An oceanic climate, also called marine west coast climate, maritime climate, Cascadian climate and British climate for Köppen climate classification ''Cfb'' and subtropical highland for Köppen ''Cfb'' or ''Cwb'', is a type of climate typically found along the west coasts at the middle latitudes of some of the world's continents. This climate generally features warm, but not hot summers and cool, but not cold winters, with a narrow annual temperature range. It typically lacks a dry season, as precipitation is more evenly dispersed through the year. It is the predominant climate type across much of Europe, coastal northwestern North America, portions of southern South America and Africa, southeast Australia, New Zealand, as well as isolated locations elsewhere.

Properties

Climates near the ocean generally have warm (but not hot) summers, and cool (but not cold) winters. They are characterized by a narrower annual range of temperatures than are encountered in other places at a comparable latitude, and generally do not have the extremely dry summers of Mediterranean climates. Oceanic climates are most dominant in Europe, where they spread much farther inland than in other continents.

Similar climates in thermal range are also found in tropical highlands even at considerable distance from any coastline. Generally, they fall into Köppen climate classification ''Cfb'' or ''Cwb''. The narrow range of temperatures results from the slight thermal range of temperatures between seasons characteristic of tropical lowlands. Altitudes are high enough that some places have at least one month cooler than and do not qualify for grouping in the true tropical climates. This variation of the oceanic climate is termed “subtropical highland climate”. Unlike the norm in true oceanic climates, subtropical highland climates may have a marked winter drought. Agricultural potential in both oceanic climates and subtropical highland climates are similar.

Precipitation

thumb|right|Between October and May, Seattle is mostly or partly cloudy six out of every seven days Precipitation is both adequate and reliable throughout the year in oceanic climates, except in certain tropical highland areas, which would have tropical or humid subtropical climates (with a dry season in winter) if not for the high altitude making them cooler (Koppen ''Cwb''). Under some variations of the Koeppen classification system, parts of the Pacific Northwest and south-central Chile are sometimes considered as having a Mediterranean climate (Koppen "Csb") due to a drying trend in the summer. However despite the "Csb" designation, these areas are generally considered oceanic as opposed to "Mediterranean".

In most areas with an oceanic climate, for the majority of the year precipitation comes in the form of rain. However during the winter, despite its C classification, the majority of areas with this climate see some snowfall annually. Outside of Australia, South Africa and tropical highland locations, most areas with an oceanic climate experiences at least one snowstorm per year. In the poleward locations of the oceanic climate zone (“subpolar oceanic climates”, described in greater detail below), snowfall is more frequent and commonplace.

Temperature

Overall temperature characteristics vary among oceanic climates; those at the lowest latitudes are nearly subtropical from a thermal standpoint, but more commonly a mesothermal regime prevails, with cool, but not cold, winters and warm, but not hot, summers. Summers are also cooler (often much cooler) than in areas with a humid subtropical climate. Average temperature of warmest month must be less than and that of the coldest month warmer than although American scientists prefer in the coldest month. Poleward of the latter is a zone of the aforementioned subpolar oceanic climate (Köppen ''Cfc''), with long but relatively mild winters and cool and short summers (average temperatures of at least for one to three months). Examples of this climate include parts of coastal Iceland in the Northern Hemisphere and extreme southern Chile and Argentina in the Southern Hemisphere.

Locations

The British Isles experience a typically maritime climate, with prevailing south-westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The annual average temperature range in the British Isles is only about . Although the west coast of Alaska experiences a maritime climate, the absence of an equally significant warm Pacific current in the upper-mid latitudes means that these regions are generally colder in winter, with more precipitation falling as snow. Typical oceanic climates are also found in the Netherlands, Belgium, most of France, western Germany, northern Spain, etc.

All mid-latitude oceanic climates are classified as humid. Some rainshadow climates with thermal régimes similar to those of oceanic climates but steppe-like (''BSk'') or even desert-like (''BWk'') scarcity of precipitation include lowland valleys of Washington and Oregon to the east of the Cascade Range, Patagonia in southern Argentina, and the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Another example are coastal areas in southeast Western Australia.

Under Koeppen-Geiger, many areas generally considered to have Oceanic climates are classified as cool summer, dry-summer subtropical (''Csb''). These areas are not usually associated with a typical Mediterranean climate, and include much of the Pacific Northwest, southern Chile, parts of west-central Argentina, and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Many of these areas would be classified Oceanic (''Cfb''), except dry-summer patterns meet Koeppen's ''Cs'' thresholds, and cities such as Concepción, Chile; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Victoria, British Columbia; and Vancouver, British Columbia can be classified as ''Csb''.

The only noteworthy area of Maritime Climate at or near sea-level within Africa is in South Africa from Mossel Bay on the Western Cape coast to Plettenberg Bay, with additional pockets of this climate inland of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coast. Interior southern Africa, elevated portions of eastern Africa, and Mozambique also share this climate type. It is usually warm most of the year with no pronounced rainy season, but slightly more rain in autumn and spring. The only significant areas where this climate is found in Asia is on the Black Sea coast in northern Turkey, in small pockets along or near the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and in small pockets along or near the Tsugaru Strait in northern Japan. The oceanic climate is prevalent in a good portion of western Europe and the European part of northern Turkey. The oceanic climate is prevalent in the more southerly locations of Oceania. A mild Maritime climate is in existence in New Zealand, the island of Tasmania, Australia, southern parts of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. It can also be found along the western areas of the south coast of Western Australia. The oceanic climate is found in isolated pockets in South America. It exists in central Argentina, southern Chile and parts of Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. The oceanic climate exists in an arc spreading across the north-western coast of North America, largely in the Pacific Northwest. It includes the western parts of Washington and Oregon, the Alaskan panhandle, western portions of British Columbia, and north-western California. A significant portion of oceanic climate exhibited in North America features a drying trend in the summer, thus falling under the Marine West Coast subcategory explained below.

Varieties

Subtropical highland variety (Cwb)

The Subtropical Highland variety of the oceanic climate exists in elevated portions of the world that are either within the tropics or subtropics, though it is typically found in mountainous locations in some tropical countries. Despite the latitude, due to the higher altitudes of these regions, it tends to share characteristics with oceanic climates, though it also tends to experience noticeably drier weather during the "low-sun" season.

In locations outside the tropics, other than the drying trend in the winter, Subtropical Highland climates tend to be essentially identical to an oceanic climate, complete with mild summers, noticeably cooler winters and in some instances, some snowfall. In the tropics, a Subtropical Highland climate tends to feature spring-like weather year-round. Temperatures here remain relatively constant throughout the year and snowfall is seldom seen. Areas with this climate feature monthly averages below but above (or using American standards). At least one month's average temperature is below . Without the elevation, many of these regions would likely feature either tropical or humid subtropical climates. These regions usually carry a ''Cwb'' or ''Cfb'' designation. .

This type of climate exists in parts of east, south and south-eastern Africa, some mountainous areas across southern Europe, sections of mountainous Latin America, some mountainous areas across Southeast Asia, higher elevations of the southern Appalachians, and parts of the Himalayas. It also occurs in a few areas of Australia, although average high temperatures during summers there tend to be higher and the climate drier than is typical of Subtropical Highland Climates, with maximums sometimes exceeding .

Subpolar variety (Cfc)

Areas with Subpolar Oceanic climates feature an oceanic climate but are usually located closer to Polar regions. As a result of its location, these regions tend to be on the cool end of oceanic climates. Snowfall tends to be more common here than in other oceanic climates. Subpolar Oceanic climates are less prone to temperature extremes than Subarctic climates or Humid continental climates, featuring milder winters than these climates. Subpolar Oceanic climates feature only one to three months of average monthly temperatures that are at least 10°C (50°F). Like oceanic climates, none of its average monthly temperatures fall below -3°C (26.6°F). It typically carries a ''Cfc'' designation. This variant of an oceanic climate is found in parts of coastal Iceland, the Faroe Islands, small sections of the Scottish Highlands, northwestern coastal areas of Norway reaching to 70°N on some islands, uplands near the coast of southwestern Norway, southern islands of Alaska and northern parts of the Alaskan Panhandle, the far south of Chile and Argentina, and a few highland areas of Tasmania and the Australian Alps. The classifications used to this regime are Cfc.

Dry summers

Despite the fact that dry summers is a feature which differentiates Csb areas from oceanic climates, some areas of Csb climate are typically considered "Oceanic" as opposed to "Mediterranean" (see Mediterranean climate). Technically, this version of the Oceanic climate meets Koppen's minimum precipitation threshold limit of (or under Koppen-Geiger), resulting in a ''Csb'' designation. Nevertheless, due to the higher annual accumulation of precipitation and generally cloudier conditions that these regions experiences in comparison to other areas with Csb climates, scientists such as Trewartha consider this climate oceanic (Do, which is an oceanic climate classification under the Trewartha system). This is especially the case in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada, some sections of coastal Chile, in Galicia in northwestern Spain and in northern Portugal, where conditions are wetter and generally cloudier during the course of the year than typical Csb climates . Nevertheless, those regions have several Mediterranean features : Greater annual hours of sunshine than the typical oceanic domain, especially during the drier summer months. For example, La Coruna or Seattle have at least 2000 hours of sunshine, while the values of the typical Cfb regions are far below (almost always below 2000 hours). . Vegetation which is partially adapted to xeric conditions. So the cork oak, a typically acidophilus Mediterranean species, and which is widely distributed in Portugal and in southern-half of Galicia. In contrast, beech or birch, widely distributed in the Cfb area, are not common in Iberia, mostly confined to the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains. In addition, Garry oak, typical of California, can be found as far north as Vancouver Island. Douglas fir which is the typical species of the Pacific Northwestern forests, is very well adapted to the summer drought. Forest fires are regular in those regions due to the summer-drought.

See also

Climate classification

Temperate climate

Humid subtropical climate

Subtropical climate

Continental climate

Polar climate

References

External links

University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point: Marine (Humid) West Coast Climate

EPIC Data Collection On-line ocean observational data collection

NOAA In-situ Ocean Data Viewer Plot and download ocean observations

http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/Climate/Older/Maritime_Climate.html

Category:Climate Category:Köppen climate classifications Category:Climate of Africa Category:Climate of Asia Category:Climate of Australia Category:Climate of Europe Category:Climate of North America Category:Climate of South America

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Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Imaad Wasif
background	solo_singer
born	October 27, 1975
origin	Vancouver B.C.
instrument	Guitar, vocals
genre	psychedelic rock, alternative rock, folk rockExperimental rock
occupation	Musician
associated acts	Imaad Wasif, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lowercase, Alaska!, The New Folk Implosion
website	www.imaadwasif.com
notable instruments	Guitar, Sitar }}

Imaad Wasif is a singer, guitarist and songwriter whose music combines elements of both folk and rock music. Wasif’s music has been described as “unbelievably intense with sparkling, raga-influenced guitar and a mystic bent.”

Wasif was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada but was raised in California near Joshua Tree. He began playing music in high school and formed his first band lowercase in 1994; “a guitar-drums duo that played a weird hybrid of lo-fi pop, post-rock and slo-core.” In 2001, he formed alaska! in addition to joining Lou Barlow’s New Folk Implosion. In 2006, he shifted focus to his solo career. Also during 2006–2007, Wasif played with Yeah Yeah Yeahs for the ''Show Your Bones'' world tour playing acoustic guitar, bass and Wurlitzer. He performed his solo work as the supporting act for most shows.

Albums

His first self-titled solo album was released in 2006 on Kill Rock Stars. The record featured minimal, acoustic songs with psychedelic influences, reminiscent of Skip Spence’s ''Oar'' and Syd Barrett’s ''Opel'', and was recorded by Mark Nevers in Nashville, TN. This record introduced Wasif’s primary lyrical themes; love, madness, transformation, isolation, and spiritual influences, which continue through his subsequent albums.

Wasif’s second album, ''Strange Hexes'', was self-released in 2008. Recorded in Los Angeles by Tom Biller with a new backing band, Two Part Beast, the record was a return to Wasif’s early rock driven compositions. Two Part Beast consists of Adam Garcia on drums and Bobb Bruno on bass. The album is a “tense, trippy collection of songs that become fiercely emotional explorations.” The songs incorporate Eastern modal tunings and drones, influences from the Indian classical music traditions passed on from his father who was a Ghazal singer and harmonium player.

Wasif’s third album, ''The Voidist'', was released in 2009 on Tee Pee Records. Recorded in Los Angeles by Chad Bamford, ''The Voidist'' is at once “regal and exuberant. Its unique sonic tapestry is sprinkled with ragas, blues rock, and something totally new that exists at the apex of these varied influences.” The album includes both solo acoustic and full band rock tracks recorded with Two Part Beast plus guests Dale Crover (Melvins) and Greg Burns (Red Sparowes). Wasif has stated in interviews that some of the songs for this album came to him from parallel astral planes and that his androgynous soul enables him to inhabit a range of perspectives. Other influences that Wasif has cited include William Blake, Robert Desnos, Gérard de Nerval, Patti Smith, John Fahey, Don Van Vliet, Vilayat Khan, Ali Akbar Khan, Bismillah Khan and 13th Floor Elevators.

Soundtracks

Wasif contributed to and co-wrote several songs for the soundtrack to ''Where the Wild Things Are'' (2009), most notably the song "Hideaway."

Discography

Solo albums

''Imaad Wasif'' (Kill Rock Stars, 2006)

''Strange Hexes'' (self-released, 2008)

''The Voidist'' (Tee Pee Records, 2009)

Solo contributions on compilations

“Other Voices” on ''The Sound the Hare Heard'' (Kill Rock Stars, 2006)

“The New Year” on ''Kill Rock Stars Winter Holiday Album'' (Kill Rock Stars, 2006)

"Ecstasy" on ''LA Collection 7"'' (IAMSOUND, 2010)

"Not Immune" on ''RAISE Hope For Congo Compilation'' (Mercer Street Records, 2010)

"The Fire" (ft. Lykke Li) on ''L'Aventure (remake of the 2nd Television album)'' (Aquarium Drunkard, 2010)

"Go Insane" (Doors Cover) on ''Beat LA Compilation'' (Narnack Records. 2011)

Bands, collaborations, and guest appearances

Lowercase – Your Wrists Can Wait, 4-song cassette (self-released, 1994)

Lowercase – Two Songs, 7″ (Punk in My Vitamins, 1995)

Lowercase – Brass Tacks, 7″ (Xmas Records, 1995)

Lowercase – Cadence, 7″ (Amphetamine Reptile, 1995)

Lowercase – “My Shame Your Shame” (compilation) (WIN Records, 1995)

Lowercase – ''All Destructive Urges…Seem So Perfect'' (Amphetamine Reptile, 1996)

Lowercase – ''Kill The Lights'' (Amphetamine Reptile, 1997)

Lowercase – “Ringbleeder” on ''AmRep Equipped'' (compilation) (Amphetamine Reptile, 1997)

Lowercase – Imbedded In Ice, 7″ (Punk in My Vitamins, 1998)

Lowercase – The Open Sea / Don’t Cry No Tears, Mail Order Freak Singles Club #1–4, 7” (Kill Rock Stars, 1998)

Lowercase – “Surefire Solvent” on ''Multi-Vitamin Compilation'' (Punk In My Vitamins, 1998)

Lowercase – ''The Going-Away Present'' (Punk in My Vitamins, 1999)

Alaska! – Four Songs (self-released, 2001)

Alaska! – ''Emotions'' (Flying Nun Records, 2003)

Alaska! – “Lost the Gold” on ''Speed of Sound'' (compilation) (Flying Nun Records, 2003)

Alaska! – “In My Time” on ''The Fold Comp'' (compilation) (Credit Records, 2003)

The New Folk Implosion – Brand of Skin, 7” (Domino, 2003)

The New Folk Implosion – Pearl, 7” (Domino, 2003)

The New Folk Implosion – ''The New Folk Implosion'' (iMusic, 2003)

Alaska! – “r u listenin” on ''Tracks & Fields'' (compilation) (Kill Rock Stars, 2004)

Alaska! – Five Songs (self-released, 2004)

Alaska! – ''Rescue Through Tomahawk'' (Altitude Records, 2005)

Alaska! – Kiss You/Pink Frost, CD Single (Altitude Records, 2005)

Lou Barlow – ''Emoh'' (Merge, 2005)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Live Session EP (iTunes Exclusive, 2007)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mississippi Studios: Live, Vol. 3 (2007)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – "The Love I’m Searching For" (AOL Exclusive, 2007)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – ''Its Blitz!'' (Interscope, 2009)

Lou Barlow – ''Goodnight Unknown'' (Merge, 2009)

''Where the Wild Things Are'', Motion Picture Soundtrack (Interscope, 2009)

References

External links

Official Site

No Depression">2006 article in No Depression

2008 article in LA Weekly

L.A. Record">2008 interview in L.A. Record

2009 interview

Category:Living people Category:Canadian folk musicians Category:1975 births Category:Canadian musicians of Asian descent Category:Canadian people of Indian descent

pt:Imaad Wasif sv:Imaad Wasif