Holdridge life zones

Holdridge life zone classification scheme. Although conceived as three-dimensional by its originator, it is usually shown as a two-dimensional array of hexagons in a triangular frame.

The Holdridge life zones system is a global bioclimatic scheme for the classification of land areas. It was first published by Leslie Holdridge in 1947, and updated in 1967. It is a relatively simple system based on few empirical data, giving objective criteria.[1] A basic assumption of the system is that both soil and the climax vegetation can be mapped once the climate is known.[2]

  1. ^ US EPA, OA (January 29, 2013). "About the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)". US EPA. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013.
  2. ^ Harris SA (1973). "Comments on the Application of the Holdridge System for Classification of World Life Zones as Applied to Costa Rica". Arctic and Alpine Research. 5 (3): A187–A191. JSTOR 1550169.