Comprehensive Climate Notes

Climate Review

Definitions

• Weather: The day-to-day condition of the atmosphere.

• Climate: The conditions of the atmosphere over a long period of time.

• Maritime Climate: A climate type found in areas close to large bodies of water.

• Moderating Effect: The influence of a large body of water on the climate of a place, resulting in milder winters and cooler summers.

• Continental Climate: A climate type found in areas far from large bodies of water.

Climate Types

Tropical Climates

• Found within 15° north or south of the equator.

• Characterized by hot temperatures throughout the year.

• Tropical Wet Climates: High levels of precipitation.

• Tropical Wet/Dry Climates: Distinct dry and wet seasons.

Desert Climates

• Typically found in areas of stable air and very low precipitation levels.

• Located in a band of 15° to 30° north or south of the equator.

• Can be found on the leeward slopes of major mountain ranges.

• Can be hot or cold.

Mid-Latitude Climates

• Exist between 30° and 60° north or south of the equator.

• Characterized by much variety in climate conditions.

High Latitude Climates

• Typically found in the arctic and antarctic regions (north or south of 60°).

• Experience extremely cold winters and cool, short summers.

• Receive little precipitation and are classified as cold deserts.

Highland (Mountains) Climates

• Characterized by much variation due to extremes in elevation.

• All of the above climates can be experienced in a single place due to elevation changes.

Climate Regions

• Pacific Maritime (Most Rain)

• Arctic (Coldest)

• Boreal (Largest)

• Atlantic Maritime

• Prairie

• Southeastern (location specified)

• Cordilleran

• Taiga

Climate Graphs

• Red Line: Represents the average temperature for each month.

• Blue Bars: Represent the total precipitation for each month.

• Letters on the Bottom: Indicate the months of the year.

• Analysis involves describing summer and winter temperatures and precipitation characteristics to determine if the climate is maritime or continental.

Examples

• Vancouver:

  • Summer: Cool (20 degrees average).

  • Winter: Mild (above 0).

  • Precipitation: Heavy, especially in winter.

  • Climate Type: Maritime.

• Yellowknife:

  • Summer: Cool (less than 20 degrees average).

  • Winter: Very cold (-20 degrees average).

  • Precipitation: Very low.

  • Climate Type: Continental.

L.O.W.E.R.N (Factors Affecting Climate)

• Latitude:

  • The closer a place is to the equator, the warmer the climate.

  • Places near the equator receive more direct sunlight.

• Ocean Currents:

  • Ocean currents can be warm or cold.

  • The temperature of the ocean current affects the temperature of nearby places.

• Winds and Air Masses:

  • Wind is the horizontal movement of air.

  • Wind moves air masses around the earth.

  • Air masses take on the characteristics of their origin (warm, cool, moist, or dry).

• Elevation:

  • Temperature decreases with increasing elevation at a rate of approximately 1 degree Celsius for every 100 meters of elevation gain. This can be expressed as: Temperature : Change = -1^{\circ}C / 100m

• Relief:

  • The topography of the land affects climate.

  • Hills and mountains cause air to rise, leading to variations in wet and dry conditions.

• Near Water:

  • Proximity to a large body of water moderates climate.

  • Winters are milder, and summers are cooler.

  • Areas near water receive more precipitation.

• Vegetation and Soils

• The four soil regions:

  • Tundra Soils

  • Wet Climate soils

  • Dry Climate soils

  • Mountain Soils

  • Permafrost occurs in the Tundra soil/vegetation region

  • Mountain vegetation region has the most variety of plants

Vegetation Regions

• Tundra: Shrubs, lichens.

• Boreal and Taiga Forest: Coniferous trees.

• Grassland: Grasses (wheat).

• Mixed Forest: Coniferous and deciduous trees.

• Deciduous Forest: Deciduous trees (maple etc.).

• West Coast Forest: Large pine trees (red cedar).

• Mountain Vegetation Region: A large variety of plants and trees.