A
semi-arid climate or
steppe climate is the
climate of a region that receives precipitation below potential evapotranspiration, but not extremely. A more precise definition is given by the
Köppen climate classification that treats
steppe climates (
BSk and
BSh) as intermediates between
desert climates (BW) and humid climates in ecological characteristics and agricultural potential. Semi-arid climates tend to support short or scrubby vegetation, with semi-arid areas usually dominated by either
grasses or
shrubs.
