Why don't central and southern California have a marine west coast climate?
Central and southern California do not have a marine west coast climate because these areas are dry and are not affected by Pacific Ocean currents, the coastal mountains, and the prevailing westerlies?
Right.
Central and southern California do not have a marine west coast climate primarily due to the presence of the coastal mountain ranges, specifically the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges.
To understand why these mountain ranges affect the climate, we need to consider the characteristics of a marine west coast climate. A marine west coast climate is typically characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. It occurs in regions along the western coasts of continents, where the prevailing winds blow from the ocean toward the land. As the air from the ocean rises over the coastal areas, it cools and releases moisture in the form of rain or fog.
In the case of California, the coastal mountain ranges act as barriers to the oceanic winds. When the air masses approach the eastern side of these mountains, they are forced to rise and cool. As a result, the moisture from the ocean is condensed, leading to significant precipitation on the western side of the mountains.
However, as the air moves over the mountains and descends on the other side, it warms up and loses moisture. This process, known as the rain shadow effect, creates a drier climate on the eastern side of the mountains. In central and southern California, the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges act as major rain shadows for the prevailing westerly winds, which limits the influence of the marine air masses and prevents the development of a marine west coast climate.
Instead, central and southern California have a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate pattern is influenced by the presence of the mountain ranges and the overall atmospheric circulation patterns in the region.
Study this map.
http://geogdata.csun.edu/ca_panorama_atlas/files/page0_1.jpg
What do you think?