Reflection #1. Charleston vs Portland

The difference in location of Charleston and Portland affect their climate

I chose to compare Charleston, SC to Portland, OR due the contrast in locations within the United States.  When comparing the high temperatures, they follow a similar pattern with Portland 8-12 F cooler throughout the year.  The more northern location of Portland explains the difference while the similar climate pattern is a result of both being in the Northern Hemisphere and being affected by maritime air masses.  The difference between being located on the coast, Charleston, and 65 miles inland, Portland, is seen when comparing the average low temperatures.  The average low temperatures in Portland are lower especially in the winter.  This means the difference between the high and low on any given day is much greater in Portland.  This is a result of continentality.

The maritime air masses the influence the two cities produce similar weather

 patterns.  The  difference in temperature can be attributed to the more northern

 location of Portland.  

The air cools much more rapidly in Portland at night due to its location inland 

from the Pacific ocean.

Charleston and Portland receive very similar levels of precipitation but receive it at different times of the year.  This is a result of the stability of the air masses influencing the climate of the two cities.  In Portland, the majority of the precipitation is received during the winter months while the summer months are much drier.  This is because the more unstable Maritime polar air mass is the driver of the winter weather while the more stable Maritime tropical air mass is the driver in the summer.  In Charleston, the difference in precipitation is not as drastic as in Portland but there is a significant peak during the summer.  This corresponds to when the Bermuda High air mass is most unstable.

Sources:

http://geo3232.blogspot.com

http://weatherinportland.blogspot.com/

Blog #2

Source: sethmhmsms.edublogs.org

Charleston, South Carolina is affected by the maritime tropical air masses year round with continental polar air masses influencing the weather at times from the fall through the spring time.  The maritime tropical air mass that influences Charleston's weather significantly is the Bermuda high.

The cold front dipping down in the southeast is currently 

causing severe weather in the region.

Source: www.weather.com

Charleston experiences mid-latitude cyclones in the form of cold fronts.  These cold fronts are pushed down from the north.  When these fronts move in they meet the warm and humid air from the Bermuda high air mass which can cause severe thunder storms and possible tornadoes.  In winter, when these two air masses meet they have a potential to create what is commonly called a nor’easter which will run up the eastern sea board.  When Charleston does experience snow it is because of one of these storms.  

The ITCZ does have an effect on Charleston with its passage beginning as early as mid-May and lasting as late as November.  The ITCZ promotes heavier precipitation from June through August.  During this time, Charleston can be susceptible to hurricanes.  The most infamous being Hurricane Hugo that struck Charleston in 1989.

The Appalachian Mountains influence how certain air masses affect Charleston's climate.  The Appalachian's block or diminish the continental polar air masses that come from the northwest. Precipitation is sucked out of these polar air masses while going over the Appalachian's.  They need to meet up with the moist tropical air mass to give Charleston precipitation.

Sources:

http://www.hurricanezone.net/articles/tropicalcycloneformation.html

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ClimateData/cli_sc_climate.php

http://www.dreamcharleston.com/charleston-weather.html