Lecture 3 - January 14th Flashcards
What is the definition of weather?
Weather in a particular time and place.
What is the definition of climate? What are some characteristics associated with climate?
The long term and statistical values of weather. Temperatures, wind/air mass, precipitation, humidity, fog/visibility.
List the geographic controls that influence climate.
- Latitude
- Proximity to water and land
- Elevation
What causes the seasons on Earth?
The earth is tilted on an axis, affecting sunlight exposure in each hemisphere
What is orographic lift?
Warm air masses collect moisture over water, release it over mountains, then create a rain shadow effect
What is the rain shadow effect?
Occurs when clouds exhaust their moisture on one side of a mountain, leaving the other side dry
How many climate regions are there in Canada? What are their names?
- Pacific
- Cordillera
- Prairies
- Subarctic
- Arctic
- Atlantic
- Great Lakes & St Lawrence
What are the characteristics of the Pacific climate region?
Cool summers, mild winters, much precipitation due to orographic lift
Describe the Cordillera climate region.
Mountainous terrain, cooler summers, long cold winters, some rain shadow pockets
What is the climate like in the Prairies region?
Dry due to rain shadow, hot summers
What characterizes the Subarctic climate region?
Shorter cooler summers, long cold winters, windy
Describe the Arctic climate region.
Little precipitation, very long cold winters, very short summers, darkness in winter, permafrost
What are the climate characteristics of the Great Lakes and St Lawrence region?
Lakes provide moisture, humid, moderate temperatures
Which areas in Canada have the warmest temperatures?
Lower mainland, Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii
Which region in Canada is known as the snowiest?
Newfoundland
What does the Climate Severity Index measure?
It looks at 18 different climatic variables and calculates values, with a lower value indicating a better climate
What criteria must cities meet to be included in the Weather Winners website?
- Population of at least 15,000
- Must have a weather station
What defines a Winter City?
Temperature is equal to or below 0C for 2 months or longer. There is also prolonged limited sunlight and snowfall.
What are the implications of climate on health?
- Icy sidewalks
- Special needs considerations
- Social interactions
What role does local government play in winter climates?
Snow removal/management
