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Topic Overview: Climate

Cycles of weather changes differ from place to place. The long-term pattern of weather in any part of the world is called climate.

Image of a map that displays the three major climate zones in the United States. Please have someone assist you with this.

There are three major climate zones: tropical, temperate, and polar. Climate zones differ in temperature and precipitation. Tropical climates are usually warm and wet most of the year. Much of Central and South America are in the tropical climate zone. Temperate climates cycle through all four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Much of the United States is in a temperate climate zone. Polar climates are usually cold and dry most of the year. Antarctica is in a polar climate zone.

Biomes | Weather, Season & Climate | Remote Sensing | Earth System
ETE Website

Earth Action Stories: Ice Skates and Rainforests?
Hands-On Activities: Local Four Seasons | Watching the Weather | Dressing for Weather
Online Activities: The Weather Game
Topic Overview: Overview | Weather | Seasons | Climate

Maintained by ETE Team
Last updated November 10, 2004

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