Unit 4 - Climate - UK Climate

Question 1

Describe the general patterns of climate across the UK

Answer 1

A cool temperate climate
Milder winters, cooler summers compared to the rest of Europe
Annual rainfall averaging 600mm.
Higher rainfall over mountainous areas – especially on the West
Impact of rain shadow on the East
Temperatures decreasing as we move northwards.

Question 2

What affects the UK’s Climate?

Answer 2

The position of the polar front and the associated jet stream
The passage of westerly-moving depressions along the polar front
The position and extent of the main air masses i.e. Polar Continental, Polar Maritime, Arctic Maritime, Tropical Maritime and Tropical Continental
The interaction between these air masses and the associated upper jet stream and Rossby waves influences the occurrence and development of depressions along the polar front.

Question 3

What are the impacts of jet streams on the UK’s weather?

Answer 3

• Polar front/Jet steam position influences weather.
• Rossby Waves, meandering paths of upper winds, occur above the Polar front.
• Summer: 4-6 Rossby Waves, Winter: 3
• These waves decelerate and accelerate towards the poles.
• Rossby Waves contribute to depressions and anticyclone formation.
• West-East air travels slow, causing high pressure due to downflow.
• East-West air travels faster, leading to low pressure, potentially leading to depressions.