Regionalization and classification of bioclimatic zones in the central-northeastern region of México using principal component analysis (PCA)

Resumen

Applying principal component analysis (PCA), we determined climate zones in a topographic gradient in the central-northeastern part of México. We employed nearly 30 years of monthly temperature and precipitation data at 173 meteorological stations. The climate classification was carried out applying the Köppen system modified for the conditions of México. PCA indicates a regionalization in agreement with topographic characteristics and vegetation. We describe the different bioclimatic zones, associated with typical vegetation, for each climate using geographical information systems (GIS).