Factors That Affect UK Climate

Question 1

What 7 factors affect UK climate?

Answer 1

• Location of jet stream
• Junction of Ferrel and polar cells (polar front)
• Latitude
• Maritime influence
• Amount of insolation received
• Winds
• Mountains

Question 2

Explain location of jet stream?

Answer 2

• Below = cold and settled conditions

- Above = more unsettled

Question 3

Explain junction of Ferrel and polar cells (polar front)

Answer 3

Junction = 60 degrees north
Changeable conditions
Depressions = rain

Question 4

Explain latitude

Answer 4

U.K. = midlatitude (50-55 degrees north)

Sun not very high in the sky

Question 5

Explain maritime influence

Answer 5

• Sea takes longer to warm up but retains heat for a prolonged period in comparison to land
• The warm ocean currents (NAD - North Atlantic drift) warm the land

Question 6

Explain winds

Answer 6

South-westerlies = warm and wet

Question 7

Explain amount of insolation received

Answer 7

• Seasonal variations

- Summer = more sun in northern hemisphere= warmer = air rises = low pressure

Question 8

Explain mountains

Answer 8

• NAD/ westerlies bring moist air at sea level
• Have to rise over Snowdonia/ highlands etc which are mostly located on the west side of the U.K.
• As the moist air rises it cools and condenses and rain falls on the other side of the mountain
• Lee side (east UK) = air is precipitated out and less ppn falls