Azonal Climates: A Comprehensive Overview
Climatic Diversity
Classification of Weather and Azonal Climates
Climate and its Classification
The Concepts of Weather and Climate
Weather refers to the short-term state of the atmosphere at a specific location, characterized by variables like temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, and rainfall. Climate, on the other hand, represents long-term weather patterns over extended periods.
The Diversity of Climate Classifications
Numerous climate classifications exist, each serving a different purpose, such as tourism, agriculture, biogeography, or morphoclimatology.
- Climate Classification According to Purpose:Classifications vary based on their intended use.
- Different Approaches in the Development of a Climate Classification: Classifications can be based on physiognomic parameters, biogeographical criteria, or geographical synthesis approaches. Genetic classifications analyze the interaction between atmospheric circulation and geographical factors.
Climate Classification by Scale of Study
The accuracy of a classification depends on the scale of study.
- Zonal Macroclimatic Scale: Divides the world into three major climatic zones: intertropical (warm), mid-latitude (temperate), and polar (cold).
- Regional or Mesoclimatic Scale: Analyzes climatic differences within each zone, defining climatic regions.
- Climate Province Scale: Identifies smaller units within a climatic region with distinct conditions influenced by the physical environment.
- Local or Topoclimatic Scale: Covers a few square kilometers and is affected by specific geographical conditions.
- Microclimatic Scale: Offers highly detailed analysis of limited areas.
- Floor Climate: Highlights the influence of altitude on weather conditions.
Climate Classification by Method
Classifications can employ a rational approach using numerical values to demonstrate significant climatic shifts.
Main Reference Variables in Climate Classifications
Variables like temperature, pressure, and wind are commonly used. While single variables can be insufficient, using two or more enhances accuracy.
Diversity of Climate: Azonal Climates
While latitude is a primary basis for climate classification, exceptions exist due to geographical factors, leading to azonal climates such as dry and mountain climates.
Dry Climates
Characterized by water scarcity, resulting in desert or steppe climates. The aridity index helps determine the threshold for aridity. Arid regions experience scarce and irregular rainfall, extremely dry air, strong daily temperature fluctuations, and drying winds.
- Causes of Dry Weather:
- Tropical Zone: Subtropical high pressure, continental trade winds, mountain barriers (rain shadow effect, foehn effect), and cold ocean currents.
- Temperate Zones: Disruption of maritime air masses, orographic effects (foehn effect), and general atmospheric circulation.
- Polar Regions: Associated with permafrost.
- Types of Dry Weather: Desert and steppe climates are distinguished by the effectiveness of rainfall relative to temperature.
- Biogeographical Features: Disrupted river systems (arreísmo or endorheic drainage), scarce and scattered vegetation adapted to dry conditions.
Mountain Climates
Altitude causes a decrease in temperature (0.65°C per 100m), leading to cold climates in high mountains. The altitude threshold for cold climates varies with latitude.
- Causes of Mountain Climate: Altitude and relief configuration are primary factors.
- Variety of Mountain Climate: Mountain climates vary based on the regional climate and altitude.
- Biogeographical Features:
- Flow Regime: Influenced by spring thaw and winter snow storage.
- Vegetation: Diverse and varies with altitude.
- Soils: Tend to be thinner, younger, and poorer at higher altitudes.