Geography 101 The Physical Environment
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Ice Cap Climate (EF)

Latitude/Longitude = 77o S; 166o E
Average Annual Temperature (oC) = -17.0
Annual Temperature Range (oC) = 23
Total Annual Precipitation (mm) = 7.8
Summer Precipitation (mm) = 3.7
Winter Precipitation (mm) = 4.1

 Taylor Glacier, McMurdo, Antarctica

Scientist exploring Taylor Glacier in McMurdo Sound, Victoria Land, Antarctica

(Photo Credit:  USGS Digital Data Series DDS-21. 
Used with permission)

Geographic Distribution

  • Antarctica

  • interior Greenland

  • Permanently frozen portions of the Arctic Ocean and associated islands

Controlling Factors

  • Location in the interior of high latitude land masses.

  • Year-round influence of polar anticyclone.

  • Ice cover - high albedo

  • cP, cA air masses

Characteristics

  • Summerless; all months below freezing.

  • World's coldest temperatures.

  • Extremely small amount of precipitation.

  • Windy

To:

World Climates Contents

 

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© Michael Ritter mritter@uwsp.edu
Last revised March 11, 2007