World-building has many facets, but if you are trying to create climates, you must understand how it all interplays to create depth and reality in your fictional world. Suppose you’re writing a novel with a fantastical land, an exceedingly complex game world or game story, or a movie worth watching. In that case, you can make your creation look authentic by knowing which climates naturally surround each other. In this blog post, I will set up the fundamentals of climate adjacency to help you develop your world-building skills.
Why Climate Adjacency Matters
When creating a workable world, the logical connection from one climate to another must be genuine. It’s disorienting, defying natural laws. Imagine walking from a scorching desert directly into a snowy tundra. Even if the magic or high tech is incredible, people like reading and playing worlds that work. Understanding climate adjacency helps you create seamless transitions between regions, making your world feel grounded and authentic.
The Basics of Earth’s Climate Zones
Before we discuss how climates change, let’s take a quick tour of Earth’s essential climate zones. These include tropical, arid, temperate, continental, and polar climates. Each zone’s characteristics vary by temperature, precipitation, and location. Understanding these basics can provide a foundation for crafting your unique climate zones.
Tropical and Arid Climates
In tropical climates, you will find warm, consistent heat and lots of rain, leading to lush rainforests. However, not all areas adjacent to tropical zones are just as wet. Some transition into arid climates like savannas or grasslands, where seasonal rainfall is less predictable. This natural segue can create diverse ecosystems within a short distance.
Arid and Temperate Climates
Arid climates, characterized by dry conditions, often transition into temperate zones. Temperate climates have moderate temperatures and distinct seasons, supporting varied flora and fauna. Think of a desert giving way to grassy plains or woodlands, a natural way of things that sounds natural to your audience.
Temperate and Continental Climates
Temperate zones frequently border continental climates, with more pronounced temperature variations and significantly colder winters. This contrast provides opportunities for unique storytelling elements, such as migrations, trade routes, and cultural exchanges influenced by changing seasons.
Continental and Polar Climates
Moving from continental to polar climates involves a shift to extreme cold and limited vegetation. Tundras and ice caps dominate these regions, offering challenging environments for your characters to explore. This stark transition can highlight themes of survival and resourcefulness.
The Role of Mountains in Climate Transitions
Mountains play a significant role in determining climate boundaries. They’re natural barriers that affect how the wind moves and how much precipitation falls. For example, lush forests on one side of a mountain range could be a dry desert on the other. Having mountains in your world design can dramatically change adjoining climates.
Oceans and Coastal Influences
Oceans and large bodies of water also impact climate adjacency. Thanks to the moderating effect of water, coastal regions tend to have milder climates with less temperature variation. This can result in unexpected climate combinations, such as temperate coastlines bordering arid interiors.
Human Influence on Climate
While natural factors primarily dictate climate adjacency, human activities can also play a role. In your world, civilizations might develop technologies or magic to alter their climate, creating artificial transitions. This opens up creative possibilities for storytelling and conflict.
Using Climate Adjacency for Storytelling
Understanding climate adjacency allows you to weave environmental challenges into your narrative. Characters might face treacherous journeys through diverse landscapes, each presenting unique obstacles. These transitions can also influence your world’s cultural development, trade, and political dynamics.
Designing Unique Climates
You’re not limited to Earth’s climate zones in fantasy and science fiction. Designing unique climates that still adhere to logical transitions can heighten the sense of wonder in your world. Consider blending elements from different climates to create alien or magical environments that surprise and intrigue your audience.
Research and Inspiration
Research is essential to accurately depicting climate transitions. Study geographical maps and climate models to understand how Earth’s natural systems operate. Draw inspiration from real-world locations, but be bold in modifying them to suit your narrative needs.
Conclusion
By mastering the art of climate adjacency, you can craft a world that feels both immersive and believable. Whether your story unfolds in a magical world or a futuristic landscape, understanding which climates naturally border each other can enhance your world-building efforts. Keep experimenting and pushing the boundaries of your creativity, and remember to consider the intricate relationships between geography, environment, and culture.
Consider collaborating with geographers or climate scientists to deepen your understanding for further exploration. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and ensure the authenticity of your fictional universe. If you’re ready to start building your world, sign up for our workshop, where creative minds come together to share ideas and refine their craft.
