How would the Koppen Climate classification system describe the climate(s) of the Hawaiian Island? I read somwhere that Hawaii has over 13 Koppen Climate classifications and what are they?
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:NEH_JTib_w8J:www.scihi.hawaii.edu/downloads/Unit2Kula/StudentHandouts/Evolution/doc/h_Hwn_Climates_Grp_Activ.doc+Hawaii+Koppen+Climate&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjVqTLBnufdd-lgz5BX9NMVOYbiLkzOjvUu2grKQkZEoS6DKPUNqGidF7cB66-cQ63tmn4PPuOSwee7RrdkPn3v6ULApgBsmrVKKe6aWL3jw0AhcTQjo6hTwDRVz0BMuPpgZVmL&sig=AHIEtbSbD8t6td52SCjKBkG2Rv6ZD0eAfA
http://www.to-hawaii.com/climate.php
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/narratives/HAWAII.htm
The Koppen Climate classification system is a widely used method to categorize and describe different types of climates around the world. It considers factors such as temperature, precipitation, and vegetation in order to define climate zones.
Specifically for the Hawaiian Islands, the Koppen Climate classification system offers several classifications due to the varying climates found across the archipelago. This is mainly because of the influence of different wind patterns, altitude variations, and oceanic currents throughout the islands.
To determine the specific Koppen Climate classifications of the Hawaiian Islands, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by locating a reliable source such as a climate atlas, meteorological database, or research paper that provides information on the Koppen Climate classifications of the Hawaiian Islands. These sources will often provide detailed maps or descriptions of the climates within the archipelago.
2. Look for a map or a table that specifically identifies the regions or individual islands within Hawaii and their respective Koppen Climate classifications. This may involve examining different regions or islands separately since the climates can vary significantly across the archipelago.
3. Once you have access to the map or table, identify the different climate types assigned to the Hawaiian Islands. Each climate type in the Koppen system is represented by a specific letter code. Some common Koppen Climate classifications that may be found in Hawaii include:
- Tropical Rainforest (Af): Generally found in the windward (northeastern) slopes of the islands, characterized by high rainfall throughout the year and warm temperatures.
- Tropical Monsoon (Am): Typically located in the eastern half of the islands, with distinct wet and dry seasons. These areas receive heavy rainfall during the wet season and experience relatively drier conditions in the rest of the year.
- Arid (BWh/BWk): Found in the leeward (southwestern) side of the islands. These regions tend to be dry and receive significantly less rainfall compared to the windward side. The BWh classification indicates a hot desert climate, while BWk implies a cold desert climate.
- Mediterranean (Csb/Csa): Occurs in some coastal areas of the islands, especially at higher elevations. These regions experience mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
- Humid Subtropical (Cfa/Cwa): Found in areas with higher elevation, such as the upper slopes and peaks of the mountains. These regions have warm to hot summers and mild to cool winters with moderate precipitation.
4. Make note of the specific Koppen Climate classifications and their locations within the Hawaiian Islands as provided by your chosen source. These classifications can help you understand the climatic diversity across the archipelago.
Remember, it is essential to consult reliable sources to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the Koppen Climate classifications of the Hawaiian Islands.