macroclimates
Large-scale climate zones
Macroclimates are the climate patterns of large geographic regions—continents, ocean basins, or major climate zones like the tropics or temperate belt.
The term distinguishes broad atmospheric conditions from the microclimates of smaller areas like valleys, cities, or forest floors.
The macroclimate of the Pacific Northwest is characterized by mild, wet winters.
Zones of atmospheric force variation
- jet streamHigh-altitude wind current
- trade windsReliable equatorial air currents
- air massesLarge uniform atmosphere regions
- weather systemsOrganized atmospheric phenomena
Of hot, humid regions
- temperateMild, avoiding extremes
- polarOf extreme latitudes
- subtropicalClimate near the tropics
- aridDevoid of water
humid · continental · maritime · oceanic · monsoon · highland · equatorial · subarctic
Rising planetary temperatures
- desertificationLand becoming barren, infertile
- glacial retreatShrinking of ice masses
- sea level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
greenhouse effect · paleoclimate · ice ages · interglacial · Holocene · ocean currents · tipping points
Wet tropical woodland ecosystem
- tundraFrigid treeless biome
- taigaSubarctic evergreen biome
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
- desertTo leave behind completely
grassland · chaparral · steppe · deciduous forest · coniferous forest · boreal · wetlands · mangroves
Frost-free agricultural intervals
- viticultureGrape-growing science
- hardiness zonesPlant survival climate ratings
- drought resistanceCapacity to survive water scarcity
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
rice paddies · corn belt · coffee regions · tea plantations · olive groves · frost dates · rainfall patterns
pressure systems
Zones of atmospheric force variation
- jet streamHigh-altitude wind current
- trade windsReliable equatorial air currents
- air massesLarge uniform atmosphere regions
tropical
Of hot, humid regions
- temperateMild, avoiding extremes
- polarOf extreme latitudes
- subtropicalClimate near the tropics
arid · humid · continental · maritime · oceanic · monsoon · highland · equatorial · subarctic · semiarid
global warming
Rising planetary temperatures
- desertificationLand becoming barren, infertile
- glacial retreatShrinking of ice masses
- sea level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
carbon dioxide · greenhouse effect · paleoclimate · ice ages · interglacial · Holocene · ocean currents · tipping points
rainforest
Wet tropical woodland ecosystem
desert · grassland · chaparral · steppe · deciduous forest · coniferous forest · boreal · wetlands · mangroves · scrubland
growing seasons
Frost-free agricultural intervals
- viticultureGrape-growing science
- hardiness zonesPlant survival climate ratings
- drought resistanceCapacity to survive water scarcity
terroir · rice paddies · corn belt · coffee regions · tea plantations · olive groves · frost dates · rainfall patterns