The cool temperate oceanic type of climate occurs in coastal regions along the western sides of continents. In north-western Europe, it is experienced in Ireland and in coastal areas extending from Norway to Spain (Fig. 17.2).
Chapter 18: A Core Irish Region –
The Greater Dublin Area Chapter 19:
A Peripheral Irish Region – The Western Region
Norway Iceland
Denmark
United Kingdom Ireland
Belgium Germany
France Spain
Fig. 17.2 Areas influenced by the cool temperate oceanic climate in Europe.
Ireland’s climatic characteristics are an average summer temperature of 15°C, an average winter temperature of 5°C, and rainfall occurring all year but with a winter maximum.
A number of factors influence the cool temperate oceanic climate. These include: z z
zz
Latitude: The climate is most commonly found along western coasts in temperate latitudes (40° to 65° north and south of the equator).
The sea: The moderating effects of the sea keep temperatures mild all year round. The sea is also a source of moisture; evaporated water vapour is carried by south-westerly winds travelling over it towards land.
z z A-Z
Relief rain: Precipitation that forms when moisture- laden winds are forced to rise over uplands.
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Prevailing winds: The warm ‘moist’ south-westerly winds exert a major influence on this climate and are responsible for mild winters (Fig. 17.3). These winds are moisture-laden and give the region its characteristic high annual levels of precipitation. Where there are coastal uplands, as in the west of Ireland, relief rain will form, giving higher precipitation levels than are present in the eastern ‘rain shadow’ area.
