Diurnal and Seasonal Structure of the Climate at Schefferville, Quebec

Abstract

A method for the graphical analysis of diurnal and seasonal structure of climatic variables is presented; graphs of long-term means and standard deviations for each variable show the pattern and predictability of the climate. The 1953 through 1970 hourly weather records for Schefferville, Quebec (54°48'N, 66°49'W), are analyzed to illustrate the method. Graphs of estimated shortwave radiation flux, air temperature, vapor pressure, wind speed, and probability of measurable rainfall characterize the site. The distinctive diurnal and seasonal structure of the climate is readily apparent in the graphs. The method may be useful in explaining plant and animal adaptations that are effected by the diurnal and seasonal patterns of climatic events.