Difference between revisions of "Biome"

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(Clarified biome recognition based on extensive exploration in-game. Biome names taken directly from ScienceDefs.cfg)
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=== Kerbin ===
 
=== Kerbin ===
 
[[File:KerbinBiomeMap.png|thumb|The biomes on Kerbin]]
 
[[File:KerbinBiomeMap.png|thumb|The biomes on Kerbin]]
The planet Kerbin has 9 to 12 different biomes. Unlike Mun where the biomes extend into space, the biomes ''KSC'', ''Runway'' and ''Launch Pad'' can only be detected on the surface. As soon as the measurement is not taken on the surface, it will report the biome Shores.
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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).
  
The Water biome is only present on large water bodies. Most rivers and smaller lakes are the same biome as the ground around them.
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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.
  
* Launch Pad
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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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* LaunchPad
 
* Runway
 
* Runway
 
* KSC
 
* KSC
 
* Grasslands
 
* Grasslands
* Ice Caps ''(Polar biome)''
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* Highlands
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* Mountains
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* Deserts
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* Badlands
 
* Tundra
 
* Tundra
* Mountain
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* IceCaps
* Badlands
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* Water
* Desert
 
* Water (Oceans)
 
* Highlands
 
 
* Shores
 
* Shores
  

Revision as of 20:49, 8 March 2014

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[outdated], 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 scientific results.

In real life, biomes are contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions and organism communities. Without organisms, there are no biomes.

Biomes on the celestial bodies

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.

Kerbin

The biomes on Kerbin

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 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.

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.

  • LaunchPad
  • Runway
  • KSC
  • Grasslands
  • Highlands
  • Mountains
  • Deserts
  • Badlands
  • Tundra
  • IceCaps
  • Water
  • Shores

Mun

The biomes on Mun
  • Canyons (Extend off of the major craters.)
  • East Crater
  • East Farside Crater
  • Farside Crater
  • Highland Craters
  • Highlands
  • Midland Craters
  • Midlands
  • Northern Basin
  • Northwest Crater
  • Polar Crater
  • Polar Lowlands (Polar biome)
  • Poles (Polar biome)
  • Southwest Crater
  • Twin Craters

Minmus

The biomes on Minmus
  • Highland
  • Midlands
  • Lowlands
  • Slopes
  • Flats
  • Great Flats
  • Greater Flats
  • Lesser Flats
  • Poles

Eve

  • Ocean
  • Land

Laythe

  • Water
  • Land

Other

All other celestial bodies have only one biome for the complete body. This will most likely change in the future.