regions of Earth classified by temperature and precipitation patterns
five major zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, continental, polar
tropical: warm year-round, high rainfall, supports tropical rainforest and savanna
subtropical: warm with dry summers or humid conditions, Mediterranean and monsoon climates
temperate: moderate temperatures, four seasons, deciduous and mixed forests
continental: extreme seasonal variation, hot summers, cold winters, interior of continents
polar: permanently cold, minimal precipitation, supports tundra and ice sheet biomes
determined by latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and proximity to water bodies
Koppen classification system is the standard scheme using temperature and precipitation thresholds
atmosphere circulation (Hadley, Ferrel, Polar cells) drives zone boundaries
shifting poleward due to climate change, altering biome distribution and agriculture
deserts occur where descending air creates persistent high pressure (subtropical ridge)