Constructing Climate Graphs

What is a Climate Graph? - a climate graph combines a bar and a line graph - It shows the average temperature and precipitation for each month in a certain place.

How to create a climate graph: Step 1: - Climate graphs have 2 vertical axis’: the left shows temperature (C ) and the right shows precipitation (mm). Use pencil to make and label the axis’. Your scales can use different numbers if necessary.

How to create a climate graph: Step 2: Use red to plot the average monthly temperature. - Make a dot for the temperature in the middle of each space for the month. temperature When you have plotted the data for all 12 months, connect the points into a smooth, curved line.

How to create a climate graph: Step 3: Use the colour blue to make a bar graph of the monthly average amount of precipitation. precipitation

How to create a climate graph: Step 4: Make sure your graph is properly labeled

How to create a climate graph: This is what it should look like when you’re done:

Reading a Climate Chart

The Climate Chart Iqaluit, Nunavut Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year °C -26 -28 -24 -15 -4 4 8 7 2 -5 -13 -23 mm 21 22 28 27 35 59 66 55 37 29 18

Reading Climate Charts Climate charts provide the data that are represented in Climate Graphs. They show the average temperature and precipitation for each month. What other information can be generated from a climate data chart?? Average annual temperature Annual precipitation Temperature range

Average Annual Temperature Add all the temperatures together and divide by 12(total number of months) -10˚ °C -26 -28 -24 -15 -4 4 8 7 2 -5 -13 -23

Annual Precipitation Add together all 12 months 418mm mm 21 22 28 27 35 59 66 55 37 29 18

Temperature Range Difference between the highest and lowest average temperature 36˚ there are 28˚ below 0 and 8˚ above 0- making the difference 36 °C -26 -28 -24 -15 -4 4 8 7 2 -5 -13 -23

Interpreting Climate Graphs

Interpreting the Climate Graphs FREEZING TEMPERATURE: Count the number of months that have an average temperature below 0° C. GROWING SEASON: Count the number of months with an average temperature above 5.6° C (mark as 6° C on the graph).

Interpreting the Climate Graphs SEASON OF MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION: Add together total precipitation for each season   WINTER = October, November, December, January, February, March SUMMER = April, May, June, July, August, September Determine which season has the highest level of precipitation.

Interpreting Climate Graphs CONTINENTAL OR MARITIME CLIMATE: Look at the precipitation and temperature trends on your climate graph. Criteria Continental (Away From Water) Maritime (Close Proximity to Water) Temperature Range Greater than 25° C Less than 25° C Total Precipitation Less than 1000 mm Greater than 1000 mm Seasonal Distribution of Precipitation Summer Maximum Winter Maximum *There is a slight difference on the East Coast and a large difference on the West Coast

Interpreting with LOWERN Latitude- further north the colder the average temeperatures Ocean Currents- average temperatures will indicate whether coastal cities are on a warm or cold ocean current Elevation- the higher elevations usually have colder dryer climates

Interpreting with LOWERN Relief- temperature is warmer and precipitation is higher on the windward side of mountains Near Water- cities near large bodies of water will have a higher annual precipitation (above 1000mm) and a moderate temperature range