Climate variations within the UK Flashcards
Why is it warmer in the south?
There’s more insolation (more solar radiation reaching the ground). The sun is higher in the sky and there are more hours of daylight than in the north
Give an example of temperature difference between the north and south in the UK
Annual average maximum temperature is 13.6°C in Cornwall, and 9.3°C in the north of Scotland
Give an example of it being wetter in the west of England than in the east of England
Annual average rainfall is 871 mm in Blackpool (on the west coat), and 656 mm in Cleethorpes (on the east coast)
Why is it wetter in the west than the east?
South westerly surface winds bring warm, wet air from the Atlantic Ocean. The air reaches the west side of the UK, and it’s forced upwards over the land. The air cools, the water vapour condenses and it rains (known as orographic or relief rainfall)
How are the west and east different?
West of the UK is generally more mountainous than the east, so the air masses lose most of their moisture in the west
What is the rain shadow?
The area to the east of the mountains, where less rain falls
Give an example of winds being stronger in the west
Annual average wind speed is 21.7 km/h in St Mawgan (on the south west coast), and 16.7 km/h in Marham (on the east coast)
Why are winds speeds stronger in the west?
Because south westerly surface winds come over the ocean - the ocean is flat so there’s nothing to slow the winds down.
What happens when the winds hit land?
They’re affected by hills and the become weaker
Why are winds stronger at high altitudes?
There are fewer obstacles to slow them down
