Meterology Question

Mr Flibble · Dec 26, 2009

So, I'm currently going through an area in my fantasy world, and this question has kinda arisen. Basically there is the opposite of the Gulf Stream - a kind of Arctic Stream.

And my question is:

How would this affect prevailing conditions when the Arctic Stream moves into an area where the usual air temperature is higher, that is when it reaches the tropics. I think I know from what I've read (I'm thinking lots of fog, for starters)....but I'd like to be sure.

bonus brownie points / reppies if you can tell me a more unusual effect to make my characters lives a misery

PeterL · Dec 26, 2009

It would depend greatly on the way that the land was configured. One of the interesting cold currents on Earth is the Humblodt Current that runs up the West coast of South America. That is the first place where el Nion is noticed, because the current decreases, so the anchovies can't be found. It is also the origin of the fogs of Peru, which waters the coastal area and it the exclusive source of moisture in most years.

Remember that ocean currents are driven by the Coliolis force, so they must flow the way that they do on Earth with repect to the planet's revolution.

StephanieFox · Dec 26, 2009

You can have snow emergencies where they'll tow your car if you don't move it for the plows, but the rules change from city to city and from snowfall to snowfall.

:tongue

jennontheisland · Dec 26, 2009

The tropics are humid. The water will not only be fog in the air, but ice on any and every surface. A thin, almost invisible, slippery layer made even more slippery by the moisture in the air that condenses on it. Any kind of traction could be rendered virtually impossible. Last winter, I "changed lanes" as I was driving in rush hour. No notice, no control, I just slid sideways into the other lane at 60 km/h. Fortunately there were no cars next to me, so I just put on my signal and went with it.

That kind of chill damp will get into your bones too. You'll have a lot of trouble getting warm, even standing in front of an open fire, if any part of you or your clothing is damp.

Mr Flibble · Dec 27, 2009

Thanks guys. Lots of slippery is good hehehe

However, does it actually ever get cold enough in the tropics for ice? (I'm talking about sea level here, and the air temp is quite high)

PeterL · Dec 27, 2009

IdiotsRUs said:
Thanks guys. Lots of slippery is good hehehe

However, does it actually ever get cold enough in the tropics for ice? (I'm talking about sea level here, and the air temp is quite high)

Only in a freezer.

Michael_T · Dec 27, 2009

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/8q_1.html

Take a look at that and then look at the weather in those locations where there is cold current. It might surprise you that by the time any of those cold currents reach the tropics they really don't have much effect. For instance Los Angeles and San Diego are right on a current that runs from Alaska. Perhaps if it ran all the way from the artic they would probably look more like the Washington/Oregon coast. Lots of pine trees and rain...

Mr Flibble · Dec 27, 2009

Oooh excellent map. Thanks.

BillPatt · Dec 29, 2009

San Francisco is a good example of what you are looking for. Also Japan. Lots of rolling fogs, cool breezes. Essentially, the air above the water saturates at that temperature. Once over land, though, the relative humidity drops quickly (same amount of water vapor, highter temperature), which evaporates the fogs. That is why fog only happens in the mornings and sometimes evenings - land temp is closer to sea temp.

One major difference - fewer swimmers on the West Coast (brr!) than the East Coast.

Mr Flibble · Dec 29, 2009

So I was right about the fog. Yay me!

BillPatt said:
One major difference - fewer swimmers on the West Coast (brr!) than the East Coast.

Which is precisely why I want the cold water stream. Hypothermia is such a bitch

Miguelito · Jan 3, 2010

The Labrador Current (sourced from the Arctic Circle) meets the Gulf Stream east of Nova Scotia. Just like elsewhere, there are heavy fogs. Plus, there are many icebergs brought along with it. Thus, if you want to ditch somebody into some cold waters, you have a great excuse for a boat wreck.

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