Weather Around the World
Weather around the world can be very different. These differences are dependent on the Earth's position in regards to the Sun, the amount of moisture in the atmosphere and the landscape.
Areas of the world can be divided into different climate zones. These zones are determined by their position on Earth, the landscape and their position in relation to the equator (the imaginary line that wraps around the Earth). Climate zones are determined by the types of weather experienced over a set period of time.
Earth is shaped like a ball (a sphere) and because of this the heat from the Sun is distributed unevenly across the Earth. The equator receives the most heat from the Sun, whilst the Earths poles (at the top and bottom of the Earth) receive the least amount of heat. This is why countries near the equator are always warm, and those areas near the poles are always cold. This uneven heating results in different wind patterns in the air, which also contributes to the different weather patterns.
The five main climatic zones are:
Areas of the world can be divided into different climate zones. These zones are determined by their position on Earth, the landscape and their position in relation to the equator (the imaginary line that wraps around the Earth). Climate zones are determined by the types of weather experienced over a set period of time.
Earth is shaped like a ball (a sphere) and because of this the heat from the Sun is distributed unevenly across the Earth. The equator receives the most heat from the Sun, whilst the Earths poles (at the top and bottom of the Earth) receive the least amount of heat. This is why countries near the equator are always warm, and those areas near the poles are always cold. This uneven heating results in different wind patterns in the air, which also contributes to the different weather patterns.
The five main climatic zones are:
- the polar zones
- the mountain zones
- the temperate zones
- the tropical zones
- the desert zones.
Australia’s Climate Zones
Australia experiences several climatic zones due to its position and large size. Australia is an example of a country that falls into a specific climate zone yet experiences many different climates and weather conditions.
Australia is mostly described as being a warm-temperate country, as it receives most of its overall rainfall in winter and experiences very dry, hot summers. The country can be divided into four distinct climate zones. These are:
Australia is mostly described as being a warm-temperate country, as it receives most of its overall rainfall in winter and experiences very dry, hot summers. The country can be divided into four distinct climate zones. These are:
- Alpine zones, which experience snow in winter and very cold temperatures;
- Desert zones, which experience very little precipitation and have very hot days and very cold nights;
- Temperate zones have moderate rainfall and temperatures; and
- Tropical zones experience high rainfall and average to high temperatures.