Climate Factors and Weather Elements of the Iberian Peninsula

Geology2 Apr 20263.29 KB

Climate Factors of the Iberian Peninsula

Climate factors are the aspects influencing the permanent and unchanging climate.

Latitude: The latitude of the Iberian Peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere temperate zone determines two main seasons, summer and winter, separated by two transition periods: spring and autumn.
Situation: The location of the peninsula between two large bodies of water makes it a crossroads for distinct air masses.
Maritime Influence: The influence of the sea is scarce on the peninsula due to its large width, short coastlines, and mountainous topography.
Relief: Influences the climate through summit disposition, orientation, height, and relief position. Mountainous systems parallel to the coast facilitate the entry of air masses into enclosed basins.
Height: Increases in height lead to decreases in temperature and changes in precipitation.
Orientation: Creates climatic contrasts between sunny (solana) and shady (umbría) slopes.

These are responsible for atmospheric circulation, which determines different types of weather and climate.

High-Altitude Circulation (Jet Stream): In the temperate atmospheric circulation, the climate is governed by the Jet Stream.
Surface Circulation: Includes centers of action, air masses, and fronts.
Centers of Action: Areas of high and low pressure (depressions and anticyclones), which can be thermal or dynamic.
Air Masses: Large bodies of air defined by temperature, humidity, and pressure.
Fronts: Surfaces separating two air masses of different characteristics.

These are the components without which there would be no climate:

Insolation: The amount of radiation received by the Earth's surface.
Cloudiness: The state of the atmosphere regarding cloud cover.
Temperature: The degree of heat in the air, measured in degrees Celsius.
Thermal Amplitude: The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures.
Frosts: Occur when the temperature drops to 0°C.
Air Humidity: The quantity of water vapor contained in the air.
Fog: The suspension of water droplets in the lower layer of the atmosphere.
Haze (Calima): Atmospheric particles that reduce visibility.
Pressure: Depends on the characteristics of the air masses located over Spain throughout the year.
Winds: Horizontal movements of air relative to the surface.
Precipitation: Water falling from clouds in solid or liquid form, measured by a rain gauge (mm).
Evaporation: The process of water transforming into ambient steam.
Evapotranspiration: The loss of moisture from the Earth's surface.
Aridity: The relationship between heat and humidity in a given space.