Comprehensive Climate Notes

Weather

defined as the day to day condition 

Climate

Defined as the conditions of the atmosphere over a long period of time

Maritime climate

a climate type that exists in areas close to large bodies of water

Moderating effect

The effect that a large body of water has on the climate of a place

(milder winters, cooler summers)

Continental climate

a climate type that exists in areas far from large bodies of water

Tropical climates

Found within 15° of the equator, they have hot temperatures year-round, lots of rain all year and has a rainy season and a dry season.

Desert climates

Found 15°–30° north or south of the equator, very dry with low precipitation, on the leeward side of mountains and can be hot or cold.

Mid-latitude climates

Located between 30°–60° north or south and is known for a lot of variety in weather.

High latitude

Found above 60° (Arctic/Antarctic) north, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers and low precipitation, considered cold deserts.

Highland (Mountains) Climates

Vary greatly due to elevation and All climate types can occur in one area depending on altitude.

Which climate region has the most rain?

Pacific Maritime

What are the 8 climate regions?

Pacific Maritime, Atlantic Maritime, Prairie, Arctic, Boreal, Southeastern, Cordilleran, and Taiga.

Which climate region is the coldest?

Arctic

Which climate region is the largest?

Boreal

Which climate region are we located in?

Southeastern

Red line on a climate graph

Represents the average temperature for each month

Blue bars on a climate graph

Total precipitation of each month

The letter on the bottom of the graph

Months of the year

Vancouver

Summer is cool (20 degrees avg), Winter is mild (Above 0), Precipitation is heavy (especially in the winter) and is Maritime

Yellowknife

Summer is cool (less than 20 degrees avg), Winters are very cold (-20 degrees avg), Precipitation is very low and is Continental

L. O. W. E. R. N

Latitude, ocean currents, wind and air masses, elevation, relief, nearness to water

Latitude

Closer to the equator = warmer climate, more direct sunlight.

Ocean currents

Influence nearby temperatures. Warm or cold currents affect climate.

Wind and air masses

Moves air with specific characteristics (warm, cool, moist, or dry) around the globe.

Elevation

Higher elevation = cooler temperatures (1°C drop per 100m gain).

Relief

Mountains and land shape affect precipitation and temperature by causing air to rise.

Nearness to water

Water bodies moderate temperatures. Milder winters, cooler summers, and more precipitation.

The four soil regions

Tundra soils, Wet climate soils, dry climate soils, and mounts soils

Which vegetation region has the most variety of plants?

Mountain/vegetation region

Tundra

Shrubs and lichens

Boreal and Taiga forests

Coniferous trees

Grassland

Grasses (wheat)

Mixed forests

Coniferous and deciduous trees

Deciduous forests

Deciduous trees(maple)

West coast forest

large pine trees (red cedar)

Mountain vegetation region

a large variety of plants and trees