Chapter 5: The Atlantic Periphery

This week the topic is the Atlantic Periphery.  On the U.S side, the Atlantic Periphery includes all of Vermont, most of Maine and New Hampshire, and northeastern New York State. Rehoboth Beach is not a part of the Atlantic Periphery, so this entry will seek to compare and contrast the major features of the two.

Despite being located on the eastern coast like states in the Atlantic Periphery, Rehoboth Beach experiences much different weather patterns.  The Atlantic Periphery experiences cool to mild summers, with cold and snowy winters.  Rehoboth Beach on the other hand experiences hot summers, with relatively mild winters.  Snowfall in the Atlantic Periphery is also significantly higher than in Rehoboth Beach.  Both places seem very different, but they do share some similarities.  First, both places do not experience a dry season, and get consistent levels of rain throughout much of the year.  Secondly, the Atlantic Ocean does not have a big effect on major weather patterns in the atlantic periphery, but it does have moderating impacts on temperature and precipitation in coastal regions.  This is similar to the moderating effects Rehoboth Beach experiences from the Atlantic Ocean.  Both places are different in climate, but do still share some similarities.

Local fisherman prepare to cast their lines in
Rehoboth Beach, DE

The Atlantic Periphery is known for its large fishing industry that contributes to its economy.  Rehoboth Beach does not have as big of a fishing industry as the Atlantic Periphery, but fishing and crabbing is still very much a part of Rehoboth Beach.  There are many seafood restaurants and crab shacks scattered throughout the city.  In my experience, many people can be seen fishing or crabbing in the bays.  Some people even go clamming in the water as well.  The commercial fishing industry is larger in the Atlantic Periphery, but fishing is still a very relevant enterprise in Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding areas.

Lastly, the Atlantic Periphery is a popular location for vacationers.  However, unlike Rehoboth Beach, the Atlantic Periphery draws vacationers through a longer time frame.  Vacationers are drawn to the Atlantic Periphery during fall to see the beautiful fall foliage.  Additionally, ski resorts are another popular spot for vacationers when the snow starts to fall during the later months and early months of the new year.  Similar to Rehoboth Beach, the Atlantic Periphery draws summer vacationers too.  In Rehoboth Beach, most vacationers come for the beach and nightlife; however, in the Atlantic Periphery most summer vacations go for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.  Despite differences, the Atlantic Periphery and Rehoboth Beach still share some similarities.

Next week the topic will be Megalopolis.  Rehoboth Beach is a part of the Megalopolis region, so the next chapter will highlight some of the key topics at play in the region.
Until next time,
William