Physical Landscape: Climate

Also On This Page:

Case Study Resources

Climate describes the overall patterns of weather observed in an area. All together, air temperature and pressure, humidity, cloudiness, precipitation and wind create weather patterns, or climate. From precipitation to wind and ice, weather is a process that affects the landscape at every level. Until recently we perceived the global climate and its resulting weather regimes to be fairly stable. But examination of pollen and arctic ice cores has shown us that climate change is inevitable. We know for example that Vermont was once much, much colder, and was buried under a mile of ice. We also know that historically plants and animals have been able to adapt to climate change by migrating to more hospitable areas, but that some periods of rapid climate change coincided with mass extinction events.

Lake Champlain ice

Though we are due for another ice age soon, and scientists continue to grapple with global warming models, for now we will focus on the current climate in Vermont. For such a small state, the weather varies dramatically from one region to another. For example, the Champlain Valley is some times referred to as the "banana belt" of Vermont. It is not uncommon for northern Vermont to be in the middle of a full winter blizzard with over two feet of snow accumulating, while the Champlain Valley is under blue skies without an inch of snow on the ground. Climate can vary more locally as well. To experience the effect of microclimate in Vermont, you could walk along the edge of a stone wall and feel the difference between the warm sunny hay field on one side and the cool moist forest on the other side.

To understand why certain animals and plants exist in your community, you will need to understand the general climate and weather patterns of your region. Start with some smaller observations, such as the direction of the wind, or pattern of the clouds. To find out more about Vermont's climate, and weather patterns in general the resources below are a great place to start.

The Climate of Shelburne

Shelburne's climate and day-to-day weather patterns are a reflection of its location in the Champlain Lowlands. Shelburne's low elevation, combined with the modifying influence of adjacent Lake Champlain, provide much of the town with a growing season of over 150 days (as compared to areas of the Northeast Kingdom where the growing season is a scant 90 days). The average winter temperatures hover between 18° and 20°F, while the average summer temperatures generally exceed 70°F. Though warmer than you average Vermont town, it is also drier, with an average annual precipitation of around 32 inches. This is due, in part, to the rain shadow effect created by the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake to the west.

A great way to experience the effects of microclimate in Shelburne is to circumnavigate Allen Hill, a small prominence on the western shore of Shelburne Bay. The forest on the south side of the hill are sunnier and drier (and consequently dominated by oaks and pines), while the forest on the north side of the hill is shadier and cooler (and dominated by maples and hemlock).