UK's Climate Flashcards
How has the UK climate changed over the last 1000 years?
In the medieval period, the UK experienced a warm period with temperatures 1 degrees celsius above average. Between 1300 and 1900 AD there was a period known as little Ice age as temperatures were about 1 degree celsius cooler than present day.
where is the UK located globally?
between 50N and 60N of the equator
what is the climate like in the UK?
temperate - extreme weather is uncommon
what is the rainfall like in the UK?
evenly distributed although the total rainfall amount varies from North to South, and from West to east
how does the latitude of the UK affect it’s climate
the further north you are the colder it is
how does the distance from the sea affect the UK’s climate
in winter placed close to the sea will be warmer than those inland
in summer places close to the sea will be cooler than those inland
how does altitude affect the UK’s climate?
the higher the altitude the cooler the area is
Examine the significance of the UK’s geographical position in relation to its climate [8]
The UK os locates between 50N and 60N. Therefore, the UK is at the Polar Front as it is near the boundary between the Ferrel and Polar Cells. Here, warmer air from the south and cooler air from the north meet, causing unsettled weather due to the formation of depressions over the Atlantic, which then travel east to the UK.
The North Atlantic Drift flows toward the west coast of the UK which means in winter the UK is milder than would be expected for its latitude, but cooler in the summer
The UK has a south westerly wind which brings rain along the west coast of the UK. This wind also modifies air temp so west UK is warmer in winter but cooler in summer. The geographical position of the UK is very significant and results in the UK having a warm maritime climate.
