global distribution OF EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
DESCRIBING DISTRIBUTION
Global Subregions (UN)
Distribution refers to the way something is spread out or arranged over a geographic area. Describing distribution is an important skill for IB Geography. Referring to global subregions in your answer is a useful way to gain extra marks.
TASK 1: Study the maps below and write a description of the distribution using the key words below to help.
north/south/east/west named continents/regions coastal/inland highest/lowest hemisphere tropics/mid latitude/polar
In coastal areas. Highest in south west coast. Lowest north east coast and interior.
Found in all regions of the world. Highest concentrations in northern hemisphere. Lowest in central Asia, northern North America.
Highest densities in south. Mainly extreme south and south west borders. Very low densities in north.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF COLD & HIGH ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENTS
In the Köppen climate system, polar climates are defined as the warmest temperature of any month being below 10 °C (50 °F). Polar climates are further divided into two types, tundra climates and icecap climates (Source).
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF HOT, ARID ENVIRONMENTS
Hot, arid climates are characterised by the amount of annual precipitation less than a threshold value that approximates the potential loss of moisture by evapotranspiration. (Source)
TASK 2: DISTRIBUTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
Research and present an overview of the distribution and characteristics of each of the following climate zones:
REASONS FOR COLD TEMPERATURES
Why polar regions are colder
REASONS FOR ARIDITY
Hadley cells and climate
Rain shadow effect
REVIEW
Form pairs with person A unable to see the diagrams. Person B describes the picture for A to draw.
