The Middle East desert experiences extreme temperatures, with summer highs over 120°F and winter lows below freezing. Rainfall is very low at only 3-4 inches annually, and droughts can last for years. Rare, violent storms can cause flash floods. Nomadic Bedouins migrated with their herds of sheep, goats and camels, setting up tents at oases where fresh water allowed plants and crops to grow. As some nomads settled at oases permanently, towns evolved that grew dates and grains and became trading centers for nomadic goods. Coastal areas and mountains received more rainfall and had farming communities and terraced crops.

1. Geography of the Middle East

2. The Desert Summer temperatures often rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter and nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

4. Powerful winds can cause blinding sandstorms. Winds create tall sand dunes.Precipitation in Louisiana Jan 5.87in. Feb 5.47in. Mar 5.24in. Apr 5.02in. May 4.62in. Jun 6.83in. Jul 6.20in. Aug 6.15in. Sept 5.55in. Oct 3.05in. Nov 5.09in. Dec 5.07in.

5. Adaptations= Ways that humans adapt or adjust to their environment How do you adapt to the heat and humidity during the summer?

6. Bedouins wore loose-fitting long gowns and cotton headdresses to protect against dust, heat, and flies.

7. NOMAD= A person who moves from place to place, often in search of water and vegetation Arab nomads are called Bedouins. Bedouins migrated through the desert raising sheep, goats, and camels. They set up tents when they found a place for their herds to eat and drink.

8. Caravan= a group of people traveling together for mutual protection, often with pack animals, such as camels

9. Oases OASES= Areas in the desert where fresh water seeps to the surface as a spring or waterhole. Plant life can grow at an oases.

10. Nomads traveled from oasis to oasis in search of food and water. Some nomads became sedentary (permanently settled in one place) and grew crops at the oasis. They dug wells to get water from below the surface of the land. Oasis dwellers grew fruits, such as dates and peaches, and grains to make bread.

11. A number of towns grew at oases, and they evolved into trading centers. Farmers bartered (traded) their crops for the goods that nomads brought from other regions. Merchants became an important part of town life.

12. Coastal Plain: the air is damp and moist, and rain falls regularly. Farming is possible along the coast, and farming communities thrive.

13. Mountains: the Arabian peninsula has several mountain ranges that receive 20 inches of rain per year and has a cool climate. Mountain dwellers adapt by building terraces into the mountain side. These flat strips of ground on the hillside allow for the growing of crops.