The Final Post

Minnesota is nestled in the in the path of ancient glaciers and oceans. As a result of this history, lakes and valleys predominate across the landscape. The humidity of the region in a major factor in the mesoscale climatic controls that shape the weather here. The geography of Minnesota has been dramatically altered by glacial times and the most notable result is the prevalence of the states ability to retain precipitation. With a high water table and abundant pools, the high humidity of the region creates bitterly cold winters and unbearably warm summers. Additionally, some parts of northern Minnesota are even influenced by the stabilizing properties of large bodies of water. While Lake Superior is not as large as the oceans which stabilize east and west coast regions, the effect can be quantified nonetheless. Minnesota is also host to abundant levels of primary producers which increase latent heat absorption and equalize the diurnal temperature range throughout the day.

Source: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/superior/lsm_map2.jpg

Ancient Ice Age and the distribution of glaciers ice across continents.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Northern_icesheet_hg.png

Following a fairly expected trend for the temperate land locked region, the graph below shows strong seasonality in Minneapolis with the coldest month being January and the warmest month being July. Comparing the precipitation chart to the temperature chart increases in precipitation seem to correspond and predictably show what is typical of the humid temperate climate that it is.

Comparing Minneapolis to other climates in the area brings us to a similar latitude with costal boundaries. Boston Massachusetts has roughly the same longitudinal coordinates and similar temperate climate. Boston experiences seasons like Minneapolis and the wettest month correspond with the warmest month are similar as well. Boston has several river bodies in close proximity to the city center which helps reduce the temperature nearby and provide a similar effect afforded to the city of Minneapolis in regards to its many lakes and streams. Boston is also made up of a modest sized downtown which stores latent heat and releases it at night. This process know as the urban heat island effect would probably have similar consequences in Minneapolis’ modest sized downtown.

Boston, MA Source: http://blastmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/charles_river.jpg

Boston does posses some distinct differences especially in relation to its proximity towards the ocean. The continentality of Minneapolis should produce large ranges of diurnal temperatures which would starkly contrast Boston. In some ways this is accurate but the abundance of water surrounding the city makes contrasting the two location slighlty more difficult. Observing the climographs of Boston one might notice that the rise and decline in temperature throughout the season is rather predictable. A nice smooth curve makes up the average high and low temperature throughout the year. Minneapolis' weather in contrast can be highly unpredictable leading to floods, heat waves and drought. Many years of living in Minneapolis one might perceive the ever-present, cautious optimism which exists among the residents, that the rain will come soon and rejuvenate the land to bring forth the rich foliage that in years past, blanketed the prairie land. 

Minneapolis, MN Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivptNUgaVJJKQ_PaymYK4VSaPYCcUefJ-UE6G94s8_Spe_2fKtY05PleOclb3LXN7Fn_CTaYnEEFE8fXn47rXXoFT4_Bc2xVCocTP-nE-i6Es5j-oxtmB7njfoO6ddo5EUPeembpQlJA/s1600/Minneapolis.jpg

Forecasting and understanding the principles that make up a particular climate are dynamic and multifaceted. There is no one single element that can account for the multitudes of complexities which exist in climates around the world. All that can be done is understand the mechanics which make up the countless variables and attempt to build interpretive models around those mechanisms. The great thing about weather is regardless of how predictable or variable a particular climate is, we know the Earth's systems are constantly changing and it will be the job of some brave scientists to lead us into that great unknown that drives innovation and strengthens our resolve in the pursuit of exploration.


Thanks to Matt Johnson and his blog on Boston, Massachusetts.