Key learning points

1. Milder winters and cooler summers than would normally be expected at this latitude (54-55 degrees north).
2. The climate is influenced by the sea, particularly the Gulf stream, with relief rainfall from prevailing westerlies.
3. The climate and landscape suits hill farming with hardy sheep but it is hard to grow crops there.
4. The temperature drops as altitude increases, meaning that the tops of the mountains are colder than the valleys.

Keywords

• Climate - Climate is the long term pattern of weather, usually taken over more than 30 years

• Gulf Stream - The Gulf Stream is a strong, warm ocean current that travels across the Atlantic Ocean towards western Europe

• Latitude - Lines of latitude are Imaginary lines on Earth showing position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

• Wind farm - A wind farm is an area in the countryside where a group of wind turbines has been placed to generate electricity

• Hydro-electric - Hydro-electric power generates electricity by using water

Common misconception