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20°W
20°E
40°
10
20
30
25%
60°N
40
50%
50°
40
40
30
50%
30
10
25%
20
20
30
30
Figure 10.2 Continentality in Europe. The indices of Gorczynski (dashed) and Berg (solid) are explained
in the text. See also Note 1, Ch 10.
Source: Partly after Blüthgen (1966).
A further illustration of maritime and
continental regimes is provided by a comparison
of Valentia (Eire), Bergen and Berlin ( Figure
10.3 ). Valentia has a winter rainfall maximum and
equable temperatures as a result of its oceanic
situation (p. 60), whereas Berlin has a considerable
temperature range and a summer maximum of
rainfall. A theoretically ideal 'equable' climate has
been defined as one with a mean temperature of
14
characteristics, and therefore British weather
patterns are now examined in more detail.
3 British airflow patterns and their
climatic characteristics
The daily weather maps for the British Isles sector
(50-60
W) from 1873 to the present
day have been classified, in a scheme developed by
the late Professor H. H. Lamb, according to the
airflow direction or isobaric pattern. He identified
seven major categories: westerly (W), north-
westerly (NW), northerly (N), easterly (E) and
southerly (S) types - referring to the compass
directions from which the airflow and weather
°
N, 2
°
E-10
°
C in all months of the year. Bergen receives
large rainfall totals due to orographic intensi-
fication and has a maximum in autumn and
winter, its temperature range being intermediate
between the other two. Such averages convey
only a very general impression of climatic
°
 
 
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