The impact of North American topography on climate

The impact of terrain on climate:

1. Because the land area is vast, and the mountains on the east and west sides weaken the influence of the ocean, most of them are located in the north temperate zone, so the distribution area is the largest. The climate is generally temperate continental.

2. Various climate types on the west coast are distributed narrowly from north to south because the tall mountains in the west block various climate types from extending inland.

3. Compared with Asia, the east coast of North America lacks a temperate monsoon climate. This is because the difference between land and sea is not as large as in Asia, and the terrain of Asia is higher in the west and lower in the east, which is conducive to the flow of moist ocean air into the inland, forming a broad monsoon climate. area, while the east coast of North America is composed of low mountains and plateaus, which weakens the influence of the ocean.

4. The terrain of North America is high from east to west and low in the middle. The central plain runs from north to south. The warm and moist airflow from the Gulf of Mexico and the cold air from the Arctic Ocean travel unimpeded, so there are many storms in summer and heavy snowstorms in winter.

Extended information:

The impact of terrain on rivers---"Climate is the father of rivers, and terrain is the mother of rivers."

1. Topography affects the flow direction of rivers. For example, my country's terrain is high in the west and low in the east, and most rivers flow from west to east; Asia's terrain is high in the middle and low on all sides, causing rivers to flow radially toward the ocean.

2. Topography affects the drainage area and shape of the river system. For example, the Qinling Mountains are the dividing line between the Yangtze River Basin and the Yellow River Basin, and the Nanling Mountains are the dividing line between the Yangtze River Basin and the Yellow River Basin; the basins are mostly centripetal water systems, and the plains are mostly dendritic water systems (feather-shaped water systems).

3. Topography affects the flow rate of rivers. Generally speaking, rivers in mountainous areas flow faster, while rivers in plain areas flow slower.

4. Topography affects river channel profile. Generally speaking, rivers in mountainous areas are mostly in a "V" shape, while rivers in plain areas are mostly in a "U" shape.

5. Topography affects the navigation conditions of rivers. Generally speaking, river navigation conditions in plains and basins are good, while river navigation conditions in mountains and hills are poor.

6. Topography affects the water energy status of rivers. Generally speaking, water energy is scarce in plains and basins, while water energy is abundant in mountains, hills, basins, and plateau edges.

Baidu Encyclopedia-North America