Key Climate Types and Environmental Phenomena

Aridity: Regional Water Scarcity

Features of regions with water shortages due to rainfall insufficiency, where evaporative water loss or evapotranspiration exceeds atmospheric water contributions via precipitation. Example: Periods of aridity in Spain.

Mountain Climate Characteristics

Climate characterized by low temperatures compared to surrounding plains, with high rainfall, sometimes in the form of snow in the most elevated parts. Example: Navacerrada has a mountain climate.

Mediterranean Climate Features

Temperate climate characterized by relatively mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Rainfall is most frequent during autumn and spring. It is characteristic of the coasts of the Mediterranean basin. Example: Climate of the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Valencia.

Oceanic Climate Profile

Climate typical of the western coasts of continents in temperate zones. It is characterized by mild winters, cool summers, a small annual thermal range, and scattered rainfall throughout the year, leading to high humidity and cloudiness. Example: Climate of Galicia.

Subtropical Climate Details

Climate found between approximately 25 and 30 degrees of latitude, often considered a transition from tropical climates. It features warm to hot temperatures and seasonal rains but generally has a larger thermal range than tropical climates. Example: Climate of the Canary Islands, South Australia, and South Africa.

Urban Climate: City Microclimates

The characteristic climate of cities, marked by increased temperatures (urban heat island effect) resulting from pollution, sunlight reflection off buildings, and waste heat from heating/cooling systems. This creates a distinct microclimate in densely populated areas. Example: Urban climate of Madrid and Barcelona.

Continental Climate Extremes

Climate characterized by a large diurnal and annual thermal range. It is typical of inland areas far from maritime influence or regions separated from the sea by mountain systems, often resulting in severe weather conditions (hot summers, cold winters). Example: Inland areas like the Meseta Central in Spain (though the original example of Almeria is more semi-arid/desert).

Desertification Process and Causes

The process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, where fertile land becomes desert. It can result from various factors, including climatic variations (like drought) and human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, or unsustainable agriculture, potentially leaving an area devoid of vegetation. Example: Areas susceptible to desertification, like parts of southeastern Spain (e.g., Almeria).

Drought: Extended Precipitation Deficit

A prolonged period with an absence or significant deficiency of precipitation compared to statistical averages, which decisively affects vegetation, water resources, and ecosystems. Example: The summer drought common in Mediterranean climates; severe droughts like those experienced in the Sahara region.