The Humid Temperate Ecoregions

Abstract

Both tropical and polar air masses govern the climate of the humid temperate domain, located in the mid-latitudes (30{\textdegree}--60{\textdegree}) on all the continents. The mid-latitudes are subject to cyclones; much of the precipitation in this belt comes from rising moist air along fronts within those cyclones. Pronounced seasons are the rule, with strong annual cycles of temperature and precipitation. The seasonal fluctuation of solar energy and temperature is greater than the diurnal (see Fig. 4.2, p. 29). The climates of the mid-latitudes have a distinctive winter season, which tropical climates do not. The lower temperatures of the winter season are due to two factors: reduced solar radiation and the inflow of cold air streams.