1. 11.3 Oceans and Climates

2. How Oceans Affect the Weather
Heat capacity = measure of time for a material to heat up or cool down
Water has a high heat capacity
Evaporation to precipitation: this exchange produces weather
Weather can be described in terms of:
Temperature
Wind speed and direction
Air pressure
Moisture
Weather monitored for a long time for an area = climate

3. Oceans and the Weather
Oceans, atmosphere, and weather all influence each other
Convection is responsible for the transfer of heat to the atmosphere from the oceans
Mass of warm air = thermal
When thermals reach the higher atmosphere they cool and sink
El Nino = warm ocean waters that appear off the S.A. coast
When these currents stay for a few months = unusual weather patterns
La Nina = colder than normal waters = opposite weather effects

4. The Moderating Effect of Oceans
Ocean temp affects climate of coastal areas
Heat capacity of the water is higher compared to the land mass
Ex. Vancouver compared to the Fernie
Mild climate at the coast = moderator = no extreme temperatures
Coastal mountains block this air mass from moving into the interior
Rain shadow is formed
Five main climate zones in BC:
Coast Mountains and Islands, Interior Plateau, Eastern mountain Ranges, N. and Central Plateau, Northeast Plains

5. Climate Zones of BC

6. What is a Rain shadow?

7. What You Need to do Read P. 434 and do Ques. 1-3
Textbook P. 435 Ques. 1-9
Workbook pages for 11.3
Quiz next class