CLIMATOLOGY,
RAR - 309
VARIOUS CLIMATIC ZONES
(TROPICAL CLIMATE )
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CONTENT
• CLIMATIC ZONES
• TROPICAL CLIMATE ROYAL ONTERIO MUSEUM, CANADA
• WARM-HUMID CLIMATE
• WARM HUMID ISLAND CLIMATE
• HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE
• HOT-DRY MARITIME DESERT CLIMATE
• COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
• TROPICAL UPLAND CLIMATE
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WORLD CLIMATIC ZONES
• Interaction of solar radiation with the
atmosphere and the gravitational
forces, together with interaction of
land and sea masses, produce number
of climatic zones.
• Climatic zones are divisions of the
earth`s climates into general climate
according to average temperature and
average rainfall.
Earth has three main climate zones—tropical, temperate, and polar. These zones can be further
divided into smaller zones, each with its own typical climate. A region’s climate, together with its
physical characteristics, determines its plant and animal life.
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POLAR ZONE
Polar climates are cold and dry, with long, dark winters.
• The natural means of the cold zone or polar means are
located between the Arctic and Antarctic polar circles and
the corresponding north and south poles, between 65 °
and 90 ° north and south latitudes.
• In addition, the polar climate is subdivided into
tundra(treeless region) found on top of mountains and ice
• The polar or icy climate is characterized by having almost
permanently temperatures below 0 ° C And little
precipitation. The humidity in the air is non-existent and
the wind is usually quite intense, which makes the living
conditions in this climate even more hostile.
• Tundra lands are covered with snow for much of the
year, but summer brings bursts of wildflowers .moss,
linches and scrub grow here.
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TEMPERATE CLIMATE
• The temperate or tepid climates of Earth lies
between the Antarctic circle and the tropic of
cancer. Temperature varies between 0-30`C
• It has the widest seasonal change, from
summer to winter, autumn and spring,
because of impact of poles in north and heat
from tropic. It doesn`t have extreme climate.
• Countries lies in this zone : U.S. , Canada, Japan,
All of Europe, New Zealand.
• Majority of world`s population lives in this
zone.
Temperate forests are characterized by deciduous trees, which lose their leaves during the winter
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TROPICAL CLIMATE
A tropical climate is also known as ‘equatorial’, because places found on or close to the Equator are
typically tropical: they’re warm and wet.
This climate zone experiences high temperatures all year
round and lots and lots of rain.
There are normally only two seasons in tropical climates, a
wet season and a dry season. The annual temperature
range in tropical climates is normally very small. Sunlight is
intense. More than 40% of earth`s population lives in
tropics.
Two atmospheric Average temperature: >20 to 30°C
f a c t o r w h i c h Minimal temperature: 0°C (no frost)
d o m i n a n t l y Maximal temperature: Up to 40°C
influence, tropical Radiation: Positive
climate are air Daylength:10 to 13.5 hours
temperature and Vegetation: Evergreen forests, savannah
humidity
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WARM-HUMID EQUATORIAL CLIMATE
The tropical regions of earth are divided into three major climatic zones and three sub groups.
1. WARM & HUMID EQUATORIAL CLIMATE
2. HOT & DRY DESERT OR SEMI DESERT CLIMATE
3. COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
A climate with an excess of moisture, in which the solar heat received is sufficient to evaporate all
moisture occurring in the form of precipitation is known as warm and humid equatorial climate.
This climate is found in belt near equator extending to about 15◦ north & south. In this climatic zone
very less seasonal variation occur throughout the year.Example – colombo, singapore, hawaii etc.
REASONS FOR WARM AND HUMID CLIMATE
Places that are close to seas or oceans have a humid climate as there is large amount of water
vapour in the air. Land and water don’t get heated at the same rate. land gets heated faster so it
radiates the energy, that heats the air above the land, as a result of which air above the land gets
heated faster than air above the water bodies. now hot air is lighter so it moves up and the
surrounding air above the seas rushes to take its place which has lots of water vapour in it. this is
the reason for warmness and humidity.
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WARM-HUMID EQUATORIAL CLIMATE
Map showing all
climatic zones
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE(characteristics)
1. TEMPERATURE:
DURING DAY BETWEEN 27◦C AND 32◦C. 5. SKY CONDITION:
AT NIGHT BETWEEN 21◦C AND 27◦C. ARE FAIRLY CLOUDY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
2. HUMIDITY: CLOUD COVER- 60 TO 90%.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY REMAIN HIGH, 75% FOR MOST 6. WIND:
WIND VELOCITY IS LOW, CALM AND PERIODIC BUT MAY
OF THE TIME,
BUT VARY FROM 55% TO ALMOST 100%. BE STRONG DURING RAIN SQUALLS.
3. VAPOURPRESSURE: 7. SOLAR RADIATION:
BETWEEN 2500 TO 3500 N/M2. THE INTENSITY OF SOLAR RADIATION IS HIGH DURING
4. PRECIPITATION: SUMMERS AND MODERATE DURING WINTERS.
HIGH PRECIPITATION THROUGHOUT THE 8. VEGETATION:
GROWS QUICKLY DUE TO FREQUENT RAINS & HIGH
YEAR(RAINFALL).
GENERALLY BECOMES MORE INTENSE FOR SEVERAL TEMPERATURE.
CONSECUTIVE MONTH. DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
ANNUAL RAINFALL- 2000 TO 5000 MM. HIGH HUMIDITY ACCELARATES MOULD AND ALGAE
GROWTH, RUSTING AND ROTTING.
OCCURANCE OF GUSTY WINDS AND ELECTRIC
STORMS.
Examples : GOA,MUMBAI,VISHAKAPATNAM,CHENNAI,PURI,KOLKATA,TRIPURA ETC.
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WARM HUMID ISLAND CLIMATE
WARM HUMID ISLAND CLIMATE Islands within the equatorial belt and in the trade wind zone belong
to this climate type. Typical examples are • The Caribbean • Philippines • Island groups of the pacific
ocean
Characteristics
• Air temperature- Daytime mean maximum of
29-32 degree Celsius. Night time mean temp.
of 18 – 24 degree d Celsius
Humidity – Relative humidity varies between
55-100 %
Vapour pressure – Between 1750- 2500 N/sqm.
• Precipitation – High;1250-1800 mm per annum.
• Sky conditions- Clear or filled with white clouds.
• Luminance between 1700-2500 candela/sqm.
• Wind - Trade wind blows at a steady 6-7 m/sec.
Much higher H velocities occur during cyclone.
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE
(Architectureal stretagies)
SINCE BEGINNING CLIMATE HAS ITS EFFECTS ON MAN, SURROUNDINGS AND ARCHITECTURE.
• Resisting heat gain:
Measures that are convenient to avoid heat gain
are:
• Decreasing surface area of the building exposed
to the outside.
• Using materials that take a longer time to heat.
• Providing buffer spaces between the outside
and the inside.
• Increase the shade of the building in general.
• Using materials that reflect heat.
• Promoting heat loss:
To promote heat lost it is essential to ensure: The openings should be shaded by external
• Building is well ventilated. overhangs.
• Proper ventilation occurs throughout the day. • Outlets at higher levels to vent hot air.
• Humidity levels are reduced as much as • Proper water proofing and quick drainage
possible of water is essential due to heavy rainfall.
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE(Architecture)
In case of slopes and depressions, the building
should be located on the windward side or crest to
take advantage of cool breeze.
• Water bodies,water bodies are not essential as
they would tend to Further increase the humidity.
• Street width and orientation, the width of the
street should be such that the intense solar
radiation during late morning and early noon is
avoided during the summer.
• Major street should be oriented parallel to or
within 30 degree of the prevailing wind direction
during summer months to encourage ventilation
in warm and humid regions.
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE(ARCHITECTURE
CONSIDERATIONS)
Buildings should be spread out with large open
spaces in between for unrestricted air movement.
In cities buildings on stilts can promote ventilation
and cause cooling at the ground level
GOOD and various ventilation techniques.
Extra ventilation devices for better air circulation
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE( MATERIAL AND
COLOURS)
• The walls should be pasted with light pastel shades or white
washed while the surface of the roof can be of broken glazed
tile (china mosaic flooring) to reflect the sunlight back to the
environment, and hence reduce heat gain of the building.
• The surface finished should be protected from/resistant to
the effects of moisture.
Shading:
▪Keep sunlight off of building walls: After aiming the building
to catch the breeze, try to face the long sides (with most of
the windows) towards the south and north so the roof
overhang shades walls and windows in the middle of the day.
▪Shade in the afternoon: Keep west and east sides short to let less of the hot, low angle morning
and afternoon sun heat up walls, especially during the hottest season. Be sure you are
considering whether the sun is in the northern or southern sky
at this time of year.
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE( MATERIAL AND
COLOURS)
▪Semi – open spaces for light and air
movement .
▪Buildings should be spread out with large
open spaces in between for uninterrupted
air movement.
▪Cross ventilation is very important. large
openings to unobstructed air path and to
ensure proper ventilation.
▪The openings should be shaded by
external overhangs. Outlets at higher levels
to vent hot air.
▪Proper water proofing and quick drainage
of water is essential due to heavy Rainfall
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WARM HUMID CLIMATE(Architecture)
Orientation and planform:
• As the temperatures are very high, free plans and can be evolved as long as the
house is
under protective shade.
• An unobstructed air path through the interiors is important to ensure proper
ventilation.
• The buildings could be long and narrow to allow cross ventilation.
In buildings a central courtyard can be provided with vents at
higher levels to draw away the rising hot air
Heat and moisture producing areas like toilets and
kitchens must be ventilated and separated from the
rest of the structure.
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE
HOT AND DRY CLIMATE Very high daytime temperatures, with very little precipitation and a short
and mild winter season characterize this climate. Another important characteristic is a high diurnal
temperature variation.
Dry climate is spread along the areas from 20 - 35º North and South of the equator and the
continental regions of the mid-latitudes. Dry climate is further classified into two parts namely dry
arid climate and dry semiarid climate. E.g. Gulf of Kutchh, Rajasthan,Madhya Pradesh,Southern Part
of A.P.,Gujrat.
Characteristics
Temperature: Very hot. 40 degree Celsius (104
Fahrenheit) or more.
Humidity: Low 10-50%
Precipitation: Lowest rainfall. Arid- 35cm (14” per
year Semiarid- 50cm (20 inches) per year
Sky conditions: Cloudless skies with high solar
radiation causing glare.
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE
Solar radiation is direct and strong during
the day,but the absence of cloud permits
easy release of the heat stored during the
day-time in the form of long –wave
radiation towards the cold night sky.
Diffuse radiation is only present during dust
haze period.
Winds are usually local, hot, carrying dust
and sand, often develops into dust storms.
Vegetation is sparse and difficult to grow
because of lack of rain and humidity. The
subsoil water table is very low.
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HOT-DRY MARITIME DESERT CLIMATE
Maritime desert climate occurs in the same latitude belt as the hot –dry desert climate
, where the sea adjoins a large land mass. These are regarded to be amongst the most unfavourable
climate of the earth. E.g. Kuwait, Karachi.
There are two seasons – hot and slightly cooler .
Characteristics
Temperature: Day time 38 degree Celsius , during
cool season 21 -26 degree celsius
Humidity: High 50- 90% , as strong solar radiation
causes strong evaporation
Precipitation: Very low
Sky conditions: Slight cloud cover in the form of
thin transparent Haze
Wind: coastal winds, because of unequal heating &
cooling of land and sea surface –dust and sand
storms
Vegetation: sparse, some dry grass
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE(Architecture
consideration)
Architectural considerations: Courtyard planning. More sill height
with small windows should be provided .The door height should be
less.
• Light coloured or shiny external surfaces should be provided
because it will reflect a large part of incident solar radiation.
• Suitable radiation barriers in the form of canopies,
Chhajjas, long verandahs etc. should be provided on the
West side of the building.
• Thicker outer walls are preferred as it behaves as an
insulating barrier
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE(Architecture
consideration)
• Roofs should be built up with good insulating
materials having slope in windward direction and
which reflects the radiation and does not absorb heat.
• Terracing should be provided on the flatroof with
mud phuska, lime concrete, foamed concrete or
burnt clay
• False ceiling can be used to improve thermal
performance of building
• Wall constructed with hollow blocks/ bricks and
cavity walls can also be provided as they provide very
good thermal insulation.
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE(Architecture
consideration)
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HOT –DRY DESERT CLIMATE(Architecture
consideration)
• Large shady trees whose roots do not strain foundation and basement
should be planned near external walls to provide shade.
• Outer sleeping area for summer nights preferably is provided
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COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
It occurs in large land masses near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, which are sufficiently
far from the equator to experience marked seasonal changes in solar radiation and wind
direction. The composite zone covers the central part of India. Some cities that experience this
type of climate are New Delhi, Kanpur and Allahabad.
Characteristics :
Summer temperature : 32-45 ºC (daytime), 27-32 ºC (night time)
Winter temperature : 10-25 ºC (daytime), 4-10 ºC (night time)
Precipitation : varies b/w 500–1300mm/year
Relative humidity : 20–55% in dry periods 55–95% in wet periods.
Cloudy days:8-10 days in a month
Clear skies:20-22 days in a month
Average wind speed: 3-5 km/h
The intensity of solar radiation is very high in summer with diffuse
radiation amounting to a small fraction of the total.
In monsoons, the intensity is low with predominantly diffuse
radiation.
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TROPICAL UPLAND CLIMATE
Mountain regions more then 900 to 1200 m above sea level experience such climate.
e.g. Addis, Mexico city, Nairobi
Seasonal variation is very small.
Characteristics
Temperature: Day time 24-30 degree Celsius ,
during night 10 -13 degree celsius
Humidity: High 45- 99% , and the vapour pressure
800-1600 N/m
Precipitation: Less then 1000mm
Sky conditions: clear or partly cloudy
Wind: variable, predominantly north-east and
south easterlies.wind velocity rarely exceeds
15m/s
Vegetation: green
Tropical Upland: Conditions larger temperature swings temperature is 24-30º during
the day while 4-10º during night time strong solar radiation variable winds
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COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
OBJECTIVE
• Resist heat gain in summer & heat loss in winter
SOLUTIONS
• Decrease exposed surface area • Orientation & shape of the building. Use of
• Increase Thermal resistance trees as wind barriers.
• Increase Thermal capacity • Roof & wall insulation Thicker Walls
• Increase Buffer space • Balconies
• Decrease Air Exchange rate • Weather Stripping
• Increase shading • Walls, glass surfaces protected by overhangs
• Increase surface reflectivity Trees
• Pale colour
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COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
• In composite climate the orientation of the buildings is preferable in North-
East & South-West Directions.
• This helps in receiving less radiations which results in lesser heat gain &
reduces the overall air conditioning requirement & thus saves energy
• Proper orientation also helps in receiving natural light & ventilation
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COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
• Roofs and external walls should be constructed of solid
masonry of brick or concrete to have a 9-12 hours time
lag in heat transmission.
• Resistance insulation should be placed at the outside
surfaces of external walls or roofs.
• Insulation on the inside would only reduce the beneficial
effects of high thermal capacity of walls and roofs.
• The roof pond building type, the passive collector Storage
mass has been relocated ,from the Floor & wall of
building into the roof
• For radiant heat distribution to the occupied Space
• Large openings in opposite walls are suitable which helps in
cross ventilation.
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COMPOSITE OR MONSOON CLIMATE
Position of openings
In buildings air movements must be insured through
• he spaces mostly used by occupants through the
living zone ( up to 2mts high).
• The largest air velocity will be obtained through a
small inlet opening with large outlet.
• The west arrangement is full wall openings on both
sides with adjustable sashes or closing devices which
can assist in channelling the air flow in required
direction.
The general building materials: Brick & Stone masonry.
Concrete slab , stone wall of 400-500 mm in thickness.
USE OF ECO FRIENDLY MATERIALS: Eco Friendly Materials are
describe as: A product that has been designed
to least possible damage to the environment.
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Credits and References
Manual of tropical housing and building,climatic design by OH Koenigsberger
warm humid climate architecture, google search
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