Question

geographic map study the united states and canada: climate regions (map with legend: tropical, dry, mid-latitude, high-latitude, highlands; inset map of hawaii) geography skills for life 1. interpreting maps what type of climate dominates the southeastern united states? 2. applying geography skills how does location affect the climate of the western coast of canada and the northwestern united states? northern climates large parts of canada and alaska lie in a subarctic climate zone with very cold winters and extensive coniferous forests... western climates from the cool, wet coast of british columbia to the hot, dry deserts of california...

Explanation:

Since the problem is about interpreting a climate map of the US and Canada and answering related geography questions, here are the answers to the two sub - questions:

Question 1: Interpreting Maps - What type of climate dominates the southeastern United States?

Looking at the climate legend (the key on the left - hand side of the map) and the map of the United States and Canada's climate regions, the southeastern United States is in the "Humid subtropical" climate region (as per the mid - latitude climate categories in the legend, where "Humid subtropical" is one of the mid - latitude climate types and the southeastern US falls into this category).

The western coast of Canada (like British Columbia) and the northwestern United States (like Washington and Oregon) are located along the Pacific Ocean. The ocean has a moderating effect on the climate, making it cooler and wetter (this is the marine west coast climate as per the map's legend). Also, the presence of mountain ranges (like the Coast Mountains and the Cascade Range) affects the climate through orographic lift. Warm, moist air from the Pacific is forced to rise over these mountains, causing precipitation on the windward (western) side, creating a wet climate in the coastal areas. The latitude of the region also plays a role; being at a mid - latitude, it is influenced by westerly winds that bring in the moist ocean air.

Answer:

The type of climate that dominates the southeastern United States is the humid subtropical climate.

Question 2: Applying Geography Skills - How does location affect the climate of the western coast of Canada and the northwestern United States?