What is a semi-arid climate, and what are its alternative names?

A semi-arid climate is a dry climate sub-type, also known as a semi-desert climate or steppe climate. It is characterized by receiving precipitation below potential evapotranspiration, but not as low as a desert climate.

How does the Köppen climate classification categorize steppe climates?

The Köppen climate classification system treats steppe climates, designated as BSh and BSk, as intermediate types between desert climates (BW) and more humid climates (A, C, D). This classification considers their ecological characteristics and agricultural potential.

What type of vegetation typically thrives in semi-arid climates?

Semi-arid climates generally support short, thorny, or scrubby vegetation. These regions are usually dominated by either grasses or shrubs, as the limited precipitation typically prevents the growth of forests.

How is the precipitation threshold for classifying a semi-arid climate determined using the Köppen method?

To determine the precipitation threshold for a semi-arid climate, the average annual temperature in degrees Celsius is first multiplied by 20. Then, 280 is added if at least 70% of the total precipitation occurs in the summer half of the year (April–September in the Northern Hemisphere, October–March in the Southern Hemisphere). If 30–70% of the precipitation falls in the summer half, 140 is added. If less than 30% falls in the summer half, nothing is added.

What is the specific precipitation criterion for an area to be classified as a 'BS' (steppe, semi-desert, or semi-arid) climate?

An area's annual precipitation in millimeters must be less than the calculated precipitation threshold but more than half (50%) of that threshold to be classified as a BS (steppe, semi-desert, or semi-arid) climate.

What is the primary isotherm used to distinguish between hot semi-arid and cold semi-arid climates?

A mean annual temperature of 18 °C (64.4 °F) is used as an isotherm to differentiate between hot semi-arid climates and cold semi-arid climates. If a BS-type climate has a mean temperature above this isotherm, it is classified as hot semi-arid (BSh); otherwise, it is classified as cold semi-arid (BSk).

Where are hot semi-arid climates (BSh) typically located geographically?

Hot semi-arid climates (BSh) are generally found in the high teens to mid-30s latitudes within the tropics and subtropics. They often border regions with tropical savanna or humid subtropical climates, and are most commonly located around the fringes of subtropical deserts.

What are the typical temperature characteristics of hot semi-arid climates?

Hot semi-arid climates usually experience hot, or sometimes extremely hot, summers. Their winters range from warm to cool, and they receive some to minimal precipitation throughout the year.

Which continents are most commonly associated with hot semi-arid climates?

Hot semi-arid climates are most commonly found in Africa, Australia, and South Asia.

How do monsoons influence precipitation in hot semi-arid regions of South Asia?

In South Asia, countries like India and parts of Pakistan experience the seasonal effects of monsoons, which bring short but well-defined wet seasons to their hot semi-arid regions, although the overall precipitation is not sufficient to classify them as tropical savanna or humid subtropical climates.

Name some specific regions in North America and South America that feature hot semi-arid climates.

In North America, hot semi-arid climates can be found in most of northern Mexico, the ABC Islands, the rain shadows of Hispaniola's mountain ranges (in the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and parts of the Southwestern United States, including California's Central Valley. In South America, examples include the sertão, the Gran Chaco, and the poleward side of arid deserts.

What is a characteristic precipitation pattern for some hot semi-arid climates, particularly in certain regions?

Some hot semi-arid climates, especially those found in parts of South America and Europe, feature a Mediterranean precipitation pattern, which means they generally have rainless summers and wetter winters.

Where in Europe can hot semi-arid (BSh) climates be found?

In Europe, BSh climates are predominantly found in southeastern Spain. They can also be observed in parts of southern Greece, marginal areas of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki in northern Greece, most of Formentera, marginal areas of Ibiza, and marginal areas of Italy in Sicily, Sardinia, and Lampedusa.

What does the image depicting 'Regions with semi-arid climates' illustrate?

The image illustrates geographical areas across the globe that are classified as semi-arid climates, distinguishing between hot semi-arid (BSh) and cold semi-arid (BSk) regions using different colors.

What does the image showing 'Semi-arid climate in Queensland, Australia' represent?

The image displays a landscape in Queensland, Australia, characterized by Mitchell grass downs after rain, serving as an example of a hot semi-arid climate region.

Where are cold semi-arid climates (BSk) typically located geographically?

Cold semi-arid climates (BSk) are generally found in elevated portions of temperate zones, usually from the mid-30s to low 50s latitudes. They typically border humid continental or Mediterranean climates and are often located in continental interiors, far from large bodies of water.

What are the typical temperature and snowfall characteristics of cold semi-arid climates?

Cold semi-arid climates usually feature warm to hot dry summers, though their summers are generally not as hot as those in hot semi-arid climates. Unlike hot semi-arid climates, these areas tend to have cold and potentially freezing winters, often experiencing some snowfall, though less than more humid climates at similar latitudes.

How do diurnal temperature variations differ between cold and hot semi-arid climates?

Areas with cold semi-arid climates tend to experience significant temperature swings between day and night, sometimes by as much as 20 °C (36 °F) or more. Such large diurnal temperature variations are seldom observed in hot semi-arid climates.

Describe the precipitation patterns in cold semi-arid climates based on latitude.

Cold semi-arid climates at higher latitudes typically have dry winters and wetter summers. In contrast, those at lower latitudes tend to exhibit precipitation patterns similar to Mediterranean climates, with dry summers and relatively wet winters, often accompanied by even wetter springs and autumns.

Which major global regions are most commonly associated with cold semi-arid climates?

Cold semi-arid climates are most commonly found in Central Asia and the western United States, as well as the Middle East and other parts of Asia.

Name some specific regions or countries in Africa, South America, and Europe that feature cold semi-arid climates.

Cold semi-arid climates can be found in Northern Africa, South Africa, sections of South America, and several parts of Europe, including a significant portion of Spain, much of southern Ukraine, Russia, parts of inland Greece, and small areas of Romania, Italy, Portugal, and North Macedonia.

What does the image showing 'Semi-arid climate in Montana, USA' depict?

The image shows Hell Creek State Park in Montana, USA, serving as an example of a region with a cold semi-arid climate.

Which cities are provided as examples of hot semi-arid climates in the source material?

The source material provides Patos (Brazil), Kalgoorlie (Australia), Jaipur (India), Niamey (Niger), Murcia (Spain), and Monterrey (Mexico) as examples of cities with hot semi-arid climates.

Which cities are provided as examples of cold semi-arid climates in the source material?

The source material provides Bloemfontein (South Africa), Comodoro Rivadavia (Argentina), Madrid (Spain), Reno (Nevada, United States), Astrakhan (Russia), and Tianjin (China) as examples of cities with cold semi-arid climates.

What is the Sahel region, and what climate type is it associated with in the provided context?

The Sahel region, specifically referenced in Mali, is an area that experiences a semi-arid climate, as indicated by an accompanying image.

What is the Outback, and what climate type characterizes a large portion of it?

The Outback refers to the vast, remote interior of Australia. A significant portion of the Outback, particularly the areas surrounding its central desert regions, is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate.

What is the Central Valley, and what climate type is found there?

The Central Valley is a region in California, United States, that experiences a hot semi-arid climate.

What is the sertão, and what climate type is it associated with?

The sertão is a region in South America that is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate.

What is the Gran Chaco, and what climate type is found there?

The Gran Chaco is a region in South America that experiences a hot semi-arid climate.

What is Goyder's Line, and what does it mark?

Goyder's Line is a boundary that marks the limit of semi-arid climates in the Australian state of South Australia.

What is Palliser's Triangle, and what climate type is found there?

Palliser's Triangle is a semi-arid area located in Canada.

What is the Dust Bowl, and how is it related to semi-arid climates?

The Dust Bowl refers to an era of devastating dust storms, primarily in the 1930s, that affected semi-arid areas on the Great Plains of the United States and the Prairies of Canada.

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Defining Semi-Arid Climates

Core Characteristics

A semi-arid climate, also known as a semi-desert or steppe climate, represents a distinct sub-type of dry climate. These regions are characterized by receiving precipitation levels that are below their potential evapotranspiration, yet not as profoundly low as those found in true desert climates. This delicate balance of moisture gives rise to unique ecological characteristics and agricultural potentials, distinguishing them from both arid and humid environments.

Köppen Classification

The Köppen climate classification system provides a precise framework for understanding semi-arid climates, categorizing them as steppe climates (designated as BSh and BSk). Within this system, these climates are recognized as transitional zones, intermediate between the extreme dryness of desert climates (BW) and the more abundant moisture of humid climates (A, C, D). Ecologically, semi-arid regions typically support vegetation adapted to limited water availability, such as short grasses, thorny plants, or scrubby shrubs, and generally cannot sustain dense forest ecosystems.

Precipitation Threshold Calculation

To accurately classify a location as semi-arid under the Köppen system, a specific precipitation threshold must be determined. This threshold, measured in millimeters, is calculated by a formula that integrates the average annual temperature and the seasonal distribution of precipitation:

Multiply the average annual temperature (in degrees Celsius) by 20.
Then, add a seasonal adjustment factor:
- Add 280 if at least 70% of the total precipitation occurs in the summer half of the year (April–September in the Northern Hemisphere, October–March in the Southern Hemisphere).
- Add 140 if 30–70% of the total precipitation occurs in the summer half of the year.
- Add nothing if less than 30% of the total precipitation occurs in the summer half of the year.

If an area's annual precipitation falls below this calculated threshold but remains above 50% of the threshold, it is classified as a BS (steppe, semi-desert, or semi-arid) climate. Furthermore, a mean annual temperature of 18 °C (64.4 °F) serves as the isotherm to differentiate between hot semi-arid (BSh) and cold semi-arid (BSk) climates.

Hot Semi-Arid Climates (BSh)

Climatic Profile

Hot semi-arid climates, designated as BSh, are typically found within the high teens to mid-30s latitudes, spanning both tropical and subtropical zones. These regions are often situated adjacent to areas characterized by tropical savanna or humid subtropical climates. Climatologically, BSh zones experience hot, and occasionally extremely hot, summers. Winters are generally warm to cool, with precipitation ranging from minimal to some, often concentrated in short, well-defined wet seasons. These climates are most frequently observed on the periphery of subtropical deserts, acting as a transition zone.

Global Distribution

The geographical distribution of hot semi-arid climates is extensive, encompassing significant portions of several continents. These regions often exhibit unique precipitation patterns, such as monsoon effects in South Asia or Mediterranean-like dry summers in other areas.

Africa: Widespread across various parts of the continent.
Australia: A substantial portion of the Outback, surrounding the central desert regions.
South Asia: Large areas of India and parts of Pakistan, influenced by seasonal monsoons, featuring short but distinct wet seasons.
North America: Includes most of northern Mexico, the ABC Islands, the rain shadows of Hispaniola's mountain ranges (Dominican Republic and Haiti), and sections of the Southwestern United States, including California's Central Valley.
South America: Regions such as the sertão, the Gran Chaco, and the poleward margins of arid deserts, often displaying a Mediterranean precipitation pattern with dry summers and wetter winters.
Europe: Predominantly found in southeastern Spain, parts of southern Greece (including marginal areas of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki), most of Formentera, marginal areas of Ibiza, and marginal areas of Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, and Lampedusa).

Cold Semi-Arid Climates (BSk)

Climatic Profile

Cold semi-arid climates, classified as BSk, are typically situated in elevated regions within temperate zones, generally ranging from the mid-30s to low 50s latitudes. These climates often border humid continental or Mediterranean climate zones and are commonly found in continental interiors, far from the moderating influence of large bodies of water. BSk regions experience warm to hot, dry summers, though these are generally less intensely hot than those in BSh climates. A key distinguishing feature is their cold, and potentially freezing, winters. While these areas do receive some snowfall during winter, the amounts are considerably lower compared to more humid regions at similar latitudes.

Temperature Dynamics & Precipitation Patterns

Areas with cold semi-arid climates are often characterized by higher elevations than their hot semi-arid counterparts. A notable meteorological feature is the significant diurnal temperature variation, where daily temperature swings can exceed 20 °C (36 °F), a phenomenon less common in hot semi-arid zones. Precipitation patterns also vary with latitude: higher latitude BSk climates tend to have dry winters and wetter summers, while lower latitude BSk climates often exhibit a Mediterranean-like pattern, with dry summers and relatively wetter winters, springs, and autumns.

Central Asia: Extensive regions across the heart of the continent.
Western United States: Significant portions of the western U.S., including states like Montana.
Middle East and Other Parts of Asia: Found in various inland areas.
Northern Africa: Specific elevated or interior zones.
South Africa: Certain interior regions.
South America: Sections within the continent's interior.
Interior Southern Australia: Examples include Kalgoorlie and Mildura.
Europe: A considerable part of Spain, much of southern Ukraine, parts of Russia, inland areas of Greece, and small sections of Romania, Italy, Portugal, and North Macedonia.

Charts of Selected Cities

Below are detailed climate charts for various cities representative of semi-arid climates, showcasing their monthly average maximum and minimum temperatures, and precipitation totals in both metric and imperial units. These data provide empirical evidence of the distinct climatic profiles discussed.

Patos, Paraíba, Brazil (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	32	32	31	30	29	27	27	28	30	31	32	32
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	22	22	22	22	21	21	20	20	20	21	21	21
Precipitation (mm)	66	139	213	177	55	28	12	3	1	4	8	22
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	90	89	88	86	84	81	81	82	85	88	89	90
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	71	71	71	71	71	69	67	67	69	69	70	71
Precipitation (inches)	2.6	5.5	8.4	7	2.2	1.1	0.5	0.1	0	0.2	0.3	0.9

Kalgoorlie, Australia (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	34	32	30	25	21	18	17	19	22	26	29	32
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	18	18	16	13	9	6	5	6	8	11	14	17
Precipitation (mm)	27	32	25	20	25	27	24	21	14	16	19	16
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	92	90	85	78	69	64	62	66	72	79	84	90
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	65	64	61	55	48	43	41	42	47	52	58	62
Precipitation (inches)	1.1	1.3	1	0.8	1	1.1	1	0.8	0.5	0.6	0.7	0.6

Jaipur, India (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	23	26	32	38	41	40	35	33	32	34	30	25
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	8	12	17	23	27	28	26	25	24	20	14	10
Precipitation (mm)	5.9	10	4.4	7.1	12	62	191	203	80	19	1.9	3.8
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	73	79	90	100	106	103	95	91	90	93	85	77
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	47	54	63	73	81	82	79	77	75	68	58	50
Precipitation (inches)	0.2	0.4	0.2	0.3	0.5	2.4	7.5	8	3.1	0.8	0.1	0.1

Niamey, Niger (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	33	36	39	41	40	37	34	33	34	38	36	33
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	16	19	23	27	28	26	24	23	24	24	20	17
Precipitation (mm)	0	0	3.9	5.7	35	69	154	171	92	9.7	0.7	0
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	91	96	102	106	104	99	93	91	94	100	97	92
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	61	66	73	80	82	78	75	74	74	76	67	62
Precipitation (inches)	0	0	0.2	0.2	1.4	2.7	6.1	6.7	3.6	0.4	0	0

Murcia, Spain (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	17	19	21	24	27	32	34	35	31	26	21	18
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	5	6	8	11	14	18	21	22	19	15	9	6
Precipitation (mm)	27	19	30	30	21	17	1.2	12	38	27	29	33
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	63	65	70	74	81	89	94	94	87	79	69	64
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	42	43	47	51	58	65	70	71	65	58	49	43
Precipitation (inches)	1.1	0.7	1.2	1.2	0.8	0.6	0	0.5	1.5	1.1	1.1	1.3

Monterrey, Mexico (BSh)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. Max Temp (°C)	22	24	28	31	34	36	36	36	33	29	25	22
Avg. Min Temp (°C)	10	12	15	18	21	23	23	24	22	19	14	11
Precipitation (mm)	22	27	29	34	53	63	60	73	200	64	30	23
Avg. Max Temp (°F)	72	76	82	88	93	97	97	97	91	84	77	72
Avg. Min Temp (°F)	50	54	59	64	70	73	73	75	72	66	57	52
Precipitation (inches)	0.9	1.1	1.1	1.3	2.1	2.5	2.4	2.9	7.9	2.5	1.2	0.9

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References

[1] Access on August 14, 2021.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Semi-arid climate Wikipedia page

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Arid Horizons: Unveiling Earth's Semi-Dry Climates

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Semi-Arid Climates ℹ️

💧 Core Characteristics

🗺️ Köppen Classification

📏 Precipitation Threshold Calculation

Hot Semi-Arid Climates (BSh) ☀️

🌡️ Climatic Profile

🌍 Global Distribution

Cold Semi-Arid Climates (BSk) ❄️

🏔️ Climatic Profile

🔄 Temperature Dynamics & Precipitation Patterns

Charts of Selected Cities 📈

🇧🇷 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil (BSh)

🇦🇺 Kalgoorlie, Australia (BSh)

🇮🇳 Jaipur, India (BSh)

🇳🇪 Niamey, Niger (BSh)

🇪🇸 Murcia, Spain (BSh)

🇲🇽 Monterrey, Mexico (BSh)

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Semi-Arid Climates

Core Characteristics

Köppen Classification

Precipitation Threshold Calculation

Hot Semi-Arid Climates (BSh)

Climatic Profile

Global Distribution

Cold Semi-Arid Climates (BSk)

Climatic Profile

Temperature Dynamics & Precipitation Patterns

Charts of Selected Cities

Patos, Paraíba, Brazil (BSh)

Kalgoorlie, Australia (BSh)

Jaipur, India (BSh)

Niamey, Niger (BSh)

Murcia, Spain (BSh)

Monterrey, Mexico (BSh)

Teacher's Corner

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Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice