Difference between revisions of "Biome"

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In KSP terminology, a '''biome''' is geographically contiguous area on the surface of a [[celestial body]]. They yield different experimental data (and flavor text). Currently{{Check version||0.23}}, only the Kerbin System, consisting of [[Kerbin]] and its moon [[Mün]] and [[Minmus]], have biomes. Taking data at different altitudes (including 'on the ground', i.e. surface samples) over different biomes reveals different [[Science|scientific results]].
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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 real life, [[w:Biome|biomes]] are contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions and organism communities. Without organisms, there are no biomes.
+
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]].
  
== Biomes on the celestial bodies ==
+
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.
If a body has specific biomes for the poles, the scientific results for both poles are the same. For example the north and south polar caps of Kerbin are the same biome called ''Ice Caps''. Although officially only Kerbin, Mun and Minmus have biomes, there are two different biomes available on Laythe and Eve because part of their surface is covered by fluids which represent another biome.
+
 
 +
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 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.
 +
<!-- 
 +
[[File:Moho-Biome-Map-recolored.png|thumb|left|Moho biome map as of 1.2]]
 +
 
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e4d6c6">North Pole</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d4c5c0">South Pole</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:#8b4ba1">Canyon</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#90b1c4">Northern Sinkhole Ridge</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#396cd1">Northern Sinkhole</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#2d2853">South Eastern Lowlands</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> -->
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<!--  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]] 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|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#dcc2ff">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#5a1272">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#712a8a">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#8947a0">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cea7dd">Foothills</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#a771be">Peaks</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#a764ff">Impact Ejecta</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#a764ff">Craters (Inaccesible)</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#af5985">Explodium Sea</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cea7dd">Akatsuki Lake</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#8b6690">Shallows</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#8c2c5c">Crater Lake</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d390b2">Western Sea</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Olympus</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#670c3a">Eastern Sea</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==== Gilly ====
 +
With only 3 biomes, the moon of Eve, called [[Gilly]], has the fewest number of biomes.
 +
 
 +
<!--  Old template, insufficient permissions to update the image for improved color contrast  -->
 +
{{Biome list|body=Gilly|list=
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#917867">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <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 ===
[[File:KerbinBiomeMap.png|thumb|The biomes on Kerbin]]
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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.
The planet Kerbin has 9 true biomes which extend into airborne and orbital altitudes. It also has three surface-only biome special locations, all of which are at [[Kerbal_Space_Center|KSC]] (while in flight, KSC counts as Shores biome).
 
  
There is also a distinction between being on land in a biome or in water. Most rivers and smaller bodies of water are the same biome as the ground around them. Only large lakes and Kerbin's oceans are counted as Water biome areas. Shores make up medium-sized lakes and coastal areas, covering both beach areas and on out into the water. Interestingly, small islands in Kerbin's oceanic areas, such as at the [[Insular Airfield]], sometimes are counted as surface landings, not splashdowns, within the Water 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]].
  
Science can be done in landed and splashed situations within biomes where bodies of water can be found. Science can also be done in biomes at various altitudes. Note that there are differences in in-flight biome recognition between Crew Reports, EVAs, and the various Science modules. Also, some modules can't log results while flying.
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[[File:KSC-Biomes.png|thumb|Kerbal Space Center location biomes]]
  
* LaunchPad
+
{{Biome list|body=Kerbin|list=
* Runway
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* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Ice Caps</span>
* KSC
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* <span style="color:black; background:#e6fdff">Northern Ice Shelf</span>
* Grasslands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d9d9d9">Southern Ice Shelf</span>
* Highlands
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#c690e3">Tundra</span>
* Mountains
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* <span style="color:white; background:#5f8614">Highlands</span>
* Deserts
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* <span style="color:black; background:#a8a8a8">Mountains</span>
* Badlands
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* <span style="color:black; background:#87be00">Grasslands</span>
* Tundra
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#e8c167">Deserts</span>
* IceCaps
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#954f11">Badlands</span>
* Water
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#f9f3b4">Shores</span>
* Shores
+
* <span style="color:white; background:#3b61b0">Water</span>
 +
}}
  
=== Mun ===
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{{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;
[[File:MunBiomeMap.png|thumb|The biomes on Mun]]
+
|title='''KSC mini biomes'''
* Canyons ''(Extend off of the major craters.)''
+
|content=
* East Crater
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* [[Inland Kerbal Space Center|Baikerbanur]]
* East Farside Crater
+
** Baikerbanur LaunchPad
* Farside Crater
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* Island Airfield
* Highland Craters
+
* [[Woomerang Launch Site]]
* Highlands
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* [[KSC]]
* Midland Craters
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** [[Administration Facility|Administration]]
* Midlands
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** [[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>
* Northern Basin
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** [[Crawlerway]]
* Northwest Crater
+
** [[Flag Pole]]
* Polar Crater
+
** [[Launch Pad|LaunchPad]]
* Polar Lowlands ''(Polar biome)''
+
** [[Mission Control]]
* Poles ''(Polar biome)''
+
** [[Research and Development|R&D]]
* Southwest Crater
+
*** R&D Central Building
* Twin Craters
+
*** R&D Corner Lab
 +
*** R&D Main Building
 +
*** R&D Observatory
 +
*** R&D Side Lab
 +
*** R&D Small Lab
 +
*** R&D Tanks
 +
*** R&D Wind Tunnel
 +
** [[Runway]]
 +
** [[Spaceplane Hangar|SPH]]
 +
*** SPH Main Building
 +
*** SPH Round Tank
 +
*** SPH Tanks
 +
*** SPH Water Tower
 +
** [[Tracking Station]]
 +
*** Tracking Station Dish East
 +
*** Tracking Station Dish North
 +
*** Tracking Station Dish South
 +
*** Tracking Station Hub
 +
** [[Vehicle Assembly Building|VAB]]
 +
*** VAB Main Building
 +
*** VAB Pod Memorial
 +
*** VAB Round Tank
 +
*** 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
 +
''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" />
  
=== Minmus ===
+
}}
[[File:Minmusbiome.png|thumb|The biomes on Minmus]]
+
==== Mun ====
* Highland
+
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.
* Midlands
 
* Lowlands
 
* Slopes
 
* Flats
 
* Great Flats
 
* Greater Flats
 
* Lesser Flats
 
* Poles
 
  
=== Eve ===
+
{{Biome list|body=Mun|list=
* Ocean
+
* <span style="color:black; background:#d9fffc">Poles</span>
* Land
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* <span style="color:black; background:#94d3cf">Polar Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#a8bab9">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#7e8c8b">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#626e68">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#09495a">Midland Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#2f7973">Highland Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#1454b8">Canyons</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#9f83ef">East Farside Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e672b3">Farside Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cb9b8c">Polar Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e46c49">Southwest Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cfcb5d">Northwest Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#9fd143">East Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#37dd8f">Twin Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#524263">Farside Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#2b581a">Northeast Basin</span>
 +
|file extra=Mun-Biome-Map-colored.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==== 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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Minmus|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#dbf3ff">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#80a59f">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#9fc5bf">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ddefec">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#4494ba">Slopes</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#567d8f">Flats</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#c35656">Lesser Flats</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#b87197">Great Flats</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#b27b50">Greater Flats</span>
 +
|file extra=Minmus-Biome-Map-colored.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=== 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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Duna|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e7e7e7">Polar Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#bfbfbf">Polar Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#faad7f">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#f68f50">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#e46c1b">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#b46600">Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#f99400">Midland Sea</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#b12812">Northeast Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#cd4b3c">Southern Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#911000">Northern Shelf</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#b85900">Midland Canyon</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#964400">Eastern Canyon</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#6c2e00">Western Canyon</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==== 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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Ike|list=
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#7a7877">Polar Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#949494">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#686868">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Eastern Mountain Ridge</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ededed">Western Mountain Ridge</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cdcdcd">Central Mountain Range</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#dbdbdb">South Eastern Mountain Range</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#858585">South Pole</span>}}
 +
 
 +
=== Dres ===
 +
The planet [[Dres]] has 8 biomes. There are four biomes based on altitude instead of the usual 3.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Dres|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#b7d1de">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e4d9c9">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c3b5a1">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#9c9180">Ridges</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#736b5f">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#475779">Impact Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#6d7a97">Impact [[w:Ejecta|Ejecta]]</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#3d97c5">Canyons</span>
 +
|file extra=Dres-Biome-Map-colored.jpg
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=== 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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Laythe|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#bdd6e5">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#fdeda0">Shores</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d5c057">Dunes</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#616fd1">Crescent Bay</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#2d61b4">The Sagen Sea</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ac9619">Crater Island</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#779fdb">Shallows</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#4e7dc7">Crater Bay</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#154190">Degrasse Sea</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#fef7d4">Peaks</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==== 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).
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Vall|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c4f7fd">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#75c7d0">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#51b3bf">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#a2dae0">Mountains</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#979797">Northeast Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#b3b3b3">Northwest Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c8c8c8">Southern Basin</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#dedede">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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Tylo|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cabdb4">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#b3a59b">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cabdb4">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#897a6f">Mara</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#726359">Minor Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#bb8c69">Gagarin Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#936440">Grissom Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#936440">Galileio Crater</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d1a686">Tycho Crater</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==== 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.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Bop|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#f4e3b7">Poles
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ae9f76">Slopes
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ddcea6">Peaks
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#978d72">Valley
 +
* <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 ====
 +
The fifth moon of Jool, called [[Pol]], has 4 biomes. Highlands are erroneously placed near the lowlands as well.
 +
 
 +
{{Biome list|body=Pol|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#fef4c3">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#b6a762">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d3c374">Midlands</span>
 +
* <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 ===
 +
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|list=
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#ffffff">Poles</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#cbcbcb">Northern Glaciers</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#c1cfea">Midlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#81a4eb">Lowlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#fbb858">Ice Canyons</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#d6dbe2">Highlands</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#dc8a00">Craters</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#fccf90">Fragipan</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#9bb4e8">Babbage Patch</span>
 +
* <span style="color:black; background:#e1e1e1">Southern Glaciers</span>
 +
* <span style="color:white; background:#7d7d7d">Mu Glacier</span>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 +
* [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/53567?p=1605233#post1605233 Answer] in “List of places and biomes in KSP (planetary geology & geography) - UPDATING FOR v0.90” by [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/members/81815 Olympic1]
  
=== Laythe ===
+
== See Also ==
* Water
+
* [[Tutorial:Science|A discussion & tutorial of how and where to get Science in biomes]]
* Land
 
  
=== Other ===
+
[[Category:Locations]]
All other celestial bodies have only one biome for the complete body. This will most likely change in the future.
+
[[Category:Career-specific features]]
 +
[[Category:Biome|Biome]]
 +
[[Category:Science]]

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