Distribution of temperature at the earth’s surface is not equal everywhere. Therefore, the distribution of temperature is largely controlled by latitudes as compared to other factors.
On the latitudinal basis, the description of various temperature zones of the earth is as follows:
1. The tropical zone: The expanse of this zone is spread across the equator between the 23 1/2° Northern and Southern latitudes on both sides of the equator. In this zone, the average temperature is found 24 – 26°C.
2. Temperate zone: The expanse of this zone is found between 23 1/2 ° to 66 1/2 ° north and south latitudes in both the hemispheres. In this zone, the temperature is less than 24°C and in the direction of the poles it decreases up to -7°C.
3. Frigid Zone: The expanse of this region is found between 66 1/2 ° to 90° North and South Pole. The average temperature here is often found to be less than -7°C.