De klimaatindeling volgens de methode van C.W. Thornthwaite, toegepast op de meteorologische gegevens van 339 waarnemingsstations over de gehele wereld verspreid, voor de periode 1931-1940
Dingens, P.; Vernemmen, C. (1961). De klimaatindeling volgens de methode van C.W. Thornthwaite, toegepast op de meteorologische gegevens van 339 waarnemingsstations over de gehele wereld verspreid, voor de periode 1931-1940. Natuurwet. Tijdschr. 43(1-2): 3-32, 5 maps
In: Natuurwetenschappelijk Tijdschrift. L. Walschot/Natuur- en Geneeskundige Vennootschap: Gent. ISSN 0770-1748, more
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| Keywords |
Audiovisual materials > Graphics > Maps > Climatological charts
Data > Meteorological data
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| Authors | | Top |
- Dingens, P.
- Vernemmen, C., more
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| Abstract |
The aim of the present paper is to apply the Thornthwaite method of climate classification to 339 meteorological stations scattered over the world, using their published data for temperature and precipitation, for one and the same period, 1931-40. Part I first deals with a brief account of Thornthwaite's method, based on the calculation of the potential evapotranspiration. The different climatic indices, symbols and types are then considered. The various types refer to moisture, seasonal variation of moisture, thermal efficiency and summer concentration of thermal efficiency. The value of each index permits to assign a symbol to each climatic type, the whole classification being based on the efficiency of precipitation and temperature. In part II the characteristic climatic formula based on the combination of the different symbols, is established for each of the 339 stations, for the uniform period 1931-40. To determine the humidity- and the aridity-index the water balance was calculated for each station, with the aid of nomograms and auxiliary tables, starting with the publisbed monthly means for temperature and precipitation. The more essential parts of such a water balance are given for a selected station (Milan, formula B1 r B'2 b'3). In a table, the authors give the calculated climatic formula for each station (Name, country, latitude y, longitude L, height H above sea-level or height Hb of the barometer). The obtained results are then mapped. Each station is represented on the maps by a coloured circle. Owing to the limited number of stations with complete data at our disposal, we did not draw the line between the different types. These maps give a first general view concerning the world-distribution of the different climatic features. Detailed maps for particular regions will naturally give more information about local conditions at specific places. The publisbed maps show the distribution of I potential evapotranspiration P.E.T., as an index for thermal efficiency II annual deficit (absolute) III annual surplus (absolute) IV moisture index Im V summer concentration of thermal efficiency. In particular, map V indicates an exceptional predomination in the southern hemisphere of the types a' with low summer concentration. This is probably due to the choice of the limiting values, which are based on an empirical and local formula. We intend to consider in another paper the new aspect of this classification, when using a more general formula following from the obtained world-distribution. |
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