The Climates of Canada Climate Weather patterns seen

The Climates of Canada Climate: Weather patterns seen in an area from year to year.

Climates of Canada � Most of Canada lies above 49 degrees latitude. � Inland areas experience a continental climate, with extreme temperature changes and low precipitation � Coastal areas are moderated by a maritime climate, with mild temperatures and high precipitation.

Temperature � Latitude: higher latitude lower intensity of the sun’s rays. � Altitude: the higher the altitude, the colder the temperature. � Distance from the sea: the surface of land heats and cools more quickly than water. Temperatures near the coast are moderated by the ocean. � Wind Direction: In Canada, prevailing winds are from the west or north. West Coast communities are warmer as a result of warm winds off of the ocean. � Ocean Currents: Warm or cold, depending on where they come from. Ocean currents warm the air, which is blown onto land.

Precipitation �Canada’s precipitation varies by region �The amount is largely determined by distance from the sea, and by the prevailing winds �It is also affected by temperatures, topography, and the masses of cool and warm air.

Climate Change �Over the past 200 years, the world became more industrialized, and burned massive amounts of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas. �The CO 2 released traps the heat of the Earth in the atmosphere �This “greenhouse effect” is seen as the cause of the overall warming of the Earth’s climate.

�Climate change affects the world’s temperature and precipitation patterns. �The northern regions are more greatly affected than other regions. �Canada’s Arctic has seen melting permafrost, melting of the Arctic Ocean sea ice, and other changes.

Other Climate Change Threats �Changes in the Arctic �Drier summers on the Prairies �Flooding and storms in eastern Canada �Plunging survival rates for spawning Salmon in BC �Unusual weather conditions, and an increase in pests such as the mountain pine beetle