Humid Temperate Domain (Bailey)
The climate of the Humid Temperate Domain, located in the middle latitudes (30 to 60 degrees N), is governed by both tropical and polar air masses. The middle latitudes are subject to cyclones; much of the precipitation in this belt comes from rising moist air along fronts within these cyclones. Pronounced seasons are the rule, with strong annual cycles of temperature and precipitation. The seasonal fluctuation of energy and temperature is greater than the diurnal. Climates of the middle latitudes have a distinctive winter season, which tropical climates do not.
The Humid Temperate Domain contains forests of broadleaf deciduous and needleleaf evergreen trees. The variable importance of winter frost determines six divisions: warm continental, hot continental, subtropical, marine, prairie, and Mediterranean.
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