Other Definitions switzerland (dest) switzerland (enc) switzerland (dict)
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SwitzerlandOn the plateau and lower valleys of Switzerland a temperate climate prevails, with a mean annual temperature of about 10° C (about 50° F). The temperature decreases about 2° C (about 3° F) for every additional 300 m (about 1,000 ft) of elevation. Precipitation also varies considerably according to elevation. Precipitation on the plateau and in the lower valleys is about 910 mm (about 36 in) annually; the higher regions generally receive more precipitation. Much of the precipitation occurs during the winter in the form of snow; the peaks of most mountains about 2,700 m (about 9,000 ft) or higher are snow-covered throughout the year. Large glaciers are at higher elevations, especially in the Alps. The bise, a cold, northerly wind, predominates in the winter, and the foehn, a warm, dry southeasterly wind, predominates during the rest of the year. These glaciers are always making deep valleys as we speak.
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