Biome-aligned temperature zones for interpretable climate classification via average monthly temperatures

Abstract

We introduce temperature zones based on average monthly temperatures that closely align with biome boundaries, intended for use in climate classification. This new system retains the simplicity and interpretability of existing classifications, such as those of Köppen-Geiger and Trewartha, while providing an improved fit to biome boundaries. Unlike previous classifications, we developed our system by analyzing contemporary climate and land cover datasets. Our classification focuses on temperature, but it is designed so that future analyses could combine our results with precipitation criteria from new or existing systems to offer a more comprehensive climate classification framework.