Climatic classifications are generally of two types: (1) empirical, and (2) genetic. Empirical classification is based on statistics, experiments, or physical characteristics relating to climate.

It is based on observations; it is, therefore, usually more stable over time than a genetic classification. Genetic classification, on the other hand, is based on the causes or the genesis of climatic variation.

In this scheme of classification, climatic phenomena, as they obtain in different areas on the earth’s surface, are organized according to their causes or origin.

Being based upon knowledge of the causes and relationships between different climatic variables, this classification is easy to use.

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However, it suffers from one major drawback in so far as our understanding of causes may change as we acquire more and more knowledge of facts.

Genetic classifications, therefore, are liable to be frequently revised. On the contrary, since empirical classifications are entirely based on observations, they are more stable and may not need any revision.