Reflection 1

Blog Reflection 1

Comparison of Eugene, OR to Bangalore, India

Courtesy: Google Maps
Within this map Eugene, OR is indicated by the blue balloon and Bangalore, India is indicated by the red balloon. Eugene sits at approximately 44.1˚N and Bangalore sits at approximately 13˚N. Because of Bangalore's proximity to the equator, it is subject to the forces of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), especially during the summer months, when the ITCZ passes directly through Bangalore. Eugene is never subject to the ITCZ, and is instead affected by mid-latitude cyclones, coming off of oceanic currents and weather patterns from the north west. As shown in this map, Bangalore sticks out from the continent into the ocean, much like Florida, which may cause strong storms to pass over - weakening on land, then strengthening again. Water supply for storms over India are readily accessible, from the south, northwest, and northeast to an extent, providing fuel to many different types of storms. 

Courtesy: Weather.com
Evident from this graph, and largely expected due to both locations respective latitudes, Bangalore, India is much warmer than Eugene, by about 22 degrees on average. 

Courtesy: Weather.com
Although statistically, Eugene is wetter then Bangalore, India by 10.5 inches, this graph clearly indicates the time of year dictates which location will be wetter in a given month. For instance, in September Bangalore averages 9.6 inches of rain, while Eugene only averages 1.3 inches. November through April shows that Eugene is much wetter most of the year though. 

AIR MASSES

Courtesy:  http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/navy/nrtc/14312_ch4.pdf 
As shown within this image, India is affected mainly by Maritime Tropical Air Masses, while Eugene is near the area where maritime polar and continental polar air masses come together. The maritime tropical air masses, compared to the maritime polar air masses help explain the drastic difference in temperatures. Maritime polar air masses provide cool moist air, while maritime tropical provide heavy seasonal precipitation that is consistent with consistent warm temperatures and humidity.

Have a nice day!