Climatic Zoning Using Geographic Information Systems (Case study: Kermanshah Province)

Climate is one of the most important factors affecting life and distribution of plants and animals in every geographical setting. This research was an attempt to identify climatic sub-regions of Kermanshah Province using factor analysis. After data analysis, six factors were distinguished based on correlation. Combination of these six factors (temperature, precipitation, humidity, cloud, thunder, wind and dust) explained about 90% of the climatic behavior of the study area. Using cluster analysis and integration method, the studied stations were divided into three climatic clusters. In De Martonne classification of Kermanshah Province, two types of semi-arid and humid climates were distinguished whereas applying Emberger classification, two types of cold semi-arid and cold semi-humid climates were found.