The subtropical climate, According to Wladimir Köppen's classification proposed in 1918, it is predominant in temperate zones, whose location is very close to the main tropics of planet Earth. Within this classification, the subtropical climate is part of the temperate climates, approaching more to the warm ones.
Therefore, the temperature of subtropical climates is characterized by maintaining an annual measure of 18 ° C, while in the coldest times it can reach up to 6 ° C.
Despite this, there may be variations in terms of some elements such as rainfall, because these will depend on both seasonality and the location of the regions; consequently, there are notable differences between the eastern and western littoral zones within each continent..
For example, in the subtropical areas found in the west, a series of much colder ocean currents is manifested compared to the territories located to the east..
Although there are some differences in terms of river rainfall, it can be established that the subtropical climate manifests itself through the same latitude; this means that subtropical regions can be defined as zonal regions.
Thanks to this differentiation in terms of rainfall, the subtropical climate can be classified into three subtypes: the rainy and dry climate -which is very common in Latin America-, the Mediterranean climate and the oceanic climate. This division results from the different maritime currents, which modify the temperatures of the different continents that make up the globe..
Similarly, according to Strahler's classification, the subtropical climate can be divided into two possible branches: the Chinese climate and the Mediterranean climate. In the first case it is a more humid temperature, while in the second it is a much drier climate. This distinction was made by scientist Arthur Newell in 1969.
Article index
Subtropical climates are mainly characterized by having monthly temperatures above 10 ° C and temperatures of 18 ° C at least at some point in the summer season.
Another of the outstanding characteristics of this type of climate is that the areas that have these temperatures must necessarily be influenced by maritime currents, so the lands are usually very humid and with abundant vegetation.
However, these temperatures can be affected by a series of modifications depending on the types of subtropical climate..
Thanks to the stability of this type of climate, a fairly varied and rich vegetation develops, so that the regions that have these temperatures become ideal homes for a wide range of animals, among which servants, crocodiles and squirrels, among others.
This climate stands out for having quite warm summers, but humid summers can also occur depending on the season. In addition, winters are usually very cold.
Regarding its location, the Chinese subtropical climate predominates in the southeastern regions and in latitudes that are between 25 and 35 degrees.
In relation to rainfall, these usually occur regularly throughout the year, which generates vegetation of a fairly greenish color. This climate is very humid thanks to the influence of the maritime currents that permeate these areas of the southeast.
During the hottest months, the temperature can reach up to 27 ° C; however, the hottest climate within this category has managed to reach up to 38 ° C. As for the nights, these are usually warm but with quite a breeze.
Contrary to what is usually believed, in the Chinese subtropical climate, summers are more humid than cold seasons, since the sea currents at that time of year are subject to oceanic waters within a low latitude..
Consequently, there are abundant tropical cyclones and heavy rains; therefore there are no dry summers within this type of climate. As for winter, it can reach up to 5 ° C, but no type of frost usually occurs..
Although it rains more in the summer season, there are also some rains during winter, as these are manifested as a result of cyclones from the polar fronts.
The Mediterranean climate consists of a type of climate that comes from the subtropical divisions. It is mainly characterized by having very dry and hot summers, while winters are usually very rainy or temperate; this climate is the opposite of Chinese.
Regarding temperatures and river rainfall, these tend to be very varied throughout the year.
It is known as the Mediterranean climate because this climate acquires a greater geographical extension in those territories where the currents of the Mediterranean Sea permeate..
However, it can also develop in other areas of the globe, although it always has a series of variations depending on the distribution of the regions..
Unlike the Chinese climate, rainfall is not usually abundant; however, when these occur they can exceed 1000 mm. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year, so the coldest months reach 18 ° C, while in the hottest months they exceed 20 ° C.
Its vegetation is characterized by low trees and abundance in bushes. Thanks to the hot summers, the vegetation has adapted to survive strong periods of dehydration, so the leaves are usually thick and resistant.
The oceanic climate is the third subtype within the subtropical climate division. It is characterized by fairly level temperatures and abundant fluvial rainfall, since the areas that have this climate are very close to the ocean, specifically on the western coasts..
Winters are usually very cold and summers are not hot, since there is a lot of breeze during that time.
As for its temperature, it is usually maintained at an average of 10 ° C, and although the rains occur frequently, they have a maximum during the winter season. During the hottest months the temperature can reach 22 ° C, while in the coldest season it can reach -3 ° C.
This climate is very common in Western Europe, but it can also be found in some Latin American countries and in few regions of the United States..
As mentioned in previous paragraphs, the vegetation of the subtropical climate can be very varied and this depends on the subtype of the climate that the region possesses..
However, it can be established that on average these temperatures encourage the growth of a wide variety of shrubs..
Likewise, the flora of this climate consists of several perennial trees: due to long periods of drought and abundant rains, their leaves are thick and resistant. Palm trees and ferns are also very common as a result of the proximity of these territories to the coastal areas..
The humidity of this climate allows the development of various species of animals, especially amphibians and insects..
In turn, we can find a wide range of mammals and reptiles. For example, the American crocodile is typical of the subtropical climate; This is so because he is cold-blooded, so these temperatures allow him to warm up his body.
Similarly, this climate is suitable for the development of alligators and pythons, which usually feed on capybaras -also known as chigüires- and some species of squirrels..
As for the birds, they recreate in the leafy trees typical of maritime temperatures. In the subtropics you can find hawks, as well as birds of prey.
Through different climatic studies, it was possible to determine that two of the subtypes of the subtropical climate are widely developed in the Iberian Peninsula: the Mediterranean and the oceanic climates. It can also be found in the tropical Chinese climate in some areas.
In Spain the most common climate is the Mediterranean, since it covers up to 42% of this area. Consequently, Spanish summers are dry and hot.
These temperatures develop frequently in the islands of this country, such as the Balearic Islands, Ibiza and the Canaries, extending through Tenerife and La Gomera; This climate is also found in the city of Malaga.
In Latin America, the three subtypes of tropical climate also develop as a consequence of the geographical location of this continent. Argentina and Chile are characterized by having an oceanic climate, and this type of climate can also be found in some parts of Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico..
As for the humid subtropical -or Chinese- climate, this occurs in some of the main cities of this continent, such as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Montevideo. Consequently, these cities have a humid climate that leads to hot summers and mild winters..
Yet No Comments