Abstract

PINEDA-MARTINEZ, L. F; CARBAJAL, N  and  MEDINA-ROLDAN, E. Regionalization and classification of bioclimatic zones in the central-northeastern region of México using principal component analysis (PCA). Atmósfera [online]. 2007, vol.20, n.2, pp. 133-145. ISSN 0187-6236.

Applying principal component analysis (PCA), we determined climate zones in a topographic gradient in the central-northeastern part of México. We employed nearly 3 0 years of monthly temperature and precipitation data at 173 meteorological stations. The climate classification was carried out applying the Köppen system modified for the conditions of México. PCA indicates a regionalization in agreement with topographic characteristics and vegetation. We describe the different bioclimatic zones, associated with typical vegetation, for each climate using geographical information systems (GIS).

Keywords : Regional climate; PCA; Köppen climate classification; bioclimatic zones; México.