NAME:

8-Weather and Climate Notes PART II CGC 1D1

GROWING SEASON

When we talk about Climate it defines what we call Growing Season.

Growing season can be defined/calculated as: the number of days between the __________
occurrence of 0°C (FROST) in spring and the __________ occurrence of 0°C (FROST) in fall.

Growth of many plants is determined by _________ and this is why we define the growing
season by that factor.

A longer growing season means we can grow a greater variety of vegetation which takes
longer to mature, shorter growing seasons favour vegetation which grows and matures much
more quickly and is able to thrive in a harsher environment.

CLIMATE CHANGE and HOW IT MAY AFFECT CANADA!

Canadian Shield

HOW COULD THIS REGION CHANGE?

Warming means less snow so less __________ in the spring. Many of the lakes of the shield
are created through glaciation. Beneath them is impervious rock.

There will then be ______ water to supply these lakes since there is ______ spring melt. There
may be _____ precipitation since there is _____ moisture in the area. It may lead to a dryer
climate

The Growing season may lengthen but harsh, ______ conditions may mean the type of
vegetation may start to change.

Rivers may shrink. ________________________resources may decline.

Dryer conditions may lead to higher risk of forest/grass ________.

May change types of life in the area over time.

Interior Plains (Lowlands)

HOW COULD THIS REGION CHANGE?

This region would have less snow so less spring melt

Growing season lengthens

These areas are known for ______ soils and farming, however with little sources of moisture
such as very few lakes and being inland , there is less ________________

The area is already susceptible to ______________ and with warmer temperatures and even
less precipitation it raises the risk of longer droughts and perhaps even __________ forming!

Natural deposits should remain unaffected however work conditions may become more
difficult.

Urban areas may __________ (get smaller, people leave)

Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Lowlands

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Less snow, perhaps none. Less run-off to replenish lake levels.

Change in _________________ activities

Longer growing season, perhaps ________________in places - Bordering on ________climate

Precipitation may vary in different areas. Some drought danger. This may also lead to greater
precipitation and higher levels in the Great Lakes.

Warmer year round temperatures may start to change types of _________________.

May create ________ attraction for settlement, business and tourism

Hudson Bay Lowlands

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Warming temperatures

Less snow will leave less run-off and may lead to less ___________ areas – less swampy areas.

Northerly _________ conditions may diminish and the longer growing season may lead to
more advanced vegetation, thicker and lusher forested areas.

Growth will still be _____________ due to thin and poor soil conditions.
Arctic Lowlands

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Warming temperatures

Year round snow cover may diminish – more melting of ________ regions, raising __________

Longer growing season may increase vegetation

Increased __________ conditions

Harsh conditions may lessen allowing for more colonization (settlement). May increase
mineral exploration

Appalachian Mountains

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Slightly warming conditions although ___________ areas temperatures will still remain cooler.

Longer growing season, especially in valley regions

Precipitation levels (Rain/Snow) may or may not increase

Rising____________ water levels, flooding

Recreational changes

Innuitian Mountains

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Warmer average temperatures may lead to ________ melt

Increased moisture may increase precipitation, rivers, erosion

Some ______________ areas my thaw, receding glaciers, increased _______ levels

Increased growing season, vegetation may increase in small areas promoting ___________
conditions

Severe conditions may ease allowing for more exploration of resources

Western Cordillera

HOW MAY THIS REGION CHANGE?

Increase in temperatures means greater melting along elevated areas, glacial ice formations

Longer growing season, especially in valleys

Rising sea conditions may result in ____________ along coastal regions, island areas, harbours

Recreational activities may suffer

Increased _________ ______ risk

Most of these are educated guesses of things that MAY happen or are LIKELY to happen. We
can’t predict the future, only guess at what may happened depending upon what has already
happened through historical events.