(5.2.2) Climate in the UK

Define weather.

short-term changes in atmospheric conditions

Define climate.

average weather conditions

over a period of at least 30 years,

that informs expectation of weather

at certain points in time.

Describe the climate in the UK.

• Warmer in the West in Winter

• Warmer in the South in Summer

• Wetter in the West

The UK has a maritime climate. What does this mean?

not influenced by pole/equator but instead by the sea.

What is a temperate climate?

climate with relatively moderate mean annual temperatures

What is a continental climate?

climate with significant annual variation in temperatures

What are the 4 factors that help to explain climate variation acorss the UK?

latitude

ocean current

distance from the sea

altitude

How does latitude affect UK climate?

places nearer to the equator = warmer

• curvature of the Earth concentrations energy

• layer of atmosphere at equator is shorter = reduced absorption of energy

so, warmer in the South in Summer

How does ocean current affect UK climate?

North Atlantic Drift (water)

• warm ocean water along west coast

• warms air above it

• air warms UK- especially West coast

SW prevailing wind + Drift

• warm air has more moisture capacity

• as wind moves over land, rises and cools

• condenses leading to rainfall

so, Wetter in the West

How does distance from the sea affect UK climate?

water heats up and cools slowly

warm water heats air above it which blows onto adjacent land

land heat quickly and cools quickly

summer:

• ocean colder than land

• keep coastal zone cooler than inland

winter:

• sea releases the heat from Summer slowly

• coastal zone warmer than inland as sea heats up land

How does altitude affect UK climate?

temperature decrease 1 degree Celsius every 100m climbed.

• air density reduces

• less molecules per unit area to absorb and retain heat

more rainfall at higher altitudes

• moist air forced upwards

• cools + condenses

• west-facing slopes receive the most- rain-shadow effect

Explain ‘Warmer in the West in Winter.’

• warmer Atlantic Ocean

• warm North Atlantic Drift

• warm SW wind

water transfers heat to air above it

which helps heat the UK- esp. coast.

Explain ‘Warmer in the South in Summer'.’

latitude

• more direct sunlight

altitude

• lowland areas heat up more

hotter continental air masses

• warmer air

urban heat islands

• retain more heat

Explain ‘Wetter in the West.’

prevailing winds from Atlantic

moist air

cools and results in rain

East is more sheltered- relief rainfall

• mountains between W and E act as barriers to moist air

What is an air mass?

an extremely large body of air with fairly constant temperature and humidity

What is a front? What does it do?

the place where a warm and cold air mass meet

where there can be large variations of temperature

• big difference- strong front

• small difference- weak front

paves the way for a depression- low pressure system

What effect do high and low pressure front have on the UK?

high:

• warmer weather

• summer

low:

• rain and cloud

• winter

What is a microclimate?

climate variation across small spaces

What are some factors that affect microclimates? State and explain.

proximity to water

• gradual absorption + release of heat

building materials

• urban heat island effect

dark colours

• absorb heat

shading

• blocks sunlight

human activity

• transport releases heat