Tropical Zone – Areas that are warm year round and have enough rainfall to support lush vegetation.
This is a photo of Molokai, Hawaii. This is an example of a tropical climate; notice the lush vegetation next to the ocean. Many vacation spots are in tropical zones for the year round climate.
Dry Zone – Areas that receive little rainfall and do not support much vegetation. Dry Zones can be warm or cold year round or a combination of both.
This is a photo of The Painted Desert in Arizona. Deserts are found in Dry Zones.
Moderate Zone –Areas that have mild temperatures year round and enough rainfall to support vegetation.
This is a photo of Mulberry River in Arkansas. While there are many locations in the moderate zones, this photo is a great example of how vegetation flourishes in a mild climate and has enough rainfall.
Continental Zone – Areas that have warm summers, but cold winters. Rainfall does support vegetation, but it is frozen as it snows during winter months.
This is a photo of Door County, Wisconsin. The varying colors of the leaves are evidence of the changing seasons. The vegetation seems to represent the change to colder temperatures.
Polar Zone – Areas with cool to freezing temperatures all year. These zones can only support hearty vegetation, if any.
This is a photo of Barter Island along the northern coast of Alaska. It is used as a radar station for the United States Air Force. The cold conditions and lack of vegetation are perfect for monitoring the radar systems without interference.