Factors That Affect Climate

Latitude Ocean currents Winds and Air masses Elevation Relief Near Water

Latitude Earth’s axis is 23°1/2 degrees and because the earth is a sphere the sun’s rays hit it at different angles. Therefore rays that strike the Equator are more concentrated and rays that hit the poles are more spread out (less heat energy) This results in 3 main climate zones: Tropical, Temperate and Polar

The temperature of an ocean current affects the temperature of an air mass that passes over it. For example: the Labrador current is cold and cools the environment of Newfoundland. The Gulf Stream is warm and moderates the winters of Europe.

A large volume of air that takes on the conditions of the climate where it was formed. North Arctic – cold and dry air mass; it brings NA windchills of -30°C in the winter. Jet Stream - High in the atmosphere is a large current of fast moving air. It flows from west to east at speeds of 300 to 500 km/hr. It brings the pressure systems and weather patterns across Canada. They are called the Westerlies.

Relief refers to differences in elevations (highlands, lowlands, plateaus, valleys. As you increase in elevation the temperature decrease (1°C/100m) because the air is less dense and it cannot hold the heat energy.

Larger bodies of water heat up and cool more slowly than land. In summer: water areas cool land surrounding it. In winter: water areas lose heat to the atmosphere, warming the atmosphere. Continental Environments These are locations far from water and are therefore drier and have more extreme temperatures. Such as hot summers and cold winters. Cities such as Regina, Winnipeg, and Ottawa are all continental climates

Maritime Environments These are locations close to large bodies of water, generally they are wet all year with cool summers and warm winters. Cities such as St. John’s, Halifax and Vancouver are all maritime climates.