This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Explain how the American climatologist, C. Warren Thornthwaite, devised a classification system to ... (Read 123 times)

MirandaLo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 538
Explain how the American climatologist, C. Warren Thornthwaite, devised a classification system to correct some of the deficiencies in the Kppen classification system.
  What will be the ideal response?

Question 2

Briefly describe criticisms of the Kppen climatic classification system.
  What will be the ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

nickk12214

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 332
Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: Answers will vary, but should address the following:
To correct some of the Kppen deficiencies, the American climatologist C. Warren Thornthwaite devised a new classification system in the early 1930s. Both systems utilized temperature and precipitation measurements and both related natural vegetation to climate. However, to emphasize the importance of precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) on plant growth, Thornthwaite developed a P/E ratio, which is essentially monthly precipitation divided by monthly evaporation. The annual sum of the P/E ratios gives the P/E index. Using this index, the Thornthwaite system defines five major humidity provinces and their characteristic vegetation: rainforest, forest, grassland, steppe, and desert. To better describe the moisture available for plant growth, Thornthwaite proposed a new classification system in 1948 and slightly revised it in 1955. His new scheme emphasized the concept of potential evapotranspiration (PE), which is the amount of moisture that would be lost from the soil and vegetation if the moisture were available.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: Kppens system has been criticized primarily because his boundaries (which relate vegetation to monthly temperature and precipitation values) do not correspond to the natural boundaries of each climatic zone. In addition, the Kppen system implies that there is a sharp boundary between climatic zones, when in reality there is a gradual transition.




MirandaLo

  • Member
  • Posts: 538
Reply 2 on: Jul 13, 2018
Wow, this really help


isabelt_18

  • Member
  • Posts: 342
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Great answer, keep it coming :)

 

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

Intradermal injections are somewhat difficult to correctly administer because the skin layers are so thin that it is easy to accidentally punch through to the deeper subcutaneous layer.

Did you know?

In most climates, 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is recommended for adults. The best indicator for adequate fluid intake is frequent, clear urination.

Did you know?

Adults are resistant to the bacterium that causes Botulism. These bacteria thrive in honey – therefore, honey should never be given to infants since their immune systems are not yet resistant.

Did you know?

Asthma-like symptoms were first recorded about 3,500 years ago in Egypt. The first manuscript specifically written about asthma was in the year 1190, describing a condition characterized by sudden breathlessness. The treatments listed in this manuscript include chicken soup, herbs, and sexual abstinence.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library