Previous Year Question

The German-Russian climatologist Wladimir Köppen used the close relationship between climate and natural vegetation as an important basis of his climatic classification. His approach recognised that natural vegetation effectively reflects the long-term temperature and precipitation conditions of a region. In this context, the statement “Vegetation is the true index of climate” is associated with Köppen.

In the Köppen classification, the world's climates are broadly divided into A, B, C, D and E climatic groups. These represent A = Tropical, B = Dry, C = Temperate, D = Continental and E = Polar climates. They are further subdivided according to seasonal patterns of precipitation and temperature.

Köppen developed an early form of his classification in 1884, and it was subsequently revised several times. An important feature of the system was the attempt to make climatic boundaries correspond closely with the distribution of vegetation. Thus, the classification reflects not only meteorological data but also the relationship between climate and vegetation.

Thornthwaite placed greater emphasis on factors such as water balance, precipitation effectiveness and evapotranspiration, while Trewartha modified the Köppen system, particularly to improve the classification of middle latitudes. Therefore, the given statement is associated with Köppen.