Learning Objectives

2.4.1 Describe the changes in an air mass that moves from a maritime zone across mountains, on both the leeward and windward slopes.

2.4.2 Illustrate how energy exchange components are influenced by vegetation and subsequently affect climate.

You may have noticed the changes in climate as you travel from a coastal area to an inland location. This change in climate can be abrupt, particularly when you travel across a mountain chain. The daily variation in air temperature increases, the humidity decreases, and precipitation decreases. These climate differences result from the effects of oceans and continents on regional energy balance and the influence of mountains on airflow and temperature. The vegetation often reflects these regional climate differences, exemplifying the effects of climate on the distributions of species and biological communities. The vegetation also has important effects on the climate through its influence on energy and water

balance.