Nearby Water

Phenomenon

Locations near large bodies of water tend to have more rainfall than locations far from a large body of water. Why?

The circulation of water from land surfaces, vegetation, and large bodies of water is a critical factor in rainfall - a criteria used to identify climate types. Locations near large bodies of water may have more precipitation than other locations depending on the direction of air movement. Air temperature may also be affected by large bodies of water.

Evaporation takes in energy from the atmosphere generating a cooling effect. Cloud cover caused by condensation of water around dust particles can reduce incoming solar radiation causing daytime temperatures to be lower. Cloud cover at night may trap thermal infrared radiating from surfaces causing night time temperatures to be warmer than normal.. A clear night sky allows thermal infrared to radiate further into the atmosphere resulting in cooling.

Make of Model

Use a model to demonstrate that cloud formation requires water, changes in pressure, and dust particles.

Materials

1 liter clear, plastic soda bottle
thermometer suspended inside the bottle
smoke from a match
small amount of water
soda bottle pressure pump

Explain how nearby water affects the climate at each location.

Although Detroit and Buffalo ware inland cities, they are both influenced by the Great Lakes The Great Lakes are large enough to act like maritime bodies of water.

Compare the climates of Detroit, Michigan and Buffalo, New York.

Annual Climatology: Detroit, MI (DTW)

Elev: 637 ft Lat: 42^o 14'N Long: 83^o 20'W

Annual Climatology: Buffalo, NY (BUF)

Elev: 705 ft Lat: 42^o 56'N Long: 78^o 44'W