Component-I(A) - Personal Details

Role Name Affiliation

Principal Investigator Prof. Masood Ahsan Siddiqui Department of Geography,

Jamia Millia Islamia,
New Delhi
Paper Coordinator, if any Dr. Ramashray Prasad Associate Professor Dr B.R.
Ambedkar College
(University of Delhi
Content Writer/Author Dr. Jitender Saroha Associate Professor in
(CW) Geography
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar
College
(University of Delhi)

Content Reviewer (CR) Dr. Ramashray Prasad Associate Professor Dr B.R.

Ambedkar College
(University of Delhi)

Component-I (B) - Description of Module

Items Description of Module

Subject Name Geography

Paper Name Climatology

Module Name/Title Humid Mesothermal Climates

Module Id CL-29

Pre-requisites

Objectives

Keywords

1
Contents
Introduction
Learning Objectives

2
Humid Mesothermal Climates: Bases and Types
Humid Subtropical Climate
Distribution:
Temperature:
Precipitation:
Natural Vegetation
Subtropical Dry-summer or Mediterranean Climate
Distribution:
Temperature:
Precipitation:
Natural Vegetation:
Marine West Coast Climate
Distribution:
Temperature:
Precipitation:
Natural Vegetation:
Summary and conclusions
Multiple Choice Questions
Answers:
References
Web Links

Humid Mesothermal Climates

Dr. Jitender Saroha
Associate Professor in Geography
Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College

3
 (University of Delhi)
Yamuna Vihar, Delhi 110094.

Introduction
You all very well know that temperature decreases from equator to pole. On the basis of
temperature, at macro level, the world is divided into three climatic zones – tropical, temperate
and polar. On the basis of temperature and precipitation,Koppen recognized two groups of humid
mid-latitude (temperate) climates. The one group, adjoining the tropics, has mild winters (the C
climates) and the other, towards the polar region, experiences severe winters (the D climates). In
these groups the precipitation exceeds evapo-transpiration. Therefore, these are humid climates.
The first group represents humid mesothermal climates and the second represents the humid
microthermal climates. The humid mesothermal climates include the following three major types
– (i) Moist subtropical climate, (ii) Mediterranean climate and (iii) Marine west coast climate. In
this unit our focus is on the humid mesothermal climates.

Learning Objectives
After studying this module, you will be able to:

 understand the meaning of humid mesothermal climates,

 differentiate between various types of humid mesothermal climates,
 describe the distinctive characteristic features of humid mesothermal climates,
 identify climatic regions of humid mesothermal climate,
 establish interrelationship between temperature, precipitation and natural vegetation,
 highlight the role of variousdeterminants of humid mesothermal climates,and
 explain the role of air masses and fronts in determining weather conditions of humid
mesothermal climates.

Humid Mesothermal Climates: Bases and Types

Humid mesothermal climates are humid because in these climates precipitation exceeds
evaporation. These climates have warm winters. The average temperature of the coldest month is
in the range of -30 C to 180 C and the average temperature of the warmest month is above 100 C.
Instead of -30 C temperature of the coldest month, Trewartha and many other climatologists have
used 00 C for determining humid mesothermal climate. At macro level, the humid mesothermal
climates type or group is represented by letter symbol ‘C’. In determining the sub types or
second order, seasonal distribution of precipitation is taken into consideration. The areas
receiving rainfall throughout the year are represented by symbol ‘f’ and the areas which remain
dry during summer but wet in winter, by symbol ‘s’. Further classification is done, on the basis
of summer season temperatures, hot summers and cool summers are represented by symbols ‘a’
and ‘b’ respectively. The criteria used by Koppen for the classification of humid mesothermal
climates are listed in Table 1.

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Table 1. Koppen’s Main Criteria for Humid Mesothermal Climates

Climate Subtype Sub-subtype Criteria

type
C Average temperature of the coldest month is < than 180C
and above – 30C; average temperature of the warmest
month is greater than 100C.
f Precipitation throughout the year and no dry season. The
driest month of summer receives > 3 cm rainfall.
s At least three times as much rain in wettest winter month
as in the driest summer months; precipitation in driest
summer month < than 3 cm.
a Hot summer; average temperature of the warmest month >
220C; at least four months above 100C.
b Cool summer; average temperature of the warmest month <
220C; at least four months above 100C.
Source: Lal, D.S. (2009) Physical Geography, Sharda PustakBhawan, Allahabad, P-498-499.

Koppenidentified sub types in the humid mesothermalclimate on the basis of temperature,

precipitation and seasonal distribution of precipitation. Strahler (1978) used the criteria of air
masses and front zones and identified three climatic classes as equivalents to Koppen’s
classification of humid mesothermal climates (Table 2). In this unit focus is on the distribution
and characteristics of these three major humid mesothermal climatesas proposed by Koppen, and
later followed by Trewartha and Strahler. These climates, generally, are located poleward of
megathermal climates i.e. tropical climates (Figure 1).

Table2. Humid Mesothermal Climates Classified by KoppenandStrahler

Koppen’s Classification Strahler’s Classification

Koppen (1900/1918) Strahler ((1978)
Temperate rainy climate, hot summer (Cfa) Moist subtropical climate
Temperate rainy climate, dry and hot summer (Cs) Mediterranean climate
Temperate rainy climate with warm summers (Cfb) Marine west coast climate
Source:Strahler, A.N. and Strahler, A.N. (2001) P-159.

Figure 1: Distribution of Humid Mesothermal Climates in the World

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 Source: http://slideplayer.com/slide/4558178/15/images/17/Mesothermal+Climates+(C).jpg

Humid Subtropical Climate

The humid subtropical climate is also known as temperate rainy climate with hot summers. It is
characterized by hot summers, mild winters and throughout the yearprecipitation.Therefore, in
the Koppen’s climatic classification scheme it is symbolized as Cfa. During summer hot and
sultry weather conditions of the type expected in the rainy tropics prevail. Besides these,
convectional rainfall in summer isanother salientfeature commonly shared with humid tropical
climates. On the contrary, during winter, because of change in the overhead position of sun the
pressure and wind belts shift and the humid subtropical climate regions are placed under the
influence of temperate cyclones and frontal systems.It is noteworthy that the Mediterranean
climate occupies the western side of the continents, whereas the humid subtropical climate is
located on the eastern sides.

Distribution: The humid subtropical climate is found on the eastern sides of the continents, in
the 250 to 400 latitude range in both the hemispheres. As compared to the southern hemisphere
land masses are more extensive in the middle latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Therefore,
this climate occupies much larger areas in the northern hemisphere. This climate prevails in the
southeastern United States and other similarly situated areas: all of Uruguay, southern Brazil and
northeastern Argentina in South America, eastern China (particularly south of the Hwang Ho
River) and southern most Japan in Asia, and south-east coast of South Africa (Natal region) and
6
eastern coast of Australia. On the basis of its distribution, this climate is also known as China
type or Gulf type or Natal type.

Temperature: Temperature values in this climate reflect that the summer temperatures are
comparable to the tropics and that winter values are markedly lower (Figure 2). Summer season
average temperature range is 160 to 260 C. Humid subtropical regions have mild winters. The
average temperatures for winter months vary from 30 C to 130 C. In the coldest month, average
temperatures for various stations are as follows: Buenos Aires, Argentina, 100 C; New Orleans,
USA, 120 C; Shanghai, China, 3.30C;Nagasaki, Japan, 6.10 C; and Washington D.C., USA,
2.70C.

Figure 2: Distribution of Temperature at Selected Stations in the Humid Subtropical

Climate

Mean Monthly Temperature

30
25
Temperature (0C)

20
15
10
5
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Charleston 10 11 14 18 22 26 27 26 24 19 13 10
Washington D.C. 2.7 3.2 7.1 13 19 23 26 25 21 15 8.7 3.4
New Orleans 12 13 16 19 23 26 27 27 25 21 15 13

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-436 and 488.

In this climatic region winters are comparatively severe in China as well as United States. In case
of China, these areas are invaded by cold polar winds during winter. In case of United States
intrusions of cold continental polar air masses result in very severe cold weather. In winter too,
the high relative humidity associated with the passage of temperate cyclones and frontal systems
makes the cold humid weather uncomfortable. In the southern hemisphere; due to lack of
continentality the winters are not that severe.

The annual range of temperature in humid subtropical climate is moderate. However, there are
wide variations in annual temperature ranges depending upon the latitudinal position and
continentality.The annual ranges at Sydney, Buenos Aires, New Orleans, Charleston,
Washington D.C., and Shanghai are 110C, 140C, 150C, 16.50 C, 230C, and 240 C, respectively.

Due to favourable temperature regime, the length of growing season is long (8 to 12 months).
Frost is a rare phenomenon in this subtropical climate. But on certain winter nights, frost occurs
7
and damages the more sensitive crops. In the northern hemisphere killing frosts are more
frequent than in the southern hemisphere.

Precipitation: In humid subtropical climate, the average annual precipitation is in the range of
75 to 150 cm. Generally, its distribution decreases towards interiors. Precipitation is distributed
throughout the year and it exceeds potential evapotranspiration. Generally, precipitation maxima
are found in summer but there are considerable variations (Figure 3). For instance, in the United
States precipitation in the Gulf States is very uniformly distributed. But northward or toward the
drier western margins, much more precipitation takes place in summer. In this climate on-shore
trade winds bring precipitation.

Figure 3: Distribution of Precipitation at Selected Stationsin the Humid Subtropical

Climate

Mean Monthly Precipitation

250
Precipitation (in mm)

200

150

100

50

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Charleston 66 84 99 74 91 127 196 168 147 71 53 71
Washington D.C. 77 63 82 80 105 82 105 124 97 78 72 71
New Orleans 98 101 136 116 111 113 171 136 128 72 85 104

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-436 and 488.

During summer months warm, moist and unstable maritime tropical (mT) air masses move
inland from the western portions of the oceanic subtropical anticyclone. As these air masses pass
over the heated continent, they become unstable and give rise to convectional rainfall and
thunderstorms. These areas experience thunderstorms for 40 to 100 days each year. The
frequency is highest during summer season.Sometimes, these storms are very violent and
develop into hurricanes or typhoons.Therefore, typhoons (China) and hurricanes (southeast
USA) are common in summer.Thus, the late summer precipitation maximum may be the result of
combined effect of convectional activity, tropical depressions and the monsoon system of winds.

The winter precipitation is also different in character. Sometimes it is in the form of snow, and
most is generated along fronts of the frequent temperate cyclones which sweep over this
regions.Winter precipitation is more widespread.

8
Natural Vegetation

The humid subtropical climate experiencesabundant precipitationand well distributed over the
year. It has hot summers and mild winters with long growing season. All such available
situations are highly suitable of the growth of natural vegetation. Evergreen oak and magnolia
flourish in broadleaf evergreen forest. Towards more humid tropical margins, the natural
vegetation consists of evergreen forests while poleward areas with severe winters and lower
temperatures and low winter precipitation are covered with deciduous forests. The regions
located towards the drier steppe climate have grasslands.Today large areas of former forests have
been replaced by agricultural croplands.

Subtropical Dry-summer or Mediterranean Climate

The subtropical dry summer climate is characterized by dry summer, mild rainy winter and
abundant sunshine. These characteristics make it ideal as resort climate of the world. Due to dry
summer conditions it is known as Cs climate.

Distribution: The dry-summer subtropical climate is typically located along the west sides of
continents between 300 to 450 latitudes in both the hemispheres. This climate prevails over about
1.7 per cent of the earth’s land area in the following five regions: the borderland of the
Mediterranean sea (north of the Mediterranean sea from Portugal to Turkey and beyond in the
Iranian Highlands; the southern borderland includes Morocco, northern Algeria, and Tunisia and
north of Bengasi in Libya); the central and southern California coast in the United States of
America; the central and southern Chile; the Cape town area of South Africa; the southern and
southwestern coasts of Australia (Figure 4). Because of the arrangement of the continents and
their mountain ranges this climate is limited to coastal areas and inland development occurs only
in the Mediterranean basin.

Figure 4: Distribution of Mediterranean Climate

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 Source:http://www.grabovrat.com/mapsViews/mapsViewsFig/mapsViews800.gif

The most important controlling factor that produces Mediterranean type of climate is the shifting
of wind belts. In these areas during the summer, trade winds operate as off-shore winds and dry
conditions prevail. During winter due to southward shifting of wind and pressure belts, these
areas come under the influence of onshore westerlies and precipitation takes place. This way,
middle latitude changeability characterizes the winter and tropical constancy describes the
summer.

Temperature: The average temperature of the coldest month in Mediterranean climate is in the
range of 70 C to 100C and of the hottest month between 190C and 270 C. The mean annual ranges
are between 120C and 170 C. The mean annual range of temperature are less than those of most
cool temperate climates and greater than those of dry tropical climates.

The annual range of temperature, however, increases with distance from sea: at San Francisco it
is only 90 C, but at Sacramento 170C and at Red Bluff, an inland station in California it is 200 C.
Stations that are located farther away from marine influence record highest summer
temperatures, whereas coastal locations have low summer temperatures because of the presence
of the cold ocean currents which parallel the western coasts in these latitudes. Due to the absence
of cold ocean currents in coastal parts of the Mediterranean Sea summer temperatures are much
higher. For instance, the average temperature of July month at Rome is 24.40C and at Izmir 280C
(Figure 5).

Figure 5: Distribution of Temperature at Selected Stations in the Humid Subtropical Dry

Summers Climate

10
 Mean Monthly Temperature
30

Temperature ( 0C)
25
20
15
10
5
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
San Francisco 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 17 18 16 13 10
Sacramento 8 10 12 16 19 22 25 24 23 18 12 9
Izmir, Turkey 9 9 11 15 20 25 28 27 23 19 14 10
Rome 8 9 11 14 18 22 24 24 22 17 13 9.5

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-439 and 489.

Within Mediterranean climate two sub types are identified primarily on the basis of summer
season temperatures. The cool summer type (Csb) is represented by San Francisco, Santiago and
Chile and is confined to coastal areas. Here cooling effect is intensified by cold ocean currents.
In the table the data for Izmir and Sacramento reflects the features of second sub type of warm
summer (Csa). In the warm summer sub type the summer temperatures are noticeably higher and
winter variation is negligible.

In case of warm summer dry subtropical climate (Csa), along with continentality and absence of
cold ocean current influence, subtropical high pressure systems also cause summer temperatures
to be higher. Because of clear weather, the average summer temperatures in lower latitudes and
inland stations are more than 210 C or even 270 C. Further contributory factors in increasing the
temperatures are clear skies, almost vertical rays of the sun and the low relative humidity. Day
time maximum temperatures may reach 320C to 380C. Like the dry climates, due to rapid loss of
heat by nocturnal radiation the night temperatures record a considerable drop. Thus, the diurnal
range of temperature is considerably large, particularly in the drier Mediterranean climates. The
diurnal range of temperature for Sacramento in the month of July is about 200 C.

Frost is uncommon in the Mediterranean climate. But there are occasional frosts which are
injurious to crops like citrus fruits. Even one night’s frost proves fatal to such crops.

Precipitation: The Mediterranean climate has rainy winter and dry summer. This climate
receives moderate to scanty precipitation that is why some climatologists refer it as subhumid
climate instead of humid.It is especially true along the equatorward margins. The average annual
precipitation is usually between 40 cm and 80 cm. About 75 per cent of the total precipitation is
received during winter. Since there is almost complete drought in summer, it is called the dry-
summer subtropical climate. As this climate is located between the dry climates found
equatorward and the marine west coast climate poleward, it is natural that the amount of
precipitation goes on increasing from its equatorward to poleward margins. For instance, Los

11
Angles receives 38cm, San Francisco (400 km north) 51 cm and further north Portland, Oregon
receives 90 cm precipitation. Besides, there is also an increase in precipitation from the inland to
coastal locations.

In the northern hemisphere, the Mediterranean climate receives most of its precipitation between
December and March, while in the southern hemisphere the rainy season lasts from May to
August (Figure 6). During winter the Mediterranean regions are occupied by the west wind belt
so precipitation results mainly from the temperate cyclones moving with the westerlies.In coastal
regions backed by mountains, orographic precipitation is common.As majority of the
precipitation is received during winter the precipitation effectiveness is high. Within the rainy
season there are many days of fine and sunny weather. In the Mediterranean climate, snowfall is
a rare phenomenon except in highland areas.

Figure 6:Distribution of Temperature at Selected Stations in the Humid Subtropical Dry

Summers Climate

Mean Monthly Precipitation

160
Precipitation (in mm)

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
San Francisco 102 88 68 33 12 3 0 1 5 19 40 104
Sacramento 81 76 60 36 15 3 0 1 5 20 37 82
Izmir, Turkey 141 100 72 43 39 8 3 3 11 41 93 141
Rome 83 73 52 50 48 18 9 18 70 110 113 105

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-435.

In this climate precipitation is low and variability of precipitation is high. Therefore, the
reliability is low. The range of precipitation variability in Chile varies from 18 per cent to 226
per cent. This characteristic of the climate has compelled the farmers to develop means of
irrigation for their market crops.Precipitation has a much higher reliability in the Mediterranean
basin, in Australia and in South Africa.

Natural Vegetation: The native vegetation of the Mediterranean climate is well adapted to the
long summer drought. Trees and scrubs that can survive here are characteristically equipped with
small, hard or thick leaves that restrict water loss through transpiration. These plants are known
as sclerophylls (hard-leaved). Much of the natural vegetation consists of plantspossessing
moisture-conserving devices such as tough surfaces, small, rolled, shiny thick leaves that resist
moisture loss and deep roots to be able to suck up soil-moisture.

12
In the areas having enough precipitation pine, oak, cork oak, cedar, walnut and chestnut trees are
also common. In Western Australia, there are vast strands of eucalyptus trees.Low, scrubby
bushes growing together in a thick tangle form the most characteristic natural vegetation of this
climate. In California, these scrubs are called chaparral which is often threatened by wildfire.
Chaparral acts as a check against soil erosion during the periods of rains. This scrub is called
maqui in France, mattoral in Chile and mallee in Australia.There is abundance of drought
resistant fruits like olive or irrigated citrus fruits. Long summer drought encourages fruit
growing. Olive, figs and grapes are the native fruits of the Mediterranean climate which are well
adapted to drought conditions. However, peaches, oranges, lemons etc. are grown on irrigated
lands.

Marine West Coast Climate

The third major sub type in humid mesothermal climates is the marine west coast climate.
Koppen called it temperate rainy climate with warm summer. As this warm temperate climate
has precipitation throughout the year and summers are cool, it is represented by symbol Cfb.

Distribution: Marine West Coast climate occupies the windward (western) side of mid-latitude
continents between 400 to 650 north and south latitudes. On shore westerlies along with maritime
air masses prevail throughout the year. This ensures mild winters, cool summers and ample
precipitation throughout the year.

In North America, this marine west coast climate occupies the narrow coastal belt from near the
US – Canada border up to southern Alaska, where it borders the subarctic climate of Canada and
Alaska. A similar narrow strip extends along the coast in Chile, South America. In these two
coastal belts, high mountains run parallel to the coast; therefore, marine climate influence is
restricted to the coastal region.

The largest area of this climate is in Europe where it extends along the west coast up to 680 N
(Norway). The northward extension of this climate is made possible by the moderating influence
of the North Atlantic Drift, a warm ocean current. As there is no mountain barrier blocking the
movement of cool maritime air from North Atlantic the climatic conditions prevail far inland.The
most extensive development of this climate is found in Western Europe including Great Britain,
northwestern France, Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and Norway. The other locations
include most of New Zealand, island of Tasmania as well as tiny slivers of South Africa and
Australia (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Distribution of Marine West Coast Climate

13
 Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Koppen_classification_worldmap_CfbCfc.png

Temperature: In this climate, temperatures are modified by marine influence of warm ocean
currents. Therefore, there are no significant seasonal extremes of temperature. Keeping in view
the latitudinal position, this climate has small annual range of temperature, summers are
relatively cool and winters are mild. The annual range of temperature is low (Figure 8). The
oceanic control of temperature is also visible in thermal gradients. Although this climate prevails
in wide latitudinal zone, temperature changes much more abruptly moving towards continental
interiors (east-west) rather than in north-south direction. This is because the transport of heat
from oceans is far more than through solar radiation.

Figure 8: Distribution of Temperature at Selected Stations in the Marine West Coasts

Climate

14
 Mean Monthly Temperature
25
20

Temp. (0C)
15
10
5
0
-5
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Vancouver, Canada 2 4 6 9 13 15 18 17 14 10 6 4
London, UK 4 4 7 9 12 16 18 17 15 11 7 5
Berlin, Germany -0.5 0.2 3.9 9 14.3 17.7 19.4 18.8 15 9.6 4.7 1.2
Brest, Germany 6.1 5.8 7.8 9.2 11.6 14.4 15.6 16 14.7 12 9 7
Bregen, Norway 1.5 1.3 3.1 5.8 10.2 12.6 15 14.7 12 8.3 5.5 3.3

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-437 and 487-488.

In marine west coast climatesummers are cool. Average summer month temperatures are in the
range of 140C to 180C. Mean monthly temperature of the warmest month (July) in the northern
hemisphere are as follows: Bergen, Norway, 150C; Dublin, Ireland, 15.60C; Seattle, United
States, 170C; London, UK, 180C; Vancouver, Canada, 180C;Paris, France, 190C andBerlin,
Germany, 19.40C.

The climate being humid, night temperatures are not as low as in the Mediterranean climate.
Therefore, the diurnal range of temperature is low. For instance, in the month of July the diurnal
range of temperature at Seattle is 100 C. The ocean is near, so winters are mild and summers
relatively cool. Therefore, a low annual temperature range is characteristics of the marine west
coast climate.

Taking into consideration the latitudinal position, the winters are mild in this climate region. In
the coastal regions of the Western Europe a positive departure of temperature in the range from
110C to 170C is common. In Western Europe, the average temperatures during the coldest month
(January) vary from 20C to 100C. At the same time, the continental interiors of Eurasia have
average temperatures in the range of -180C to -400C.

The average monthly temperatures of the coldest month for various stations are as follows:
Berlin, Germany, -0.50C;Reykjavik, 00C;Bergen, Norway, 1.50C;Vancouver, Canada, 20C;
London, UK, 40C;Bordeaux, 50C; and Melbourne, Australia, 9.40C.

In winter season, occasional invasions of continental polar (cP) air masses bring cold spells.
These cold spells reduce the temperatures to below freezing. Frost is severe and more frequent
towards interiors. However, this climate has a long growing season of nearly 8 months.

Precipitation:The marine west coast climate receives adequate precipitation throughout the year
(Figure 9). Depending on topography and distance from sea, the amount of precipitation is

15
characterized by intense spatial variations. In European lowlands the average annual
precipitation varies from 50cm to 100cm, but on the windward side of the coastal ranges it is
above 250cm here the orographic uplift tends to increase the precipitation. The Andes in Chile
and the Rockies in North America get abundant precipitation on their windward (western) sides
by temperate cyclones as well as orographic uplift of maritime air masses under the influence of
westerlies. Henderson Lake located in British Columbiaprovince (Canada) has a record of 655cm
precipitation in a year.

Figure 9: Distribution of Precipitation at Selected Stations in the Marine West Coasts

Climate

Mean Monthly Precipitation

250
Precipitation (in mm)

200

150

100

50

0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Vancouver, Canada 139 121 96 60 48 51 26 36 56 117 142 156
London, UK 54 40 37 38 46 46 56 59 50 57 64 48
Berlin, Germany 41 37 30 39 44 60 67 65 45 45 44 39
Brest, Germany 133 96 83 69 68 56 62 80 87 104 138 150
Bregen, Norway 179 139 109 140 83 126 141 167 228 236 207 203

Source: Frederick K.L and Edward, J.T. (2010), P-437 and 487-488.

Although, there is abundant precipitation well distributed throughout the year, but as compared
to summers, winters are foggier, cloudier, stormier and rainier. At many stations in this climate
region the reduced summer rainfall is due to the poleward shifting of the oceanic subtropical
highs. Although the areas of this climate are too far poleward to be dominated by these dry
anticyclones, their influence is sufficient to cause a decline in summer rainfall.

In coastal areas, maximum precipitation takes place during winter but in continental interiors it is
highest during summer.Due to marine influence winters are mild and snowfall is less frequent as
compared with the other climates of these latitudes.The lowland stations such as Seattle, Paris
and London have on an average 10 to 14 days as snow days. However, snowfall days
increasepolewards and towards the continental interiors. Heavy snowfall occurs in highland
areas and they remain snow covered for several months.

Natural Vegetation: Due to mild winters and abundant precipitation the natural vegetation of
marine west coast climate is forest. The density and rate of growth is higher in more humid

16
regions. The forest consists of broad-leaf deciduous and needle-leaf conifers or a mixed forest of
both. Pine, cedar, hemlock, fir and spruce constitute the finest timber trees. Deciduous trees are
oak, beech, birch, walnut, maple, elm and chestnut. The finest conifer forests, with best type of
softwood lumber are located in the northwestern coast of the North America. These are
dominated by redwoods and Douglas firs. However, most of these forests in Europe have been
cleared due to industrialization, urbanization and agriculture expansion.

Summary and conclusions

Humid Mesothermal climates occur in middle latitudes where the average temperature of the
coldest month is less than 180 C but above -30C. The first major sub type in this group of
climates is humid subtropical climate with hot summers (Cfa). It prevails on the eastern side of
the continents, in the 250 to 400 latitude range.It is characterized by hot summers, mild winters
and precipitation throughout the year. During summer, high temperature, high relative humidity
and convectional rainfall are the salient features which are commonly shared with humid tropical
climates. On the contrary, during winter, because of change in the overhead position of sun the
air pressure and wind belts shift and the humid subtropical climate regions are placed under the
influence of temperate cyclones and frontal systems.

Mediterranean or Dry summer subtropical climates (Csa, Csb) are typically found along the west
sides of continents between latitudes 300 and 450latitudesin both the hemispheres.This climate is
characterized by dry summer, mild rainy winter and abundant sunshine.The most important
controlling factor that produces Mediterranean type of climate is the shifting of wind belts.
During the summer season in these areas trade winds operate as off-shore winds and dry
conditions prevail. During winter due to southward shifting of wind and pressure belts these
areas come under the influence of onshore westerlies and precipitation takes place. In summer,
the regions are dominated by the stable eastern sides of the oceanic subtropical highs. In winter,
as the wind and pressure systems shift the regions are under the cyclonic storms of polar
fronts.Within Mediterranean climate two sub types are identified primarily on the basis of
summer season temperatures - the cool summer type (Csb), and second warm summer type
(Csa).

Marine West Coast climate (Cfb) occupies the windward (western) side of mid-latitude
continents between 400 to 650 north and south latitudes. On shore westerlies along with maritime
air masses prevail throughout the year. This ensures mild winters, cool summers and ample
precipitation throughout the year.Temperatures in the marine west coast climate are influenced to
a large extent by the oceanic influence and by the warm ocean currents.For their latitudes, the
marine west coast climatic regions have relatively cool summers and mild winters and the annual
range of temperature is small. The oceanic control of temperature is also visible in thermal
gradients. Although this climate prevails in wide latitudinal zone, temperature changes much
more abruptly moving towards continental interiors (east-west) rather than in north-south
direction.The marine west coast climate receives adequate precipitation throughout the year.
Depending on topography and distance from sea, the amount of precipitation is characterized by
intense spatial variations.

==================================

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