World’s Major Climate Zones and Natural Resources
World Geography – Exam Preparation
Introduction: Climate Shapes Life on Earth
The Earth’s surface experiences different climates due to variation in latitude, altitude, pressure, and ocean currents.
These zones influence type of vegetation, animal life, and natural resource availability.
Classification of World Climate Zones
| Zone | Latitudinal Extent | General Climate | Example Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical (Hot Zone) | 23½°N – 23½°S | Hot & humid year-round | Amazon, Congo Basin, Indonesia, SE Asia |
| Temperate (Moderate Zone) | 23½°–66½° (N & S) | Moderate summers & winters | Europe, North America, China |
| Polar (Frigid Zone) | 66½°–90° (N & S) | Cold, icy, long winters | Antarctica, Greenland, Arctic |
Sub-Divisions of World Climate Zones
A. Tropical Climates (Hot)
| Type | Features | Regions | Natural Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial (Rainy) | High temp, heavy rain, evergreen forest | Amazon, Congo, Indonesia | Timber, rubber, bauxite |
| Tropical Monsoon | Seasonal rain, humid summers | India, Bangladesh, Thailand | Rice, jute, tea, iron ore |
| Savanna (Wet-Dry) | Distinct wet & dry, grasslands | Central Africa, Brazil | Cattle, cotton, gold |
B. Temperate Climates (Moderate)
| Type | Features | Regions | Natural Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Mild wet winters, dry summers | Italy, Spain, California | Olives, wine, citrus |
| Marine (Oceanic) | Cool summers, mild winters | UK, New Zealand | Fisheries, coal, iron |
| Continental (Steppe) | Hot summers, cold winters | Russia, US plains | Wheat, oil, gas |
| Temperate Desert | Low rain, cold nights | Central Asia, Mongolia | Minerals, natural gas |
C. Polar & Cold Climates
| Type | Features | Regions | Natural Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra | Frozen soil, no trees (permafrost) | N Canada, Siberia | Oil, gas, fur animals |
| Ice Cap | Permanent ice, no vegetation | Antarctica, Greenland | Research bases only |
| Highland (Mountain) | Varies with altitude | Himalayas, Andes, Rockies | Hydro power, forests, minerals |
Diagram – World Climate Zones (Latitudinal Belts)
🌍 Climate Zones by Latitude
90°N — Polar (Frigid)
66½°N — Temperate
23½°N — Tropical (Cancer)
0° — Equator (Hottest)
23½°S — Tropical (Capricorn)
66½°S — Temperate
90°S — Polar
Major Natural Resources by Zone
| Climate Zone | Main Resources | Example Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Forests, minerals, crops | Brazil, Congo, India |
| Temperate | Agriculture, industry, coal | Europe, USA, Japan |
| Polar | Oil, gas, fish | Russia, Alaska, Arctic |
| Highland | Hydro power, timber | Andes, Himalayas |
Relationship Between Climate & Resources
| Climate | Natural Resource Impact |
|---|---|
| Hot & humid | Dense forests, biodiversity |
| Dry & arid | Deserts, sparse vegetation |
| Moderate | Mixed farming & trade centers |
| Cold & frozen | Low farming, rich in minerals |
Practice Questions (Delhi Police, SSC, State Exams)
Which zone receives the Sun’s direct rays throughout the year?
Options: A) Temperate B) Tropical C) Polar D) Frigid
Category: Climate Zones
Show Answer
B) Tropical
The Mediterranean type of climate is characterized by —
Options: A) Hot dry summers and mild wet winters B) Cold dry winters and warm rainy summers C) Heavy rainfall all year D) Uniform temperature
Category: Temperate
Show Answer
A) Hot dry summers and mild wet winters
Which region is known for tundra vegetation?
Options: A) Africa B) Northern Canada C) South America D) Australia
Category: Polar
Show Answer
B) Northern Canada
Which of the following is a tropical grassland?
Options: A) Pampas B) Savanna C) Steppe D) Prairie
Category: Tropical
Show Answer
B) Savanna
The world’s largest desert (Sahara) lies in which climate zone?
Options: A) Tropical B) Temperate C) Polar D) Equatorial
Category: Tropical
Show Answer
A) Tropical
Which climate type supports evergreen rainforests?
Options: A) Monsoon B) Equatorial C) Desert D) Mediterranean
Category: Tropical
Show Answer
B) Equatorial
The “Roof of the World” region experiences which type of climate?
Options: A) Highland B) Desert C) Mediterranean D) Tropical
Category: Highland
Show Answer
A) Highland
Quick Comparison Table
| Zone | Climate Type | Example | Vegetation | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Hot, wet | Amazon, Congo | Rainforest | Timber, Bauxite |
| Temperate | Moderate | Europe, Japan | Mixed forests | Coal, Iron, Crops |
| Polar | Cold, dry | Arctic, Greenland | Moss, Lichen | Oil, Gas |
| Highland | Varies | Himalayas, Andes | Alpine | Hydro power |
Exam Tricks & Mnemonics
Latitude Rule:
More latitude → Less heat. (Higher latitude = colder)
Climate–Resource Match Trick:
Rain grows, Heat glows, Cold flows (oil/gas).
Most Asked Zone Pairings:
- Mediterranean = Olives & Grapes
- Equatorial = Rubber & Timber
- Savanna = Grasslands & Cattle
- Tundra = Moss & Oil
Revision & Exam Points
Final Exam Tips
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