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11. WORLD CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The chapter explores world climate and climate change, focusing on Koeppen's climate classification scheme, which categorizes climates based on temperature and precipitation. It discusses the historical context of climate fluctuations, the significance of greenhouse gas emissions, and their contribution to global warming. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation in addressing climate change through initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol.

Sections

  • 11

    World Climate And Climate Change

    The section discusses the classification of world climate through empirical, genetic, and applied approaches.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1

    Koeppen's Scheme Of Classification Of Climate

    Koeppen's climate classification scheme relates vegetation distribution to climate based on temperature and precipitation.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.1

    Group (A): Tropical Humid Climate

    Tropical humid climates are characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year, with three main types: wet, monsoon, and wet-dry.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.1.1

    Tropical Wet Climate (Af)

    The Tropical Wet Climate (Af) is characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year, primarily found near the equator.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.1.2

    Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am)

    The Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am) is characterized by heavy rainfall in summer, dry winters, and is found primarily in regions such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Australia.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.1.3

    Tropical Wet And Dry Climate (Aw)

    The Tropical Wet and Dry Climate (Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, lies adjacent to tropical wet climates and is marked by variable rainfall and high temperatures.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.2

    Group (B): Dry Climate

    This section delves into Koeppen's climate classification, highlighting 'B - Dry Climates', characterized by low rainfall insufficient for vegetation growth.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.2.1

    Subtropical Steppe (Bsh) And Subtropical Desert (Bwh) Climates

    This section elaborates on subtropical steppe (BSh) and subtropical desert (BWh) climates, detailing their precipitation and temperature characteristics as well as their distinctions.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.2.2

    Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates (C)

    Warm temperate climates, identified by Koeppen's classification, are characterized by warm summers and mild winters, divided into four distinct types.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.2.3

    Humid Subtropical Climate (Cwa)

    The humid subtropical climate (Cwa) is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with rainfall distributed throughout the year.

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  • 11.1.2.4

    Mediterranean Climate (Cs)

    The Mediterranean climate, classified as Cs in Koeppen's system, features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typically found in subtropical latitudes.

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  • 11.1.2.5

    Humid Subtropical (Cfa) Climate

    The Humid Subtropical climate, classified as Cfa, features no dry season with warm summers, found predominantly in areas like the eastern United States and parts of East Asia.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.2.6

    Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb)

    The Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb) is characterized by mild temperatures, consistent precipitation throughout the year, and a limited seasonal temperature variation.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.3

    Cold Snow Forest Climates (D)

    Cold snow forest climates occur in the northern hemisphere at latitudes 40°-70° and can be divided into two types based on their winter conditions.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.3.1

    Cold Climate With Humid Winters (Df)

    This section discusses the characteristics and significance of the 'Cold Climate with Humid Winters' (Df) classification under Koeppen's climate classification system.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.3.2

    Cold Climate With Dry Winters (Dw)

    The 'Cold Climate with Dry Winters' (Dw) is characterized by extremely low temperatures for much of the year, with significant temperature variations between seasons and minimal summer precipitation.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.4

    Polar Climates (E)

    Polar climates, which exist beyond 70° latitude, consist of tundra and ice cap climates characterized by extreme cold and minimal vegetation.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.4.1

    Tundra Climate (Et)

    The Tundra climate (ET) is characterized by low-growing vegetation, permafrost, and long daylight hours during summer.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.4.2

    Ice Cap Climate (Ef)

    The Ice Cap Climate (EF) is characterized by perpetually freezing temperatures and minimal precipitation, typically found in polar regions such as Greenland and Antarctica.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.1.5

    Highland Climates (H)

    Highland climates are characterized by significant temperature fluctuations over short distances due to elevation and diverse precipitation patterns.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2

    Climate Change

    Climate change is a continuous process driven by both natural events and human activities, with significant effects on weather patterns and natural ecosystems.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2.1

    Climate In The Recent Past

    This section explores the variability of climate in the recent past, highlighting notable weather events and discussing the causes of climate fluctuations from both natural and anthropogenic perspectives.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2.2

    Causes Of Climate Change

    This section outlines the various causes of climate change, categorizing them into astronomical and terrestrial causes, and particularly emphasizes the impact of greenhouse gases.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2.2.1

    Volcanism

    Volcanism is a geological process that significantly influences climate and environment through eruptions, affecting solar radiation and atmospheric conditions.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2.3

    Global Warming

    This section discusses global warming, the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, their impact, and international efforts to combat climate change.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.2.3.1

    Greenhouse Gases (Ghgs)

    Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2, CFCs, and CH4 play a crucial role in global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

    Learning Practice

  • 11.3

    Exercises

    This section presents various exercises focused on climate classification, specifically the Koeppen classification system.

    Learning Practice

References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Koeppen's classification sc...
  • Historical records suggest ...
  • Global warming, primarily c...

Final Test

Revision Tests

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