The Mediterranean Sea is an almost enclosed basin with a coverage of 4000 km in west-east and 1200 km in north-south direction. Many European, North African and Middle Eastern states abut on this ocean and are massively influenced by it. The Mediterranean can be denoted as a cutting point between subtropical and humid climate and is influenced by both of them. This and the Mediterranean Sea lead to a very specific and individual climate around this basin.
In this paper the leading factors of the climate conditions are revealed, which include references to global atmospheric circulations, regional climate patterns and micro-scale descriptions of specific phenomena in the Mediterranean. Therefore I refer to different scientific articles and mainly to two specific Mediterranean monographs (Branigan; Bolle).
Because of the introducing character of this paper most phenomena are explained in a more general way and do not have reference to direct climate data. More detailed knowledge and data basis can be taken by the references and footnotes.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 The Mediterranean climate
2.1 Temperature
2.2 Precipitation
3 Seasonal variability
3.1 Summer conditions
3.2 Winter conditions
4 The impact of the Mediterranean Sea
5 Mediterranean winds
6 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a scientific overview of the primary factors influencing the Mediterranean climate, specifically focusing on global atmospheric circulations, regional weather patterns, and micro-scale meteorological phenomena that characterize the region.
- The role of global circulation systems (Westerlies, ITCZ) in driving seasonal variability.
- Spatial distribution of temperature and precipitation patterns across the Mediterranean basin.
- The specific thermodynamic influence of the Mediterranean Sea on its surrounding land masses.
- Characteristics of local and regional wind systems, including the Meltemi, Bora, and Scirocco.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Summer conditions
In the summer, the Mediterranean is influenced by the Hadley circulation, which is determined by heated, equatorial, moist air, which moves polewards. Therefore, the Mediterranean is affected by maritime tropical (mT) and continental tropical (cT) air masses.19 In the space of the ITCZ, which is moving northwards in the summer, the moist air rains and sinks down at the Tropic of Cancer. The intensity of this process is determined by other, global atmospheric processes, which could be the Southern Oscillation or the Indian Monsoon, but these connections should not be discussed here. In wintertime he westerlies are further north and do not affect the Mediterranean climate intensive, but just in some rare “blocking” situations.20
Northerly winds are determining the summertime climate conditions. In the western basin this is caused by the Azores High, which is moving northwards in spring, and north or north-easterly trade winds are generated. The eastern basin is influenced by the Asiatic low pressure monsoonal circulation, which means north or north-westerly winds.21
The inner Mediterranean dynamics are caused by the temperature differences between the ocean and the surrounding land mass with a specific relief. In interaction with the large scale effects the ocean continent distribution is important. In this context the high ratio of mountain regions is fundamental, because lots of local wind and precipitation systems, which are of course determined as well by general circulation systems of the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, are excited from this. Some semi-consistent high pressure systems constrict moist warm air to reach the condensation level, which causes drought.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the Mediterranean Sea as a climate-defining basin and outlines the paper's scope regarding global and regional meteorological factors.
2 The Mediterranean climate: Defines the Csa/Csb climate types and discusses general characteristics such as winter rain, summer drought, and the effects of atmospheric circulation.
2.1 Temperature: Details the spatial temperature distribution and the balancing effect of the sea on coastal temperatures.
2.2 Precipitation: Examines precipitation gradients and the significant role of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on moisture levels.
3 Seasonal variability: Explains the overarching influence of the westerlies and the ITCZ on the seasonal shifts within the Mediterranean.
3.1 Summer conditions: Describes the impact of the Hadley circulation and the resulting dry, hot weather patterns governed by trade winds.
3.2 Winter conditions: Analyzes the prevalence of cyclogenesis and the influence of maritime polar air masses and the westerlies during winter.
4 The impact of the Mediterranean Sea: Explores the radiation balance of the sea and the "Mediterranean conveyor belt" (thermohaline circulation).
5 Mediterranean winds: Categorizes and explains specific wind phenomena such as the Meltemi, Bora, and Scirocco.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the complexity of the Mediterranean climate and the fundamental importance of seasonal variability driven by global atmospheric systems.
Keywords
Mediterranean climate, Seasonal variability, Atmospheric circulation, Westerlies, ITCZ, Precipitation gradient, North Atlantic Oscillation, Hadley circulation, Meltemi, Bora, Scirocco, Cyclogenesis, Maritime influence, Land-sea-circulation, Subtropical climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the meteorological and climatological phenomena that shape the Mediterranean region, focusing on its distinct seasonal variability and the influence of global atmospheric patterns.
What are the central themes explored?
The study focuses on temperature and precipitation distribution, the role of the Mediterranean Sea as a heat regulator, global circulation impacts (ITCZ/Westerlies), and specific regional wind systems.
What is the primary goal of the research?
The primary goal is to explain the leading factors—ranging from macro-scale atmospheric circulation to micro-scale local effects—that constitute the unique dry-summer subtropical climate of the region.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper employs a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing scientific monographs and research articles to provide a general overview of Mediterranean climate dynamics.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the definition of the climate type, seasonal variability between winter and summer, the thermodynamic impacts of the Mediterranean Sea, and an analysis of distinct wind patterns.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as seasonal variability, atmospheric circulation, Csa/Csb climate types, and specific wind systems like the Meltemi and Scirocco.
How does the North Atlantic Oscillation affect the region?
The NAO influences temperature patterns, storm tracks, and precipitation amounts across the Mediterranean, particularly during the winter months when the atmosphere is most dynamic.
Why is the Mediterranean Sea considered a key factor for the climate?
The sea provides a moderating maritime effect, influences local land-sea circulations, and acts as a heat reservoir that significantly impacts the radiation balance of the surrounding land masses.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Hendrik Bergers (Autor:in), 2013, Mediterranean Climate Phenomena, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/277980
