HCCA Geography Practice Exam

The continental climate is characterized by a significant annual temperature range and low levels of precipitation. This climate type typically occurs in the interior regions of continents, where the absence of large bodies of water allows for greater temperature fluctuations between seasons. During summer, temperatures can rise considerably, while winter temperatures can drop significantly, leading to what is known as a wide temperature range.

Precipitation in continental climates tends to be less than in other climate types, such as maritime climates, primarily due to the distance from oceanic influences that usually bring moisture. This combination of high temperature variability and generally lower precipitation levels makes the continental climate distinct.

In contrast, tropical climates are known for their consistently warm temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. Maritime climates, influenced by proximity to oceans, exhibit milder temperatures and more consistent precipitation due to moderating oceanic effects. Polar climates, while having low temperatures, do not typically have the large temperature range associated with the continental climate; they also receive low precipitation, but the mechanisms underlying these climate types differ significantly from those found in continental climates.