Meaning of Climatic Map
A Climatic map is generally a chart that represents the geographic distribution of the monthly, annual average value. This illustration is done by the climatic variables. This can be a representation of temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, insolation, wind speed, cloud cover, direction, also atmospheric pressure. This representation is over regions that are ranging in the area from a few tens of square kilometres to an extent of global. To minimize the biasing of the data for one or two periods which has abnormally high or low values, this data is averaged over a minimum of 30 periods, which may be months or years.
Map of the World Temperature
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World Climate Map
The World climate is divided into large five regions which are known as tropical, dry, high latitude, mid-latitude, and highland. The tropical region has a wet type climate with constant temperatures, coupled with high humidity. Here the tropical region has dense natural vegetation called the rainforest. It has fewer than ten inches of rain a year fall in the desert subregions.
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World Rainfall Map
The World Precipitation Map represents the precipitation level (both records the rain as well as snow) this representation is for different parts of the world.
Feature of this Map: This map shows the level of precipitation in different regions of the world.
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Climatic Chart
The climate chart or graph displays the yearly temperature and the precipitation statistics for a specific location. Plotting is done with a red dot of the average temperature for each of the months then similarly all other dots are connected in the formation of a red line. Precipitation abbreviated as (mm) is measured by using the numbers that are present on the right-hand side of the chart.
Global Temperature Map
The global temperature graph or map illustrates the change in the global surface temperature which is quite relative to 1951-1980 average temperatures. There are nineteen warmest years which have occurred since the year 2000, except for the year 1998.
The year 2020’ record tied with the record of 2016 to be the warmest year on record since 1880, this definite source is from NASA/GISS. This kind of research is quite similar as prepared by the Climatic Research Unit and also by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Koppen Climate Map
The Koppen climate classification is widely used for the climate classification system. This was first published by Wladimir Koppen, a German-Russian climatologist. Later, another climatologist known as Rudolf Geiger too introduced some changes in the classification system. Thus, this classification gets the name as Koppen-Geiger climate classification system.
In Koppen climate classification, the climate is divided into five main climate groups, each of these groups being divided based on the seasonal precipitation and according to the temperature patterns.
The five main groups of the classification are – A which indicates the tropical region, B which indicates the drier region, C which indicates the temperate type, D which indicates the continental region, and E indicates the polar region.
Koppen Geiger Climate Classification
The Koppen-Geiger classification is as follows:
Humid subtropical climate
Mediterranean climate
Marine west coast climate
Humid continental climate
Continental subarctic climate
Mediterranean Climate Map
A Mediterranean climate also known as the dry summer climate is marked by drier summers and mild or wet winters. This climatic type gets its name from the Mediterranean Basin, where this similar climatic type is the most common.
The Mediterranean climate zones are generally located along the western sides of the continents, which is between 30 and 45 degrees north and south of the equator. While, the main cause of this Mediterranean, or dry summer climate, is the subtropical ridge that extends northwards during the summer and then migrates to the south during the winter for the increasing north-south temperature differences between them.
Average Temperature Map
The average temperature of the air is calculated by an exposed thermometer in a specific period of time, which is usually a day, a month, or even a year. For the climatological tables, the mean temperature is calculated on the basis of each month and for each year.
The temperature maps thereby represent the average daily temperature for each of the months that are based on the averaged highest and the lowest temperatures for each day at the various weather stations.
FAQs on Climatic Map
1. What is a climatic map?
A climatic map is a type of thematic map that shows the geographic distribution of long-term weather patterns. Unlike a weather map, which shows atmospheric conditions at a specific moment, a climatic map represents the average conditions of a region over several decades, typically 30 years or more. It visually displays different climate zones based on data like average temperature, precipitation, and seasonality.
2. What information is typically shown on a climatic map?
A climatic map displays various long-term meteorological elements to define climate zones. Key information includes:
- Temperature Zones: Average annual, seasonal, or monthly temperatures, often shown using colour gradients (isotherms).
- Precipitation Levels: Average annual or seasonal rainfall and snowfall, depicted using colours or patterns (isohyets).
- Climate Classifications: Designated zones based on systems like the Köppen-Geiger classification, which categorises climates (e.g., Tropical, Arid, Temperate).
- Vegetation Zones: As natural vegetation is closely linked to climate, some maps incorporate this to delineate climatic regions.
3. What is the difference between a weather map and a climatic map?
The primary difference lies in the time scale and purpose. A weather map provides a snapshot of atmospheric conditions at a specific time, showing elements like temperature, air pressure, and wind for short-term forecasting. In contrast, a climatic map represents the average weather conditions over a long period (30+ years), illustrating the overall climate of an area to show long-term patterns and zones, not daily changes.
4. Why are climatic maps important in geography and other fields?
Climatic maps are crucial tools for several reasons:
- Agriculture: They help farmers determine which crops are suitable for a region’s typical temperature and rainfall patterns.
- Urban Planning: Planners use them to design buildings and infrastructure that can withstand local climate conditions, such as high winds or heavy snowfall.
- Environmental Studies: They are essential for tracking long-term shifts in climate zones, which is vital for studying climate change and its impact on ecosystems.
- Resource Management: They aid in managing water resources by showing areas of surplus or deficit rainfall.
5. What is the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system often seen on world maps?
The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is one of the most widely used systems to categorise the world's climates. It divides climates into five main groups, which are further subdivided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are:
- A - Tropical: Hot and humid climates.
- B - Dry (Arid and Semi-Arid): Climates where precipitation is low.
- C - Temperate: Climates with moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.
- D - Continental: Climates with large temperature variations between summer and winter.
- E - Polar and Alpine: Cold climates in polar regions and at high altitudes.
6. How does one read and interpret a climatic map?
To read a climatic map effectively, you must first look at the legend or key. The legend explains what the different colours, shades, and symbols on the map represent. For example, on a Köppen classification map, each colour corresponds to a specific climate type (e.g., 'Af' for tropical rainforest). By identifying the colour of a particular region and referring to the legend, you can determine its long-term climate characteristics.
7. How do climatic maps help in understanding the diverse climate of a country like India?
India has a highly diverse climate, from the alpine tundra in the Himalayas to the tropical monsoon climate in the south. A climatic map of India is essential for understanding this diversity. It visually demarcates regions based on the monsoon's influence, temperature variations, and rainfall distribution. For instance, it clearly shows the arid region of the Thar Desert, the high-rainfall zone of the Western Ghats, and the cold desert climate of Ladakh, helping to explain the country's varied environmental and agricultural patterns.
8. How do climatic maps contribute to the study of climate change?
Climatic maps are fundamental to studying climate change. By comparing climatic maps created using data from different time periods (e.g., 1960-1990 vs. 1991-2020), scientists can visually track how climate zones are shifting. They can observe the expansion of arid zones (desertification), the shrinking of polar climates, or changes in temperature bands. This comparison provides strong evidence of global warming and helps in modelling future climate scenarios.
