Spain's Diverse Climates, Vegetation, and Natural Landscapes

Climate and Vegetation in Spain

General Characteristics

• Annual Average Temperatures: Temperatures increase from north to south. They are lower in the peninsular interior, where a greater temperature range is also observed compared to the coast.
• Rainfall: Precipitation has a strong seasonal variation, except in the northern peninsula. It decreases from north to south, from west to east, and from the coast inland.

Types of Climate

Oceanic Climate

This climate is characterized by mild temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.

Mediterranean Climate

Its main characteristic is a marked dry season in summer. There are several varieties:

• Coastal Mediterranean Climate

  Features mild temperatures and moderate rainfall.

• Inland Mediterranean Climate

  Presents a wide annual temperature range and scarce rainfall.

Subtropical Climate

This climate is characterized by a narrow range of temperatures and low rainfall. Precipitation is generally most abundant in the northern islands.

High Mountain Climate

Winters are cold and summers are cool. Rainfall is higher than in nearby areas of lower elevation.

Main Vegetation Types

Oceanic Climate Vegetation

This includes deciduous forests (beech, oak, chestnut, elm, etc.), heathland, and grassland.

Mediterranean Climate Vegetation

This vegetation is composed of evergreen species such as holm oak and cork oak, and various forms of scrubland (rockrose, thyme, rosemary, etc.). Spain has two main types of Mediterranean vegetation:

• Coastal Vegetation

  The forest is primarily composed of holm oaks and cork oaks. In some areas, pine trees are also present. When the forest is degraded, it gives way to shrubs and bushes.

• Inland Vegetation

  Holm oaks are the predominant species. If the forest is degraded or disappears, shrubs such as thyme, rosemary, and lavender develop.

Subtropical Vegetation

This features laurel forests, which are dense and lush formations composed of trees with large, evergreen, laurel-like leaves.

High Mountain Vegetation

The vegetation is distributed in altitudinal zones or floors.

Spanish Landscapes

Oceanic Landscape

• Location: Found in the north and northwest of the peninsula.
• Relief: Formed by several mountain ranges. The coast is rugged and rocky.
• Rivers: The rivers are short, with abundant and regular flow.
• Climate: Oceanic, with mild winters, cool summers, and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
• Vegetation: Consists of deciduous forests, heathlands, and meadows.
• Fauna: Includes animals such as deer, grouse, marten, wolf, wildcat, and the bank vole.

Inland Mediterranean Landscape

• Location: Found in the peninsular interior.
• Relief: The terrain is varied, but predominantly features the plains of the Meseta and the Ebro Valley.
• Rivers: The rivers are long with irregular flow.
• Climate: Characterized by cold winters, hot summers, and scarce rainfall.
• Vegetation: Consists of holm oak forests and scrubland, including thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
• Fauna: Composed of imperial eagles, black kites, partridges, storks, wildcats, genets, and wild boar, among other animals.