Subtropical Steppe (BSh) and Subtropical Desert (BWh) Climates
Subtropical steppe (BSh) and subtropical desert (BWh) climates are integral components of the Koeppen climate classification. They are primarily located in transitional zones between humid and dry climates, characterized by distinct precipitation and temperature patterns.
Key Characteristics
- Rainfall:
- Both climates experience significant variability in precipitation, with the subtropical steppe receiving slightly more rainfall than the desert, which supports sparse grasslands.
-
Rainfall often occurs as short, intense thunderstorms, particularly in desert regions, making it ineffective for building soil moisture.
-
Temperature:
- Both climate types feature high maximum temperatures in summer, with records showing extreme heat, such as the 58°C recorded in Libya. The annual and diurnal ranges of temperature in these areas are also notably high, impacting local ecosystems.
Implications for Ecology
The variability in rainfall heavily influences vegetation and life in these regions. The steppe's slightly higher rainfall allows for some grassland development, while the more extreme aridity of the desert limits vegetation to more drought-resistant species. Famine can be a consequence of the highly variable rainfall in both climate types, as agricultural reliance on rainwater becomes precarious.
Understanding these climates is essential for analyzing their ecological and human adaptation strategies, particularly as climate patterns change globally.