Climate Zones: Mediterranean and Continental Climates PDF

**2. Explain in detail two climate zones with reference to the factors that influence them** Let's focus on **Mediterranean** and **Continental climates**: **Mediterranean Climate**: - **Key Characteristics**: - Summers are long, dry, and hot, with temperatures averaging around 2...

**2. Explain in detail two climate zones with reference to the factors that influence them** Let's focus on **Mediterranean** and **Continental climates**: **Mediterranean Climate**: - **Key Characteristics**: - Summers are long, dry, and hot, with temperatures averaging around 25--30°C. Winters are mild and wet, averaging around 10--15°C. Precipitation averages 500--800 mm annually, concentrated in the winter months. - **Influencing Factors**: - **Latitude**: Situated between 30°--40° N and S of the Equator, where sunlight is more intense during summer, resulting in a long, dry season. - **Proximity to Sea**: The Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures, creating milder winters compared to inland areas. The sea also contributes to **humidity** and provides a source of water in an otherwise dry region. - **Relief**: Coastal mountain ranges, such as the **Sierra Nevada** in Spain, block rain-bearing winds, leaving the inland areas with dry conditions. - **Land Use**: Agriculture thrives in this climate, especially crops like **olives**, **grapes**, and **citrus fruits**. It also supports **tourism** due to the warm, sunny weather. **Continental Climate**: - **Key Characteristics**: - **Hot summers** (often above 30°C) and **cold winters** (often below -20°C) are common. Precipitation is moderate, but it typically falls in the summer months. - **Influencing Factors**: - **Latitude**: Found between **40° and 60° latitude**, where there is a significant variation in solar radiation throughout the year. - **Distance from Sea**: The inland location means that there is minimal moderating influence from large bodies of water, leading to extreme seasonal temperature variations. - **Relief**: **Mountain ranges** such as the **Ural Mountains** or the **Carpathians** block moist air from reaching the interior, creating dry conditions. - **Land Use**: Regions with continental climates support **grain farming** (such as **wheat**, **corn**, and **barley**) and **livestock farming**. These areas are highly productive for both **agriculture** and **industrial activities**.