What is the difference between maritime climates and continental climtes?
Maritime climates are affected by their proximity to the ocean. Because they are near a large reservoir of water that evaporates and condenses they will have higher humidity, creating more fog days and more even annual precipitation. Water heats and cools slower than dry air over land masses, so they will be more moderate in temperature. The classic example in the U.S. is to compare Seattle, WA to anywhere in the Midwest. Seattle has a more even temperature spread throughout the year, ranging from about 45-75 degrees F. The Midwest will experience more season extremes ranging from sub-zero’s to over 100 F and there will be a more distinct wet and dry season.
