Difference between revisions of "Biome"

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In Kerbal Space Program a '''biome''' is a geographic area on the surface of a [[celestial body]] typically corresponding with types of geology like mountains or craters. This is in contrast to the real meaning of the term in which [[w:Biome|biomes]] are biotic communities in contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions and organism populations.
 
In Kerbal Space Program a '''biome''' is a geographic area on the surface of a [[celestial body]] typically corresponding with types of geology like mountains or craters. This is in contrast to the real meaning of the term in which [[w:Biome|biomes]] are biotic communities in contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions and organism populations.
  
The results of [[Science#Science activities|science activities]] often differ when performed in different biomes, and thus provide more opportunities to earn Science Points in [[Career|Career Mode]] to research further along the [[technology tree]]. In [[Sandbox]], even the text descriptions from experiments are unavailable, rendering biomes unimportant. For details and tips on how to get as much Science as possible from exploring biomes (and where to find water in a Mountain biome, for example), see the [[Tutorial:Science|Science Tutorial]].
+
The results of [[Science#Science activities|science activities]] often differ when performed in different biomes, and thus provide more opportunities to earn Science Points in [[Career|Career Mode]] to research further along the [[technology tree]]. In [[Sandbox]], even the text descriptions from experiments are unavailable, rendering biomes unimportant except for determining [[ore]] yield. For details and tips on how to get as much Science as possible from exploring biomes (and where to find water in a Mountain biome, for example), see the [[Tutorial:Science|Science Tutorial]].
  
 
Areas belonging to a biome may be geographically ''separate'', but they're not considered ''different'' areas. For example, after performing an EVA Report at Kerbin's north polar IceCap biome, performing one from the southern IceCap gives the same results (and Science Points) as if it had been performed a second time in the northern IceCap.
 
Areas belonging to a biome may be geographically ''separate'', but they're not considered ''different'' areas. For example, after performing an EVA Report at Kerbin's north polar IceCap biome, performing one from the southern IceCap gives the same results (and Science Points) as if it had been performed a second time in the northern IceCap.
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With version [[0.90]] biomes were added to all celestial bodies which have a solid surface, which excepts Jool and the Sun. Before that only the [[Kerbin]] system - Kerbin, [[Mun]] and [[Minmus]] - had biomes. [[Jool]]'s moon [[Laythe]] and the planet [[Eve]] have bodies of water and science activities performed in them stated as being from "Laythe's oceans" and "Eve's oceans". However, this was just the effect of the [[Science#Situations|situation]] "SrfSplashed" for a splashdown versus the usual "SrfLanded" surface landing.
 
With version [[0.90]] biomes were added to all celestial bodies which have a solid surface, which excepts Jool and the Sun. Before that only the [[Kerbin]] system - Kerbin, [[Mun]] and [[Minmus]] - had biomes. [[Jool]]'s moon [[Laythe]] and the planet [[Eve]] have bodies of water and science activities performed in them stated as being from "Laythe's oceans" and "Eve's oceans". However, this was just the effect of the [[Science#Situations|situation]] "SrfSplashed" for a splashdown versus the usual "SrfLanded" surface landing.
  
With versions [[1.2]] and [[1.2.1]], biome maps were slightly overhauled and new biomes were added setting the total count of biomes on 145.
+
With versions [[1.2]] and [[1.2.1]], biome maps were slightly overhauled and new biomes were added setting the total count of biomes to 145.
  
 
== Kerbol ==
 
== Kerbol ==
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=== Moho ===
 
=== Moho ===
 
[[Moho]] has 12 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being [[Kerbin]] and [[Ike]]) that have their own North and South Pole biomes. It is dotted with Minor Craters and features four distinct Lowland Biomes.
 
[[Moho]] has 12 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being [[Kerbin]] and [[Ike]]) that have their own North and South Pole biomes. It is dotted with Minor Craters and features four distinct Lowland Biomes.
 +
<!-- 
 +
[[File:Moho-Biome-Map-recolored.png|thumb|left|Moho biome map as of 1.2]]
  
{{Biome list|body=Moho|
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#e4d6c6">North Pole</span>
* North Pole
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* <span style="color:black; background:#d4c5c0">South Pole</span>
* Northern Sinkhole Ridge
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* <span style="color:black; background:#d2ac8a">Highlands</span>
* Northern Sinkhole
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* <span style="color:black; background:#b28b67">Midlands</span>
* Highlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#7c5f45">Minor Craters</span>
* Midlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#8b4ba1">Canyon</span>
* Minor Craters
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* <span style="color:black; background:#90b1c4">Northern Sinkhole Ridge</span>
* Central Lowlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#396cd1">Northern Sinkhole</span>
* Western Lowlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#2d2853">South Eastern Lowlands</span>
* South Western Lowlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#585393">Central Lowlands</span>
* South Eastern Lowlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#817acf">Western Lowlands</span>
* Canyon
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c6c2ea">South Western Lowlands</span> -->
* South Pole}}
+
 
 +
 
 +
<!--  Old template, insufficient permissions to update the image for improved color contrast  -->
 +
{{Biome list|body=Moho|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e4d6c6">North Pole</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#90b1c4">Northern Sinkhole Ridge</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#396cd1">Northern Sinkhole</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d2ac8a">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#b28b67">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#7c5f45">Minor Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#585393">Central Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#817acf">Western Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c6c2ea">South Western Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#2d2853">South Eastern Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#8b4ba1">Canyon</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d4c5c0">South Pole</span>
 +
|file extra=Moho-Biome-Map-recolored.png}}
  
 
=== Eve ===
 
=== Eve ===
[[Eve]] has 15 biomes with their own science to be collected. It's main features are a large Explodium Sea with some scattered Islands and Shallow areas as well as a Main Continent and Poles. Within the Continent lie three large bodies of liquid, one being a Crater Lake. There are also areas covered with Impact Ejecta.
+
[[Eve]] has 14 accesible biomes with their own science to be collected, as well as one inaccesible biome. Its main features are a large Explodium Sea with some scattered Islands and Shallow areas as well as a Main Continent and Poles. Within the Continent lie three large bodies of liquid, one being a Crater Lake. There are also areas covered with Impact Ejecta.
  
{{Biome list|body=Eve|
+
{{Biome list|body=Eve|list=
* Poles
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* <span style="color:black; background:#dcc2ff">Poles</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#5a1272">Lowlands</span>
* Midlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#712a8a">Midlands</span>
* Highlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#8947a0">Highlands</span>
* Foothills
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* <span style="color:black; background:#cea7dd">Foothills</span>
* Peaks
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* <span style="color:white; background:#a771be">Peaks</span>
* Impact Ejecta
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* <span style="color:white; background:#a764ff">Impact Ejecta</span>
* Explodium Sea
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* <span style="color:white; background:#a764ff">Craters (Inaccesible)</span>
* Akatsuki Lake
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* <span style="color:white; background:#af5985">Explodium Sea</span>
* Shallows
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* <span style="color:black; background:#cea7dd">Akatsuki Lake</span>
* Crater Lake
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* <span style="color:white; background:#8b6690">Shallows</span>
* Western Sea
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* <span style="color:white; background:#8c2c5c">Crater Lake</span>
* Olympus
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* <span style="color:black; background:#d390b2">Western Sea</span>
* Craters
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* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Olympus</span>
* Eastern Sea}}
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* <span style="color:white; background:#670c3a">Eastern Sea</span>
 +
}}
  
 
==== Gilly ====
 
==== Gilly ====
 
With only 3 biomes, the moon of Eve, called [[Gilly]], has the fewest number of biomes.
 
With only 3 biomes, the moon of Eve, called [[Gilly]], has the fewest number of biomes.
  
{{Biome list|body=Gilly|
+
<!--  Old template, insufficient permissions to update the image for improved color contrast  -->
* Lowlands
+
{{Biome list|body=Gilly|list=
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#917867">Lowlands</span>
* Highlands}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#af9a8b">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e6d6cb">Highlands</span>
 +
|file extra=Gilly-Biome-Map-colored.png
 +
}}
  
 
=== Kerbin ===
 
=== Kerbin ===
The planet [[Kerbin]] has 11 biomes, plus a large number of surface-only “location biomes” comprising [[Kerbal Space Center]]. Roughly 60% Kerbin's surface is Water biome. Grasslands and Highlands biomes cover most of the land area. Along with Moho and Ike it has distinct polar biomes.
+
The planet [[Kerbin]] has 11 biomes, plus a large number of surface-only “location biomes” comprising [[Kerbal Space Center]] and related launch sites. Roughly 60% Kerbin's surface is Water biome. Grasslands and Highlands biomes cover most of the land area. Along with Moho and Ike it has distinct polar biomes. Due to a bug, the land within 470m from the north pole is part of the "Southern Ice Shelf" biome.
  
 
Kerbin is the only celestial body with location biomes: the grounds of [[KSC]] and the many structures it is composed of. Each count as a biome only with experiments performed on the surface. KSC is within a Shores biome, so experiments while flying at any altitude over the KSC count as Shores. However, it is possible to get an "EVA Report while flying over" the area, either while jumping, grabbing a ladder on a craft, or sitting on a [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]].
 
Kerbin is the only celestial body with location biomes: the grounds of [[KSC]] and the many structures it is composed of. Each count as a biome only with experiments performed on the surface. KSC is within a Shores biome, so experiments while flying at any altitude over the KSC count as Shores. However, it is possible to get an "EVA Report while flying over" the area, either while jumping, grabbing a ladder on a craft, or sitting on a [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]].
  
{{Biome list|body=Kerbin|
+
[[File:KSC-Biomes.png|thumb|Kerbal Space Center location biomes]]
* Ice Caps
 
* Northern Ice Shelf
 
* Southern Ice Shelf
 
* Tundra
 
* Highlands
 
* Mountains
 
* Grasslands
 
* Deserts
 
* Badlands
 
* Shores
 
* Water}}
 
  
{{FlipBox|style=word-wrap: normal;margin: 0em 0em 0.5em; border-style: solid solid solid solid; padding: 0px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border-color:#aaaaaa; border-width:1px; width: 24em;
+
{{Biome list|body=Kerbin|list=
|title=KSC mini biomes
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Ice Caps</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e6fdff">Northern Ice Shelf</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d9d9d9">Southern Ice Shelf</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c690e3">Tundra</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#5f8614">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#a8a8a8">Mountains</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#87be00">Grasslands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e8c167">Deserts</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#954f11">Badlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#f9f3b4">Shores</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#3b61b0">Water</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{FlipBox|style=word-wrap: normal;margin: 0em 0em 0.5em; border-style: solid solid solid solid; padding: 0px; background-color: #DFFFDF; border-color:#aaaaaa; border-width:1px; width: 24em;
 +
|title='''KSC mini biomes'''
 
|content=
 
|content=
 
* [[Inland Kerbal Space Center|Baikerbanur]]
 
* [[Inland Kerbal Space Center|Baikerbanur]]
Line 84: Line 109:
 
* [[KSC]]
 
* [[KSC]]
 
** [[Administration Facility|Administration]]
 
** [[Administration Facility|Administration]]
*** Administration Grounds
+
** [[Astronaut Complex]]<ref group="Note">In career mode, the Astronaut Complex location biome is available with a first-level building if in contact with the structure, or anywhere on its hex after the first upgrade.</ref>
** [[Astronaut Complex]]
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** [[Crawlerway]]
*** AstronautComplex Grounds
+
** [[Flag Pole]]
** Crawlerway
 
** [[Flag Pole|FlagPole]]
 
 
** [[Launch Pad|LaunchPad]]
 
** [[Launch Pad|LaunchPad]]
*** LaunchPad Water Tower
 
*** LaunchPad Platform<small>(only exist when LaunchPad is Level 2)</small>
 
*** LaunchPad Flag Pole
 
*** LaunchPad Round Tank
 
*** LaunchPad Tanks
 
 
** [[Mission Control]]
 
** [[Mission Control]]
*** MissionControl Grounds
 
 
** [[Research and Development|R&D]]
 
** [[Research and Development|R&D]]
 
*** R&D Central Building
 
*** R&D Central Building
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*** VAB Pod Memorial
 
*** VAB Pod Memorial
 
*** VAB Round Tank
 
*** VAB Round Tank
*** VAB South Complex<small>(only exist when VAB is Level 2)</small>
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*** VAB South Complex<ref group="Note">The South Complex location biome is only accessible with a second-level VAB, making the science available there missable content.</ref>
 
*** VAB Tanks
 
*** VAB Tanks
 +
''Notes: While the per-area biomes are available from the start of a new career game, the per-structure biomes will not be found until each facility is upgraded once or twice. To access each per-structure biome, your craft needs to be touching each new building.''
 +
<references group="Note" />
 +
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
==== Mun ====
 
==== Mun ====
 
The biggest moon of Kerbin, called the [[Mun]], has a total of 17 biomes, 7 of which are uniquely named major craters. The [[Mun]] has the largest amount of biomes in the [[Kerbol]] System. Most of the surface area belongs to the Midlands biome followed by the Highlands. Canyon biomes extend off a few major craters.
 
The biggest moon of Kerbin, called the [[Mun]], has a total of 17 biomes, 7 of which are uniquely named major craters. The [[Mun]] has the largest amount of biomes in the [[Kerbol]] System. Most of the surface area belongs to the Midlands biome followed by the Highlands. Canyon biomes extend off a few major craters.
  
{{Biome list|body=Mun|
+
{{Biome list|body=Mun|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d9fffc">Poles</span>
* Polar Lowlands
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* <span style="color:black; background:#94d3cf">Polar Lowlands</span>
* Polar Crater
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* <span style="color:black; background:#a8bab9">Highlands</span>
* Highlands
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* <span style="color:black; background:#7e8c8b">Midlands</span>
* Highland Craters
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* <span style="color:black; background:#626e68">Lowlands</span>
* Midlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#09495a">Midland Craters</span>
* Midland Craters
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* <span style="color:white; background:#2f7973">Highland Craters</span>
* Lowlands
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* <span style="color:white; background:#1454b8">Canyons</span>
* Northeast Basin
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* <span style="color:black; background:#9f83ef">East Farside Crater</span>
* Farside Basin
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* <span style="color:black; background:#e672b3">Farside Crater</span>
* Northwest Crater
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* <span style="color:black; background:#cb9b8c">Polar Crater</span>
* East Farside Crater
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* <span style="color:black; background:#e46c49">Southwest Crater</span>
* Canyons
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* <span style="color:black; background:#cfcb5d">Northwest Crater</span>
* Farside Crater
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* <span style="color:black; background:#9fd143">East Crater</span>
* East Crater
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* <span style="color:black; background:#37dd8f">Twin Craters</span>
* Twin Craters
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* <span style="color:white; background:#524263">Farside Basin</span>
* Southwest Crater}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#2b581a">Northeast Basin</span>
 +
|file extra=Mun-Biome-Map-colored.png
 +
}}
  
 
==== Minmus ====
 
==== Minmus ====
 
The moon of Kerbin, called [[Minmus]], has a total of 9 biomes. The most distinctive quality of Minmus's biomes is the variety of Flats, which in-game text describe as “lake beds”. They are almost perfectly flat and may represent [[w:Salt_pan_(geology)|salt flats]]. Roughly two-thirds of the surface area is irregular terrain transitioning between Highlands, Midlands, and Lowlands with Slopes in-between.
 
The moon of Kerbin, called [[Minmus]], has a total of 9 biomes. The most distinctive quality of Minmus's biomes is the variety of Flats, which in-game text describe as “lake beds”. They are almost perfectly flat and may represent [[w:Salt_pan_(geology)|salt flats]]. Roughly two-thirds of the surface area is irregular terrain transitioning between Highlands, Midlands, and Lowlands with Slopes in-between.
  
{{Biome list|body=Minmus|
+
{{Biome list|body=Minmus|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#dbf3ff">Poles</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#80a59f">Lowlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#9fc5bf">Midlands</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ddefec">Highlands</span>
* Slopes
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* <span style="color:white; background:#4494ba">Slopes</span>
* Flats
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* <span style="color:white; background:#567d8f">Flats</span>
* Lesser Flats
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* <span style="color:white; background:#c35656">Lesser Flats</span>
* Great Flats
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* <span style="color:white; background:#b87197">Great Flats</span>
* Greater Flats}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#b27b50">Greater Flats</span>
 +
|file extra=Minmus-Biome-Map-colored.png
 +
}}
  
 
=== Duna ===
 
=== Duna ===
 
The planet [[Duna]] has 14 Biomes. Within the generic mix of Low-, Mid- and Highlands lie various Basins and Canyons with some scattered craters. The most dominant feature is the Midland Sea, which spans half the Planet. The Poles also include separate Highlands and Craters.
 
The planet [[Duna]] has 14 Biomes. Within the generic mix of Low-, Mid- and Highlands lie various Basins and Canyons with some scattered craters. The most dominant feature is the Midland Sea, which spans half the Planet. The Poles also include separate Highlands and Craters.
  
{{Biome list|body=Duna|
+
{{Biome list|body=Duna|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Poles</span>
* Polar Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#e7e7e7">Polar Highlands</span>
* Polar Craters
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#bfbfbf">Polar Craters</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#faad7f">Highlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#f68f50">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#e46c1b">Lowlands</span>
* Craters
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#b46600">Craters</span>
* Midland Sea
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#f99400">Midland Sea</span>
* Northeast Basin
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#b12812">Northeast Basin</span>
* Southern Basin
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#cd4b3c">Southern Basin</span>
* Northern Shelf
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#911000">Northern Shelf</span>
* Midland Canyon
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#b85900">Midland Canyon</span>
* Eastern Canyon
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#964400">Eastern Canyon</span>
* Western Canyon}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#6c2e00">Western Canyon</span>
 +
}}
  
 
==== Ike ====
 
==== Ike ====
The moon of Duna, called [[Ike]], has 8 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being Moho and Kerbin) that has their own North and South Pole biome.
+
The moon of Duna, called [[Ike]], has 8 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being Moho and Kerbin) that has their own North and South Pole biome. There are four uniquely named highland regions.
  
{{Biome list|body=Ike|
+
{{Biome list|body=Ike|list=
* Polar Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#7a7877">Polar Lowlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#949494">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#686868">Lowlands</span>
* Eastern Mountain Ridge
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Eastern Mountain Ridge</span>
* Western Mountain Ridge
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ededed">Western Mountain Ridge</span>
* Central Mountain Range
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#cdcdcd">Central Mountain Range</span>
* South Eastern Mountain Range
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#dbdbdb">South Eastern Mountain Range</span>
* South Pole}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#858585">South Pole</span>}}
  
 
=== Dres ===
 
=== Dres ===
The planet [[Dres]] has 8 biomes.
+
The planet [[Dres]] has 8 biomes. There are four biomes based on altitude instead of the usual 3.
  
{{Biome list|body=Dres|
+
{{Biome list|body=Dres|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#b7d1de">Poles</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#e4d9c9">Highlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c3b5a1">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#9c9180">Ridges</span>
* Ridges
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#736b5f">Lowlands</span>
* Impact [[w:Ejecta|Ejecta]]
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#475779">Impact Craters</span>
* Impact Craters
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#6d7a97">Impact [[w:Ejecta|Ejecta]]</span>
* Canyons}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#3d97c5">Canyons</span>
 +
|file extra=Dres-Biome-Map-colored.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
=== Jool ===
 
=== Jool ===
Line 211: Line 237:
 
==== Laythe ====
 
==== Laythe ====
 
The first moon of Jool, called [[Laythe]], has 10 biomes.
 
The first moon of Jool, called [[Laythe]], has 10 biomes.
Laythe consists primarily of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with another ocean called the Degrasse Sea and some small Peaks, Dunes and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.
+
Laythe consists primarily of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with another ocean called the Degrasse Sea, two smaller named seas, some small Peaks, Dunes, and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.
  
{{Biome list|body=Laythe|
+
{{Biome list|body=Laythe|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#bdd6e5">Poles</span>
* Shores
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#fdeda0">Shores</span>
* Dunes
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d5c057">Dunes</span>
* Crescent Bay
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#616fd1">Crescent Bay</span>
* The Sagen Sea
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#2d61b4">The Sagen Sea</span>
* Crater Island
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ac9619">Crater Island</span>
* Shallows
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#779fdb">Shallows</span>
* Crater Bay
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#4e7dc7">Crater Bay</span>
* Degrasse Sea
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#154190">Degrasse Sea</span>
* Peaks}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#fef7d4">Peaks</span>
 +
}}
  
 
==== Vall ====
 
==== Vall ====
The second moon of Jool, called [[Vall]], has 9 biomes. It has mostly large Lowlands broken up by Midlands and Highlands with some high Mountains in between. There are four distinct Basins and Poles available as well.
+
The second moon of Jool, called [[Vall]], has 9 biomes. It has mostly large Lowlands broken up by ridges. There are four biomes based on altitude. There are four distinct Basins (lowlands).
  
{{Biome list|body=Vall|
+
{{Biome list|body=Vall|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c4f7fd">Poles</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#75c7d0">Highlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#51b3bf">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Lowlands</span>
* Mountains
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#a2dae0">Mountains</span>
* Northeast Basin
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#979797">Northeast Basin</span>
* Northwest Basin
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#b3b3b3">Northwest Basin</span>
* Southern Basin
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c8c8c8">Southern Basin</span>
* Southern Valleys}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#dedede">Southern Valleys
 +
}}
  
 
==== Tylo ====
 
==== Tylo ====
The third moon of Jool, called [[Tylo]], has 9 biomes. It mostly consists of generic Low-, Mid- and Highlands with some Mara and Minor Craters scattered in between. There are four distinct Craters. Previously three of these Craters were simply named Major Crater, the reason for this oddity not being known.
+
The third moon of Jool, called [[Tylo]], has 9 biomes. There are four general biomes based on alititude. There are four named Craters, three of were originally named Major Crater.
  
{{Biome list|body=Tylo|
+
{{Biome list|body=Tylo|list=
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#cabdb4">Highlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#b3a59b">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#cabdb4">Lowlands</span>
* Mara
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#897a6f">Mara</span>
* Minor Craters
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#726359">Minor Craters</span>
* Gagarin Crater
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#bb8c69">Gagarin Crater</span>
* Grissom Crater
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#936440">Grissom Crater</span>
* Galileio Crater
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#936440">Galileio Crater</span>
* Tycho Crater}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d1a686">Tycho Crater</span>
 +
}}
  
 
==== Bop ====
 
==== Bop ====
The fourth moon of Jool, called [[Bop]], has 5 biomes.
+
The fourth moon of Jool, called [[Bop]], has 5 biomes, four based on altitude. The Ridges biome is located inside of the Slopes biome.
  
{{Biome list|body=Bop|
+
{{Biome list|body=Bop|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#f4e3b7">Poles
* Slopes
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ae9f76">Slopes
* Peaks
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ddcea6">Peaks
* Valley
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#978d72">Valley
* Ridges}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c4b489">Ridges
 +
|file extra=Bop biome 1800x900.png|file extra thumb=Bop biome map as of 1.2.1
 +
}}
  
 
==== Pol ====
 
==== Pol ====
The fifth moon of Jool, called [[Pol]], has 4 biomes.
+
The fifth moon of Jool, called [[Pol]], has 4 biomes. Highlands are erroneously placed near the lowlands as well.
  
{{Biome list|body=Pol|
+
{{Biome list|body=Pol|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#fef4c3">Poles</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#b6a762">Lowlands</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d3c374">Midlands</span>
* Highlands}}
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#f4e59f">Highlands</span>
 +
|file extra=Pol Biome Map 1.2.1.png|file extra thumb=Pol biome map as of 1.2.1
 +
}}
  
 
=== Eeloo ===
 
=== Eeloo ===
The planet [[Eeloo]] has a total of 11 biomes.  
+
The planet [[Eeloo]] has a total of 11 biomes. Three are based on altitude while several are based on geological features.
  
{{Biome list|body=Eeloo|
+
{{Biome list|body=Eeloo|list=
* Poles
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Poles</span>
* Northern Glaciers
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#cbcbcb">Northern Glaciers</span>
* Midlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c1cfea">Midlands</span>
* Lowlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#81a4eb">Lowlands</span>
* Ice Canyons
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#fbb858">Ice Canyons</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d6dbe2">Highlands</span>
* Craters
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#dc8a00">Craters</span>
* Fragipan
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#fccf90">Fragipan</span>
* Babbage Patch
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#9bb4e8">Babbage Patch</span>
* Southern Glaciers
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#e1e1e1">Southern Glaciers</span>
* Mu Glacier}}
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#7d7d7d">Mu Glacier</span>
 +
}}
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Latest revision as of 12:35, 5 November 2022

In Kerbal Space Program a biome is a geographic area on the surface of a celestial body typically corresponding with types of geology like mountains or craters. This is in contrast to the real meaning of the term in which biomes are biotic communities in contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions and organism populations.

The results of science activities often differ when performed in different biomes, and thus provide more opportunities to earn Science Points in Career Mode to research further along the technology tree. In Sandbox, even the text descriptions from experiments are unavailable, rendering biomes unimportant except for determining ore yield. For details and tips on how to get as much Science as possible from exploring biomes (and where to find water in a Mountain biome, for example), see the Science Tutorial.

Areas belonging to a biome may be geographically separate, but they're not considered different areas. For example, after performing an EVA Report at Kerbin's north polar IceCap biome, performing one from the southern IceCap gives the same results (and Science Points) as if it had been performed a second time in the northern IceCap.

With version 0.90 biomes were added to all celestial bodies which have a solid surface, which excepts Jool and the Sun. Before that only the Kerbin system - Kerbin, Mun and Minmus - had biomes. Jool's moon Laythe and the planet Eve have bodies of water and science activities performed in them stated as being from "Laythe's oceans" and "Eve's oceans". However, this was just the effect of the situation "SrfSplashed" for a splashdown versus the usual "SrfLanded" surface landing.

With versions 1.2 and 1.2.1, biome maps were slightly overhauled and new biomes were added setting the total count of biomes to 145.

Kerbol

The star Kerbol (officially called “The Sun”) has no biomes. Any attempt to land on its surface will result in the craft overheating, and ultimately exploding.

Moho

Moho has 12 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being Kerbin and Ike) that have their own North and South Pole biomes. It is dotted with Minor Craters and features four distinct Lowland Biomes.


Moho In-game biome map as of 1.2
Moho-Biome-Map-recolored.png
  • North Pole
  • Northern Sinkhole Ridge
  • Northern Sinkhole
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Minor Craters
  • Central Lowlands
  • Western Lowlands
  • South Western Lowlands
  • South Eastern Lowlands
  • Canyon
  • South Pole

Eve

Eve has 14 accesible biomes with their own science to be collected, as well as one inaccesible biome. Its main features are a large Explodium Sea with some scattered Islands and Shallow areas as well as a Main Continent and Poles. Within the Continent lie three large bodies of liquid, one being a Crater Lake. There are also areas covered with Impact Ejecta.

Eve In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Lowlands
  • Midlands
  • Highlands
  • Foothills
  • Peaks
  • Impact Ejecta
  • Craters (Inaccesible)
  • Explodium Sea
  • Akatsuki Lake
  • Shallows
  • Crater Lake
  • Western Sea
  • Olympus
  • Eastern Sea

Gilly

With only 3 biomes, the moon of Eve, called Gilly, has the fewest number of biomes.

Gilly In-game biome map as of 1.2
Gilly-Biome-Map-colored.png
  • Lowlands
  • Midlands
  • Highlands

Kerbin

The planet Kerbin has 11 biomes, plus a large number of surface-only “location biomes” comprising Kerbal Space Center and related launch sites. Roughly 60% Kerbin's surface is Water biome. Grasslands and Highlands biomes cover most of the land area. Along with Moho and Ike it has distinct polar biomes. Due to a bug, the land within 470m from the north pole is part of the "Southern Ice Shelf" biome.

Kerbin is the only celestial body with location biomes: the grounds of KSC and the many structures it is composed of. Each count as a biome only with experiments performed on the surface. KSC is within a Shores biome, so experiments while flying at any altitude over the KSC count as Shores. However, it is possible to get an "EVA Report while flying over" the area, either while jumping, grabbing a ladder on a craft, or sitting on a EAS-1 External Command Seat.

Kerbal Space Center location biomes
Kerbin In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Ice Caps
  • Northern Ice Shelf
  • Southern Ice Shelf
  • Tundra
  • Highlands
  • Mountains
  • Grasslands
  • Deserts
  • Badlands
  • Shores
  • Water
KSC mini biomes

Notes: While the per-area biomes are available from the start of a new career game, the per-structure biomes will not be found until each facility is upgraded once or twice. To access each per-structure biome, your craft needs to be touching each new building.

  1. In career mode, the Astronaut Complex location biome is available with a first-level building if in contact with the structure, or anywhere on its hex after the first upgrade.
  2. The South Complex location biome is only accessible with a second-level VAB, making the science available there missable content.

Mun

The biggest moon of Kerbin, called the Mun, has a total of 17 biomes, 7 of which are uniquely named major craters. The Mun has the largest amount of biomes in the Kerbol System. Most of the surface area belongs to the Midlands biome followed by the Highlands. Canyon biomes extend off a few major craters.

Mun In-game biome map as of 1.2
Mun-Biome-Map-colored.png
  • Poles
  • Polar Lowlands
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Midland Craters
  • Highland Craters
  • Canyons
  • East Farside Crater
  • Farside Crater
  • Polar Crater
  • Southwest Crater
  • Northwest Crater
  • East Crater
  • Twin Craters
  • Farside Basin
  • Northeast Basin

Minmus

The moon of Kerbin, called Minmus, has a total of 9 biomes. The most distinctive quality of Minmus's biomes is the variety of Flats, which in-game text describe as “lake beds”. They are almost perfectly flat and may represent salt flats. Roughly two-thirds of the surface area is irregular terrain transitioning between Highlands, Midlands, and Lowlands with Slopes in-between.

Minmus In-game biome map as of 1.2
Minmus-Biome-Map-colored.png
  • Poles
  • Lowlands
  • Midlands
  • Highlands
  • Slopes
  • Flats
  • Lesser Flats
  • Great Flats
  • Greater Flats

Duna

The planet Duna has 14 Biomes. Within the generic mix of Low-, Mid- and Highlands lie various Basins and Canyons with some scattered craters. The most dominant feature is the Midland Sea, which spans half the Planet. The Poles also include separate Highlands and Craters.

Duna In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Polar Highlands
  • Polar Craters
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Craters
  • Midland Sea
  • Northeast Basin
  • Southern Basin
  • Northern Shelf
  • Midland Canyon
  • Eastern Canyon
  • Western Canyon

Ike

The moon of Duna, called Ike, has 8 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being Moho and Kerbin) that has their own North and South Pole biome. There are four uniquely named highland regions.

Ike In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Polar Lowlands
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Eastern Mountain Ridge
  • Western Mountain Ridge
  • Central Mountain Range
  • South Eastern Mountain Range
  • South Pole

Dres

The planet Dres has 8 biomes. There are four biomes based on altitude instead of the usual 3.

Dres In-game biome map as of 1.2
Dres-Biome-Map-colored.jpg
  • Poles
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Ridges
  • Lowlands
  • Impact Craters
  • Impact Ejecta
  • Canyons

Jool

The planet Jool has no biomes, since it is a gas giant and therefore landing on its surface is not possible.

Laythe

The first moon of Jool, called Laythe, has 10 biomes. Laythe consists primarily of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with another ocean called the Degrasse Sea, two smaller named seas, some small Peaks, Dunes, and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.

Laythe In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Shores
  • Dunes
  • Crescent Bay
  • The Sagen Sea
  • Crater Island
  • Shallows
  • Crater Bay
  • Degrasse Sea
  • Peaks

Vall

The second moon of Jool, called Vall, has 9 biomes. It has mostly large Lowlands broken up by ridges. There are four biomes based on altitude. There are four distinct Basins (lowlands).

Vall In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Mountains
  • Northeast Basin
  • Northwest Basin
  • Southern Basin
  • Southern Valleys

Tylo

The third moon of Jool, called Tylo, has 9 biomes. There are four general biomes based on alititude. There are four named Craters, three of were originally named Major Crater.

Tylo In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Mara
  • Minor Craters
  • Gagarin Crater
  • Grissom Crater
  • Galileio Crater
  • Tycho Crater

Bop

The fourth moon of Jool, called Bop, has 5 biomes, four based on altitude. The Ridges biome is located inside of the Slopes biome.

Bop In-game biome map as of 1.2
Bop biome map as of 1.2.1
  • Poles
  • Slopes
  • Peaks
  • Valley
  • Ridges

Pol

The fifth moon of Jool, called Pol, has 4 biomes. Highlands are erroneously placed near the lowlands as well.

Pol In-game biome map as of 1.2
Pol biome map as of 1.2.1
  • Poles
  • Lowlands
  • Midlands
  • Highlands

Eeloo

The planet Eeloo has a total of 11 biomes. Three are based on altitude while several are based on geological features.

Eeloo In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Northern Glaciers
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Ice Canyons
  • Highlands
  • Craters
  • Fragipan
  • Babbage Patch
  • Southern Glaciers
  • Mu Glacier

References

  • Answer in “List of places and biomes in KSP (planetary geology & geography) - UPDATING FOR v0.90” by Olympic1

See Also