3.2 The Dutch climate

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3.2 The Dutch climate

Learning objectives:

After studying this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the difference between the weather and climate
  
• Use a climate graph to describe the Dutch climate

Climate

The difference between weather & climate:

Weather = looking at the current situation at a specific moment.

Climate = the average weather condition of a certain place, generally measured over 30 years.

Climates are changing (chapter 4).

Climate graph

A climate graph shows average temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Talking point: When might you make use of a climate graph?

Climate graph for Groningen

Climate graph for Maastricht

The Dutch climate: North vs. South

There are small differences in the Dutch weather depending on where you are in the country:

• Groningen is further away from the equator than Maastricht.
• At the equator, incoming solar radiation is at its strongest.
• This is mostly due to the curved shape of the Earth.

Climate graph for The Hague.

Climate graph for Enschede.

The Dutch climate: East vs. West

Maritime effect = Places close to the North Sea experience this effect: it is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Sea water warms up very slowly in the summer and loses its heat very slowly during the winter. 

Frontal rainfall

Gulf stream = Sea current coming from the equator.

Southwestern winds are warm, coming from the equator and collide with cold air from the north.

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 Which season corresponds to which of the four drawings of the Earth?

Look at the planner in Teams for the homework!