Climatic Regions of the Canadian Arctic Islands

Abstract

As a result of a comprehensive assessment of the climate of the Canadian Arctic Islands and adjacent waters, five climatic regions were identified. The regional boundaries were delineated by an analysis of the influence of the major climatic controls while further regional subdivisions were arrived at through consideration of the fields of the standard observed meteorological elements. Short discussions of the climatic characteristics of each sub-region are given and tables outlining values of selected climatic elements are presented. A brief discussion of climatic change across the entire area is included.Key words: Canadian Arctic Islands, climate, climatic change, meteorology