Climates of the World: Tropical and Mediterranean PDF
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This document provides a detailed overview of tropical and Mediterranean climates, examining the influencing factors such as latitude, relief, proximity to the sea, and land use. It analyzes the characteristics of each climate type and highlights the significance of geographical and human-induced factors in shaping local weather patterns.
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**1. Tropical Climate (Example: Amazon Rainforest)** The tropical climate is typically found between 23.5°N and 23.5°S (the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn). These regions are characterized by high temperatures and significant annual rainfall. **Factors Influencing Tropical Climate:** 1. **Latit...
**1. Tropical Climate (Example: Amazon Rainforest)** The tropical climate is typically found between 23.5°N and 23.5°S (the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn). These regions are characterized by high temperatures and significant annual rainfall. **Factors Influencing Tropical Climate:** 1. **Latitude:** - Tropical regions are located near the equator, where the sun's rays are most direct throughout the year. This leads to consistently high temperatures, typically ranging between 20°C and 30°C. - The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds meet, causes significant rainfall due to rising warm, moist air. 2. **Relief (Topography):** - High altitudes in tropical regions, like the Andes near the Amazon Basin, experience cooler temperatures, creating microclimates within the broader tropical zone. - Mountains also act as barriers that block moisture-laden winds, leading to orographic rainfall on the windward side and drier conditions on the leeward side. 3. **Proximity to the Sea:** - Coastal areas in the tropics tend to have more stable temperatures due to the moderating influence of the ocean. - The warm ocean currents, such as the Atlantic Equatorial Current, contribute to high humidity and frequent rainfall. 4. **Land Use and Vegetation:** - Dense forests, like the Amazon rainforest, influence the climate by recycling moisture through evapotranspiration, contributing to frequent precipitation. - Deforestation in tropical zones can lead to a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperatures. **2. Mediterranean Climate (Example: Southern Italy, California)** Mediterranean climates are found between 30° and 40° latitude, along western coasts of continents. They are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. **Factors Influencing Mediterranean Climate:** 1. **Latitude:** - These regions lie within the subtropical high-pressure belt during summer, which inhibits cloud formation and leads to dry conditions. - In winter, the subtropical high-pressure system shifts, allowing the westerlies to bring moisture-laden air, resulting in rainfall. 2. **Relief (Topography):** - Coastal mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada in California, block moist oceanic air, creating a rain shadow effect on the leeward side. - Valleys and coastal plains in Mediterranean zones often have higher temperatures due to limited air circulation. 3. **Proximity to the Sea:** - The Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, or other large water bodies moderate temperatures, preventing extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter. - Coastal regions experience a milder climate compared to inland areas. 4. **Land Use and Vegetation:** - Olive groves, vineyards, and shrublands dominate the Mediterranean landscape, with vegetation adapted to dry conditions. These plants influence the climate by conserving water and maintaining soil stability. - Urbanization and agriculture can modify the microclimate, leading to the heat island effect and reduced natural humidity. These two climates highlight how a combination of geographical and anthropogenic factors shapes local weather patterns and ecosystems.