TEMPERATE CLIMATE: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, PLANTS AND FAUNA - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The temperate climate is one that is characterized by warm winds and moderate rainfall. Temperate climate zones are found on the globe between the tropics and the polar regions. It is considered to be the optimal climate for population development, as it ensures good living conditions.

The northern temperate zone is located from the Tropic of Cancer to the Arctic Circle. This corresponds to approximately 23.5 degrees and 66.5 degrees north latitude. On the other hand, the temperate zone of the south extends from the tropic of Capricorn to the Antarctic polar circle; that is, 23.5 degrees south latitude and 66.5 degrees south latitude.

Chile, country where the temperate climate occurs

There are two types of temperate climate: maritime and continental. The maritime is influenced by the oceans, which maintain constant temperatures during the seasons. As the prevailing winds in temperate zones are from the west, the western continental edge has a maritime climate.

Its level of precipitation is high due to the humid air of the nearby body of water. The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures is less than 25 ° C. For its part, the temperate continental climate is characterized by warmer summers and colder winters due to the effect of absorption and radiation of heat from the earth.

Therefore, in the temperate continental climate the temperature range is greater. The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures is greater than or equal to 25 ° C; this occurs because there is not a large body of water to moderate the high summer temperatures and the low winter temperatures.

Characteristics of the temperate climate

Varied rains and winds

There are variations in rainfall and winds. This is due to the difference in temperatures between the areas of the tropics and the polar caps.

In turn, the geography of each particular region influences the local characteristics of rainfall and winds.

Defined stations

In temperate climates all four seasons occur: spring, summer, autumn and winter. These seasons have their starting points at the solstices and equinoxes.

During the solstice of December 21, summer begins in the southern hemisphere and winter in the north. On the solstice of June 21, summer begins in the northern hemisphere and winter in the south.

With regard to the equinoxes, these occur on March 21 and September 23. In these periods the solar rays fall perpendicularly on the equator. The autumn and spring seasons begin, respectively, in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere the opposite is true.

Marked difference between summer and winter

In regions with temperate climates, the differences between summer and winter are considerable. This is due to the inclination with which the sun's rays fall on the Earth.

Presence of sub-climates

Temperate zones do not present uniform characteristics throughout. Depending on their location on the globe, either above or below the equator, they differ.

Often these differences are sufficient that for these zones variations of the temperate climate or sub-temperate climates can be considered. For example, summers are coldest in the vicinity of the poles.

Rainfall throughout the year

It usually rains throughout the year. The rains are distributed in all the months. This means that it rains at least once every month.

As you move south, the frequency of rains during the winter season is higher. The season with the highest rainfall in the temperate continental climate occurs in the summer; the maritime one occurs in winter.

Location

Temperate climate map (places marked in green)

According to the Köppen climate classification table, temperate climates are found in different locations. Next, we describe each one of them:

Subtropical humid temperate

Humid subtropical climates are generally found in the eastern parts of the continents, in southern Asia, the southeastern United States, parts of eastern Australia, and on the eastern coast of South America.

Temperate oceanic or marine

Regions with this climate include Western Europe (Portugal not included), southern Chile, and parts of New Zealand.

The eastern and northwestern United States and the elevations along the Appalachian Mountains are also counted. In the same way, part of the western coast of the American continent has a temperate marine climate.

Temperate mediterranean

These climates occur near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in western Australia, in California, and in the southernmost areas of South Africa.

The European countries with a Mediterranean climate in part of their territory are Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and the European zone of Turkey. Among the Mediterranean countries are Greece and Albania, and the islands of the Mediterranean Sea.

Types of temperate climate

According to the Köppen climate classification table, there are three types of temperate or temperate climate.

Subtropical humid temperate

Subtropical climates are located between 23.5 ° and 35 ° latitude north or south on the east or leeward sides of the continental masses; it is the southernmost area.

This climate has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Annual rainfall is concentrated in the warmest part of the year. Tropical cyclones and frosts are sometimes recorded in winter.

Temperate oceanic or marine

The maritime climate occurs in the higher mid-latitudes, between 45 ° and 60 ° latitude north and south. They are created by flow on land from cold, high-latitude oceans to the west. This makes summers not so hot and winters not so cold.

The annual rainfall extends throughout the year. Very frequently precipitations between 500 mm to 2000 mm are generated.

Temperate mediterranean

The Mediterranean climate occurs between 30 ° and 42 ° latitude north or south on the western sides of the land masses. This climate has long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

However, seasonal rainfall is the opposite of the humid subtropical type, with a peak of rainfall in the winter or cold season.

Plants

Temperate forests

Temperate forests with broadleaf trees predominate in temperate zones near the tropics. These forests are located between approximately 25 ° and 50 ° latitude in both hemispheres (north and south).

Boreal forests

As for the polar regions, boreal forests abound, full of evergreen conifers. Between both areas there are intermediate zones with mixed forests, which include both deciduous and coniferous trees.

Deciduous and evergreen forests

Broadly speaking, temperate tropical forests can be classified into two groups, those whose leaves shed their leaves seasonally (deciduous) and those that maintain their foliage throughout the year (evergreen).

The former are found in regions of the Northern Hemisphere that have hot, humid summers and freezing winters. On the other hand, evergreens generally grow in areas with mild winters. The boreal forests of the planet's polar zones are excepted from this classification.

Broadleaf and smallleaf forests

Evergreen forests are divided into broadleaf forests and those of small, hard, and thick-leaved vegetation (sclerophyllous).

Broadleaf grow in regions that have high rainfall throughout the year (such as New Zealand). The latter grow in areas with lower rainfall, particularly in Australia and the Mediterranean region.

Fauna

Temperate climates are characterized by hosting a great variety of fauna. The species found in this climate vary depending on the environmental characteristics.

Animals on the coast

In temperate coastal ecosystems, animals benefit from water resources. There are shorebirds that feed on fish and nest in large colonies on the coast.

You can also find small mammals that live in the bushes near the beach. Also, this ecosystem is home to a variety of snakes and insects.

Animals in temperate forests

With respect to temperate forests, a great variety of nocturnal animals live in them. Owls, bats, and raccoons are some examples. During the day deer and elk can be seen grazing.

In the line of insects are termites, ants and butterflies. Many birds depend on insects found in trees. Black bears are the only large predators that live in this type of ecosystem.

Animals in temperate grasslands

In temperate grasslands numerous species of birds and small mammals dominate the ecosystem. A variety of sparrows and other songbirds live in this region.

Ground squirrels, coyotes, badgers, bison, and elk are other examples of native mammals. Turtles and snakes also coexist here, along with grasshoppers, crickets and other species of insects.

Animals in the mountains

Finally, mountainous regions with temperate climates are abundant with wildlife. They inhabit these large and small mammals, such as the brown and the brown bear, the fox and the pika. It is also home to ungulates, such as mountain goats.

Also, there are songbirds and birds of prey such as the bald eagle and the red-tailed hawk. Insects are also common in this habitat: mosquitoes, black flies, and a wide variety of butterflies.

References

1. National Geographic Society. (2017, September 26). Climate. Taken from nationalgeographic.org,
2. Characteristics. (s / f). 10 characteristics of a temperate climate. Taken from caracteristicas.com.
3. Barros G., AM; Vidal G., LM; Errámzuriz K., A. M and Rioseco H., R. (1988). History and geography. Teacher's Guide. Santiago de Chile: Editorial Andrés Bello.
4. IPSF. (s / f). Temperate climate. Taken from ipfs.io.
5. Senker, C. (2018). Temperate climates. London: Raintree.
6. Cairoli, S. (2017, April 25). Animals in a Temperate Climate. Taken from sciencing.com.