The Southwest Region can be subdivided into three climate types: Coastal Mediterranean, Desert, and Mountain Alpine. Which set of regions does this describe?

• A. Coastal Mediterranean, Desert, Mountain Alpine
• B. Humid subtropical, Mediterranean, Oceanic
• C. Tundra, Desert, Savannah
• D. Subtropical highland, Maritime, Steppe

Answer: (A)

The question focuses on how geography creates distinct climate zones within a region. The Southwest shows coastal influence along the Pacific, vast arid basins, and high mountain elevations, which together produce three climate types: Coastal Mediterranean, Desert, and Mountain Alpine.

Coastal Mediterranean climates occur where ocean influence moderates temperatures and brings winter rainfall, which is typical along the California coast. Desert climates form in the interior basins where precipitation is minimal and conditions are very dry. Mountain Alpine climates appear at high elevations where temperatures stay cool and snow is common. Taken together, these three climate types describe the Southwest’s range from sea to desert to high mountains.

Other option sets include climates that don’t align with the Southwest’s combination of coastal, desert, and high-mountain environments, such as those associated with wetter subtropical or temperate oceanic regions, or with tundra and savannah, which aren’t characteristic of the Southwest’s climate pattern.