Earth's Effect On Weather Formation

by Peter Wilson

Earth's Effect On Weather Formation

Weather formation is a very complex process, involving the sun, the Earth's atmosphere and the rotation of the Earth. But there is one more item to add to the list of ingredients responsible for changing weather patterns. This last piece of the puzzle is none other than good old terra firma.

Yes, the unique combination of land and ocean that makes up the Earth has significant effect on weather patterns, temperature and precipitation, on a large scale and on a local scale. The water of the oceans and lakes, as well as the huge masses of land, warm with the sun and cool. The effect caused by water and by land is different, though, because large water surfaces absorb heat slowly and release it just as slowly. Land, for the most part however, warms up quickly and cools just as quickly.

One of the basic differences, then, is in temperature, when weather in coastal areas is compared with climate conditions over the same amount of land surface away from the sea. As most experienced weather watchers know, and as meteorologists report, clouds form over land more readily due to heating of a landmass during the daytime. This can lead to widespread convection. (Of course, the peculiarities of land and water also play a huge role in wind formation, from monsoons to sea breezes).

The ongoing interaction between a weather system and the land below can make changes in that system. A good example is the hurricane, a powerful and massive storm that can destroy man-made and natural structures but can lose intensity when it encounters land, especially a rise in elevation on that land. Mountain ranges can make major changes in a weather systems. For instance, a system of low pressure that approaches a mountainous area is forced to move up and spread out. Any air mass rotation is slowed down by this contact. Though the area of low pressure can regain some speed and strength but generally is never as strong as before.

Mountains are also a key catalyst for what is known as "rain shadow." As described before, an air mass moving into a mountainous area will move upward, triggering condensation. After this initial contact, clouds form and precipitation, as rain or snow, can start. Meteorologists know that the precipitation will primarily reach the ground on the side of the mountains from which the air mass approached. Those living things on what is often known as the "lee" side of the mountain receive less precipitation because the air mass falls to a lower level, warms up and becomes dry. The "lee" side of the mountain range experiences the rain shadow. In fact, east of the Rockies, an area often called high plains in the central U.S. is a classic rain shadow landscape. If the effect continues for a long enough period of time, a desert can be the result.

Discussions of weather should include terms such as atmosphere, clouds, water vapor, wind direction and so on. But these discussions should include the Earth as well.

About the Author

Peter Wilson repeatedly edits detailed reports on subjects similar to weather patterns and temperature. You might come across his work on weather forecast for alicante and weather patterns here.