Here's why:
* Continental refers to the landmass, emphasizing the distance from the moderating effects of oceans.
* Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns of a region.
Continental climates are characterized by:
* Large temperature variations between seasons (hot summers and cold winters) due to the lack of ocean influence.
* Low humidity because of the distance from large water bodies.
* Limited precipitation as moisture-laden air masses from oceans are less frequent.
Examples of continental climates include:
* Steppe climate: A semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.
* Humid continental climate: A climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
* Subarctic climate: A climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
