![Picture](/uploads/9/4/4/4/94445365/as.gif)
Climate Map of Western Europe and Neighboring Countries.
Source: https://swordbeach.wikispaces.com/Western+Europe+Atlas
Source: https://swordbeach.wikispaces.com/Western+Europe+Atlas
Map Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Europe
b. Major climate types
6 Countries:
Spain –
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Spain.htm
Mediterranean
Ireland
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Ireland.htm
Temperate Maritime
Portugal
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Portugal.htm
Mediterranean
UK
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/ England-and-Scotland.htm
Temperate Maritime
France
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/France.htm
Mediterranean
Belgium
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Belgium.htm
Temperate Maritime
Italy
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Italy.htm
Mediterranean
The Netherlands
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/The-Netherlands.htm
Temperate Maritime
b. Major climate types
6 Countries:
Spain –
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Spain.htm
Mediterranean
Ireland
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Ireland.htm
Temperate Maritime
Portugal
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Portugal.htm
Mediterranean
UK
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/ England-and-Scotland.htm
Temperate Maritime
France
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/France.htm
Mediterranean
Belgium
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Belgium.htm
Temperate Maritime
Italy
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Italy.htm
Mediterranean
The Netherlands
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/The-Netherlands.htm
Temperate Maritime
![Picture](/uploads/9/4/4/4/94445365/oceans-and-climate.jpg?448)
Source:http://slideplayer.com/slide/5660661/
c.) Specific factors affecting climate and temperature –altiduinal zones
.
The Gulf Stream is one of the leading factors in determining Western Europe's Climate. Termed "Europe's AC Unit", the Gulf Stream brings in warm currents from the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, Western European countries tend to be warmer than other countries that hover around the same latitude. Another major factor in influencing Western European climate is large bodies of water. Most of the Western European countries are located beside a large body of water(Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea). This leads to the generally mild climates seen in these countries. Specific altidudinal zones play a big part in influences weather as well. Land tends to have more diversity in altitude as one moves eastward in Europe. However, there is still some variance in Western Europe. The effects are displayed in the graph below. In general, crops become more scarce as elevation increases. Furthermore, temperature decreases at a rate of 5.4* F per 1000 feet.
c.) Specific factors affecting climate and temperature –altiduinal zones
.
The Gulf Stream is one of the leading factors in determining Western Europe's Climate. Termed "Europe's AC Unit", the Gulf Stream brings in warm currents from the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, Western European countries tend to be warmer than other countries that hover around the same latitude. Another major factor in influencing Western European climate is large bodies of water. Most of the Western European countries are located beside a large body of water(Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea). This leads to the generally mild climates seen in these countries. Specific altidudinal zones play a big part in influences weather as well. Land tends to have more diversity in altitude as one moves eastward in Europe. However, there is still some variance in Western Europe. The effects are displayed in the graph below. In general, crops become more scarce as elevation increases. Furthermore, temperature decreases at a rate of 5.4* F per 1000 feet.
source: https://www.google.com/urlsa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwipqpO838rQAhVI4IMKHZDbDbYQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAltitudinal_zonation&psig=AFQjCNHT_H7mNQ3Kn0E7JAnhHj9llzdskw&ust=1480398154490691
d.) Climate's effect on human settlement and adaptation
Climate affects human settlement in a multitude of ways. The first and probably most obvious is industry. Certain industries only exist in certain climates. Agriculture, especially the Wine industry, is a perfect example of this. The best wine tends to grow in Mediterranean climates. Thus, one can find vintners in Mediterranean climates. In Western Europe Italy, Spain, and France are global hotspots for vintners due to their desirable climate for growing grapes. Many other industries only exist in certain climate types. The jobs created by these industries draws and therefore impacts settlement patterns. Another way climate affects settlement patterns is simply liviblity. Hundreds of years ago, cooling and heating did not exist. Thus milder temperatures were the most desirable. This therefore led to the development of cities along coastlines and bodies of water. The so called “Lake effect” explains water’s moderating effect of climate. As a result of it, we can see that most major cities, not only in Western Europe are developed near bodies of water today. Paris, Rome, and London are all perfect examples of this in action, as they are all relatively close to large bodies of water. As far as adaption goes, crops grown in humid continental climates are characterized by shorter growing seasons. Temperate mid-latitude climates are also very well populated due to favorable mild conditions. Those living in these areas are have built elaborate drainage systems in order to minimize flooding which could arise from the heavy rain. London is a perfect example of this.
d.) Climate's effect on human settlement and adaptation
Climate affects human settlement in a multitude of ways. The first and probably most obvious is industry. Certain industries only exist in certain climates. Agriculture, especially the Wine industry, is a perfect example of this. The best wine tends to grow in Mediterranean climates. Thus, one can find vintners in Mediterranean climates. In Western Europe Italy, Spain, and France are global hotspots for vintners due to their desirable climate for growing grapes. Many other industries only exist in certain climate types. The jobs created by these industries draws and therefore impacts settlement patterns. Another way climate affects settlement patterns is simply liviblity. Hundreds of years ago, cooling and heating did not exist. Thus milder temperatures were the most desirable. This therefore led to the development of cities along coastlines and bodies of water. The so called “Lake effect” explains water’s moderating effect of climate. As a result of it, we can see that most major cities, not only in Western Europe are developed near bodies of water today. Paris, Rome, and London are all perfect examples of this in action, as they are all relatively close to large bodies of water. As far as adaption goes, crops grown in humid continental climates are characterized by shorter growing seasons. Temperate mid-latitude climates are also very well populated due to favorable mild conditions. Those living in these areas are have built elaborate drainage systems in order to minimize flooding which could arise from the heavy rain. London is a perfect example of this.
left source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-29175607
right source: http://www.diomedia.com/stock-photo-agriculture-landscape-food-drink-region-europe-western-dominant-green-dominant-blue-pattern-french-western-europe-european-farming-agraian-agricultural-growing-husbandry-land-producing-raising-s-image7354654.html
f.) analysis of 3-4 sentences of at least 3 climographs of major cities in the sub region (Expressed below each climate graph)
Analysis: Rome has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This is very much representative of its Mediterranean climate. This climate is very suitable for agriculture and wine.
Analysis: London’s relatively mild climate is maritime influenced weather. Precipitation is high throughout the year which contributes to the luscious green gardens found in London. Sudden Heavy winds and Gales are not uncommon in this climate.
Analysis: Belgium has a temperate maritime, with cool summers and moderate winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September. Winters may fall below zero.
right source: http://www.diomedia.com/stock-photo-agriculture-landscape-food-drink-region-europe-western-dominant-green-dominant-blue-pattern-french-western-europe-european-farming-agraian-agricultural-growing-husbandry-land-producing-raising-s-image7354654.html
f.) analysis of 3-4 sentences of at least 3 climographs of major cities in the sub region (Expressed below each climate graph)
Analysis: Rome has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This is very much representative of its Mediterranean climate. This climate is very suitable for agriculture and wine.
Analysis: London’s relatively mild climate is maritime influenced weather. Precipitation is high throughout the year which contributes to the luscious green gardens found in London. Sudden Heavy winds and Gales are not uncommon in this climate.
Analysis: Belgium has a temperate maritime, with cool summers and moderate winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September. Winters may fall below zero.
Analysis: Rome has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This is very much representative of its Mediterranean climate. This climate is very suitable for agriculture and wine.
Analysis: London’s relatively mild climate is maritime influenced weather. Precipitation is high throughout the year which contributes to the luscious green gardens found in London. Sudden Heavy winds and Gales are not uncommon in this climate.
Analysis: Belgium has a temperate maritime, with cool summers and moderate winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September. Winters may fall below zero.