Steppe Climate, Distribution, Climatic Conditions & Map

Flat grasslands, often known as steppe, are common in areas with temperate weather. Know about Steppe Climate, Distribution, Climatic Conditions & Map in this article for UPSC exam.

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Steppe Climate

A steppe is a dry, grassy plain found in temperate climates, which have cold winters and warm summers. These regions receive 25 to 50 centimeters (10-20 inches) of rain each year and are located far inland, away from moisture from the oceans. Steppes are mostly treeless and are known as “steppes” in Eurasia, stretching about 2000 miles from the Black Sea to the Altai Mountains. Climate types include Steppe Climate, which is covered in the UPSC Geography Syllabus.

Read More: Desert Climate

Steppe Climate Region

A steppe is a barren, grassy area. Between the tropics and the poles, steppes flourish in temperate climates (temperate climates suffer distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations, with frigid winters and mild summers). In regions between the tropics and the poles, steppes can be found.

Temperate zones see seasonal temperature variations, with frigid winters and pleasant summers. Steppes are semi-arid and receive 10–20 inches (25–50 cm) of rain annually.

Read More: Savanna Climate

Steppe Climatic Distribution

Temperate grasslands border the deserts, away from the Mediterranean regions and in the interiors of the continents. They are located in the mid-latitude or temperate zone. Grasslands are practically treeless. In Eurasia, they are called steppes and extend from the Black Sea coast to the Altai Mountains (2,000-mile-long belt) to the east.

Read More: Tropical Climate

Steppe Climatic Conditions

The steppe region’s climate lies halfway between the tropics and the poles. Steppes have a warm/hot climate in the summer and a frigid environment in the winter. Due to continentality [deep within the interiors of continents where rain-bearing winds do not reach], grasslands are nearly treeless.

1. Temperature

The climate is continental, with very hot summers and cold winters. In summer, temperatures can reach 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, in the southern hemisphere, steppe climates don’t have such extreme temperatures.

2. Rainfall

The average rainfall is around 45 cm but it varies from 25 cm to 75 cm depending on the location. Heavy rain occurs in June and July (late spring and early summer). About 2.5 cm of precipitation falls during winter, with occasional depression and snowfall from the westerly winds. The sea effect causes more rain in the southern hemisphere.

Read More: Equatorial Climate Regions

3. Precipitation

It ranges from 25 cm to 75 cm depending on where you are, the average rainfall is about 45 cm. It rains the most in June and July (late spring and early summer). About 2.5 cm of precipitation falls as snow for the majority of the winter months and is brought in by Westerly depressions. Higher rainfall is produced in the southern hemisphere by the maritime effect.

4. Natural Vegetation

Grasslands are mainly made up of different types of grasses, including both annual and perennial dwarf species. In North America, you can find tall, medium, and short grasses from east to west, depending on the amount of rainfall. The landscape changes a lot from spring, when the grasses are green and flowering, to summer, when brown and dying plants are more common. Shrub-steppes are areas with many shrubs, especially in dry places, and they are different from deserts because they are found at higher latitudes, have cooler temperatures, and have less variety in plant life.

Read More: Natural Vegetation of India

Steppe Climate Life and Economy

Grasslands are ploughed for extensive, mechanized wheat cultivation and are now the “granaries of the world.” With wheat, maize is grown mostly in hot and humid areas.

Steppe Climate Region Economic Development

One of the most significant commerce and travel routes in the past was the Eurasian steppe. The level terrain offers the best connection between Asia and Europe. The Eurasian steppe has been traversed by caravans of horses, donkeys, and camels for thousands of years.

1. Wheat and Maize Agriculture

Before the 1900s, people did not farm in this area, and it had very few people. Recently, the grasslands have been plowed a lot to grow wheat, so now they are called the “granaries of the world.” In warmer and drier places, corn is also becoming more popular with wheat.

2. Ranching

More nutrient-dense Lucerne or alfalfa grass has taken the place of tufted grasses for cattle and sheep. The most significant ranching regions in the world right now are these temperate grasslands.

3. Nomadic Herding

The large grasslands can no longer support animals that migrate to graze. Nomadic tribes like the Kirghiz and Kazakhs were once herders. The harsh climate, with long droughts and uncertain rain, made the Kirghiz strong, and they resisted Russian rule. Now, the Communist government is encouraging them to settle down. The steppes have been changed into big state and communal farms for grazing animals and growing wheat.

4. Extensive Mechanized Wheat Cultivation

The plains of the steppes and other temperate grasslands around the world make it easy to plow and harvest. Farming is fully mechanized in places like the Prairies, Argentina’s Pampas, Ukraine’s steppes, and Australia’s Downs.

5. Livestock raising

Natural environments are great for animal grazing. After refrigerated ships were developed in the late 1800s, temperate grasslands became important for transporting large amounts of beef, mutton, wool, and hides. In some parts of the North American grasslands, dairy products like milk, butter, and cheese are also very important.

Read More: Monsoon in India

Steppe Climate UPSC

One of the most significant trade and transport corridors in the world is the Steppe Climate. The best grounds for growing wheat are there. The steppe climate is one of the important climates since it impacts climatological parameters both individually and collectively. They significantly improve the environment as well.

FAQs

Where is steppe climate?

The largest flat steppes on earth are found in temperate Eurasia. This area of Eurasia, which is frequently referred to as the Steppe, stretches for around 8,000 km (5,000 miles), from Hungary in the west via Ukraine and Central Asia to Manchuria in the east.

What is the average temperature in steppe climate?

The tropical steppe climate has an average yearly temperature of about 20oC. (68oF). The yearly temperature range grows as the variance in solar angle increases at these sites because they are poleward of the tropical wet climates. The annual temperature ranges from 5.6oF (or 1oC) to above 20oC. (11oF).

Is a steppe a grassland?

The Steppe, a grassland region that stretches from Hungary in the west via Ukraine and Central Asia to Manchuria in the east, covering a distance of around 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Does steppe have snow?

Steppe experiences extremely chilly winters and mild summers. In the northern Steppes, there is frequently a lot of snow. There are severe winds and protracted droughts in the Steppes.

Do steppes have rivers?

In the steppe, there are a lot of seasonal tiny rivers that dry up in the summer. The water is transported by the main rivers, like the Boh River and the Dnipro River. The major lakes are of the coastal, liman type, with many having saline water; the little lakes, frequently in pody, are seasonal.