What Is The Climate Of The West Region?
The West region of the United States is known for its diverse climate, ranging from extreme desert heat to mild coastal temperatures. The region encompasses a number of states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Each state has its own unique climate, but they all share one thing: a warm or temperate climate with mild winters and dry summers.
Climate Factors in the West Region
The climate of the West region is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which moderates temperatures and brings moisture to the coastal areas. The Rocky Mountains also play a role in the climate of the region, as they block cold Arctic air from travelling south and create a rain shadow effect, resulting in less precipitation in the mountain areas. In addition, the climate in the West is affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which can cause changes in precipitation levels and temperatures.
Characteristics of the West Region’s Climate
The West region typically experiences mild winters and dry summers. Temperatures in the winter range from the low 30s in some areas to the high 60s and low 70s in other areas. In the summer, temperatures can reach the low 100s in some locations, such as in the Mojave Desert. The coastal areas of the West tend to be cooler and more humid than the inland areas.
The West region also receives very little snow and rainfall. The coastal areas receive more precipitation than the inland areas, but the amount is still much less than other parts of the United States. The average annual precipitation for the West region ranges from less than five inches in some areas to more than fifty inches in other areas.
Conclusion
The West region of the United States has a mild and dry climate, with mild winters and dry summers. The climate is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, and is affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The region receives very little snow and rainfall, with average annual precipitation ranging from less than five inches in some areas to more than fifty inches in other areas.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.