What Factors Affect the Climate in Canada Ms. K. Fawcett

There are 6 Factors that affect Climate: They are: Latitude Ocean Currents Winds and Air masses Elevation Relief Near to Water A useful acronym to help remember these factors is: LOWER NEAR WATER

Latitude and Climate Latitude: gives the location of a place on earth, north or south of the border Lines of Longitude: horizontal lines running east to west on a map As you move away from the equator (either N or S) the average temperature decreases, but the temperature range increase

But, because the earth is curved, at certain points this Why? The amount of energy hitting any spot on the earth is equal But, because the earth is curved, at certain points this energy is spread out over larger distances - low angle of incoming sunlight hits the north and south poles – less direct sunlight Sunlight directly hits the equator overhead the rays are spread out in the poles and more concentrated at the equator

Therefore, Temperature decreases as you move north or south of the equator because due to the curvature of the earth, less light from the sun is hitting per square meter.

Ocean Currents and Climate An Ocean Current is Continuous, directed movement of ocean water. The temperature of Ocean Currents can increase or reduce the temperature of nearby land areas. Ocean winds blowing towards the shore will increase or decrease in temperature depending on the temperature of the ocean water. EXAMPLE : North Atlantic Gulf Stream Temperature of the current + surrounding water = overall current temperature Current temperature affects Air Temperature passing over it. West Coast: North Pacific Current = warm - warmer air - warmer BC climate Labrador current meets Gulf Stream and NFLD = FOG

Therefore, Ocean currents affect climate because they influence the temperature of the air coming off the water.

Winds and Climate Air Mass – large volume of air that takes on climate conditions Wind – movement of air from high pressure to low pressure areas Prevailing Wind – well established patterns of wind Polar Front – boundary between dry, polar air, and warm, wet tropical air Jet Stream –west to east movement of air high above polar front Because air masses takes on their climatic conditions, Ocean air masses = lots of moisture and warm/cool Land Air masses = very dry and warm/cool

Winds Affect Climate Air moves, High Pressure  Low pressure  creates patterns called PREVAILING (Dominant) WINDS  In Canada, blow west  to East (Westerlies) Warm winds blow from hot areas and will raise temperatures Cold winds come from cold areas and decrease the temperature = Move air masses  affects and changes weather

Jet Stream S of the Jet stream = WARM The east to west movement of the jet stream controls the location of the polar front. N of jet Stream = COLD This can have a MAJOR implications on weather. If the jet stream shifts, there can be large shifts in temperature. S of the Jet stream = WARM

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Therefore, Winds affects climate by moving air masses that mimic climatic conditions and alter the position of the jet stream.

Elevation and Climate Mountain ranges affect climate on both sides Temperatures decrease with Height. Increase in elevation = decrease in temperature Mountain ranges affect climate on both sides The air is less dense and cannot hold heat as easily. This is how we have snow and ice at the tops of mountains - As air rises up, it expands and cools ,it will continue till the forming of clouds, then it becomes saturated Results in precipitation Rain, snow, freezing rain, hail

Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya

Therefore, Increased elevation causes temperature decreases and precipitation increases

Elevation and Climate The windward coastal side of the mountain range will receive lots of precipitation as it rises up over the mountain, the air cools and causes it to release the moisture. This is called Orographic Precipitation The other side of the mountain range will be in an air called the rain shadow, meaning that this area will not receive any moisture from prevailing winds. No precipitation since it was lost on the other side of the mountain

Relief and Climate Mountain barriers create relief precipitation

Therefore, The presence of mountains will cause cooler and wetter climates on windward sides and drier and warmer climates on leeward sides

Near Water and Climate Land heats and cools faster than water Therefore, coastal areas have a lower temperature range than those that are inland.

Near Water and Climate Continental Climate (not close to body of water – Interior locations) large temp. range hot = summer, cold = winter Low amounts of precipitation Maritime Climate (close to large water bodies – coastal location) Relatively small temperature range A lot of precipitation Mild winters and cool summers

Therefore, The temperature range and amount of precipitation can be influenced by the proximity of the body of water.

What Climate Factor(s) Affect the following regions in Canada?

Cold Temperatures in the Arctic

Dry Areas in the B.C Interior

Fog in Newfoundland

Snow in British Columbia Mountains

Snow in Ontario

Heat in Ontario – Sauble Beach