THE WARM TEMPERATE WESTERN MARGIN (MEDITERRANEAN) CLIMATE
1. Mediterranean Climate
- The Mediterranean Climate, also known as the Warm Temperate Western Margin, is a distinctive climate type within the Köppen classification, recognized for its mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
- The nomenclature is derived from regions situated in the Mediterranean Basin, known for their unique biodiversity.
- Approximately 70% of the world's citrus fruits thrive in areas with this climate, earning it the moniker "garden of the world."
- In regions with a Mediterranean climate, diverse local winds, ranging from extremely hot to chilly, prevail.
- Notable winds include the Sirocco and Mistral. The climate's characteristics vary based on geographical conditions, with a significant impact on the western margins, making understanding its nuances essential.
2. Distinctive Features of the Mediterranean Climate
Dry, Warm Summers with Offshore Trades
- High temperatures characterize the summer season.
- Coastal regions experience modified temperatures due to sea influence.
- Limited rainfall as Trade winds are offshore.
- Dry air, intense heat, and low relative humidity conditions prevail.
Concentrated Winter Precipitation
- Winter stands out for precipitation in the Mediterranean region.
- Rainfall occurs due to the equatorward shift of Westerlies.
- Onshore Westerlies bring cyclonic rain in the northern hemisphere.
- Mean annual rainfall averages 25 inches.
- Heavy showers interspersed with bright sunny periods are characteristic.
3. Characteristics of Mediterranean Climate
- Hot and dry summers coupled with cool and humid winters.
- Proneness to heavy rainfall.
- Common local winds include Mistral and Sirocco.
- Named after the Mediterranean Basin, featuring diverse topography.
- Surrounding geography includes mountains and beaches.
- Ideal climate for cultivating citrus fruits.
4. Mediterranean Climate Countries
- Predominantly found in the western margins between 30 and 45 degrees North and South of the equator.
- Majorly developed in Central Chile.
- Other countries include California, southwestern Africa (around Cape Town), southern Australia, and southwest Australia.
5. Mediterranean Climate Biome
- Top biodiversity hotspot with diverse flora and fauna.
- Grasslands are common, hosting animals like bustards and various bird species.
- Waterbodies support fish, aquatic animals, and migratory birds.
- Presence of diverse insects and amphibians during migration season.
6. Mediterranean Climate Vegetation
- Evergreen forests with oaks, pines, eucalyptus, bay laurel, and more.
- California boasts redwoods and sequoias.
- Fruit trees such as olives, figs, grapes, and nuts are prevalent.
- Evergreen coniferous trees like pines and cypresses.
- Shrubs, bushes, and wiry grasses characterize the vegetation.
| Bush & Shrub | Region or Place |
| Maquis | Mediterranean |
| Chaparral | California |
| Matorral | Chile |
| Fynbos | South Africa |
| Malle and knowngaan | Australia |
Agriculture in the Mediterranean Climate: Suitable for crop cultivation, including wheat, rice, and barley. Orchards thrive, known as the "World's Orchard's Land," cultivating citrus fruits and nuts. Wine cultivation is popular, leveraging the ideal grape-growing conditions.
Mediterranean Climate in India: While India is not within the typical Mediterranean climate zone, regions like Kashmir Valley, Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh, and Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu exhibit characteristics of this climate type.
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Previous Year Questions 1. The term "Levant" often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions? (upsc 2022) (a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores (b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco (c) Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa (d) The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea Answer: A 2. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2019)
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: B 3. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? (UPSC 2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Answer: C |
