"En Bretagne, il ne pleut que sur les cons," is a phrase commonly used towards those who complain about Bretagne's rain,it literally translates to, "In Brittany, it only rains on idiots." (In other words: "Get used to it, or get out.") But what are the processes that bring these clouds, rain, fog, moderate seasons, and luscious green forests?

(It's not spittle...it's just water... falling!!!)

 Koumoulenn! (cloud)

The Cirrocumulus clouds that float at more than 6000m are formed when convection occurs. The water droplets then proceed to cool very quickly and may eventually freeze into ice crystals to form Cirrostratus clouds. 

Photo by Itzel-Marine Gourmelon
Breton Summer Sky

Avel (wind)    

The convection conditions (that helped create the Cirrocumulus clouds above) were a result of the daytime sea-breezes blowing cool air onshore (from high to low pressure) over the comparatively warm land. Bretagne lies right on the convergence of a High pressure cell and a low pressure cell, constantly stirring the air around.

Avel & Dour= Koumoulenn

Just like in San Francisco, northern Bretagne often has advection fog. As warm Westerlies clash with the cool ocean currents a coastal fog bank eerily creeps above the water. The fog only occurs when Dew Point is reached and the moist air is cooled from below.
Photo by Itzel-Marine Gourmelon

Hañv/Goañv  (summer/winter)

As mentioned in a previous blog, Bretagne is at 47˚N. Despite the high latitude (equivalent to Nova Scotia), Bretagne has moderate Summers and Winters. In this case, the North Equatorial Current, Gulf Stream, and North Atlantic Drift keep the region warm; and, the north western winds (known as "noroît" in French, and "gwalarn" in Breton) keep the region cool. 

Arnev (storm) diorren (develop) Gwezenn Forest*  (tree forest)

*(redundant, I know, but the word "forest" lacked zing) 

One of my favorite aspects of Bretagne are its beautiful green forests. Mid Latitude Wave Cyclones bring the storms that keep the land moist and ideal for luscious forests. The Coriolis effect, jet streams, collision of cold and warm air masses, the ocean's moisture, and the warm currents all create ideal conditions for these storms.
Photo by Itzel-Marine Gourmelon

 Den (human)

Bretagne has a long history of sailors. This is unsurprising as the region consists mostly of coast; but, now, with an understanding of the winds and currents that surround the area I understand the reason War was so often waged against the Bretons by mainland France. The strategic of the location as a main port of worldwide trade through much of the middle ages allowed France to become a powerful country.

Fin! 

Works Cited: 

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