Chapter 20: The Temperate Continental (Steppe) Climate
This climate is found in the interiors of continents, far from the cooling influence of the sea. It is characterized by vast, treeless grasslands. Because these areas are in the middle of large landmasses, they experience extreme temperatures.
1. Regional Names (The “Big Five”)
The Steppe climate is known by different names depending on where it is located:
- Prairies: North America (USA and Canada).
- Steppes: Eurasia (Russia and Central Asia).
- Pampas: Argentina and Uruguay (South America).
- Veld: South Africa.
- Downs: Australia (Murray-Darling Basin).
2. Climate: The “Continental” Personality
- Temperature: Summers are very hot, and winters are bitterly cold (often well below freezing). This is called a high annual range of temperature.
- Rainfall: Light to moderate (25 cm to 75 cm). Most rain falls in the summer due to convection.
- The Chinook: In the North American Prairies, a warm, dry wind called the Chinook blows down the eastern slopes of the Rockies in winter. It melts the snow quickly, allowing animals to graze. It is known as the “Snow-eater.”
3. Natural Vegetation: The Sea of Grass
- Treeless: Rainfall is too low for trees but enough for grass. Trees are only found near rivers.
- Short vs. Tall Grass:
- In wetter areas (near the Atlantic/Pacific), the grass is tall and lush (Prairies).
- In drier areas (deep interior), the grass is short and sparse (Steppes).
- Nutritious: These grasses are highly nutritious, making them perfect for livestock.
4. Economy: From “Grazing” to “Granary”
- The Wheat Bowl: Today, the Prairies and Steppes have been cleared of wild grass and turned into the world’s most productive Wheat farms. They are called the “Granaries of the World.”
- Extensive Farming: Farms are massive (thousands of acres), and work is done almost entirely by machines (Tractors, Harvesters).
- Livestock Ranching: In the drier parts, cattle and sheep are raised for meat and wool (e.g., the Pampas are famous for beef).
10 Revision Questions with Mnemonics
Q1: What are the Temperate Grasslands called in North America?
- A: The Prairies.
- Mnemonic: “Prairies in Philadelphia” (USA).
Q2: What is the “Chinook”?
- A: A warm, dry wind that melts snow in the Prairies.
- Mnemonic: “Chinook = Chews the snow” (Snow-eater).
Q3: Why is this region called the “Granary of the World”?
- A: Because it produces a massive surplus of Wheat for export.
- Mnemonic: “Granary = Grains” (Wheat).
Q4: Which grassland is found in South Africa?
- A: The Veld.
- Mnemonic: “Veld in the Valley of Africa.”
Q5: What is the difference between “Maritime” and “Continental” climates?
- A: Maritime is mild (near sea); Continental is extreme (inland).
- Mnemonic: “Continental = Cruel extremes” (Hot/Cold).
Q6: What is the “Downs”?
- A: The temperate grasslands of Australia.
- Mnemonic: “Downs is Down-under.”
Q7: Which animal was once the “king” of the American Prairies?
- A: The Bison (Buffalo).
- Mnemonic: “Bison in the Back-country.”
Q8: Why are there so few trees in the Steppes?
- A: Rainfall is too low (below 50 cm) and winters are too cold.
- Mnemonic: “Too dry for Trees.”
Q9: What are the “Pampas” famous for?
- A: Alfalfa grass and high-quality Beef cattle.
- Mnemonic: “Pampas Packs the Patty” (Beef).
Q10: What is “Extensive Agriculture”?
- A: Large-scale farming on huge plots of land with very few workers and many machines.
- Mnemonic: “Extensive = Enormous farms.”
Quick Summary Table: Global Grasslands
| Region | Name | Key Feature | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurasia | Steppes | Short Grass | “Steppes = Short” |
| N. America | Prairies | Tall Grass / Wheat | “Prairies = Plenty” |
| Argentina | Pampas | Beef / Alfalfa | “Pampas = Pure Meat” |
| S. Africa | Veld | Maize / Sheep | “Veld = Valuable Sheep” |
| Australia | Downs | Wheat / Sheep | “Downs = Down-under” |
