Using Climatic Data to Identify Using Climatic Data to Identify Factors Influencing ClimateFactors Influencing Climate

Lab Activity:Lab Activity:

A. Comparing Annual Temperature Range as a Function of Latitude

The climographs for three locations, each at a different latitude, are shown below.

B.B. Coastal vs. Continental Coastal vs. Continental Temperature RangesTemperature Ranges

New YorkBismarck

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.E. The Effect of Mountains The Effect of Mountains on Climate on Climate

The Orographic EffectThe Orographic Effect

Great Distance From the OceanGreat 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 HawaiiRainfall 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.

TopographyTopography is the shape of the land. is the shape of the land.

• Contour lines are isolines connecting points of equal elevation.

Topographic ReliefTopographic Relief

Digital Relief Map of Salt Lake City

Low Relief Low Relief

High Relief

High Relief

Topographic Map of the Big IslandTopographic Map of the Big Island

F.F. The Effect of Ocean Currents The Effect of Ocean Currents on Climateon Climate

Effects of Cold Ocean Currents