Chapter 22: The Cool Temperate Western Margin (British Type) Climate
This climate is found on the western boundaries of continents in the Cool Temperate latitudes (
to 65° N & S). It is dominated by the Westerlies and the influence of the sea.
1. Key Regions
- Europe: Britain, NW France, Low Countries, Germany, Norway.
- N. America: British Columbia (Canada), Washington and Oregon (USA).
- S. Hemisphere: Southern Chile, Tasmania (Australia), and New Zealand.
2. Climate: The “Moderate” Personality
- Temperatures: Winters are surprisingly mild (due to the North Atlantic Drift), and summers are never too hot. It has the smallest annual range of temperature for its latitude.
- Rainfall: Adequate rainfall all year round, with a slight maximum in winter. Most of it is Cyclonic Rain brought by the Westerlies.
- Variable Weather: Because it lies in the path of “Cyclones” (Low-pressure systems), the weather changes very quickly—sunny one hour, raining the next.
3. Natural Vegetation: Deciduous Forests
- Broad-leaved Deciduous: Trees shed their leaves in winter to protect themselves against the cold and snow (e.g., Oak, Elm, Ash, Birch, Beech).
- Economic Value: These provide very high-quality hardwood, though much has been cleared for farming.
- Higher Altitudes: Deciduous trees are replaced by Conifers (Pines and Firs).
4. Economy: The Most Advanced Region
- Mixed Farming: A combination of arable farming (crops) and pastoral farming (livestock).
- Dairying: The cool, moist climate is perfect for rich pastures, leading to huge milk and cheese production (e.g., Denmark, New Zealand).
- Market Gardening: Intense cultivation of vegetables and flowers for nearby cities (e.g., the Netherlands).
- Industrialization: This region is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution due to its coal, iron, and energetic climate.
10 Revision Questions with Mnemonics
Q1: Why are British winters so mild compared to the same latitude in Canada?
- A: Because of the North Atlantic Drift (a warm current).
- Mnemonic: “North Atlantic Drift = No Actual Deep-freeze.”
Q2: What is the dominant wind system here?
- A: The Westerlies.
- Mnemonic: “Westerlies = Western Wetness.”
Q3: Name the characteristic trees of this climate.
- A: Oak, Elm, Beech, and Birch.
- Mnemonic: “O.E.B.B.” (Oak, Elm, Beech, Birch).
Q4: What is “Mixed Farming”?
- A: Growing crops and raising animals on the same farm.
- Mnemonic: “Mixed = Meat + Mill” (Grain).
Q5: Which country is famous for its “Market Gardening” and flowers?
- A: The Netherlands (Holland).
- Mnemonic: “Netherlands = Nice Narcissus” (Flowers).
Q6: Why are these regions good for fishing?
- A: The wide Continental Shelves and meeting of currents (e.g., the Dogger Bank in the North Sea).
- Mnemonic: “Shelves = Seafood.”
Q7: Describe the summer temperature in the British Type climate.
- A: Moderate or “Cool” (seldom exceeds
20°C).
- Mnemonic: “British = Breezy summers.”
Q8: What is the “Lapse Rate”?
- A: The rate at which temperature drops with altitude (
1°C per
165m).
- Mnemonic: “Higher = Harshly colder.”
Q9: Where is this climate found in the Southern Hemisphere?
- A: New Zealand, Tasmania, and Southern Chile.
- Mnemonic: “N.Z.T.C.” (New Zealand, Tasmania, Chile).
Q10: What kind of rainfall is most common here?
- A: Cyclonic (Frontal) Rainfall.
- Mnemonic: “Cyclonic = Constant clouds.”
Quick Summary Table: British Type vs. China Type
| Feature | British Type (Western) | China Type (Eastern) |
|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | All year (Winter Max) | All year (Summer Max) |
| Summer | Cool / Pleasant | Hot / Humid |
| Mnemonic | “British is Breezy” | “China is Cooking” |
