Climate Controls

Climate Controls 
Montreal, QC, Canada has a series of climate controls. Climate controls can be defined in a series of meso-scale and micro-scale levels. It is important to have these two distinguished when speaking abut Montreal's climate. Meso-scale, is"The intermediate size; especially: of or relating rot a meteorological phenomenon approximately 10 to 1000kilometers in horizontal extent"(Merriam Webster) or  it is also defined as regional level climate controls. Micro-scale is  small or a more local and site specific type of climate control.  Montreal, like many other  weather stations are affected by  micro and meso scale  levels. The  weather station i choose is right on Montreal, QC canada and weather data goes back up to   the 1980s. Its long trace of data is significant in identifying the major and minor factors that  influence the climate of Montreal, QC, Canada.

The climate of any place is influenced by  factors that include the latitude, elevation, bodies of water, ocean currents, topography and vegetation and prevailing winds.  Montreal's location is located near  some bodies of water , and also not too far from the Atlantic Ocean. Montreal however is  considered continental because of  its climates are  always variating in temperature.   Continental  means that there are usually winds that come from over land and are at higher elevations in parts of the world. In specific Montreal is affected by Continental Polar and Continental Arctic.  According to the  Koppen Classifications we can try to distinguish the  difference in temperatures and try to correlate  somewhat of a pattern for  Montreal, QC, Canada.

http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/present.htm

The classification  that the Koppen  Geiger gives us explains that   Montreal, QC, Canada falls under Dfa, Dwa which means cold winters and hot summers. It can also be said that Montreal is Dsa and Dsb that is usually under continental climates and exist at high altitudes. Most of the classifications  that have been made however do not give a  good idea of the  climate in the areas, this is because it can sometimes be changed depending on seasons and on  years basis. In the information i received from NOAA  there was a high average of rainfall within the last 25 years, but there were  some years that  rainfall was not so abundant.The Koppen classification explains that the  Dfa and Dwa are  climates that have about  "average temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit in warmest months and experience drops of about 0 degrees in its coldest months"(Lutgents,track and Tassa, Pg 542).Group D  are considered to be continental and micro thermal climates.

Meso-Scale (Regional Level)
Montreal, QC, Canada is located near the atlantic ocean and it's weather station's location is at approximately 45.5 degrees latitude  and about 74 degrees North longitude. It is important to recognize that  the weather station  experiences significant precipitation in the winter and  its summers are not heavily precipitated. The small range of mountains  near Montreal help in blocking off the maritime air, and in receiving precipitation.

Canada is currently trying to obtain more information on a mesoscale level of data from Montreal. Some of there government's website states "The one-way nesting of limited area models (LAMs), suitably designed as Regional Climate Models (RCMs), within General Circulation Models (GCMs) is becoming a valuable downscaling technique for simulating the climate of a limited domain. They allow physically based and computationally affordable long-term integrations at high spatial resolution. RCMs are now been used in many climate research centres around the world. The Canadian RCM (CRCM), which can be set up to run on a domain covering any part of the globe, first emerged from combining the semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit MC2 (Compressible community mesoscale model) dynamical kernel with the CCCma atmospheric GCM physics parameterization package."  TO READ MORE ON THIS ARTICLE  AND INFORMATION ON THIS OUTBREAK  FOLLOW THE LINK TO --> http://www.cccma.ec.gc.ca/data/crcm.shtml

Micro-Scale ( Local, Site Specific)
Many of the classifications however do not seem useful when it comes to  recording climate over long periods of time. The weather is always changing and this will affect the climate in areas or regions. Thus far, there has not been any kind  of perfect classification for the kind of climate over large areas, since we can easily see noticeable changes.  We can simply turn to air masses for more accurate information in the kind of temperature and moisture a Country or region receives. Montreal per instance is affected by Continental Polar (cP) in the summer and Continental Arctic (cA) in the winter.

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/findstation

Natural Occurring
Montreal, QC, Canada's  weather station is located on a land mass close to a  large river. This is important to note because the location of the weather station can easily affect the temperature that it is recording. There are also a series of weather stations near Montreal, Canada and their recording temperatures can also be somewhat different. Though i was not able to obtain the information from the other weather stations, i am guessing that the climate is somewhat simulate because they  are influenced by most of the  same land masses, air masses  and bodies of water.
Anthropogenic (Non-Natural Human Caused)
This weather station is located  near the city of Montreal. As i looked up the weather station i found a  possible picture of what it looks like. This is exciting! It is somewhat secluded from the large population and large city.

 This weather station can  possibly affected by the albedo that the city produces, but it is not.  The weather station is in pretty safe conditions and might not easily be affected by humans. That is not to say that it does not receive human contact  and humans do not effect it entirely though! TheThrough research i have also found that there have been some smaller  weather stations. Dr. Strachan's team conducts field-based micrometeorological research centered on the ways in which human-induced management and modification of ecosystems influence surface-atmosphere interactions.  The "Research is conducted in a variety of field locations including marsh wetlands in Eastern Ontario, hydroelectric reservoirs in James Bay, QC, peatlands along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, and the urban and suburban environments of Montreal"(http://aerlab.mcgill.ca/research_EPiCC.html)

Historical Temperature Trends
Montreal is  a humid continental climate, with warm summers, and severe winters. It very rarely experiences dry seasons, but has a strong seasonality. According to its historical temperature trends we notice that The  coldest months are in January through March and Montreal begins to experience warmer weather  from May al the way up to September, then its Temperature begins to decrease again in october. We also see that there is much more rain fall in the months of July and August. Montreal, Canada is a very heavily precipitated area. In the information received from the NOAA, there is a progression of the temperatures being slightly higher on present day than they were before. It is important to recognize that because of present day  factors and other areas that surround Montreal, QC, Canada.

http://www.montreal.climatemps.com

The  average annual temperatures are approximately 42.6 Degrees Fahrenheit, this indicates that it is continental. 
In the Winter temperatures are about 24.6 degrees Fahrenheit. in the spring the temperatures are about 
51.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual precipitation is about 40 inches annually. The

drought.unl.edu

This through climograph indicates the amount of rainfall, wet days, relative humidity, precipitation,  and average temperatures throughout the year. Climographs are helpful to indicate data because they  analyze the climate statistics to determine climate classification. The Climograph above for Montreal,  helps in to easily notice climate changes through the year.

The information i received from NOAA tells me that that the average  high for January 1991 was  about 34 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low for that year was 15.3 degrees Fahrenheit and in July the average high was 90 degrees fahrenheit and the average low was about 79 degrees fahrenheit. In January of 2014 the average high was approximately 35.4 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low was approximately 19.6 degrees fahrenheit. The Average high in July was approximately 89.9 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low was approximately 78.2 degrees Fahrenheit( NOAA Monthly Summary). Through the 25 years there has been a decrease in temperatures and we can see that most of the temperatures have dropped within the last 25 years


Comparison to Another Blog
I chose to compare my blog to  Christian Sausser, on Okinawa, Japan, our locations are completely opposite and on different parts of the world. This drew to my attention because extreme  locations might call for more extreme differences, but it might  could be exciting to view what similarities they have even though their locations are different.   Christian refers to Okinawa as "The Sweat Box"  and its bowen ratio less than one. This right away is different from Montreal, because Montreal, QC Canada has an approximate bowen ratio of about 2. The variations in average annual temperature is also different  Christian states that " Okinawa’s temperature varies from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees, rarely ever descending below 50 degrees, or rising beyond 92 degrees. Before considering humidity into the equation, for those who have never been to the island, one could make the assumption these temperatures seem quite tolerable for an average human." In Montreal the average temperatures are not that extreme and usually range from about 35 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature in Montreal, QC, Canada is much more tolerable than that of Okinawa. 

     
Though the temperatures are not the same there does seem to be some correlation that Japan and  Montreal have some what high humidity levels. Montreal has relative humidities throughout the year of approximately 44-52 %  and Okinawa falls right in between of a range of 49%- 93%.  Okinawa's humidity is much, MUCH higher, and it's low  is Montreal's highest humidity. The best way to compare both cities is through the climographs. In Okinawa  we can see that the precipitation is much higher  in the summer while in  Montreal, QC,. Canada the  precipitation is constant throughout the year. okinawa shows that its weather is much more constant and usually in the highs while as Montreal, usually has it's high temperatures in the Summer.

I am sure that the main reasoning for the extreme temperature differences would have to do with air masses.  It is also important , However, to notice that  Japan is  way more down south  than Montreal, and as we move closer to the equator the temperature increases. Montreal is about 40 degrees north latitude from the equator.  It is also important to note that the current near  Okinawa is  a warm current whereas the current  near  Montreal is a cold current. Ocean currents  affect much of the precipitation and temperatures near these Cities.  Christian mentions that his location is most susceptible to typhoons.  That is almost impossible for a location like Montreal, QC Canada because of the  location. Christian is affected by Maritime Tropical, while Montreal is affected by Continental Polar. The kind of  air mass that affects Okinawa is very prone to those typhoons, while Montreal, QC Canada  might be more affected by snow storms.  Okinawa would probably never experience a very severe snow storm because of its location and air Masses.

Our locations have probably not many other things in common due to its extreme different locations.  

Just a typical rainy day in Montreal, QC, Canada

Citations
-- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesoscale 

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datasets/GHCNDMS/stations/GHCND:CA007024745/detail

http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/present.htm 

Lutgens,Frederick K., Edward J. Tarbuck and Dennis Tasa. The atmosphere introduction to meteorology.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Köppen_climate_classification#GROUP_D:_Continental.2Fmicrothermal_climates 

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/environnement-canada-weather-station-in-montreal-city-pierre-leclerc.html

Air Masses

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/03/polar-vortex-canada-winter_n_6096860.html
The Above image shows the  most current  weather predictions for this winter.
As you can see, Montreal is expected mostly snowstorms.

Montreal is the perfect place to be if you enjoy moist conditions. Its climate is heavily influenced by its location, because Montreal is in upper North America it  is mostly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.The Atlantic ocean allows for heavy precipitation in Montreal to occur yearly.  Its winters are heavily precipitated, and as per the information  from the National Climate Data Center the winters in Montreal are severe with low temperatures of 17 degrees Fahrenheit and as for summers to consist of highs up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Montreal makes perfect living for those who enjoy cloudy days and the smell of rain.

AIR MASSES  
In simplest terms according to the National Geographic is "An air mass is a large volume of air in the atmosphere that is mostly uniform in temperature and Moisture, Air masses can extend thousands of kilometers across the surface of the Earth, and can reach from ground level to the stratosphere—16 kilometers (10 miles) into the atmosphere". There are a series of  different air masses  that hoover over North America such as Continental Arctic (cA), Continental Polar (cP) , Continental Tropical (cT), Maritime Polar (mP), and Maritime Tropical (mT). 

The above image is the affect of air masses in North America.

weatherunderground.com

-Continental Arctic(cA)

        - Extremely cold temperatures

        - Originate in the arctic circle

-Continental Polar(cP)

        - Cold and dry

-Continental Tropical (cT)

        - Hot, very dry

        - In northern New Mexico

-Maritime Polar(mP)

        - cool and moist

-Maritime Tropical (mT)

        - warm very humid

As stated in blog 1, the the winters are cold and summers are warm , Montreal's location near the large body of water is in part affected mostly by Maritime Polar (mP) which is cool and moist therefore, "an air mass that develops over northern Canada is called a maritime polar(mP) air mass and is cold and dry"(National Geographic). Montreal, however, is affected by continental polar(cP) and continental arctic(cA) in the winter, and maritime tropical in the summer. In a recent weather forecast  for January 7th 2015,  by CTV Montreal stated "Experts are warning Quebecers to take precautions as the arctic air mass descends", their forecast was in relation to its extreme drop in temperature and possible snow fall. 

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW FORECAST >http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=526917

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/11/18/another-arctic-cold-front-for-dfw-when-it-arrives/
 The above image shows the cold front  North of the Canadian/ US Border.

MID-LATITUDE CYCLONES

 Montreal, Quebec , Canada is unfortunately prone to mid-latitude cyclones. A mid-latitude cyclone si a huge weather system that forms between a low pressure system and high pressure system that cover a large area of precipiation. Mid-latitude cyclones are most prone to occur in the winter, and are the main cause for heavy snowfall, and sometimes blizzards. According to  NC university, " Locations more prone to mid-latitude cyclone development are the Gulf of Mexico, off the East Coast, and the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. The first two locations mentioned allow moist air off of the water to ride up over the colder air over the land because of the counter-clockwise movement of the wind around low pressure systems.(NC State University) 

The above image is  a mid-Latitude cyclone, emerging over Canada and moving into southern Quebec
https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/geog-203-study-guide-2014-15-lafon/deck/12797081 

TOPOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES
Quebec in general is influenced by climate from  western and northern Canada, this climate then moves east  to south into the United states. However, most of central Quebec  has long  winters and short warm summers beca use of high influences of the high altitude  and the influence of the Arctic air asses. Precipitation in  south Quebec is somewhat less, except at high elevations. The Arctic Ocean currents, and the Continental air masses from the  Arctic mostly affect the  northern region in quebec.

SOURCES
- http://ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information 
-http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/air-mass/?ar_a=1 
- http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/tg/wamsorce/wamsorce.htm
-http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/edu/k12/.mlc
-https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/geog-203-study-guide-2014-15-lafon/deck/12797081

Introduction

http://gotoquebec.weebly.com/landforms.html
The above Picture is the Appalachian mountains
Quebec, Canada.

 Montreal,  is located on the southwest province  in Quebec, Canada it is located in North America. Montreal’s location is near the Ottawa Rivers and near the port of Saint Lawrence Seaway, which is a short distance from the Great lakes. The geology of Quebec can be described in a series of main geological regions such as,  the plains , the Appalachians and the lowlands.  The Appalachian mountains are a thin strip of weathered mountains, and  are located near the southeast of Quebec. The lowlands are not large in range but are heavily populated.  The variety in  its geology has very in little in part by have to  do with the kind of  weather that  it receives.The weather in Montreal, QC, Canada is  known to be very humid , and  precipitation is abundant . Quebec has a large average of snowfall and rainfall, summer being the wettest season but also one of the sunniest.It's diverse geology and bodies of water sorrounding quebec  are in partly responsible for its humidity and precipitation.

Air Dynamics

http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,quebec-city,Canada
The Above graph is  a yearly monthly average of recorded humidity in percentages for Canada. Humidity is essential to measure future precipitation and the  air dynamic.

Montreal is not known to be heavily dry, and  its wet conditions yearly do not directly correlate with the average seasons climates. Winter is still very cold, and summers are   warm, Montreal’s location  is near a large body of water causing modified maritime air masses, its small range of mountains impartially reduces the maritime air dynamic to petite in the continental artic. The kinds of weather patterns in Quebec are not consistent.

http://www.oocities.org/gchafe/536weather.html
This kind of produces Showers and Thunderstorms; Highly associated to the kind in Quebec

Precipitation
The  small range of mountains near Montreal are in part response for its dryness on occasion. Since its location is very near the ocean the  air is moved up into a motion around the mountains. The mountains serve as a barrier to cool the air as it descends to the “other side”, When it gets to the other side of the mountain, the probability of moisture is decreased. However, because the range of mountains near Montreal is very minimal, there is still a lot of moisture that they receive because of the  maritime air moving towards Montreal.  Not to say that Montreal has precipitation everyday, however their yearly averages are about 900mm. Could you imagine that?  In order for rainfall to be abundant low pressure systems must be present and move the warm air into the atmosphere.

http://www.westjet.com/vacations/en/destinations/destination-basics.shtml?id=DQUEYQB   
The Above graph is representing the correlation of rainfall and snowfall with monthly average temperatures that are high and low.

The average temperature in highs and lows are very extreme in Montreal, QC, Canada. Montreal is surrounded by rivers and near the ocean,  allowing for very warm summers and snowy winters. The winters in Montreal  are severe, with very low temperatures  of about 17 degrees Fahrenheit  and summers consist of highs up to 91 degrees  Fahrenheit. The correlatation that can be concluded from these two graphs is the skewness in temperatures and the precipitation  averages are similar.  Snowfall is the exception in the above graphs, since it correlates mainly with the average seasonal changes.

Cloud Types

 The kinds of clouds mostly seen in Quebec are known as nimbostratus clouds,  because of the high precipitation that they receive.   Because of Montreal’s close location to the ocean  this kind of cloud is quite common.  As previously discussed,  Montreal’s high precipitation is  not correlated to the kind of weather during the season. It can surely rain in February, which is very rarely seen in continental air type locations.

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/CYUL/2015/3/11/MonthlyCalendar.html?req_city=Montreal&req_statename=Quebec&reqdb.zip=00000&reqdb.magic=1&reqdb.wmo=71627#calendar
Above shown is the most recent weather report for Montreal, QC,Canada. As you may notice there is still high precipitation and snowfall headed for them later this month. Also notice,  a large amount of snow fall they have received recently within March 1st- March 9th, 2015

Sources:
- https://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=En&n=EF6F2FEF-1
- http://www.montreal.climatemps.com
- http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71627.html
-http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/cldtyp/lw/nbstr.rxml