Which region is described as having a marine oceanic climate with cool, wet winters and cooler, dry-ish summers?

• A. Northwest Coastal Region
• B. High Plains Region
• C. Midwest Region
• D. Mid-Atlantic Region

Answer: (A)

This question is about recognizing a marine west coast climate, where the ocean moderates temperatures and brings frequent rain in winter while summers are cooler and drier. The Northwest Coastal Region fits this pattern because its Pacific Ocean influence keeps winters cool and wet and summers cooler and less humid, with relatively low precipitation compared to winter.

The other regions don’t align with that coastal, ocean-influenced pattern. The High Plains are dry overall with semi-arid conditions and more temperature extremes inland. The Midwest has a humid continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters and precipitation spread more evenly year-round. The Mid-Atlantic tends toward a humid subtropical or humid continental mix, with hot, humid summers and winters that are cool to cold, rather than the distinct cool, dry-ish summers seen along the coast.