Physical Processes

Physical Processes

The economy of the GDA is aided by its climate, soils, relief and drainage.

Climate

• The region has a cool temperate oceanic/maritime climate influenced by the Irish Sea.
• It is generally warmer and drier than the Western Region, with average temperatures of 16°C in summer and 5°C in winter.
• The area receives a maximum of 800mm of rainfall per year, nearly 1,000mm less than the West due to the rain shadow effect. Rain shadow effect: Created on the leeward side of a mountain after precipitation has been dropped on the windward side – these areas are very dry.
• Most precipitation from the Atlantic is dropped in the Western Region before reaching Dublin, so rain-bearing south-westerly winds have less of an effect on this region.
• Dublin receives four more hours of sunshine than the Western Region, resulting in a longer growing season – 270 days. This allows crops to ripen earlier in Dublin, enhancing agricultural productivity.
• Frost has less of an effect on this area due to its coastal location and flatter landscape compared to the Western Region.

Soils

• The main soil type is brown earth – deep, fertile, and easily cultivated.
• The soil is fertile due to its high humus content from the plant litter of deciduous trees and is also aided by alluvial deposits from rivers such as the River Liffey.
• This is a highly productive region, well-suited to high-yield crop growing and other forms of agriculture.
• Near coastal areas, sand has been added to the brown earth soil, creating sandy soils that drain easily – ideal for market gardening/horticulture, e.g., Rush, Co. Dublin.
• Some blanket bogs can be found in the Dublin Mountains.

Relief and Drainage

• The region is a sheltered, lowland area with a generally undulating landscape to the north. Only upland areas are the Dublin Mountains in the south.
• Mostly igneous rock (granite) in the Dublin Mountains – Dublin region itself is over limestone, a permeable rock allowing for good drainage.
• The area is well-drained by rivers such as the Liffey and Tolka.