Temperature Zones

Introduction

Have you ever thought about how it is summer in one part of the globe and winter in the other and how after six months the place which had summer now has winter? It is because of the presence of different Temperature Zones of the planet Earth. “Temperature Zones,” also commonly known as the “Heat Zones” of the Earth, are different regions or areas where the rays of the Sun fall differently, which leads to causing different patterns of climate.

All Temperature Zones or Temperature Belts receive a different amount of heat at a given point of time which causes summer in one part of Earth and winter in another.

There are three main types of Temperature or Heat Zones on Earth:

1.  TORRID ZONE
2.  TEMPERATE ZONE
3.  FRIGID ZONE
   

   1. Torrid Zone

The Torrid Zone, also known as the Tropical Zone or the Tropics, refers to that area of Earth that is located near the Equator. On the North of Torrid Zone, there is the Tropic of Cancer and towards its south is the Tropic of Capricorn. The Torrid zone receives the maximum amount of Sunlight and, therefore, is the hottest zone among all three zones.

The word “Torrid” itself means very hot and dry. Therefore, it signifies that the Torrid Zone is a highly heated and humid place. These regions are this hot because once a year, the mid-day Sun is over-head all the latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, and that is why it receives the maximum amount of heat from the Sun.

The torrid zone has only two seasons, i.e., rainy and dry. This zone includes Mexico, Brazil, Sudan, Egypt, Sahara, Libya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Southern India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, some parts of Australia, etc. The Torrid zone covers almost 40% of Earth’s total surface, has a very rich biodiversity, fauna and flora, and also consists of 40% of the total world population due to its hospitable and viable climatic conditions for human settlement.

2.Temperate Zone

The Temperate Zone is the area between the Arctic Circle and Tropic of Cancer and the region between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle. The dictionary meaning of the word “Temperate” is moderate. Therefore, the temperate zones have moderate temperatures and subtle climatic conditions. As this zone is located between the latitudes, it witnesses large temperature and climatic variations throughout the year.

The Temperate Zone is further classified into the following climatic zones:

2.1 Subtropical Climate:
These zones have long summers and shorter winters. It experiences high rainfall, precipitation, and humidity with warm ocean currents and mild winters.

2.2 Mediterranean Climate: This zone has rough and dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall and precipitation is experienced during the winter season only.

2.3 Oceanic Climate: This zone has mild summers and mild winters. It neither has a very hot summer nor a very chilly winter. However, this zone has high rainfall and humidity throughout the year.

2.4 Continental Climate: This zone has dry and hot summers and cold and chilly winters. Summer has long sunny days, and winter has long cold nights. Rainfall in this zone is lesser than in other zones.

The Temperate Zone consists of many countries of Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, Canada, the United States of America, India, Japan, Uruguay, Pakistan, etc.

3.Frigid Zone

The Frigid Zone is the region between the Arctic Circle and North Pole (for Northern Hemisphere) and Antarctic Circle and South Pole (for Southern Hemisphere). These areas are also known as the “Polar Regions of the Earth”. This zone comprises icy weather conditions and is covered by floating ice sheets on the entire surface. This zone is farthest from the Equator. That is why it receives the least amount of solar heat energy and is the coldest place on the planet. The areas under this zone are on high altitudes and are covered with snow throughout the year.

The Frigid Zone consists of Canada, some parts of the United States of America, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Antarctica, some parts of Argentina, and New Zealand.

The Polar Regions of the Earth experience two types of climates:

3.1 Tundra Climate: In these areas, for only one month in a year, the average temperature rises to at least melt the snow.

3.2 Icecap Climate: These areas are covered with snow throughout the year with no temperature rise enough to melt the snow. The vegetation and habitat in these regions are not viable.

Conclusion 

The Temperature Zones or Heat Zones on the Earth are important to understand the concept of climate variations across the globe. The Temperature Belts have developed due to their distance from the Sun, i.e., the number of heat rays they receive and absorb from the Sun.

Further, climatic conditions assist the growth of the type of life at a particular area or place possible, i.e., favorable climatic conditions for any creature would make it easier for him to survive and grow.For example, Penguins and Polar bears can be found only in the Frigid Zone as it has favorable climatic conditions for their survival. Similarly, Sloths can only survive in Tropical Zone and not in the Frigid or Temperate Zone as they would not be able to adapt to those climatic conditions.