Interactions in the Physical Environment - Part 3

Question 1

Explain the difference between maritime and continental climate

Answer 1

Maritime climate means that there are warm summers and cool winters, like in Victoria and St. John’s. Whereas, continental climate means that there are hot summers and cold winters like in Winnipeg, and Calgary.

Question 2

Which air mass can hold more water (a cold air mass or a hot air mass)?

Answer 2

Hot air masses can hold more water than cold air masses.

Question 3

State and explain the factors that affect climate?

Answer 3

• Latitude = As you move away from the equator, the suns rays spreads over larger areas, decreasing the temperature.
• Ocean currents = The temperature of the ocean currents affects the air that passes by.
• Winds = Moves the air masses that affects our weather.
• Elevation = As eleveation increases, the teperature decreases.
• Relief = As warm, moist air moves up the side of the mountain, it cools and condenses into clouds.
• Near water = Because water heats and cools more slowly than land, it affects the temperature.

Question 4

Why does Victoria, B.C. experience a different climate than Calgary, Alberta

Answer 4

Victoria experiences a different climate than Calgary mainly because of the latitude and ocean currents. Victoria is located at a lower latitude, which means they are closer to the Pacific Ocean, this affects their maritime climate. Whereas, Calgary is farther from major oceans which means they have continental climate.

Question 5

Identify the three categories of natural disasters

Answer 5

• Natural Disasters = Hurricanes and tornadoes.
• Man Made Disasters = Crime and war.
• Hybrid Disasters = Flooding, and clearing of forests.

Question 6

Identify two greenhouse gasses and explain how they affect climate.

Answer 6

• Carbon Dioxide = Traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, and when the sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, the energy is absorbed, leading to warming the planet.
• Methane = Absorbs and traps heat in the Earth’s surface.

Question 7

How will climate change affect Canada in the following regions (Central Canada, Prairies, Western Canada and the North)?

Answer 7

• Central Canada = More heat waves, leading to more illness and premature death.
• Praires = Lower stream flows and falling lake levels.
• Western Canada = Increasing water temperature and levels, leading to more floods and landslides.
• Northern Canada = Ice glaciers melting, leading to more floods and eroison.