Polar Climate Study Exercise

Question 4: Latitude vs. Continentality

Which factor has a greater effect on annual temperature cycles in the Arctic, latitude or continentality?

To determine latitude effects, compare several stations that have about the same marine influence and elevations but different latitudes. To determine continentality effects, compare stations at about same latitude and elevation, but at different distances from ocean areas. For example

1. Compare stations on the Greenland Coast with each other.
2. Compare stations in Alaska with each other.
3. Compare stations in Siberia at about the same longitude with each other.
4. Compare stations in the Arctic Ocean with each other.

Pick one answer:

	Latitude is much more important than continentality.
	Both effects are significant, but latitude is more important.
	Both effects are have a similar magnitude effect.
	Both effects are significant, but continentality is more important.
	Continentality is much more important, latitude effects are insignificant.

Proceed to 'Question 5'.