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New Zealand’s Subtropical North Island Climate

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  • Research paper for GEOG323 (Climatology) class describing the effects of physiographic setting, climate elements related to energy, moisture, and pressure and corresponding results on New Zealand's North Island Climate. The paper analyzes major circulation modes, weather patterns and extremes, climate change, and the overall climate type of the region.
  • The North Island of New Zealand consists of key topographic features, including the Central Volcanic Range and its proximity to the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean, all which have a strong influence on its high humidity, mild temperatures, and heavy rainfall. Temperatures peak during the summer from 14 °C to 18 °C, while registering cold winter temperatures from -4°C to 11°C. The warmest temperatures of the year align with minimum precipitation, maximum day length, and higher average insolation. The island’s geographic features also contribute to the variance in temperature and precipitation, with surrounding warm, subtropical ocean currents affecting coastal air temperatures. Rainfall ranges from 1000 mm in coastal areas to 2000 mm at higher elevations such as the Central Volcanic Range. Variance also exists between air flow, where coastal areas experience fast winds, with sea breezes bringing an additional proportion of easterlies. Meanwhile, mountainous regions create a blocking effect that modifies wind patterns. Modes of variability affecting the region include the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode, explaining temperature and precipitation anomalies. The North Island is prone to other types of weather extremes including severe convective storms such as hail, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. The region falls under the marine west coast (Cfb) Köppen climate classification, emphasizing its mild climate, warm summers, and lack of a dry season. While the North Island’s present climate elements are as described, the area will face a range of climate change impacts that are extensions from current trends. In the future, expected changes include rising temperatures, adjustments in flood and drought frequency, reduced snowfall, and sea level rise.
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