Question

Compare & contrast the Koppen & Trewarth's climate Classification Systems' criteria​

Answer 1

The Köppen and Trewartha climate classification systems are both used to categorize climate types based on long-term average weather patterns, but they differ in criteria such as temperature range, seasonality, and precipitation patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Köppen and Trewartha climate classification systems are both used to categorize climate types based on long-term average weather patterns. The main criteria used in both systems are temperature and precipitation. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Temperature range: Köppen classifies climate types based on mean monthly temperatures and sets various thresholds to differentiate different types, such as the 0°C isotherm for distinguishing temperate and continental climates. Trewartha, on the other hand, uses an index called the potential evapotranspiration ratio to evaluate the annual heat balance and temperature range of a region.
2. Seasonality: Köppen incorporates the concept of seasonality, including the presence or absence of a hot or cold season. Trewartha, however, places less emphasis on seasonality and focuses more on the annual heat balance and temperature range.
3. Precipitation patterns: Both Köppen and Trewartha consider precipitation, but they use different criteria to classify climate types. Köppen takes into account both the amount and seasonal distribution of precipitation, while Trewartha uses a soil moisture index to evaluate water availability and precipitation efficiency.

Overall, both classification systems provide a framework for understanding the broad patterns of climate across the world, but the specific criteria used and the emphasis on different factors lead to some differences in the classification of climate types.

Answer 2

The Köppen and Trewartha climate classification systems are two widely used methods of classifying the world’s climates. Both of these classification systems have their own set of criteria for classifying climate, which are as follows:

Köppen Climate Classification System Criteria:

1. Temperature: Köppen divides climates based on average monthly temperature range. The four major temperature categories are: a) Tropical climates; b) Mild or Temperate climates; c) Harsh or Cold climates; d) Polar climates.

2. Precipitation: Köppen also uses precipitation as a major criterion for classifying climate. Each temperature category is further divided based on precipitation: a) Wet climates; b) Dry climates; c) Moist climates with dry winter; d) Moist climates with dry summer.

3. Vegetation: Köppen also uses vegetation as a minor criterion for classification, as certain types of vegetation associate with specific climatic zones.

Trewartha Climate Classification System Criteria:

1. Latitude: Trewartha classifies climates based on latitude, dividing the world into three broad zones: a) Tropical zone; b) Temperate zone; c) Polar zone.

2. Temperature: Trewartha further divides these three zones according to temperature, creating climate types such as hot humid, hot arid, cool humid, cool arid, cold humid, and cold arid.

3. Moisture Availability: Trewartha uses moisture availability as a major criterion for classification, with climate types including wet, dry and intermediate.

4. Seasonal Distribution: Trewartha also considers the seasonal distribution of temperature and rainfall.

5. Altitude and Landforms: Trewartha also considers altitude and landforms as minor criteria for classification, as they can influence climate.

In summary, the Köppen and Trewartha systems differ in the criteria used to classify climate. Köppen primarily uses temperature and precipitation, while Trewartha uses latitude, temperature, moisture availability, seasonal distribution, and landforms. Both systems have their advantages and limitations when it comes to understanding the complexity of global climate patterns.