PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
LAB J - WORLD CLIMATE ZONES
Introduction
The objective of this lab is to familiarize the student with the various climates around the
world and the climate controls that influence these climates. Students will also be
introduced to climographs, a graphic presentation of the temperature and precipitation
averages (climate) for individual locations (stations). The chief advantage of using
climographs is the visual representation of a full year of data for easy station to station
comparison. Monthly average temperatures are shown by means of a line graph.
Monthly average precipitation totals are shown by a bar graph.
Materials needed: lecture notes, textbook, atlas, and other handout resources
Part I. Locations, Climate Names and Symbols
The following pages contain 14 climographs for various stations around the world. Using
what you have learned in lecture, examine each of the climographs paying special
attention to the temperature and precipitation characteristics. After answering the
questions regarding the patterns and variability in the temperatures and precipitation, you
should be able to assign the Köppen symbol and climate name for each location.
This is a very long lab so to shorten things a bit, do the following: for each climograph,
answer questions 1-4 & 6. Then pick four climographs (any 4 you want) and answer
question #5 where you are to determine the climate controls that influence each
location and discuss their influence on that location’s climate. The climate controls
discussed in the text and during lecture were: Latitude (sun angle – insolation),
Atmospheric Circulation (pressure zones, winds, shift in the ITCZ), Air Masses (E, cP,
cA, mP, cT, mT), Ocean Currents (warm, cool, cold water), Elevation, Topography
(mountain barriers), Continentality (location interior to a continent), or land-water
heating contrast and Storms. Try to be specific when discussing a control, for example,
name the ocean current and state if it is warm or cool-cold and what influence the current
has toward the climate of that location.
Note: there are 14 climographs and 15 numbers on the world map - therefore, one location
will not have a corresponding climograph and will not be used.
The climograph on Page J-2 has been completed. Review this climograph and use it as a
model for the rest of the lab.
J-1
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
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Temperature in F
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Precipitation in Inches
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Climograph A:
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons? Moderate difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter
(Nov – Jan) mild, summer (Jun – Aug) warm.
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: 70°F
b. Lowest: 42°F
c. Range: 28°F
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? This location receives
an even distribution of precipitation – no dry season. Each month receives at least two inches of
precipitation for a total of about 35 inches.
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: Marine West Coast
Köppen Symbol: Cfb
5. What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location?
Latitude: located in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. This location results in a
moderately large difference between winter and summer average temperatures (Jan. 43°F – Jul.
70°F)
Maritime Location: adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, water serves to moderate both winter and
summer temperatures. North Atlantic Current is a warm current which keeps the average
temperatures in the winter fairly warm. The extremes of more interior/inland locations
(continentality) are absent.
Atmospheric Circulation/Air Masses: In the zone of the Westerlies. West coast France receives
moist, cool (mP) air year round. No dry season. A moderate, moist climate.
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
Bordeaux, France – location #6 on map of the world
J-2
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
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Temperature in F
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Precipitation in Inches
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Climograph B
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-3
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
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Temperature in F
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Precipitation in Inches
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-4 0
-6 0
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Climograph C
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-4
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
40
Temperature in F
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
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-60
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Climograph D
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-5
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
100
25
80
20
40
Temperature in F
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
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F
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Climograph E
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-6
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
Temperature in F
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
J
F
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Climograph F
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-7
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
Temperature in F
60
-20
5
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-60
0
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Climograph G
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-8
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
100
25
80
20
Temperature in F
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
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F
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Climograph H
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-9
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
Temperature in F
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
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Climograph I
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-10
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
Temperature in F
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
J
F
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Climograph J
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-11
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
Temperature in F
60
-20
5
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-60
0
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F
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Climograph K
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-12
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
25
100
80
20
40
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
Temperature in F
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
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F
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Climograph L
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-13
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
100
25
80
20
40
Temperature in F
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
J
F
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Climograph M
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-14
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
100
25
80
20
40
Temperature in F
15
20
10
0
Precipitation in Inches
60
-20
5
-40
-60
0
J
F
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Climograph N
1. Describe the yearly temperature pattern for the above location, i.e., how does temperature change
through the seasons?_____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2.
What are the highest, lowest and range of temperatures at this location?
a. Highest: _______________
b. Lowest: _______________
c. Range: ________________
3.
Describe the pattern of precipitation in terms of yearly amount and seasonality? _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4.
What would the Köppen climate designation (letters and name)
Climate Name: ___________________________
Köppen Symbol: _______________
5.
What climate control(s) are responsible for the observed temperature and precipitation values at this
location? ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6.
Match location to the map on page J-16
J-15
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
J-16
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY GPH111
Part II. Stations (locations) and Climate Descriptions
From the following descriptions, identify the applicable climate name and write it in the
space provided.
______________1. Located 50-75 miles inland of a west coast mountain range
approximately 30° to 40° North latitude. Dry, hot summer.
______________2. Located on a west coast at approximately 30° to 40° North. Dry,
warm summer. Similar to Santiago,Chile.
______________3. Located near an east coast at approximately 30° North or South. No
dry season. Hot, humid summers. Frequent hurricanes Summer
to late Fall.
______________4. Location with the greatest annual temperature range.
______________5. Location with the least annual temperature range.
______________6. Located where cP and mT air masses are in constant contact.
______________7. Climate class determined by this city's elevation, and its "rain
shadow" location.
Marine West Coast 8. Located on a west coast at 40°-50° North. Climate influenced by
mP air masses. A moderate, moist climate.
______________9. Precipitation values describe a BWk climate but this desert is
"frozen".
_____________10. Large temperature range with very hot summers and very low
precipitation mark this climate type.
_____________11. A dry region, far from moisture sources, 40° - 50° North.
_____________12. Large amounts of precipitation with winter dry, little temperature
change over the year.
_____________13. Enormous summer rains occur after a short dry period.
_____________14. A polar climate, but with no true summer. Warmest month
between 32° F and 50° F.
J-17