the equator and mainly

However, the archipelago experiences many different climates due to altitude of the various mountain formations there.

Because of this, many resorts are located here, and Hawaii is one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Ocean and Oceania

What is Climate?

Climate is the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period of time

There are many different types of climates found around the world

They are usually distinguished by the annual temperatures and precipitation of a specific region.

Climate Zones of Hawaii

Hawaii has 4 out of the 5 major climate zones in the world

Tropical Climate

Dry Climate

Moderate Climate

Polar Climate

Only Exception is the Continental Climate Found in the mountainous regions of Maryland

Sub-Climate Zones of Hawaii

Hawaii has 9 out of the 13 sub-climate zones in the world Tropical Zone

Tropical Wet

Tropical Wet and Dry

Dry Zone Arid

Semi-Arid

Moderate Zone Mediterranean

Humid Subtropical

Marine West Coast

Polar Zone Highlands

Tundra

Climates of the World

Why Hawaii Has So Many Climates

Factors such as elevation, pressure variations, rainfall, wind and topography combine to create distinctive locations throughout the islands.

Where you are on a Hawaiian island can actually make quite a difference in the climate. The eastern facing side, or windward side (named

after the predominant trade winds that blow from the northeast), of each island is usually the cooler, wetter and windier side

The western facing side, the leeward side, is warmer and dryer.

Tropical Climate

In this climate All months have average temperatures greater than

64° F Annual Precipitation is greater than 60 inches There are two sub-zones in this climate, which are

based on the seasonal distribution of rainfall Tropical Wet

No dry season Sufficient moisture Average precipitation ranges from 80 inches to 200

inches

Tropical Wet and Dry Distinct dry season Average precipitation ranges from 60 inches to 80

inches

Tropical Wet Climate

Tropical Wet and Dry Climate

Dry Climate

In this climate The annual evaporation exceeds annual precipitation There are two sub-zones in this climate, which are based on

the dominant vegetation types: steppe and desert Arid (Desert)

True desert climate Evaporation rates are at least twice as high as the

precipitation Little to no vegetation Average precipitation ranges from 0 inches to 10 inches

Semi-Arid (Steppe) Grassland climate receives more precipitation than desert

climates Dominant vegetation type is grass, cacti, and shrubs Average precipitation ranges from 10 inches to 20 inches

Arid Climate

Semi-Arid Climate

Moderate Climate

In this climate Average temperatures for the coldest months are usually

around 64° F

There are three main subdivisions

Mediterranean (Warm, Dry Summers)

Warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters

Average precipitation ranges from 20 inches to 30 inches

Humid Subtropical (Continuously wet)

Hot, usually humid summers and mild to cool winters

Average precipitation ranges from 40 inches to 60 inches

Marine West Coast (Cool, Dry Summers)

Warm (but not hot) summers and cool (but not cold) winters

Average precipitation ranges from 30 inches to 40 inches

Mediterranean Climate

Humid Subtropical Climate

Marine West Coast Climate

Polar Climate

In this climate Generally characterized by average temperatures below 50° F

during every month of the year There are two main subdivisions Highlands

Cool to cold temperatures depending on the altitude

Found in mountains and high plateaus

Climate changes rapidly on mountains, becoming colder the higher the altitude gets

Tundra Generally treeless regions that are found on Earth’s north and south

poles and on mountains

Permanently frozen soil that reach to depths of hundreds of meters with average temperatures between 32° F and 50° F

Usually cold and windy

Rainfall is scant

Highlands Climate

Tundra Climate

In Conclusion

Hawaii is very unique in many ways At such a small area, in the middle of the ocean the

island group experiences different sorts of climates

These climates are Tropical

Temperate or Moderate

Arid

Polar

Because of this, Hawaii has some of the most diverse climates in the world

If you ever plan a trip to Hawaii, don’t just stay at your hotel or resort. Explore the regions Hawaii has to offer

What You Have Learned

Hawaii’s climate zones

Windward and Leeward sides of landmasses