1. Factors that affect our Climate

2. Weather
The day-to-day characteristics of temperature, rain, cloud cover and wind
Why is it important to know/inquire about weather?
- Short term plans (cottage, Canada’s Wonderland, camping)

3. Climate Long-term patterns of weather
e.g. Cool/rainy summers
Mild & dry winters
Why is it important to know about the climate of an area?
Long term plans (travelling)
Determines where we live, what we wear, what we grow

4. Factors that affect climate in Canada
Canada extends for a great distance from north to south
Different elevations produce different climate conditions
Coastal regions have different climate from inland regions
Wind and pressure systems move weather from one part of the country to another

5. Oct 15th, 2010

6. Canada’s Climate Canada has 8 climate regions Arctic Taiga Cordilleran
Pacific Maritime
Boreal
Prairie
Southeastern
Atlantic Maritime

7. LOWERN L = Latitude O = Ocean Currents W = Wind E = Elevation
R = Relief
N = Nearness to Water

8. L = Latitude: The distance (north and south) from the equator (0o).
LOWERN
L = Latitude:
The distance (north and south) from the equator (0o).
Regions close to the equator are warmer since direct sun’s rays produce more heat.
Latitude determines if a region is hot or cold

9. O = Ocean Currents
Ocean currents bring warm or cold water to new places
If the ocean current is warm then it will heat the air above it.
If the ocean current is cold then it will cool the air above it.
West – Warm Pacific Current
East – Cold Labrador and Warm Gulf Stream

10. LOWERN
W = Wind:
Wind moves hot and cold “air masses” to other parts of the world.
Prevailing winds establish a pattern of weather (i.e. Jet Stream)
Weather moves from West to East across Canada (easterly direction)
If there is no wind, our weather wouldn’t change very much!

11. E = Elevation Elevation: refers to the height above sea level.
LOWERN
E = Elevation
Elevation: refers to the height above sea level.
The higher up you are the colder it gets

12. R = Relief: Relief: refers to physical features such
LOWERN
R = Relief:
Relief: refers to physical features such
as mountain ranges
(i.e. big difference in
elevation).
Mountains act like a
barrier to air masses

13. N = Nearness to Water: Region that are close to oceans and large lakes
LOWERN
N = Nearness to Water:
Region that are close to
oceans and large lakes
have different climates
= Moderating Effect
In the summer  water remains cooler then the land and when wind blows, it brings cool air over the land.
In the winter  water keeps its heat and when wind blows, it bring warm air over the land.

14. Continental and Maritime Climates
LOWERN
Continental and Maritime Climates
Continental Climate Maritime Climate

15. Continental and Maritime Climates
LOWERN
Continental and Maritime Climates
A region that is close to a large body of water (ocean or large lakes) has a Maritime Climate.
A region that is NOT
close to a large body of
water has a Continental
Climate.

16. Canada’s Weather
October 15, 2010

17. So, Canada has different Climates because of….
W =
E =
R =
N =
Latitude
Ocean Currents
Wind
Elevation
Relief
Nearness to water

18. Climate Graphs
A Climate Graph shows the average temperatures and precipitation (rainfall), for each month for a region or city.

19. A Climate Graph should have…
1. Title of region or city
2. Temperature
(oC) in a red line
3. Precipitation (mm) drawn in blue blocks
4. Months at the bottom
5. Average Annual temperature (oC) & Total annual precipitation (mm)