Thexar-VIII: The-Xar-Ak — Sha-El 07: Rass-Vokh Ak-El — Climate Zones
"Climate is the character of a land. The equator is its passion, the poles its wisdom. And between them — the infinite diversity of life." — From "The Geography of Théxar," the Academy of Khar-Vexar
Ruun-ak rass: → rhu [Thexar-I, Ruun 15, "Atmosphere and Climate"], → rhu [Thexar-I, Ruun 37, "Ecological Zones"], → rhu [Thexar-VIII, Sha-El 01, "Théxar-mor Ak-El"], → rhu [Thexar-I, Ruun 13, "The-Xar-Ak Théxar"]. Mor-ven: Climate zonation of Théxar is set by K2V low insolation, elevated CO₂, and a 14.2° axial tilt — yielding smooth transitions and muted seasons. Seven latitudinal zones from equatorial to polar are complemented by altitudinal belts and ocean moderation.
07.1 The Equatorial Zone (0°–12°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 60.3–62.5°X |
| Precipitation | 2,500–4,000 mm/year |
| Humidity | 75–95% |
| T amplitude (annual) | ±2.1°X |
Humid tropical forests on southern Kharak and northern Rhuval. No dry season; even precipitation. Biodiversity up to 12,000 plant species per 10 mo².
Key regions:
- The Thar Delta (Kharak) — jungle
- Northern Rhuval — hylea
07.2 The Tropical Zone (12°–28°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 54.9–60.3°X |
| Precipitation | 800–2,000 mm/year (seasonal) |
| Humidity | 50–70% |
| Dry season | 3–5 months |
Savannas and open woodlands; weak seasonality due to small axial tilt. Grasslands with forest islands.
Key regions:
- Central Plain of Kharak
- Savannas of Rhuval
07.3 The Subtropical Zone (28°–38°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 51.6–55.9°X |
| Precipitation | 500–1,200 mm/year |
| Humidity | 40–60% |
Mediterranean-type climate: warm dry summers, mild wet winters. Most favorable zone for agriculture.
Key regions:
- Coast of the Serrin Sea (Kharak)
- Western coast of Rhuval
- Northern coast of Vexar
07.4 The Temperate Zone (38°–54°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 47.3–52.6°X |
| Precipitation | 500–900 mm/year |
| Seasonal amplitude | ±8.2°X |
Broadleaf and mixed forests. Four seasons with small temperature swing. Main settlement zone of the Xha'Ruun.
Key regions:
- Southeastern Kharak — forest
- Central Vexar
07.5 The Subpolar Zone (54°–66°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 42.4–47.3°X |
| Precipitation | 200–500 mm/year |
| Snow cover | 4–6 months |
Taiga and tundra. Low population density; main source of forest resources.
Key regions:
- Northern taiga of Kharak
- Southern tundras of Rhuval
07.6 The Polar Zone (66°–90°)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 31.5–42.4°X |
| Precipitation | 50–200 mm/year |
| Ice cover | Permanent |
Polar deserts and ice caps surround the research stations. There are no permanent cities here; supplies and staff rotation depend on the weather.
Research stations:
- Ven-Deep (North Pole) — 800 people
- Khar-Ice (South Pole) — 400 people
07.7 Altitudinal Zonation
Climate zones repeat vertically: every 305 sha of height, temperature falls by ~2.0°X.
| Belt | Height (sha) | Climatic analogue |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | 0–610 | Equatorial–tropical |
| Foothill | 610–1,829 | Subtropical |
| Mountain | 1,829–3,659 | Temperate |
| Subalpine | 3,659–5,488 | Subpolar |
| Alpine | 5,488–7,317 | Polar |
| Nival | >7,317 | Glaciers |
Example: the Khar-Tor ridge includes all belts from tropical to nival. Highest point — Mt. Verksan (9,537 sha) — is ice-covered year-round.
07.8 The Influence of the Oceans
| Factor | Thalas (Northern) | Gharra (Southern) |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature (eq.) | 62.5°X | 60.3°X |
| Water temperature (pol.) | 44.0°X | 42.0°X |
| Influence on climate | Softening of winters on Kharak | Moderate influence on Rhuval |
The cold Thel current along eastern Kharak creates a drier climate. The warm Khar-Vex current along the western coast intensifies precipitation.
Ruun Ven
- Seven climate zones span from equatorial (62.5°X) to polar (31.5°X).
- The 14.2° axial tilt smooths seasonal contrasts across all latitudes.
- Altitudinal zonation mirrors latitudinal zonation; ~2.0°X drop per 305 sha.
- Oceans Thalas and Gharra moderate climate; Thel and Khar-Vex currents create local differences.
- Subtropical zone is the most favorable for agriculture; temperate zone is the main Xha'Ruun settlement zone.
- The polar caps support research stations, including Ven-Deep and Khar-Ice, rather than permanent cities.