Editing Temperate climate

{{Short description|Main climate class}}
{{Redirect2|Temperate|Temperateness|the usage of the term in virology|Temperateness (virology)}}
{{For|the history of the term|geographical zone}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_C_1991–2020.svg|thumb|upright=1.8|A [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen–Geiger climate map]] showing temperate climates for 1991–2020|400x400px]] <!-- The following map actually shows the climates of the C group in the Köppen–Geiger scheme, which comprises maritime-influenced climates that are to a large part rather subtropical than temperate in the usual sense (or, as in Florida and parts of Africa, even tropical), and fails to include all continental climates, may have belong to the temperate zones, so it got stuffed up as well as subarctic climates, which are usually included in the temperate climate zones as well, as "cool-temperate" or "cold-temperate".
[[File:Koppen classification worldmap C.png|thumbnail|upright=0.9|Temperate climate (shown in green in the map)]] -->[[File:Latitude zones.png|thumb|upright=1.8|The different geographical zones of the world. The temperate zones, in the sense of geographical regions defined by latitude, span from either north or south of the [[subtropics]] (north or south of the orange dotted lines, at 35 degrees north or south) to the [[polar regions of Earth|polar circles]].|400x400px]]
{{Weather}}

In [[geography]], the '''temperate climates''' of [[Earth]] occur in the [[middle latitudes]] (approximately 23.5° to 66.5° N/S of the Equator), which span between the [[tropics]] and the [[polar regions of Earth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/weatherandclimatechange/climate/worldclimates/temperate.asp |title=Weather & Climate Change: Climates around the world |publisher=[[Education Scotland]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414115206/http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/weatherandclimatechange/climate/worldclimates/temperate.asp |archive-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> These zones generally have wider [[temperature]] ranges throughout the year and more distinct [[season]]al changes compared to [[tropical climate]]s, where such variations are often small; they usually differ only in the amount of [[precipitation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-01-21 |title=Tropics |url=https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tropics/ |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=[[National Geographic Society]] |language=en}}</ref>

In temperate climates, not only do [[latitude|latitudinal positions]] influence temperature changes, but various sea currents, prevailing wind direction, continentality (how large a landmass is) and altitude also shape temperate climates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Are the Forty Factors That Influence OurWeather? |url=https://education.seattlepi.com/four-factors-influence-weather-4416.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=Education – Seattle PI|date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>

The [[Köppen climate classification]] defines a climate as "temperate" '''C''', when the mean temperature is above {{convert|-3|C|F|1}} but below {{convert|18|C|F|1}} in the coldest month to account for the persistence of frost. However, some adaptations of Köppen set the minimum at {{convert|0|C|F|1}}. [[Continental climate|Continental climates]] are classified as '''D''' and considered to be varieties of temperate climates, having more extreme temperatures, with mean temperatures in the coldest month usually being below {{convert|-3|C|F|1}}.

== Zones and climates ==
The '''north temperate zone''' extends from the [[Tropic of Cancer]] (approximately 23.5° north latitude) to the [[Arctic Circle]] (approximately 66.5° north latitude). The '''south temperate zone''' extends from the [[Tropic of Capricorn]] (approximately 23.5° south latitude) to the [[Antarctic Circle]] (at approximately 66.5° south latitude).<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of World Geography, Volume 1 |url=https://archive.org/details/geography-encyclopedia-of-world-geography/page/918 |location=New York |publisher=[[Infobase|Facts on File]] |series=Facts on File Library of World Geography |last=McColl |first=Robert W. |pages=918-919 |date=2005 |isbn=0-816-05786-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/earth-and-environment/atmosphere-and-weather/atmospheric-and-space-sciences-atmosphere/daylight |title=Solar Illumination: Seasonal and Diurnal Patterns |website=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=4 October 2012}}</ref>

In some climate classifications, the temperate zone may be divided into several smaller climate zones, based on monthly temperatures, the coldest month, and rainfall. These can include the subtropical zone ([[humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] and [[Mediterranean climate]]), and the cool temperate zone ([[oceanic climate|oceanic]] and [[continental climate]]s).<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Are The Four Temperate Climates? |website=Lisbdnet |url=https://lisbdnet.com/what-are-the-four-temperate-climates-2/ |date=2024-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220231428/https://lisbdnet.com/what-are-the-four-temperate-climates-2/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2024-02-20 |access-date=2024-12-21 |language=en-US}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Subtropical zone ===
These climates are typically found in the more equatorial regions of the temperate zone, between 23.5° and 35° north or south. They are influenced more by the tropics than by other temperate climate types, usually experiencing warmer temperatures throughout the year, with longer, hotter summers and shorter, milder winters. Freezing precipitation is uncommon in this part of the temperate zone.

==== Humid subtropical (Cfa) and monsoon subtropical (Cwa) climates====
[[File:Koppen World Map Cwa Cfa.png|thumb|upright=1.4|Regions where the humid (Cfa) and dry-winter subtropical (Cwa) climates are found.]]
[[Humid subtropical climate]]s generally have long, hot and humid summers with frequent convective showers in summer, and a peak seasonal rainfall in the hottest months. Winters are normally mild and above freezing in the humid subtropics. Warm ocean currents are usually found in coastal areas with humid subtropical climates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=humid subtropical climate {{!}} climatology |url=https://www.britannica.com/science/humid-subtropical-climate |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=Britannica  |language=en}}</ref> This type of climate is normally located along leeward lower east coasts of continents such as in southeast and central [[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]] and south of [[Brazil]], [[Northern Vietnam]], the southeast portions of [[East Asia]], [[Southern United States|southern]] and portions of the northeast and midwestern [[United States]] and portions of, [[South Africa]], [[Ethiopia]], and eastern [[Australia]]. In some areas with a humid subtropical climate (most notably southeast [[China]] and [[North India]]), there is an even sharper wet-dry season, called a monsoon subtropical climate or subtropical monsoon (Cwa). In these regions, winters are quite chilly and dry and summers have very heavy rainfall. Some Cwa areas in southern China report more than 80% of annual precipitation in the five warmest months (southwest monsoon).

==== Mediterranean climates (Csa, Csb) ====
[[File:Cs climate.png|thumb|upright=1.4|Regions where the dry-summer subtropical or Mediterranean climates (Csa, Csb) are found.]]
[[Mediterranean climate]]s have the opposite rainfall pattern to dry-winter climates, with a dry summer and wet winter. This climate occurs mostly at the western edges and coasts of the continents and are bounded by arid deserts on their equatorward sides that brings dry winds causing the dry season of summer, and oceanic climates to the poleward sides that are influenced by cool [[ocean current]]s and [[air mass]]es that bring the rainfall of winter. The five main Mediterranean regions of the world are the [[Mediterranean basin]] in [[North Africa]], [[Southern Europe]], and [[West Asia]], coastal [[California]] in the [[United States]], the [[South Australia|South]] and [[West Australia|West]] states of [[Australia]], the [[Western Cape]] of [[South Africa]] and the south and southwestern coast of [[Chile]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Climate Types for Kids {{!}} Mediterranean Climate |url=https://www.climatetypesforkids.com/mediterranean-climate |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.climatetypesforkids.com}}</ref>

==== Subtropical highland climates (Cwb, Cfb) ====
[[File:Koppen World Map Cfb Cfc Cwb Cwc.png|thumb|upright=1.4|Regions where oceanic or subtropical highland climates (Cfb, Cfc, Cwb, Cwc) are found.]]

[[Oceanic_climate#Subtropical_highland_variety_(Cfb,_Cwb)|Subtropical highland climates]] are climate variants often grouped together with oceanic climates found in some mountainous areas of either the tropics or subtropics. They have characteristically mild temperatures year-round, featuring the four seasons in the subtropics and no marked seasons in the tropics, the latter usually remaining mild to cool through most of the year. Subtropical highland climates under the Cfb classification usually have rainfall spread relatively evenly in all months of the year similar to most oceanic climates<ref>{{cite book |last1=Khan |first1=Ansar |last2=Niyogi |first2=Dev |last3=Fiorito |first3=Francesco |last4=Akbari |first4=Hashem |author-link4=Hashem Akbari |last5=Mithun |first5=Sk |title=Global Urban Heat Island Mitigation |date=15 June 2022 |publisher=[[Elsevier|Elsevier Science]] |isbn=9780323897945 |page=253 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7JYEAAAQBAJ&dq=Subtropical+highland+climate+with+uniform+rainfall(Cfb)&pg=PA253 |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref> while climates under the Cwb classification have significant monsoon influence, usually having dry winters and wet summers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mindat.org |url=https://www.mindat.org/climate-Cwb.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.mindat.org}}</ref>

=== Middle latitude zone ===
These climates occur in the middle latitudes, between approximately 35° and 66.5° north and south of the equator. There is an equal climatic influence from both the polar and tropical zones in this climate region. Two types of climates are in this zone, a milder oceanic one and more severe seasonal continental one. Most prototypical temperate climates have a distinct four-season pattern, especially in the continental climate sector. 

==== Oceanic climates (Cfb) ====
[[Oceanic climate]]s are created by the on-shore flow from the cool high latitude oceans to their west. This causes the climate to have mild summers and cool (but not cold) winters, and relative humidity and precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year. These climates are frequently cloudy and cool, and winters are milder than those in the continental climate. 

Regions with oceanic climates include [[northwestern Europe]], [[Pacific Northwest|northwestern North America]], southeastern and southwestern [[South America]], southeastern [[Australia]] and most of [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-05 |title=What Are The Characteristics Of An Oceanic Type Of Climate? |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-characteristics-of-an-oceanic-type-of-climate.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=WorldAtlas |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Humid continental climates (Dfa, Dfb, Dwa, Dwb, Dsa, Dsb)====
[[Humid continental climate]]s are considered as a variety of temperate climates due to lying in the temperate zones,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Senker |first1=Cath |title=Temperate Climates |date=3 May 2018 |publisher=Raintree Publishers |isbn=9781474738408 |page=5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jjRKDwAAQBAJ&q=continental+climates+temperate |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref> although they are classified separately from other temperate climates in the [[Köppen climate classification]]. In contrast to oceanic climates, they are created by large land masses and seasonal changes in wind direction. This causes humid continental climates to have severe temperatures for the season compared to other temperate climates, meaning a hot summer and cold winter. Precipitation may be evenly distributed throughout the year, while in some locations there is a summer accent on rainfall. 

Regions with humid continental climates include southeastern Canada, the upper portions of the eastern [[United States]], portions of eastern [[Europe]], parts of [[China]], [[Japan]] and the [[Korean Peninsula]].

=== Subpolar zone ===
These are temperate climates that compared to the subtropics are on the poleward edge of the temperate zone. Therefore, they still have four marked seasons including a warmer one, but are far more influenced by the polar zones than any other but the very polar climates ([[tundra]] and [[ice cap climate]]).

==== Subpolar oceanic and cold subtropical highland climates (Cfc, Cwc) ====
Areas with subpolar oceanic climates feature an oceanic climate but are usually located closer to polar regions. As a result of their location, these regions tend to be on the cool end of oceanic climates. Snowfall tends to be more common here than in other oceanic climates. Subpolar oceanic climates are less prone to temperature extremes than [[subarctic climate]]s or [[continental climate]]s, featuring milder winters than these climates but still with similar summers.{{cn|date=February 2024}} This variant of an oceanic climate is found in parts of coastal [[Iceland]], the [[Faroe Islands]], parts of [[Scotland]], northwestern coastal areas of [[Norway]] such as [[Lofoten]] and reaching to 70° north on some islands, uplands near the coast of southwestern Norway, the [[Aleutian Islands]] of [[Alaska]] and northern parts of the [[Alaskan Panhandle]], some parts of Southern [[Argentina]] and Chile (though most regions are still classified as continental subantarctic), and a few highland areas of [[Tasmania]], the [[Australian Alps]] and [[Southern Alps]] of [[New Zealand]].{{cn|date=February 2024}} This type of climate is even found in tropical areas such as the Papuan Highlands in Indonesia. Cfc is the categorization for this regime. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures exceeding 20°C (68 °F) are exceptional weather events in the most maritime of those locations impacted by this regime.{{cn|date=February 2024}} In some parts of this climate, temperatures as high as 30°C (86°F) have been recorded on rare occasions, while temperatures as low as {{Convert|-15|C|F}} have still been recorded on rare occasions.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

A cold variant of the monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate similar to subpolar oceanic climates occurs in small areas in the Chinese provinces of [[Sichuan]] and [[Yunnan]], and parts of the [[Altiplano]] between [[Bolivia]], [[Peru]] and [[Chile]], where summers are sufficiently short to be ''Cwc'' with fewer than four months over {{convert|10|C|F}} due to the high altitudes at these locations.<ref  name="Peel 2007">{{cite journal |last1=Peel |first1=Murray C. |last2=Finlayson |first2=Brian L. |last3=McMahon |first3=Thomas A. |title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |date=11 October 2007 |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |doi=10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |s2cid=9654551 |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/file/index/docid/298818/filename/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf |access-date=5 December 2022 |language=en |doi-access=free }}</ref> [[El Alto, Bolivia]], is one of the few confirmed towns that features this variation of the subtropical highland climate.
==== Cold summer mediterranean climates (Csc) ====
Cold summer mediterranean climates (''Csc'') are present in high-elevation areas around coastal ''Csb'' climate areas, where the strong maritime influence prevents the average winter monthly temperature from dropping below 0&nbsp;°C. Despite the maritime influence, they are classified alongside other mediterranean climates in the Köppen classification rather than oceanic climates like subtropical highland climates due to the opposite rainfall pattern. This climate is rare and is predominantly found in climate fringes and isolated areas of the [[Cascade Range|Cascades]] and [[Andes|Andes Mountains]], as the dry-summer climate extends further poleward in the Americas than elsewhere.<ref>{{cite book|title=Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation|last1=McKnight|first1=Tom L|last2=Hess|first2=Darrel|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=2000|isbn=978-0-13-020263-5|location=Upper Saddle River, NJ|chapter=Climate Zones and Types|chapter-url-access=registration|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn}}</ref>

== Human aspects ==

=== Demography, fauna and flora ===
The vast majority of the world's human population resides in temperate zones, especially in the [[Northern Hemisphere]], due to its greater mass of land and lack of extreme temperatures.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Hypsographic demography: The distribution of human population by altitude |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |first1=Joel E. |last1=Cohen |first2=Christopher |last2=Small |volume=95 |issue=24 |pages=14009–14014 |date=24 November 1998 |doi=10.1073/pnas.95.24.14009 |pmid=9826643 |pmc=24316|bibcode=1998PNAS...9514009C |doi-access=free }}</ref> The biggest described number of taxa in a temperate region is found in [[southern Africa]], where some 24,000 taxa (species and infraspecific taxa) have been described.<ref name=ger>{{cite book |url=http://planet.botany.uwc.ac.za/NISL/Biodiversity/Attachments/Plants%20of%20SA.pdf |title=Plants of Southern Africa: An Annotated Checklist |publisher=National Botanical Institute |location=Pretoria |series=Strelitzia |editor1-first=Gerrit |editor1-last=Germishuizen |editor2-first=N. L. |editor2-last=Meyer |volume=14 |date=January 2003 |isbn=978-1-919795-99-7}}</ref>

=== Agriculture ===
Farming is a large-scale practice in the temperate regions (except for boreal/subarctic regions) due to the plentiful rainfall and warm summers, because most agricultural activity occurs in the spring and summer, cold winters have a small effect on agricultural production. Extreme winters or summers have a huge impact on the productivity of agriculture which is less common.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |title=The Climate Revealed |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=New York |first=William James |last=Burroughs |page=114 |date=1999 |isbn=978-0-521-77081-1}}</ref>

=== Urbanization ===
Temperate regions have the majority of the world's population, which leads to [[Urbanization|large cities]]. There are a couple of factors why the climate of large city landscapes differs from the climate of rural areas. One factor is the strength of the absorption rate of buildings and asphalt, which is higher than that of natural land. The other large factor is the burning of fossil fuels from buildings and vehicles. These factors have led to the average climate of cities to be [[Urban heat island|warmer than surrounding areas]].<ref name=":0" />

== See also ==
* [[Geographical zone]]
* [[Habitat]]
* [[Köppen climate classification]]
* [[Middle latitudes]]
* [[Polar circle]]
* [[Subtropics]]
* [[Tropics]]
* [[Subarctic]]
* [[Highland temperate climate]]
* [[Humid temperate climate]]
* [[Subhumid temperate climate]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Köppen}}
{{Seasons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Köppen climate types]]