Download Lesson 3: Climate and Vegetation

Lesson 3: Climate and Vegetation
The Mediterranean Climate
Near the coasts, mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers characterize the climate named for the
Mediterranean region (see map, page 283). The westerlies, winds from the Atlantic Ocean, bring
rain in the winter. During the summer, the sirocco (sih·rock·oh), a wind pushing north from the
Sahara Desert, brings dry, hot weather. Throughout most of the year, the coastal areas remain
moderately warm.
Inland, extreme changes in weather from summer to winter characterize the mountainous
Highlands climate. Northern Spain enjoys a Marine West Coast climate—pleasant, but wetter
than the Mediterranean climate.
Greece
During the summers, Greece sees months of cloudless skies, and nearly all of its rivers dry up.
About three-fourths of all rain in Greece falls in the winter, mostly in the mountainous northwest.
The plains of the southeast get little rain.
Most trees, including firs, beeches, and pines, grow in the Pindus Mountains and the highlands of
Peloponnesus. At higher altitudes, alpine lichens (mosses) and flowering plants flourish.
The forests that once covered Greece have almost disappeared over the centuries. People cut down the trees for wood to
build houses and ships. Low shrubs now cover much of Greece.
Italy
“Sunny Italy” describes the Italian climate part of the year. Winters are cloudy and rainy. In the
north, winter days are chilly.
Winter regularly brings snow to the higher slopes of the Alps and the Apennines. At the same
time, the lower regions of the mountains enjoy mild temperatures.
Evergreens grow in the Alps and Apennines. On the rolling hillsides, chestnut, beech, oak, pine,
and olive trees thrive. Only prickly pear, agave, and eucalyptus trees can endure the dryness in
the south. On the coastal plains, warm, moist winds support oleanders and palm trees.
Spain
Spain’s southern coastal plain enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate: mild, rainy winters
alternating with hot, dry summers. Oleander, myrtle, poplar, palm, bougainvillaea, cork trees,
and olive trees thrive here. Farther inland, only pine and scrub trees can survive in the dry
central plateau.
In northernmost Spain, winds blowing over the North Atlantic Drift bring mild, wet weather
throughout the year. The higher peaks in the Pyrenees receive much snow in winter. This area
enjoys a climate much like that of Western Europe. Its weather supports deciduous forests of
oak, beech, ash, birch, and chestnut trees.
Wild cork, juniper, and wild olive trees once covered all of Spain. As in Greece, Spain’s forests
have disappeared, especially in the Meseta, where scrubby bushes now grow in their place. In
southern Spain, cork and olive trees are raised in orchards. Their products are important
contributors to Spain’s economy.
Portugal
Like northern Spain, Portugal enjoys the benefits of the North Atlantic Drift. Although there is
plenty of rain, snow falls only on the highest peaks.
North of the Tagus River, Portugal experiences humid and cool winters, and warm (but not hot)
summers. Pine and oak trees grow here. In the mountains where rain is plentiful, trees, bushes,
vines, and mosses thrive. In the south of Portugal, drier weather prevails. Mild winters and warm
summers support olive and cork trees.
Unlike Spain, Portugal remains heavily forested. Centuries ago, Portuguese kings established
laws to preserve the forests from being cut down for ships and houses. Today, forests cover
about a third of Portugal.
Lesson 3 Review
Fact Follow-Up
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Describe the climate of Mediterranean Europe.
What effects do extensive coastlines have on the climate of Mediterranean Europe?
Compare the vegetation of Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy.
In what ways are the climate and vegetation of Greece and Spain alike?
Talk About It
1.
In which of the largest countries of Mediter-ranean Europe do you feel it would be most difficult to make
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a living from farming? Explain your answer.
Why is the tourist trade so successful in Mediterranean Europe?
Why is the Mediterranean climate a potential environmental hazard?