Geography - Environmental challenges

Why does the UK have a big variety of weather

Because 5 colossal airmasses meet here

How does North Atlantic drift influence weather in the UK

• Warm ocean current from the Caribbean blows across the Atlantic, via winds carried from south west

• It maintains warm conditions throughout the year, particularly in winter, water evaporates and precipitates when it reaches the UK

How does continentality influence weather in the UK

• Effects large areas that respond quickly to changes in temperature

• Causes dry (less water nearby as it is far from the coast), cold winter

• Causes dry, hot summers

How does Polar maritime airmass influence weather in the UK

• Comes from Greenland

• Wet, cold air brings cold and showery winters

How does Arctic maritime airmass influence weather in the UK

• Comes from the Arctic

• Wet, cold heavy showers, hail

How does Polar continental airmass influence weather in the UK

• Comes from central Europe

• Hot air brings dry summers, cold air (snow in the winter)

How does tropical continental airmass influence weather in the UK

• Comes from Africa

• Hot weather

How does tropical maritime airmass influence weather in the UK

• Comes from Atlantic

• Warm moist air, brings clouds, rain and mild weather