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{{More citations needed|date=December 2021}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2021}}
[[Image:Lifezones Pengo.svg|thumb|upright=2|Holdridge life zone classification scheme. Although conceived as three-dimensional by its originator, it is usually shown as a two-dimensional array of hexagons in a triangular frame.]]
[[Image:Lifezones Pengo.svg|thumb|upright=2|Holdridge life zone classification scheme. Although conceived as three-dimensional by its originator, it is usually shown as a two-dimensional array of hexagons in a triangular frame.]]
The '''Holdridge life zones system''' is a global bioclimatic scheme for the classification of land areas. It was first published by [[Leslie Holdridge]] in 1947, and updated in 1967. It is a relatively simple system based on few empirical data, giving objective mapping criteria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-national-health-and-environmental-effects-research-laboratory-nheerl|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6EN4ZYhX6?url=http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/publications/abstracts/archived/lugo.htm|url-status=dead|title=About the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)|first=OA|last=US EPA|date=January 29, 2013|archive-date=February 12, 2013|website=US EPA}}</ref> A basic assumption of the system is that both [[soil type|soil]] and [[Climax community|climax vegetation]] can be mapped once the climate is known.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica |author=Harris SA |journal=Arctic and Alpine Research |volume=5 |year=1973 |pages=A187–A191 |jstor=1550169 |issue=3 }}</ref>
The '''Holdridge life zones system''' is a global bioclimatic scheme for the classification of land areas. It was first published by [[Leslie Holdridge]] in 1947, and updated in 1967. It is a relatively simple system based on few empirical data, giving objective criteria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-national-health-and-environmental-effects-research-laboratory-nheerl|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6EN4ZYhX6?url=http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/publications/abstracts/archived/lugo.htm|url-status=dead|title=About the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)|first=OA|last=US EPA|date=January 29, 2013|archive-date=February 12, 2013|website=US EPA}}</ref> A basic assumption of the system is that both [[soil type|soil]] and the [[Climax community|climax vegetation]] can be mapped once the climate is known.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica |author=Harris SA |journal=Arctic and Alpine Research |volume=5 |year=1973 |pages=A187–A191 |jstor=1550169 |issue=3 }}</ref>


==Scheme==
==Scheme==
While it was first designed for tropical and subtropical areas, the system applies globally. The system has been shown to fit [[tropical]] vegetation zones, [[Mediterranean]] zones, and [[boreal ecosystem|boreal]] zones, but is less applicable to cold oceanic or cold arid climates where moisture becomes the determining factor. The system has found a major use in assessing the possible changes in natural vegetation patterns due to [[global warming]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/ecosys/cdroms/ged_iia/datasets/a06/reprints/lh1.htm |title=Possible Changes in Natural Vegetation Patterns Due to a Global Warming |last=Leemans |first=Rik |year=1990 |publisher=National Geophysical Data Center (NOAA) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016000404/http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/ecosys/cdroms/ged_iia/datasets/a06/reprints/lh1.htm |archive-date=2009-10-16 }}</ref>
While it was first designed for tropical and subtropical areas, the system now applies globally. The system has been shown to fit not just [[tropical]] vegetation zones,but [[Mediterranean]] zones, and [[boreal ecosystem|boreal]] zones too, but is less applicable to cold oceanic or cold arid climates where moisture becomes the predominant factor. The system has found a major use in assessing the potential changes in natural vegetation patterns due to [[global warming]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/ecosys/cdroms/ged_iia/datasets/a06/reprints/lh1.htm |title=Possible Changes in Natural Vegetation Patterns Due to a Global Warming |last=Leemans |first=Rik |year=1990 |publisher=National Geophysical Data Center (NOAA) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016000404/http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/ecosys/cdroms/ged_iia/datasets/a06/reprints/lh1.htm |archive-date=2009-10-16 }}</ref>


The three axes of the [[barycentric subdivision]]s are:
The three major axes of the [[barycentric subdivision]]s are:
* [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] (annual, logarithmic)
* [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] (annual, logarithmic)
* biotemperature (mean annual, logarithmic)
* bio[[temperature]] (mean annual, logarithmic)
* [[potential evapotranspiration]] ratio (PET) to mean total annual precipitation.
* [[potential evapotranspiration]] ratio (PET) to mean total annual [[precipitation]].


Further indicators incorporated into the system are:
Further indicators incorporated into the system are:
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* [[Altitudinal zonation|altitudinal belts]]
* [[Altitudinal zonation|altitudinal belts]]


Biotemperature is based on the growing season length and temperature. It is measured as the mean of all temperatures, with all temperatures below freezing and above 30&nbsp;°C adjusted to 0&nbsp;°C,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lugo|first1=A. E.|title=The Holdridge life zones of the conterminous United States in relation to ecosystem mapping|journal=Journal of Biogeography|date=1999|volume=26|issue=5|pages=1025–1038|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227649905|access-date=27 May 2015|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2699.1999.00329.x|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527185728/http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Herman_Shugart/publication/227649905_The_Holdridge_life_zones_of_the_conterminous_United_States_in_relation_to_ecosystem_mapping/links/00b49515b1408efd9c000000.pdf|archive-date=27 May 2015}}</ref> as plants are dormant at these temperatures. Holdridge's system uses biotemperature first, rather than the temperate latitude bias of [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]]'s life zones, and does not primarily consider elevation. The system is considered more appropriate to the complexities of [[tropical vegetation]] than Merriam's system.
Biotemperature is based on the growing season length and temperature. It is measured as the mean of all annual temperatures, with all temperatures below freezing and above 30&nbsp;°C adjusted to 0&nbsp;°C,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lugo|first1=A. E.|title=The Holdridge life zones of the conterminous United States in relation to ecosystem mapping|journal=Journal of Biogeography|date=1999|volume=26|issue=5|pages=1025–1038|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227649905|access-date=27 May 2015|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2699.1999.00329.x|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527185728/http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Herman_Shugart/publication/227649905_The_Holdridge_life_zones_of_the_conterminous_United_States_in_relation_to_ecosystem_mapping/links/00b49515b1408efd9c000000.pdf|archive-date=27 May 2015}}</ref> as most plants are dormant at these temperatures. Holdridge's system uses biotemperature first, rather than the temperate latitude bias of [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]]'s life zones, and does not primarily consider elevation directly. The system is considered more appropriate for [[tropical vegetation]] than Merriam's system.


== Scientific relationship between the 3 axes and 3 indicators ==
== Scientific relationship between the 3 axes and 3 indicators ==
⚫
[[Potential evapotranspiration]] (PET) is the amount of water that would be evaporated and transpired if there were enough [[water]] available. Higher temperatures result in higher PET<ref>{{Cite web |title=potential_evapotranspiration |url=https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/public_path/shared_folder/projects/DIS4ME/indicator_descriptions/potential_evapotranspiration.htm |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu}}</ref>. [[Evapotranspiration]] (ET) is the raw sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land surface to atmosphere. Evapotranspiration can never be greater than PET. The ratio, Precipitation/PET, is the [[aridity index]] (AI), with an AI<0.2 indicating [[Arid|arid/hyperarid]], and AI<0.5 indicating dry<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://agron-www.agron.iastate.edu/courses/Agron541/classes/541/lesson04a/4a.3.html |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=agron-www.agron.iastate.edu}}</ref>.
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2021}}
⚫
[[Potential evapotranspiration]] (PET) is the amount of water that would be evaporated and transpired if there were sufficient [[water]] available. High temperatures result in higher PET. [[Evapotranspiration]] (ET) is the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land surface to atmosphere. Evapotranspiration can never be greater than PET. The ratio, Precipitation/PET, is the [[aridity index]] (AI), with an AI<0.2 indicating arid/hyperarid, and AI<0.5 indicating dry.
Coldest
Coldest
/\
/\
/ \
/ \
PET - -- - Rain
PET - -- - Rain
The coldest regions have not much evapotranspiration nor precipitation, hence polar deserts. In the warmer regions, there are deserts with maximum PET but low rainfall that make the soil even drier, and rain forests with low PET and maximum rainfall causing [[river]] systems to drain excess water into oceans.
The coldest regions have not much evapotranspiration nor precipitation as there is not enough heat to [[Evaporation|evaporate]] much water, hence [[Polar desert|polar deserts]]. In the warmer regions, there are deserts with maximum PET but low rainfall that make the soil even drier, and rain forests with low PET and maximum rainfall causing [[river]] systems to drain excess water into oceans.


== Classes ==
== Classes ==
The classes defined within the system, as used by the [[International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis]] (IIASA), are:{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}
All the classes defined within the system, as used by the [[International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis]] (IIASA), are:<ref>{{Citation |last=Parry |first=M. L. |title=The effects on Holdridge Life Zones |date=1988 |url=http://pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/12961/ |pages=473–484 |place=Dordrecht, The Netherlands |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-94-009-2965-4 |access-date=2022-03-23 |last2=Carter |first2=T. R. |last3=Konijn |first3=N. T.}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
# [[Polar desert]]
# [[Polar desert]]
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holdridge's Life Zones - UNEP-WCMC |url=https://www.unep-wcmc.org/resources-and-data/holdridges-life-zones |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=UNEP-WCMC's official website - Holdridge's Life Zones}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Parry |first=Martin L. |title=The Effects on Holdridge Life Zones |date=1988 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2965-4_22 |work=The Impact of Climatic Variations on Agriculture: Volume 2: Assessments in Semi-Arid Regions |pages=473–484 |editor-last=Parry |editor-first=Martin L. |place=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-94-009-2965-4_22 |isbn=978-94-009-2965-4 |access-date=2022-03-23 |last2=Carter |first2=Timothy R. |last3=Konijn |first3=Nicolaas T. |editor2-last=Carter |editor2-first=Timothy R. |editor3-last=Konijn |editor3-first=Nicolaas T.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Harris |first=Stuart A. |date=1973-08-01 |title=Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00040851.1973.12003733 |journal=Arctic and Alpine Research |volume=5 |issue=sup3 |pages=A187–A191 |doi=10.1080/00040851.1973.12003733 |issn=0004-0851}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=holdridge life zone: Topics by Science.gov |url=https://www.science.gov/topicpages/h/holdridge+life+zone |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=www.science.gov |language=en}}</ref>
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Biogeographic realms]]
[[Category:Biogeographic realms]]
[[Category:Sustainable building]]
[[Category:Sustainable building]]

Revision as of 10:23, 23 March 2022

Holdridge life zone classification scheme. Although conceived as three-dimensional by its originator, it is usually shown as a two-dimensional array of hexagons in a triangular frame.

The Holdridge life zones system is a global bioclimatic scheme for the classification of land areas. It was first published by Leslie Holdridge in 1947, and updated in 1967. It is a relatively simple system based on few empirical data, giving objective criteria.[1] A basic assumption of the system is that both soil and the climax vegetation can be mapped once the climate is known.[2]

Scheme

While it was first designed for tropical and subtropical areas, the system now applies globally. The system has been shown to fit not just tropical vegetation zones,but Mediterranean zones, and boreal zones too, but is less applicable to cold oceanic or cold arid climates where moisture becomes the predominant factor. The system has found a major use in assessing the potential changes in natural vegetation patterns due to global warming.[3]

The three major axes of the barycentric subdivisions are:

Further indicators incorporated into the system are:

Biotemperature is based on the growing season length and temperature. It is measured as the mean of all annual temperatures, with all temperatures below freezing and above 30 °C adjusted to 0 °C,[4] as most plants are dormant at these temperatures. Holdridge's system uses biotemperature first, rather than the temperate latitude bias of Merriam's life zones, and does not primarily consider elevation directly. The system is considered more appropriate for tropical vegetation than Merriam's system.

Scientific relationship between the 3 axes and 3 indicators

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is the amount of water that would be evaporated and transpired if there were enough water available. Higher temperatures result in higher PET[5]. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the raw sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land surface to atmosphere. Evapotranspiration can never be greater than PET. The ratio, Precipitation/PET, is the aridity index (AI), with an AI<0.2 indicating arid/hyperarid, and AI<0.5 indicating dry[6]. 

        Coldest
          /\
         /  \
    PET - -- - Rain

The coldest regions have not much evapotranspiration nor precipitation as there is not enough heat to evaporate much water, hence polar deserts. In the warmer regions, there are deserts with maximum PET but low rainfall that make the soil even drier, and rain forests with low PET and maximum rainfall causing river systems to drain excess water into oceans.

Classes

All the classes defined within the system, as used by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), are:[7]

  1. Polar desert
  2. Subpolar dry tundra
  3. Subpolar moist tundra
  4. Subpolar wet tundra
  5. Subpolar rain tundra
  6. Boreal desert
  7. Boreal dry scrub
  8. Boreal moist forest
  9. Boreal wet forest
  10. Boreal rain forest
  11. Cool temperate desert
  12. Cool temperate desert scrub
  13. Cool temperate steppe
  14. Cool temperate moist forest
  15. Cool temperate wet forest
  16. Cool temperate rain forest
  17. Warm temperate desert
  18. Warm temperate desert scrub
  19. Warm temperate thorn scrub
  20. Warm temperate dry forest
  21. Warm temperate moist forest
  22. Warm temperate wet forest
  23. Warm temperate rain forest
  24. Subtropical desert
  25. Subtropical desert scrub
  26. Subtropical thorn woodland
  27. Subtropical dry forest
  28. Subtropical moist forest
  29. Subtropical wet forest
  30. Subtropical rain forest
  31. Tropical desert
  32. Tropical desert scrub
  33. Tropical thorn woodland
  34. Tropical very dry forest
  35. Tropical dry forest
  36. Tropical moist forest
  37. Tropical wet forest
  38. Tropical rain forest

See also

References

  1. ^ US EPA, OA (January 29, 2013). "About the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)". US EPA. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013.
  2. ^ Harris SA (1973). "Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica". Arctic and Alpine Research. 5 (3): A187–A191. JSTOR 1550169.
  3. ^ Leemans, Rik (1990). "Possible Changes in Natural Vegetation Patterns Due to a Global Warming". National Geophysical Data Center (NOAA). Archived from the original on 2009-10-16.
  4. ^ Lugo, A. E. (1999). "The Holdridge life zones of the conterminous United States in relation to ecosystem mapping". Journal of Biogeography. 26 (5): 1025–1038. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2699.1999.00329.x. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  5. ^ "potential_evapotranspiration". esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  6. ^ agron-www.agron.iastate.edu http://agron-www.agron.iastate.edu/courses/Agron541/classes/541/lesson04a/4a.3.html. Retrieved 2022-03-23. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ^ Parry, M. L.; Carter, T. R.; Konijn, N. T. (1988), The effects on Holdridge Life Zones, Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, pp. 473–484, ISBN 978-94-009-2965-4, retrieved 2022-03-23

[1][2][3][4]

  1. ^ "Holdridge's Life Zones - UNEP-WCMC". UNEP-WCMC's official website - Holdridge's Life Zones. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  2. ^ Parry, Martin L.; Carter, Timothy R.; Konijn, Nicolaas T. (1988), Parry, Martin L.; Carter, Timothy R.; Konijn, Nicolaas T. (eds.), "The Effects on Holdridge Life Zones", The Impact of Climatic Variations on Agriculture: Volume 2: Assessments in Semi-Arid Regions, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 473–484, doi:10.1007/978-94-009-2965-4_22, ISBN 978-94-009-2965-4, retrieved 2022-03-23
  3. ^ Harris, Stuart A. (1973-08-01). "Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica". Arctic and Alpine Research. 5 (sup3): A187–A191. doi:10.1080/00040851.1973.12003733. ISSN 0004-0851.
  4. ^ "holdridge life zone: Topics by Science.gov". www.science.gov. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
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