Giannella Nazarian

Professor Kemble
Physical Geography
12 November 2017

Atmospheric Hazard: Climate Zones in the United States

Climate Zones of the United States

Caption: The map above represents the climate zones within the United States of America,
according to the Kppen climate classification. As the seasons change, the different climates of
the United States seem to vary in types. The map mainly represents the climate temperature
within the different areas. On the northern west side of the U.S. the climate changes between dry
(Spring & Summer) and humid (Fall & Winter). The mid-western portion of the map represents
the states that have a dry, semi-arid climate due to the land mostly being desert. In the northern-
east, the climate is cold and humid, along with a no dry season. In the mid-eastern part of the
U.S. the climate is strictly humid, but stays quite cold year round. While these hazards are not
directly considered dangerous, it is advised how to dress in the cold climate states, mainly on the
east coast, due to the extreme temperature droppings.

Climate Zones of California

Caption: The map above represents the climate in California, according to the Kppen climate
classification. As California mainly has dry climate, as the seasons vary, the temperatures drop
and rise. The temperatures can go from hot as the desert to subarctic. The temperature changes
all depend on the latitude, elevation, and proximity to the coast in the state. Within the southern
portion of California, the temperature decreases as the air turns semi-arid. As you move more
inland towards the states of Nevada and Arizona, the climate turns more dry and hot, compared
to the coastal line of the state, where temperatures drop and the climate is more humid and cold.
The influence of the ocean generally moderates temperature extremes, creating warmer winters
and substantially cooler summers in coastal areas. While climate change is not directly
considered hazardous, it is advised how to dress within each part of the state, along with air
quality variation between the north and south of California.

Climate Zones of San Francisco

Caption: The map above represents the climate in northern California, but specifically in the
city of San Francisco, according to the Kppen climate classification. The city being right on the
coastal line has a very humid temperate climate. San Francisco has a warm-summer climate with
moist, mild winters and dry summers. The climate is strongly influenced by the cool currents of
the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north
and east. This moderates the temperature changes and produces a mild year-round climate with
little seasonal temperature variation. Since the city is right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean,
there is no dry season and the climate is humid equatorial. Although climate change is not
directly considered dangerous, it is advised how to dress (warm) in the cold climate, due to the
extreme temperature droppings and humidity in the air.
 Works Cited

1. NatGeo Mapmaker Interactive. NatGeo Mapmaker Interactive,

mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/#/.
2. Arnfield, A. John. Kppen Climate Classification. Encyclopdia Britannica,
Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc., 11 Mar. 2016, www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-
climate-classification.
3. Climate Change Indicators: U.S. and Global Temperature. EPA, Environmental
Protection Agency, 17 Dec. 2016, www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-
indicators-us-and-global-temperature.