pohjoisuusarvo

Pohjoisuusarvo, a Finnish term, translates directly to "northness value" or "nordicity." It is a concept used in geographical and climatological studies, particularly in Nordic countries, to quantify the degree of northerly location and its associated climatic characteristics. This value helps to understand the influence of latitude on factors such as temperature, daylight hours, and vegetation. It is not a single, universally defined metric but rather a descriptive term for the aggregate of these latitudinal effects.

The calculation of pohjoisuusarvo can vary depending on the specific application. Often, it incorporates latitude as a primary factor, but may also consider other elements like distance from the coast, altitude, and prevailing wind patterns, which can modify the perceived "northness" of a location's climate. For example, a coastal location at a relatively high latitude might experience milder winters than an inland location at the same latitude, thus having a slightly lower effective pohjoisuusarvo in terms of cold intensity.

Understanding pohjoisuusarvo is crucial for ecological studies, agriculture, and urban planning in northern regions. It helps in predicting crop yields, defining growing seasons, and assessing the impact of climate change. The concept acknowledges that simply stating a latitude does not fully capture the complex climatic realities of northern environments.