How does the distance from the sea (continentality) affect

climate?

What is Continentality?

“Continentality, a measure of the difference between continental and marine climates characterized by the increased

range of temperatures that occurs over land compared with water. ” (Britannica)

Sea heats up slowly and cools slowly!

Land heats up quickly and cools quickly

Heat Capacity

• Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

• Land has a lower heat capacity.

• The sea has a higher heat capacity.

Other Factors

• The ocean like the air but unlike land is subject to vertical mixing and convective movements.

• The sun is able to warm only the thin upper surface of the land.

• Land (solids) is a better conductor of heat.

Coast is warmer Winter Coast is

Colder Summer

Inland is colder Winter Inland is

warmer Summer

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Volgograd

British Isles

U.S.A.