London, England, is at the same latitude as Calgary in Canada’s prov- ince of Alberta. However, the meain January temperature in London is ? C( 42° F ) , whereas in Calgary it is minus 1o C (14 F). Compare the loca- tions of these two cities and suggest a reason for this temperature differ- ence. Increased industrialization in Chi- na has environmentalists worried about air quality elsewhere. Are air pollutants emitted in Beijing more likely to end up in eastern Europe o:r the western United States? Why?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Temperature Difference Between London and Calgary
Despite being situated at similar latitudes—London at approximately 51.5°N and Calgary at about 51.1°N—these two cities experience markedly different January temperatures. London’s mean January temperature is around 5.5°C (42°F), while Calgary’s is approximately -10°C (14°F). This significant difference can be attributed to several climatic factors:
- Ocean Currents: London benefits from the North Atlantic Drift, an extension of the Gulf Stream, which brings warm ocean currents from the tropics to Western Europe. This current significantly moderates London’s climate, leading to milder winters.
- Geographical Features: London is located on the Atlantic coast, allowing it to receive the warming effects of the ocean. In contrast, Calgary is situated inland, far from the moderating influence of the ocean, resulting in a more continental climate with colder winters.
- Altitude: Calgary’s higher elevation contributes to its colder temperatures. Higher altitudes generally experience lower temperatures due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure and temperature with elevation.
Air Pollution Dispersion from Beijing
Increased industrialization in China, particularly in Beijing, has raised concerns about the global dispersion of air pollutants. Studies indicate that pollutants emitted in Beijing are more likely to affect the western United States than eastern Europe. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Prevailing Wind Patterns: The primary wind direction over East Asia is from the west to the east, meaning that air masses carrying pollutants from Beijing are more likely to travel eastward across the Pacific Ocean toward North America. This west-to-east atmospheric circulation pattern facilitates the transport of pollutants from China to the western United States.
- Jet Stream Influence: The jet stream, a fast-flowing air current in the upper atmosphere, often carries pollutants from East Asia across the Pacific Ocean to North America. This atmospheric pathway enables pollutants to traverse vast distances, impacting air quality on the U.S. West Coast.
- Geographical Barriers: The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean acts as a conduit for pollutants traveling from China to the western United States. In contrast, the landmasses of Europe and Asia, along with mountain ranges like the Himalayas, can act as barriers, limiting the direct transport of pollutants from Beijing to eastern Europe.
In summary, the combination of prevailing wind patterns, the influence of the jet stream, and geographical features make it more likely for air pollutants emitted in Beijing to reach the western United States rather than eastern Europe.