Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
January
High
High
High
High
Seasonal change in
strength and
location of westerly
air streams
Precipitation
caused by
seasonal reversal
in monsoon air flow
Seasonal change
in location of
intertropical
convergence
July
Low
High
High
Low
High
High
High
Figure 13.1
Seasonal
changes in the location and
strength of the global
precipitation pattern.
(Redrawn from Sumner,
1988, after Bartholomew,
1970, published with
permission.)
Subtropical and continental (summer) high pressure areas
Major areas of precipitation generation in westerly belts
Belt of precipitation generation along intertropical convergence
The eastern margins of continents have variable exposure to oceanic and
continental influences and so a more variable seasonal pattern, but with a
marked tendency to winter snow when the upwind continent is cold.
●
Inner continental areas have penetration of oceanic weather in winter
months with associated rain and snow, but a greater tendency to convective
rain showers in summer.
●
