1. CHAPTER 17 SECTION 2 Climate and Vegetation

2. Water Scarcity of water defines the regions climate Rain is plentiful on the south edge of the Caspian Region dominated by desert Other climates:  Steppe  Mediterranean  Highlands

3. Climate Then and Now Prehistoric times, N. Africa was covered in a grassy plain Had a moderate climate Today climate is hot and extremely dry The Sahara is the world’s largest desert

4. Deserts in This Region Precipitation averages 10 inches or less per year Weather patterns are extreme Deserts in C. Asia and the Northern Sahara get freezing temperatures Summers are long and hot Lack of moisture allows heat to escape

5. Key Words Erg- sandy dune Reg- stony plain, also called desert pavement Hamada- flat, sandstone plateau Sand covers less than 10% of the Sahara

6. Rub’ al Khali Means empty quarter Covers southern part of the Arabian Peninsula 250,000 sq. miles

7. Oasis A place in a desert where underground water surfaces

8. Steppe Climate Second largest climate region Semi-arid Less than 14 in. of rain Short grasses Pastoralism- raising of grazing animals

9. Exports and Tourism Mediterranean climates allow citrus, olives, and grapes  Morocco  Tunisia  Syria Warm climate and lots of sun attracts over 2 mil. tourists to Morocco Agadir receives 360 days of sunlight a year!