Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 20 - Give It Some Thought - Page 629: 3

Answer

The lesser snowfall in Paris compared to New York can be attributed to the moderating effect of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Paris has a maritime climate, meaning it is influenced by the ocean's temperature. The Atlantic Ocean tends to have a warming effect on the city during winter, preventing extremely low temperatures and reducing the likelihood of heavy snowfall. The ocean's thermal mass helps keep the temperatures relatively milder, allowing for less snow accumulation. On the other hand, New York experiences a continental climate, which is characterized by greater temperature variations between seasons. In winter, the city is influenced by cold air masses coming from the north and northwest. These cold air masses, originating from Canada and the Arctic regions, can lead to significantly lower temperatures in New York during the winter months. Additionally, the city's location further inland, away from the moderating influence of large bodies of water, allows for colder air to settle over the area, leading to more snowfall during the harsh winter months. In summary, the proximity of Paris to the Atlantic Ocean and its maritime climate results in lesser snowfall and milder winter temperatures compared to New York, which experiences colder temperatures due to its inland location and continental climate, along with the influence of cold air masses from the north.

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