Summary
Contents
Subject index
This unique addition to reference literature provides an introduction to the major concepts and contemporary issues that are essential for students of environmental science and environmental studies to know. With over 200 entries authored by world-class names like Anthony Brazel, John Day and Edward Keller, this text is divided into six sections: Environmental Science, Environments, Paradigms & Concepts, Processes & Dynamics, Scales & Techniques, and Environmental Issues.
Climate Zones
Climate Zones
Climate zones are areas of similar climatic characteristics such as temperature and moisture, length of the solar day, and latitudinal distance from the equator. Climate zones are general and do not account for local scales features such as hills or mountain ranges, large lakes, and seas or oceans. The most commonly used classification is the Köppen climate classification system to define basic zones (Fig. 14). This classification depicts climates into primary classifications and numerous sub-classifications (see CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION). At the equator is the tropical or equatorial zone, a belt of relatively low atmospheric pressure and heavy rainfall associated with converging winds and thunderstorms. At about 30° north and south of the equator is a subtropical or arid climate of dry, descending air, associated ...
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