Subtropinen

Subtropinen, or the subtropics, is a geographic and climatic region located between the tropical zones near the equator and the temperate zones farther from it. It is not a single fixed belt; its boundaries shift with season, ocean currents, and altitude. In general, the subtropics lie roughly between 23.5 degrees and 40 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. The climate in this zone is diverse, including dry-summer Mediterranean climates (Csa, Csb), humid subtropical climates (Cfa, Cwa), and subtropical highland climates (Cwb, Cwc) at higher elevations.

Geographically, the subtropics cover parts of southern Europe, North Africa, Western and Southern Asia, eastern Australia, much of the southeastern United States, southeastern China, parts of South America (northern Argentina, southern Brazil, central Chile), and coastal areas of Southern Africa. The exact boundaries are influenced by regional weather patterns, ocean currents, and altitude.

Ecology and land use in the subtropics show a range of vegetation types, from drought-tolerant shrubs and sclerophyll forests to evergreen broadleaf forests. The region is a major agricultural belt, supporting crops such as citrus, olives, grapes, tea, and various vegetables, often with irrigation to manage seasonal water availability.

Challenges in subtropical regions include climate variability, heat stress, drought, and the impacts of climate change, which can alter growing seasons, water resources, and the frequency of wildfires. The subtropics thus exhibit a mix of resilience and vulnerability shaped by climate, geography, and human activity.