Mediterranean climates are characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They occur along the west coasts of continents between 30 and 40 degrees north and south of the equator, including areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea. In these regions, summers are hot and dry with little rainfall, while winters bring steady rain that transforms the landscape. Farmers have adapted crops to the climate and irrigation is important. Tourism is also a major industry in places with Mediterranean climates. Vegetation includes drought-resistant plants like cork oaks and olive trees that can reach water underground. Grape vines also thrive in these conditions, making the regions important wine producers.

1. Mediterranean
Climates
By Lara Koutsovitis and Guadalupe
Castellano

2. • Mediterranean climates are warm
• They get their name from the regions
bordering the Mediterranean Sea
• Other parts of the world also share
this climate.

3. Warm And Dry
SUMMER
• Warm
• Dry winds
blow from
the topics
• Dry
conditions
• The sea is
cooler than
the land
• Little rains
• Temperatures
are high
Mediterranean
climates cover
only a small part
of the world. They
are found on the
west coasts of
continents
between 30º and
40º north and
south of the
Equator.
WINTER
•Steady rainfall
tranmforms the
parched
brown
landscape into a
rich green one.
• Rains.
•The relatives
warmth of the
sea causes
winters

4. Mediterranean Climates and People
Farmers have made use of the mild winters that
allow crops to grow thoughout the year in
places with mediterranean climates. The dry
summers however pose problems so many
irrigation schemes have been developed

5. The dry, hot and sunny climate has
been very attractive to
holidaymakers and tourism is now
the main industry in areas such as
Majorca and the Algarve. This in turn
has led to worries about pollution
with increased sewage and pressure
on water supplies. Again there is the
conflict between the wish for
development with the economic
benefits it brings, and the need to
look after the enviroment.
Tourism

6. Vegetation
Trees such as cork oaks and olives, and low
woody plants, or scrub. The vegetation is well
adapted to the dry summer climate, which
reduces the amount of water the plant loses
and long root which enable them to reach water
deep underground

7. Farming
• Home to some of the world’s most important
wine producers.
• Grape vines are particularly well adapted to the
climate, as they have long roots and tough
bark.