Climate zones

Science

Definition

Climate zones are regions of Earth classified by their long-term weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation. The major zones are tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar, determined largely by latitude and geography.

Examples

  • Tropical zones near the equator have warm temperatures year-round with high rainfall
  • The Sahara Desert lies in a dry climate zone with very little annual precipitation
  • Temperate zones like the eastern United States experience four distinct seasons

Related Terms

Biomes Atmosphere layers Weather patterns Ocean currents

Study This Concept

Practice climate zones with free review games in these units:

Earth Science Unit 7: Climate and Climate Change World Geography Unit 2: North America