On the Comparison of Generic and Human-based Climate Classification Methods

Aims: Comparison of results obtained by Köppen, Feddema and clothing thermal resistance–operative temperature (rcl–To) models in the Carpathian region for the period 1971–2000.

Study Design: Description of methods and comparison of their results.

Place and Duration of Study: Carpathian region, period of 1971–2000.

Methodology: Comparative analysis of results obtained by Köppen, Feddema and clothing thermal resistance–operative temperature models.

Results: When the Köppen climate type is C (warm temperate), the rcl values are mostly below 1 clo (possible thermal sensation types: "neutral" and "cool"). When Köppen’s climate type is D (boreal), the rcl values are mostly above 1 clo (possible thermal sensation types: "cool", "cold", "very cold"). When the Feddema climate types are "cool, dry" and "cool, moist", the rcl values are mostly below 1 clo. When the Feddema climate types are "cold, dry", "cold, moist", "cold, wet" and "cold, saturated", the rcl values are mostly above 1 clo.

Conclusion: The spatial distribution of climate types of a region can also be characterized in terms of human thermal load.