Temperate Zone – Interesting Facts and Overview

Temperate Zone: Temperate Zone, often referred to as the “temperate climate,” encompasses a diverse range of environments found between the polar and tropical regions of the Earth. This zone is known for its moderate weather, distinct seasonal changes, and rich biodiversity. The temperate zone is one of the heat zones of the earth. There are two temperate zones in each hemisphere of the Earth. Read below to learn about temperate zones in depth.

Temperate Zones

Temperate Zone -Interesting facts

Parameter	Description
Geographic Location	Between the frigid and subtropical zones, specifically from 40° to 60° latitude
Sun’s Trajectory	Peaks at 73°, dipping to 0° at the Arctic Circle.
Average Temperature	Ranges from 0°C to 20°C.
Temperature Extremes	Fluctuates between a low of -40°C and a high of 40°C.
Radiation Balance	Generally negative.
Daylight Variation	From 4 to 16 hours, and between 8 to 12 hours at 50°N latitude.
Annual Precipitation	Varies from 300 mm to 2000 mm, averaging around 800 mm.
Climate Type	Predominantly warm and cold temperate.
Vegetation Types	Mainly deciduous and warm temperate forests, along with savannahs.
Climate Properties	Infrequent extreme temperatures and precipitation events.

Temperate Zone- Location

In the north hemisphere, the temperate zone is the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle that lies between 23.5° and 66.5° N of latitude. Whereas in the southern hemisphere, the region lies between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctica circle from 23.5° S to 66.5° S of latitude.

Temperate Zone: One of the Three Heat Zones

The word temperate means not too cold or too hot. This zone is characterised as being warm in the summer, cold in the winter, and moderate in the spring and fall. The rays of the sun do not shine directly overhead at any latitude beyond the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The angle of falling sun rays keeps decreasing towards the poles on both hemispheres. The sun peaks highest at 73° to 0°. Therefore, the temperature in these areas is moderate and tolerable, ranging from 0°C to 20°C on average.

Climate in the Temperate Zone

Various types of climate can be enjoyed in the temperate zones, such as Western British-type climate, Siberian-type climate, Chinese-type climate, Laurentian-type climate, and Mediterranean-type climate.

S.No.	Standard Name	Local Name
1.	Warm Temperate Western Margin	Meditterranean Climate
2.	Temperate Continental	Steppe Climate
3.	Warm Temperate Eastern Margin	China Type
4.	Cool Temperate Western Margin	British Type Climate
5.	Cool Temperate Eastern Margin	Siberian
6.	Cool Temperate Western Margin	Laurentian Climate

Temperate Zones-Two Zones

There are two temperate zones and they are: South Temperate Zones and North Temperate Zones.

South Temperate Zones- Regions

The important regions which constitute south temperate zones are as follows:

1. Southern Africa- Southern Africa include areas like Madagascar, Mozambique, Eswatini and so forth.
2. Southern portion of South America
3. Parts of New Zealand
4. Southern Australia

North Temperate Zones- Regions

North temperate zones would include:

1. East Asia
2. Central Asia
3. Northern Asia
4. North Africa
5. North America
6. Northern Middle East
7. Northern portion of Indian subcontinent

Flaura and Fauna in the Temperate Zone

Worldwide, the temperate zone supports different kinds of vegetation, which include deciduous forests, evergreen coniferous forests, warm and moist forests, Mediterranean forests, and shrubs. Trees like pines, spruces, and firs are found in these areas. These are characterised by deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and sclerophyllous forests.

Mammals like deer, bears, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons find their home in the temperature zone. Woodpeckers, owls, hawks, and thrushes are also seen in this zone.

Conclusion

The temeoerate zone is located between polar regions and tropical zones and features a temperate climate. In the above article, find out some interesting facts about the temperature zone. Also learn about its location, extent, cliamtic conditions, and flora and fauna.

Frequently Asked Questions on Temperate Zone –

1. What is the temperate zone?

The temperate zone can be defined as a geographical area where the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. The climate here is moderate. It supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

2. Where are the temperate zones located?

The temperate zone is located between the tropics and polar regions in both hemispheres of the earth. In the North Hemisphere, it lies between the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 North Latitude and the Arctic Circle at 66.5 North Latitude. In the South Hemisphere, it lies between the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 South Latitude and the Antarctic Circle at 66.5 South Latitude.

3. What are some types of climate found in temperate zones?

Different types of climates are found in the temperate zone. These are the Western British-type climate, the Siberian-type climate, the Chinese-type climate, the Laurentian-type climate, and the Mediterranean-type climate.

4. What are the flora and fauna found in the temperate zone?

The temperate zone is home to mammals like deer, bears, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons, as well as birds including woodpeckers, owls, hawks, and thrushes.

5. In how many zones are temperate zones found?

Both hemispheres of the earth—the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere—have a temperate zone.