Which of the following elements of climate is used in the Greek System of climate classification?

Analyze the question: You are asked which climate element the Greek System of climate classification is based on.

Explain the concept: The ancient Greeks divided the world into climatic zones using temperature, which they linked to latitude and the sun's angle. They did not use rainfall, pressure or humidity. Their three zones were:

1. Torrid Zone (Hot Zone): between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun is overhead at some point in the year.
2. Temperate Zone: between the tropics and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, with moderate temperatures.
3. Frigid Zone (Cold Zone): from the Arctic and Antarctic Circles to the poles, with very low temperatures.

Solution:

• A. Rainfall: Wrong. Rainfall is the main basis of other systems, such as the classification of the Savanna and of the tropical climate types.
• B. Pressure: Wrong. It is used for pressure belts and wind systems, not for the Greek zones.
• C. Humidity: Wrong. It is not the basis of any of the three zones.
• D. Temperature: Correct. The Greek zones (Torrid, Temperate, Frigid) are defined by temperature differences across latitudes.

Tip: Remember "Greek = Grades of Heat". The Greek system uses temperature only. Köppen is the system that combines temperature and rainfall (with vegetation).