Geography Notes on Weather and Climate

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to weather, climate, and specific climate regions in Canada.

Temperature

A measurement of how hot or cold something is.

Weather

Day to day characteristics of the atmosphere, including temperature, wind, precipitation, and cloud cover.

Climate

Long term patterns of weather, typically assessed over a period of 20-25 years.

Maritime Climate

Climate characterized by small temperature ranges, high precipitation, warmer summers, and cool winters, typically found near water.

Continental Climates

Climate found inland, characterized by high temperature ranges and low precipitation, with cold winters and hot summers.

Latitude

The distance from the equator; influences sunlight exposure and climate.

Ocean Currents

Large scale flows of water that can affect climate by altering air temperature above them.

Wind Pressure

The pressure differences in the atmosphere that determine wind direction.

Elevation

The height above sea level; generally, temperature decreases with higher elevation.

Relief

The differences in land forms; mountains can create barriers affecting climate.

Near Water

Geographical areas near large bodies of water tend to have less extreme temperature changes throughout the year.

Arctic Climate

Climate region characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers with low precipitation.

Taiga Climate

Characterized by cool summers and cold, snowy winters with low annual precipitation.

Boreal Climate

Includes short, moist summers and very long, dry winters, varying from moister in the south to drier in the north.

Cordillera Climate

Features mild winters and warm summers with not much temperature change.

Pacific Maritime Climate

The warmest and wettest region in Canada, characterized by high annual precipitation.

Southeastern Climate

Features high temperature ranges and significant seasonal precipitation, with wet, cold winters and dry, hot summers.

Prairies Climate

Characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and low precipitation.

Atlantic Maritime Climate

Moderate climate with cool, moist conditions, long mild winters, and significant precipitation.