A type of climate characterized by moderate temperatures, that is, a region lacking the constant heat of the Tropics or the constant cold of the polar caps; middle latitude climate with definite seasonal rhythm in temperature, with amplitude ranges reaching maximum for the earth in the north intermediate zone. This is a (C) climate under the Köppen classification (1931) and, as defined by Thornthwaite's climatic classification scheme (1948), this is a climate with annual potential evapotranspiration between 57 and 114 cm. Compare megathermal climate, microthermal climate.