Climate Zones

About climate zones: Every climate region has its own special

characteristics, such as amount of rain and sunlight, temperature, and nutrients and elements that plants use for food.

Geographers have identified five broad types of climates in the world.

Tropical Climate Found in low latitudes (near the equator),

this climate is hot, wet, and sunny. Between 0-15* latitude.

The vegetation is tropical rain forest with thousands of kinds of plants.

Trees grow to 130 feet. Other trees, vines, and ferns grow in their

shade.

Dry Climate This is a dry, hot climate with little rain

and sandy, gravelly soil. Between 15-30* latitude.

Vegetation is sparse and plant roots are shallow to absorb water before it evaporates.

Some plants have small leaves which lose little moisture.

Temperate Climates Found in the middle latitudes, this climate has a

good amount of rainfall, Warm summers, mild winters, and has 4 true seasons.

Between 30-60* latitude. Forest include deciduous trees (trees that lose

their leaves in the fall), shrubs, low bushes, wildflowers, and a variety of grasses.

Highland: High mountain regions. Temperatures and precipitation vary on the

elevation and location. Temperatures tend to become colder the

higher in elevation.

Coniferous Trees

Polar Climates This climate is found in the high latitudes

and is cold all year. Between 60-90* latitude. Vegetation includes low shrubs, mosses,

and lichens (plants that grow on rocks). There are no trees and few flowering

plants.

Lichens