What is a steppe climate?
A steppe climate is found in the middle of continents and in the lee of high mountains. The mountains block moist air from oceans or tropical climates from reaching the steppe. There is not enough precipitation for trees to grow except by rivers. The plants have adapted to these drought conditions by being small and growing extensive root systems. Animals have adapted by burrowing into the ground to stay cool or warm, and to find protection on the open plains of the steppe. The temperature between summer and winter varies a lot. Summer temperatures of the steppe aren’t much different from the dry savanna. Both are grasslands, and both can reach temperatures of 104° F, and have heavy thunderstorms. In the winter, however, there are no clouds to keep heat from escaping into the upper atmosphere. The land gets colder and colder. Winter temperatures of -40° F are not uncommon. There are no trees to block the wind, so it howls. The combination of low temperatures and dry winds make it a ver
