Consider the following description:
- Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
- Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
- Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
– Annual and daily range of temperatures is low: This implies consistent temperatures throughout the year and little variation between day and night. This is characteristic of regions where insolation is consistent and there is high humidity and cloud cover to prevent rapid heat gain/loss, such as the equatorial region.
– Precipitation occurs throughout the year: This indicates a lack of distinct dry seasons.
– Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm: While 50 cm is low for typical rainforests, the *range* covers typical equatorial rainfall (often >150-200 cm).
Let’s evaluate the options:
A) Equatorial climate: Located around the equator, characterized by high temperatures year-round, low annual temperature range, low daily temperature range (due to humidity/cloud cover), and high, often daily, rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall amounts are typically high (150-250+ cm/year). This fits the description very well, especially the low temperature ranges and year-round precipitation.
B) China type climate (Humid Subtropical): Has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Experiences significant seasonal temperature variations (higher annual range) and rainfall is often concentrated in the summer, although it can be significant year-round.
C) Humid subtropical climate: Same as China type. Does not fit “low annual range of temperatures”.
D) Marine West coast climate: Characterized by mild temperatures year-round (low annual range) and significant precipitation. However, precipitation is often concentrated in winter, and while it can occur year-round, the “throughout the year” and low *daily* range points strongly towards the equatorial climate.
Considering all points, the Equatorial climate is the best fit.