Question

Long Answer Question:

The Mediterranean land is known as the ‘Land of Orchards’. In this context answer the question that follows:

The characteristics of the Mediterranean climate.

Answer 1

Characteristics of the Mediterranean climate are as follows: These regions lie between the Tropical Deserts on the equatorward and cool temperate west margin region polewards. So the Mediterranean regions are characterised by warm, dry summer and cool wet winters.

1. It receives a moderate amount of precipitation as it is transitional between the arid and the humid regions.
2. The coastal regions are cooler than the interior ones due to the influence of cool ocean currents.
3. The humidity is low so the heat of the day is not felt oppressive.
4. The Mediterranean regions experience moderate rainfall only in winter and drought in summer. The annual rainfall varies from about 35 cm to 75 cm.
5. During the summer season, the North-East and South-East Trade winds prevail over this region. As these offshore winds are hot and dry, they blow dust from the adjoining desert regions.
6. During the winter season, this region is under the influence of the moist Westerlies blowing from the oceans. It gives a lot of rainfall.
7. It experiences many local winds – hot and cold. The southern shores of the Mediterranean sea are affected by hot and dry winds, called the Sirocco, which blows from the Sahara desert and carries a large amount of dust. The high temperature of the wind damages vineyards, olive trees, and vegetable crops.
8. The hot and dry wind is known by many local names such as Khamsin in Egypt, Leveche in Spain and Santa Ana in California
9. Cold local winds called the Mistral to descend from the Alpine range during the winter season and blow with great force which damage cultivated crops and trees.
10. A similar type of cold wind, called Bora, often causes devastation.
11. Clear sky and sunshine are common almost throughout the year.
12. Snowfall is very rare in this region except in the mountains.