Temperature controls are important in determining the temperature profile for an

Question

Temperature controls are important in determining the temperature profile for any location on the surface of the Earth. For this question, you need to apply your knowledge of the controls to both St. Louis, Missouri and Suva, Fiji using the provided climographs. Be sure to identify and explain how the following five climate controls impact temperature at each location:
Latitude
Altitude
Wind patterns and air masses
Distribution of land and water (the land/water contrast)
Ocean currents
Note: Each location will have some effects from each of the above controls, but the level of impact will vary. Make sure you consider this as you prepare your short answer. For additional guidance on this question, utilize the following information: How do the five factors influencing temperature patterns affect St. Louis, Missouri and Suva, Fiji? Do the five factors affect each location differently? Are some factors more influential on the temperature than others at each location?

Explanation / Answer

Temperature controls on St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is located on the extratropics, i.e. beyond the tropics. Such a latitudinal position is responsible for seasonal temperature variations as the intensity of solar radiation varies from summer to winter. Altitude differences in the region do not have a control over the temperature as the large-scale movement of the cold, dry air masses from the Arctic decreases the temperature during winter. Similarly, the warm, moist air masses from the tropics influences the temperature increases the temperature during summer. There is no effect of ocean currents as the city is located away from the coast. Its inland location results in faster rates of heating and cooling due to the lower specific heat capacity of the land. Thus, the major controls such as wind patterns and air masses, latitude are significant in terms of temperature variations in St. Louis.

Temperature controls on Suva, Fiji

The tropical, maritime location of Suva is responsible for mild temperature and high rainfall patterns throughout the year. The low lying region is influenced by moist winds from the oceans which keep the temperature uniform seasonally as the specific heat capacity of surrounding ocean water is higher than land. Other factors such as ocean currents, wind patterns, and altitude are not so significant as they mainly affect the rainfall over Suva. Thus, the major temperature controls are land/water contrast, latitude.

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