Different patterns of weather, including rainfall, winds and temperature, are found in different parts of the world. These patterns are called climates. Hot climates are found near the Equator where the Sun is closest. Polar regions, where the Sun is farthest away, are the coldest. In between are temperate lands, which have warm summers and cool winters.

Tropical climate

In some parts of the tropics, there is heavy rainfall all year round. Tropical rainforest thrives in this this hot, wet climate. In other parts, there is a wet season and a dry season. A period of wet weather is followed by a long period of drought. Many of these regions have a mix of grassland and trees called savanna. East Africa is a typical example.

Regions with dry climates are either deserts, where there is barely any vegetation at all, or semi-deserts, where there is scrubland. In some parts of the world, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile, it almost never rains. Desert or semi-desert region may be hot throughout the year, or have hot summers and cold winters.

Monsoon climate

Tropical monsoon climates occur in South Asia, especially India and Bangladesh. During the winter, cool, dry air flows southwards from northern Asia. For six months, India has a drought. Eventually, the land heats up in the summer sun. Moist air now flows in from the Indian Ocean to the southwest, bringing heavy rains.

A few parts of the world have warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. These are called Mediterranean climates, because this climate is typical of lands around the Mediterranean Sea. Shrubs thrive well in this climate.

Temperate climate

Some temperate lands, particularly those near the ocean, have mild climates, with warm (not to hot summers) and cool (not too cold) winters. These are called marine or maritime climates. Ocean currents like the North Atlantic Gulf Stream, bring warm air from the tropics to Western Europe. This region is a typical maritime climate region.

Polar climate

Further north or south, the Earth’s surface gets less warmth from the Sun than in temperate regions. Winters are long and very cold, while summers are short. There is very little rain or snow. With the ground always frozen just beneath the surface, trees cannot grow. Only certain low shrubs or grasses, called tundra vegetation, can grow in this region.