Owing to its irregular topography, latitudes, and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the Canadian Cordillera encompasses a great variety of climates (Brookes et al.). For example, cities, such as Vancouver, and forests located near to the ocean have high precipitation levels and warm temperatures. Cities and forests located in the Interior Plateau of the Canadian Cordillera, however, experience the least amount of rainfall in this region. Take, for instance, the two Canadian cities Tofino and Osoyoos, which are both located in the Canadian Cordillera. Both cities are situated around the same latitude; however, Tofino (represented by the climatograph in Figure A) is located on Vancouver Island, whereas Osoyoos (represented by the climatograph in Figure B) is located near the Interior Plateau. By examining the climatographs to the right, it is obvious that their precipitation and temperature levels are starkly different. Furthermore, by looking at Figure C, we once again see a dramatic difference in temperature and precipitation levels in Prince George compared to those of Tofino and Osoyoos.
As is evident from the three examples above, it is extremely hard to pinpoint approximate annual precipitation and temperature levels within the Canadian Cordillera. In general, however, we know that, in boreal regions, the temperature range is below freezing for half of the year and precipitation levels are estimated to range from 30 to 85 cm annually (Sandner, Lionel et al. 21). In more temperate climates, such as where the Canadian Cordillera meets the ocean, on the other hand, rainfall can be greater than 200 cm per year and the average temperature ranges from 5 to 25°C (Sandner, Lionel et al. 23). Different parts of the Canadian Cordillera have different climates, and thus it is difficult to summarize the overall climate of the Canadian Cordillera.
Works Cited:
Works Cited:
Brookes, I. A et al. "Physiographic Regions." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica-Dominion. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2011. <http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0006275>
Sandner, Lionel et al. BC Science 10. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2008. Print.
Images Cited:
Sandner, Lionel et. al. Figure A. BC Science 10. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2008. Print.
Sandner, Lionel et. al. Figure B. BC Science 10. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2008. Print.
Cranny, Michael. Figure C. Horizons Canada Moves West. Scarborough: Prentice Hall Ginn, 1999. Print
Sandner, Lionel et. al. Figure A. BC Science 10. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2008. Print.
Sandner, Lionel et. al. Figure B. BC Science 10. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2008. Print.
Cranny, Michael. Figure C. Horizons Canada Moves West. Scarborough: Prentice Hall Ginn, 1999. Print
