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
- Introduction
- The Mediterranean Climate
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Seasonal Variability
- Summer Conditions
- Winter Conditions
- The Impact of the Mediterranean Sea
- Mediterranean Winds
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the defining characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, examining the factors that contribute to its unique features. It investigates the interplay between global and regional atmospheric circulations, and their influence on temperature, precipitation patterns, and seasonal variability within the Mediterranean basin.
- The defining characteristics of the Mediterranean climate (dry summers, wet winters, etc.)
- The influence of the Mediterranean Sea on regional climate patterns.
- The role of atmospheric circulation patterns (Westerlies, trade winds, Azores High, etc.) in shaping the Mediterranean climate.
- Spatial and seasonal variability in temperature and precipitation across the Mediterranean region.
- The impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on Mediterranean climate.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by defining the scope of the Mediterranean Sea and its significance as a climate transition zone. It introduces the paper's methodology, which involves reviewing existing scientific literature, particularly focusing on the works of Branigan and Bolle, to explain the factors influencing the Mediterranean climate. The chapter explains that the discussion will not be highly detailed due to its introductory nature but will refer to sources for more in-depth knowledge.
The Mediterranean Climate: This chapter defines the Mediterranean climate as a dry-summer subtropical climate type (Csa and Csb in Köppen classification), influenced by both subtropical and mid-latitude weather systems. It highlights the significant inter-annual and seasonal variability, emphasizing the four key characteristics identified by Branigan (1975): winter rain, summer drought, mild winters, and hot summers. The chapter explains the contrasting influences of the polar front and Westerlies in winter, resulting in moist Atlantic air masses bringing precipitation and mild temperatures, and the subtropical influence of the trade winds and the Azores High in summer, resulting in dry and hot conditions. The chapter concludes by noting the climate's transitional nature and the increasing aridity from northwest to southeast, highlighting the contrast between maritime and continental climates within the region.
Temperature: This section details the spatial temperature distribution across the Mediterranean, noting a 5°C average difference between the northern and southern regions. It explains the occurrence of colder temperatures in mountainous areas and higher temperatures in lowlands. The moderating influence of the sea on coastal temperatures is highlighted, along with the reasons for warmer temperatures in the central and eastern regions compared to western areas.
Precipitation: This section addresses the precipitation gradient across the Mediterranean, demonstrating a large-scale decrease from northwest to southeast. It emphasizes the role of relief (orographic rainfall) in creating significant local variations. The text points out the influence of continental climate in certain regions and notes research by Xoplaki et al. (2004), which disputes a direct relationship between sea surface temperature and precipitation, but acknowledges the link between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and precipitation amounts.
Keywords
Mediterranean climate, dry-summer subtropical climate, atmospheric circulation, Westerlies, trade winds, Azores High, Hadley circulation, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), temperature variability, precipitation patterns, orographic rainfall, seasonal variability, Köppen classification, Csa, Csb.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Mediterranean Climate
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper exploring the Mediterranean climate. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the document's Table of Contents?
The table of contents covers an introduction, a detailed look at the Mediterranean climate (including temperature and precipitation), seasonal variability (summer and winter conditions), the impact of the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean winds, a conclusion, and references.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the paper?
The paper aims to explore the defining characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, investigating the interplay between global and regional atmospheric circulations and their influence on temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variability. Key themes include the defining characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the role of atmospheric circulation patterns, spatial and seasonal variability in temperature and precipitation, and the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).
What are the key characteristics of the Mediterranean climate as discussed in the paper?
The paper highlights the Mediterranean climate as a dry-summer subtropical climate (Csa and Csb in Köppen classification), characterized by winter rain, summer drought, mild winters, and hot summers. It emphasizes the significant inter-annual and seasonal variability.
How does the Mediterranean Sea influence the regional climate?
The paper explores the moderating influence of the Mediterranean Sea on coastal temperatures and the role of the sea in shaping regional climate patterns. However, it also notes research disputing a direct relationship between sea surface temperature and precipitation.
What is the role of atmospheric circulation patterns in shaping the Mediterranean climate?
The paper discusses the contrasting influences of the polar front and Westerlies in winter (bringing moist Atlantic air masses and precipitation) and the subtropical influence of the trade winds and the Azores High in summer (resulting in dry and hot conditions).
How does the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) affect the Mediterranean climate?
The paper mentions the impact of the NAO on precipitation amounts in the Mediterranean region.
What is the spatial and seasonal variability in temperature and precipitation across the Mediterranean region?
The paper notes a 5°C average temperature difference between northern and southern regions, with colder temperatures in mountainous areas and warmer temperatures in lowlands and central/eastern areas. Precipitation shows a large-scale decrease from northwest to southeast, with significant local variations due to relief (orographic rainfall).
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Mediterranean climate, dry-summer subtropical climate, atmospheric circulation, Westerlies, trade winds, Azores High, Hadley circulation, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), temperature variability, precipitation patterns, orographic rainfall, seasonal variability, Köppen classification, Csa, Csb.
What is the methodology used in the paper?
The paper utilizes a review of existing scientific literature, focusing on the works of Branigan and Bolle, among others, to explain the factors influencing the Mediterranean climate.
What sources are referenced in the paper?
The preview mentions Branigan (1975) and Xoplaki et al. (2004) as key sources, but a full list of references is available in the complete paper.
- Citation du texte
- Hendrik Bergers (Auteur), 2013, Mediterranean Climate Phenomena, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/277980
