macroclimate
Broad atmospheric conditions
Macroclimate is the general climate of a large geographic region—a continent, country, or major zone like the tropics or tundra.
It contrasts with microclimate, which describes conditions in a small, localized area.
Macroclimates are shaped by latitude, elevation, and proximity to oceans: The macroclimate of the Pacific Northwest is mild and wet.
Recurring atmospheric conditions
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
- seasonalityDependence on annual cycles
air masses · ocean currents · solar radiation · jet stream · El Niño · La Niña · trade winds · westerlies
Major ecological community
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- floraPlants of a region
- faunaAnimal life collectively
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
ecosystem · adaptation · endemic species · migration patterns · phenology · growing season · biogeography
Geographic or personal freedom
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
- topographyPhysical feature mapping
- continentalityClimate shaped by land
- zonalRelating to districts
landmass · mountain ranges · coastal regions · rain shadow · elevation · terrain · hemisphere · equatorial
Rising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- sea level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
glacial retreat · extreme weather · anthropogenic · Paris Agreement · mitigation · desertification · feedback loops · tipping points
Agricultural production amount
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
- farmingCultivating land for food
- plantingPlacing seeds in earth
- soil fertilityEarth's crop-growing potential
tillage · agronomy · cultivation · drought tolerance · frost dates · hardiness zones · viticulture · food production
weather patterns
Recurring atmospheric conditions
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
- temperatureMeasured heat intensity
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
seasonality · air masses · ocean currents · solar radiation · jet stream · El Niño · La Niña · trade winds · westerlies · monsoon
biome
Major ecological community
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- floraPlants of a region
- faunaAnimal life collectively
habitat · ecosystem · adaptation · endemic species · migration patterns · phenology · growing season · biogeography
latitude
Geographic or personal freedom
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
- topographyPhysical feature mapping
- continentalityClimate shaped by land
zonal · landmass · mountain ranges · coastal regions · rain shadow · elevation · terrain · hemisphere · equatorial · subtropical
global warming
Rising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- emissionsSubstances released into air
sea level rise · glacial retreat · extreme weather · anthropogenic · Paris Agreement · mitigation · desertification · feedback loops · tipping points
crop yield
Agricultural production amount
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
- farmingCultivating land for food
- plantingPlacing seeds in earth
soil fertility · tillage · agronomy · cultivation · drought tolerance · frost dates · hardiness zones · viticulture · food production