A semi-arid climate or steppe climate is the climate of a region that receives precipitation below potential evapotranspiration, but not as low as a desert climate. There are different kinds of semi-arid climates, depending on variables such as temperature, and they give rise to different biomes.
Regions with semi-arid climates
BSh
BSk
Contents
1Defining attributes of semi-arid climates
2Hot semi-arid climates
3Cold semi-arid climates
4Regions of varying classification
5Charts of selected cities
6See also
7References
8External links
Defining attributes of semi-arid climates
A more precise definition is given by the Köppen climate classification, which treats steppe climates (BSk and BSh) as intermediates between desert climates (BW) and humid climates in ecological characteristics and agricultural potential. Semi-arid climates tend to support short or scrubby vegetation and are usually dominated by either grasses or shrubs.
To determine if a location has a semi-arid climate, the precipitation threshold must first be determined. Finding the precipitation threshold (in millimeters) involves first multiplying the average annual temperature in °C by 20, then adding 280 if 70% or more of the total precipitation is in the high-sun half of the year (April through September in the Northern temperate zone, or October through March in the Southern), or 140 if 30%–70% of the total precipitation is received during the applicable period, or 0 if less than 30% of the total precipitation is so received. If the area's annual precipitation is less than the threshold but more than half the threshold, it is classified as a BS (steppe climate).[1]
Furthermore, to delineate "hot semi-arid climates" from "cold semi-arid climates", there are three widely used isotherms: Either a mean annual temperature of 18°C, or a mean temperature of 0°C or −3°C in the coldest month, so that a location with a "BS" type climate with the appropriate temperature above whichever isotherm is being used is classified as "hot semi-arid" (BSh), and a location with the appropriate temperature below the given isotherm is classified as "cold semi-arid" (BSk).
Hot semi-arid climates
Regions with hot semi-arid climates
Hot semi-arid climates (type "BSh") tend to be located in the 20s and 30s latitudes of the (tropics and subtropics), typically in proximity to regions with a tropical savanna or a humid subtropical climate. These climates tend to have hot, sometimes extremely hot, summers and warm to cool winters, with some to minimal precipitation. Hot semi-arid climates are most commonly found around the fringes of subtropical deserts. Hot semi-arid climates are most commonly found in Africa, Australia and South Asia. In Australia, a large portion of the Outback surrounding the central desert regions lies within the hot semi-arid climate region.[2][clarification needed] In South Asia, both India and sections of Pakistan experiences the seasonal effects of monsoons and feature short but well-defined wet seasons, but is not sufficiently wet overall to qualify as a tropical savanna climate. Hot semi-arid climates can also be found in Europe (primarily in Southeast Spain[3][4]), parts of North America, such as in Mexico, and areas of the Southwestern United States, and sections of South America such as the sertão, the Gran Chaco, and on the poleward side of the arid deserts, where they typically feature a Mediterranean precipitation pattern, with generally rainless summers and wetter winters.
Cold semi-arid climates
Regions with cold semi-arid climates
Cold semi-arid climates (type "BSk") tend to be located in elevated portions of temperate zones, typically bordering a humid continental climate or a Mediterranean climate. They are typically found in continental interiors some distance from large bodies of water. Cold semi-arid climates usually feature warm to hot dry summers, though their summers are typically not quite as hot as those of hot semi-arid climates. Unlike hot semi-arid climates, areas with cold semi-arid climates tend to have cold winters. These areas usually see some snowfall during the winter, though snowfall is much lower than at locations at similar latitudes with more humid climates. Areas featuring cold semi-arid climates tend to have higher elevations than areas with hot semi-arid climates, and tend to feature major temperature swings between day and night, sometimes by as much as 20 °C (36 °F) or more in that time frame. These large diurnal temperature variations are seldom seen in hot semi-arid climates. Cold semi-arid climates at higher latitudes tend to have dry winters and wetter summers, while cold semi-arid climates at lower latitudes tend to have precipitation patterns more akin to subtropical climates, with dry summers, relatively wet winters, and even wetter springs and autumns. Cold semi-arid climates are most commonly found in Asia and North America. However, they can also be found in Northern Africa, South Africa, Europe, sections of South America and sections of interior southern Australia and New Zealand.
Regions of varying classification
In climate classification, three isotherms means that delineate between hot and cold semi-arid climates — the 18°C average annual temperature or that of the coldest month (0°C or −3°C), the warm side of the isotherm of choice defining a BSh climate from the BSk on the cooler side. As a result of this, some areas can have climates that are classified as hot or cold semi-arid depending on the isotherm used. One such location is San Diego, California (at its main airport), which has cool summers for the latitude due to prevailing winds off the ocean (so the average annual temperature is below 18°C) but mild winters (average temperature in January, 14°C, and closer to the 18.0°C isotherm that separates tropical and subtropical climates than to the 0°C or −3°C isotherm for the coldest month that separates temperate and continental climates).
Charts of selected cities
Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
66
32
22
139
32
22
213
31
22
177
30
22
55
29
21
28
27
21
12
27
20
3
28
20
1
30
20
4
31
21
8
32
21
22
32
21
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: [5]
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
2.6
90
71
5.5
89
71
8.4
88
71
7
86
71
2.2
84
71
1.1
81
69
0.5
81
67
0.1
82
67
0
85
69
0.2
88
69
0.3
89
70
0.9
90
71
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Jaipur (Sanganer), India
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
8
19
4
12
22
7
6
29
12
4
34
17
16
38
21
66
38
23
216
31
22
231
29
20
80
30
19
23
30
15
3
25
9
3
20
5
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: India Weather On Web
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
0.3
66
39
0.5
72
45
0.2
84
54
0.2
93
63
0.6
100
70
2.6
100
73
8.5
88
72
9.1
84
68
3.1
86
66
0.9
86
59
0.1
77
48
0.1
68
41
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Niamey, Niger
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
0
33
16
0
36
19
3.9
39
23
5.7
41
27
35
40
28
69
37
26
154
34
24
171
33
23
92
34
24
9.7
38
24
0.7
36
20
0
33
17
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst[6]
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
0
91
61
0
96
66
0.2
102
73
0.2
106
80
1.4
104
82
2.7
99
78
6.1
93
75
6.7
91
74
3.6
94
74
0.4
100
76
0
97
67
0
92
62
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Port Louis, Mauritius
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
131
32
24
160
31
24
83
32
24
87
31
23
48
29
22
24
28
20
18
27
19
19
27
19
17
28
19
15
29
20
24
30
22
85
31
23
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: World Meteorological Organization.[7]
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
5.2
89
75
6.3
89
75
3.3
89
75
3.4
87
73
1.9
85
71
0.9
82
68
0.7
80
67
0.7
80
66
0.7
82
67
0.6
84
69
0.9
86
71
3.3
88
74
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Murcia, Spain
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
25
17
5
28
18
6
30
21
8
27
23
10
32
27
13
20
31
17
5
34
20
10
34
21
27
30
18
44
26
14
32
20
9
21
17
6
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: Agencia Estatal de Meteorología[8]
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
1
62
40
1.1
65
43
1.2
70
46
1.1
74
49
1.3
80
56
0.8
88
63
0.2
93
69
0.4
94
70
1.1
87
64
1.7
78
57
1.3
69
48
0.8
63
42
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Reno, Nevada
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
26
8
−4
26
11
−2
19
14
1
12
18
3
12
23
8
13
29
11
4.6
33
14
5.8
33
13
8.9
28
9
13
21
4
21
13
−1
26
8
−4
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: NOAA[9]
Imperial conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
1
46
25
1
51
29
0.8
58
33
0.5
64
38
0.5
74
46
0.5
83
52
0.2
92
58
0.2
91
56
0.4
82
49
0.5
69
39
0.8
55
31
1
46
25
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
See also
Continental climate
Dust Bowl (an era of devastating dust storms, mostly in the 1930s, in semi-arid areas on the Great Plains of the United States and Prairies of Canada)
Goyder's Line (a boundary marking the limit of semi-arid climates in the Australian state of South Australia)
Köppen climate classification
Palliser's Triangle (semi-arid area of Canada)
Ustic (Soil Moisture Regime)
Wave height
References
^Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (March 1, 2007). "Updated world map of the Koppen-Geiger climate classification" (PDF). hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net. University of Melbourne: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. pp. 1633–1644. Retrieved May 8, 2017..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^Bureau of Meteorology - CDlimate classification maps[permanent dead link]
^"ATLAS CLIMÁTICO IBÉRICO" (PDF). administracion.gob.es/. Instituto de Meteorologia de Portugal. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
12.7 cm/40 Type 89 naval gun Type 89 gun mounted on Chitose Type Naval gun anti-aircraft gun Place of origin Japan Service history In service 1932–45 Used by Imperial Japanese Navy Wars World War II Production history Designed 1928–32 Produced 1932–45 No. built ~1500 Variants Type 88 Specifications Mass 3,100 kilograms (6,834 lb) Barrel length 5,080 millimeters (16 ft 8 in) (bore length) Shell Fixed Shell weight 20.9–23.45 kilograms (46.1–51.7 lb) Caliber 12.7-centimeter (5.0 in) Breech horizontal breech block Elevation -8° to +90° [1] Rate of fire 8-14 rounds per minute Muzzle velocity 720–725 meters per second (2,360–2,380 ft/s) Maximum firing range 9,440 meters (30,970 ft) at 90° (AA ceiling) 14,800 meters (48,600 ft) at 45° The 12.7 cm/40 Type 89 naval gun was a Japanese anti-aircraft (AA) gun introduced before World War II. It was the Imperial Japanese Navy's standard heavy AA...
Town in French Polynesia, France Rikitea Town Rikitea Location in French Polynesia Coordinates: 23°7′13″S 134°58′9″W / 23.12028°S 134.96917°W / -23.12028; -134.96917 Coordinates: 23°7′13″S 134°58′9″W / 23.12028°S 134.96917°W / -23.12028; -134.96917 Country France Overseas collectivity French Polynesia Territory Gambier Islands Island Mangareva Rikitea is a small town on Mangareva, which is part of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. A majority of the islanders live in Rikitea. [1] [2] The island was a protectorate of France in 1871 and was annexed in 1881. [3] Contents 1 History 2 Geography 3 Economy 4 Landmarks 5 Transportation 6 References 7 Bibliography 8 External links History The town's history dates to the era when the island was first settled with people from the Marquesas Islands in 1100 AD. Captain James Wilson of the London Missionary Society arrived in 1797 on Du...
"Vienna University" redirects here. For Vienna University of Economics and Business, see Vienna University of Economics and Business. University of Vienna Universität Wien Type Public Established 1365 Budget € 544 million [1] Rector Heinz Engl Academic staff 6,765 Administrative staff 3,106 Students 94,000 [2] Postgraduates 16,490 Doctoral students 8,945 Location Main building, Vienna , Austria 48°12′47″N 16°21′35″E / 48.21306°N 16.35972°E / 48.21306; 16.35972 Coordinates: 48°12′47″N 16°21′35″E / 48.21306°N 16.35972°E / 48.21306; 16.35972 Campus Urban Colors Blue and White Affiliations Campus Europae, EUA, UNICA Website www.univie.ac.at/en Data as of 2016 [update] The University of Vienna (German: Universität Wien ) is a public university located in Vienna, Austria. It was founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365 and is one of the oldest universities in the Ge...
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