Using Climatic Data to Identify Factors Influencing Climate Lab Activity: Using Climatic Data to Identify Factors Influencing Climate

A. Comparing Annual Temperature Range as a Function of Latitude The climographs for three locations, each at a different latitude, are shown below.

B. Coastal vs. Continental Temperature Ranges Bismarck New York LA Phoenix

C. Marine Climates vs. Continental Climates Both locations, A and B are at similar latitudes. One location is Yakutsk, Russia and the other is Reykjavik, Iceland.

D. Prevailing Winds and Geographic Position San Francisco has a marine climate due to the moderating effects of the Pacific Ocean. St. Louis being far from a large body of water, has a much greater annual temperature range. Norfolk at about the same latitude as San Francisco and St. Louis Has a temperature range more like the continental climate of St. Louis than the marine climate of San Francisco.

E. The Effect of Mountains on Climate

The Orographic Effect

Great Distance From the Ocean Most rainfall comes from evaporated ocean water Dry climate in China north of 30o N Interior location Rainshadow of Himalayas

Rainfall Patterns on the Big Island of Hawaii The map shows isolines called isohyets that connect points of equal rainfall

Compare the rainfall patterns to the topography of the Big Island.

Topography is the shape of the land. Contour lines are isolines connecting points of equal elevation.

Topographic Relief Low Relief High Relief High Relief Low Relief Digital Relief Map of Salt Lake City

Topographic Map of the Big Island

F. The Effect of Ocean Currents on Climate

Effects of Cold Ocean Currents