Chapter 4 Section 2: Climate Regions

Describe the Dry Regions in North Africa, and the Middle East The Sahara: the world’s largest desert, covers much of North Africa, summer temperatures have known to be high as 136 degrees. Only about 3 inches of rain a year, and it only falls in winter months. The Sahara: the world’s largest desert, covers much of North Africa, summer temperatures have known to be high as 136 degrees. Only about 3 inches of rain a year, and it only falls in winter months. Dry riverbeds called wadis fill with water when it rains. Dry riverbeds called wadis fill with water when it rains. About 20% of the desert is covered by large dunes which are called ergs. About 20% of the desert is covered by large dunes which are called ergs. Also contains oases where the land is fertile as a result of water from a spring or well. Usually where cities or towns grow. Also contains oases where the land is fertile as a result of water from a spring or well. Usually where cities or towns grow.

Desert and Steppe Areas Desert and Steppe Areas Bordering the region’s deserts are dry, treeless, but grassy plains called steppes. Bordering the region’s deserts are dry, treeless, but grassy plains called steppes. Steppes receive between 4 to 16 inches of rainfall. (North of Sahara, Turkey, and to the east in Central Asia) Steppes receive between 4 to 16 inches of rainfall. (North of Sahara, Turkey, and to the east in Central Asia) Some people on steppes live as Nomads. Some people on steppes live as Nomads. Others will practice Dry Farming, a method in which land is left unplanted every few years so that it can store moisture. Others will practice Dry Farming, a method in which land is left unplanted every few years so that it can store moisture.

What are other Climate Regions?  Coastal Areas of North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, and Turkey have Mediterranean climates. These areas receive enough rain to support agriculture and therefore have more people than any other region.  A small portion of Central Asia has humid subtropical climate, hot summers, mild winters, and plentiful rainfall.  Highland climates are found in the region’s mountainous areas. People here usually herd animals.

Why is there a need for water? Rainfall is sparse over much of the region. Also, high temperatures cause surface water to evaporate rapidly. A large amount of water is used for irrigation for dry land. Some countries, such as Libya, now draw water from aquifers, or underground rock layers through which water flows. Some countries are dealing with water shortages by rationing. Another approach is Desalinization, process in which seawater to remove salts and minerals to make it drinkable. However this process is very costly, and many countries are poor can not afford this.