Climate Divisions are areas of relatively homogeneous large-scale climatic patterns. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has used statistical analysis to draw regions, producing the Divisions illustrated to the left. The divisions are based partially on climate statistics, but the boundaries reflect cultural and economic considerations and largely coincide with county boundaries, river basins or major crop areas.

The divisions are used by the NCDC in compiling climate statistics and producing statistically based forecasts. While these can serve as a guide for local analyses and forecasting, their utility lies in large-scale pattern analysis. Local conditions such as topography can cause much variation within a single division.

Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Rhode Island, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are collaborating with the U.S. EPA and private and public stakeholders of the mid- and upper-Atlantic region. Support for CARA is provided by the Global Change Research Program, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Cooperative Agreement R-83053301).

Top of page | Using This Website | Technical Support | Site Map