Climate Zones of the World

Climate varies across the world because of latitude, altitude and distance from the sea.

Main Zones

• Tropical — hot and wet near the equator.
• Desert — very dry, with hot days and cold nights.
• Mediterranean — hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
• Temperate — moderate temperatures and rainfall through the year.
• Polar — very cold, with ice and short summers.

What Shapes Climate

Latitude determines how direct the sun's rays are. Altitude lowers temperature — about 6.5°C for every 1 000 m. Distance from the sea moderates temperature. Ocean currents and prevailing winds also matter.

Climate and People

Climate affects crops, housing, clothing and water supply. Nigeria's tropical south supports cassava and oil palm; the drier north supports millet, sorghum and cattle.

Practice

1. Name four climate zones.
2. Explain how altitude affects temperature.
3. Give one example of how climate influences farming in Nigeria.

Recap

Climate zones result from latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, winds and currents. Climate shapes daily life and farming.