Mediterranean (The Warm Temperate Western Margin) Climate
Climate (Temperature & Precipitation)
- A dry, warm summer with off-shore trades:
- The relatively high temperature in summers.
- Coastal regions have modified temperature due to the influence of the sea.
- No rain because Trade winds are off-shore.
- Dry air, intense heat, and low relative humidity conditions prevail.
Distribution
- They are confined to the Western portions of continental masses, between 30 and 45 degrees North and South of the equator.
- It is best developed in Central Chile.
- Other Mediterranean regions include California (around San Francisco), the southwestern tip of Africa (around Cape Town), southern Australia (in southern Victoria and around Adelaide) and south-west Australia.
Vegetation & Wildlife
- Evergreen forests are open woodlands with evergreen oaks. Cork oaks of Spain and Portugal are best known. Australia have eucalyptus forests. Californian trees include giant sequoia or redwood.
- Evergreen coniferous trees include pines, firs, cedars and cypresses.
- Short and evergreen shrubs and bushes. Common species are laurel, myrtle, lavender, arbutus etc.
- Wiry and bunchy grasses without deep penetrating roots, not suitable for animal farming.
Now Let's see a question on this:
Q. Consider the following statements and state which of the following is/are true about the Mediterranean climate?
1. Mediterranean vegetation in France is called Maquis.
2. Mediterranean region receives rainfall in winters.
A. 1 and 2
B. Only 1
C. Only 2
D. None
Answer: A
Solution:
Characteristics of the Mediterranean climate are:-
o high temperatures (hot, dry summers), cool and wet winters and clear skies signify Mediterranean climate.
o Rainfall occurs in this region in winters, Whereas the mean annual precipitation ranges from 35 – 90 cm.
o Climate in this region is not extreme because of cooling from nearby water bodies/ ocean.
o Mediterranean vegetation is called Maquis in France, macchia in Italy etc.
o Agriculture is primarily composed of viticulture, wheat, barley, citrus fruits.
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