1. Climate and Climate Change Of the American West Coast

2. Intro Distance along shore from northern WA to southern CA border
~ 1,300 mi.
Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California
-The western U.S. coastline along the Pacific totals 39,246 mi (NOAA)

3. Classifying West Coast Climates
Koeppen System
What is it?
A climatic classification scheme based on 2 key meteorological variables:
Temperature
Precipitation

4. Mediterranean Climates
Distinct summer dry season
Clear skies and high temps.
Concentration of precipitation in the winter
Frequent fogs where cold offshore currents prevail

5. Mediterranean Climates
degrees N and S of equator
Southern CA to central CA
Also found in places like Greece

6. Marine West Coast Climates
Both summers and winters are typically mild
Few extremes in temperature
Frequent drizzle or light rain throughout a year
Fog common
High winds in the winter

7. Marine West Coast Climates
Northern CA up to WA and Alaskan coast
degrees N and S of equator
Dominated by coniferous forest
Cover less than 2% of the planet

8. Wind and Ocean Currents

9. Precipitation on the Coast
Northern half of coast receives substantial rainfall.
Southern half receives much less.
Topography inland creates substantial rain shadow effect.
Decreased precipitation on eastern side of mountain ranges.

10. West Coast Climate Change
Sea Level Rise

11. NOAA Temperature Data Slight increase in summer temperatures.
Slight decreases in some winter temperatures in Seattle and Palmdale.

12. NOAA Precipitation Data

13. Drought and Stream Flow Reduction
With higher temperatures and reduced precipitation during the summer months a change in streamflow timing has been observed from contributing significantly to a decrease in water availability
Decrease in water Flow makes it difficult for human and natural demand for water in the region to be met
Decline of Trout Population
Suitable habitat projected to decline by 47% by 2020

14. Tree Disease and Increase in Wildfires
Wildfires are a natural part of most Northwest forest ecosystems
Warmer temperatures extend suitable Mountain Pine Beetle habitat
Opening pines to disease and increasing the possibility of a fire breaking out
Warmer summer conditions and tree disease have contributed to the increase in wildfires in the region since 1970

15. Climate Change & Wildfires

16. Sources
NOAA