Canada’s Climate Systems Canadian Geography 1202 Canada’s Climate Systems

Weather and Climate The weather and climate in Canada is very different from place to place. Why?

There’s a global system of climate that’s always changing. It’s made up of the atmosphere, the circulation of water in the oceans, and differences in landforms from place to place.

The Sun The sun provides us with solar energy, which heats the air and the surface of the Earth. Since the Earth is curved, the equator receives more heat than the poles.

Angle of Sun’s Rays on Earth

This heat imbalance kicks the winds and ocean currents in gear in an attempt to even out global temperatures. Polar air moves toward the equator and air from the equator moves to the poles. The oceans store and transport heat.

Ocean Currents in Canada

Air Masses in Canada

Air Masses in Canada There are six air masses that affect Canada. They are all named based on where they originate. See pg. 81 for air masses in Canada.

Air Masses in Canada Wind blows these air masses across Canada. If a cold dry air mass passes over an ocean, it picks up moisture and warmth from it. Storms usually occur at the edge of air masses, called fronts.

The Polar Jet Stream A current of air that blows from west to east across Canada. Speeds of 300-500 km/h. It is the barrier between cold air in the north and warm air in the south.

Meteorologists use the position of the jet stream to predict the weather. Airline pilots need to know where it is when they fly.

The Weather in Canada We get the weather reports from the Internet, TV, newspapers, and the radio. We check it to know what to wear each day and whether or not events will be cancelled.