World Geography 3200

Unit 2: Patterns in Weather & Climate

WEATHER AND CLIMATE Chapter 4

Temperature Range (Defined) Temperature range is the difference between the highest and the lowest average monthly temperatures of a region. High temperature range equals extremes of temperature, hence hot summers cold winters. Low temperature range equals moderate temperature, hence warm summers, cool winters. Continentality

Continental vs. Maritime Climates Continental climates experience extremes of temperature. Summers are hot and dry, winters are very cold and dry. Maritime climate experience warm (not hot) and humid summers, and mild and humid winters. Continental climates experience greater extremes of temperature than coastal climates at the same latitude!

As distance from the ocean increases, annual temperature range increases! For example, the plains region of Saskatchewan, experiences a continental climate. The winter temperatures are very cold and the summer temperatures are fairly hot. For example, summer temperatures in Central Labrador are often higher than summer temperatures in the island portion of the province.

Coastal Newfoundland would experience a Maritime climate. The winter temperatures would be very mild. The summer temperatures would be warm but not hot.

Monsoon From Arabic for 'seasonal wind'; India’s Winter Monsoon Continental Asia cools Wind blows southward towards the low over Indian ocean (as a result of the higher atmospheric pressure); Very little rain, or dry season results, because the wind is blowing over dry land and does not pick up moisture. Monsoons

India’s Summer monsoon Continental Asia heats up & low atmospheric pressure results; Wind blows northward towards the low over India; Tremendous rains result because the wind is blowing over the warm Indian Ocean.