Climate Zones of Spain and Catalonia: A Detailed Analysis
Climate Zones of the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands
The Mediterranean air mass significantly influences the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, softening as it progresses westward. Atlantic air masses also have an impact, albeit to a lesser extent. The interaction between Mediterranean and Atlantic air masses results in very mild temperatures during both winter and summer months.
Climate Classification
The Köppen climate classification, based on the climatic elements most influential on vegetation, is widely used. However, Luis Albentosa’s classification, considering both atmospheric elements and geographical factors, is also relevant. This divides the territory into five major climate domains:
- Oceanic Domain: Characterized by regular rainfall and no dry periods. It has three variants:
- Oceanic Climate: Found in Galicia and Cantabria, with temperatures moderated by the sea.
- Oceanic Transition: Occurs further inland, with increased influence of subtropical oceanic and continental air masses.
- Subtropical Oceanic: Present in Andalusia, with higher temperatures due to subtropical influence.
- Mediterranean Domain: Extends from the Mediterranean coast inland, influenced by the sea. It includes:
- Mediterranean Smoothing: A cool, humid, cloudy, and rainy climate, with potential frost during winter due to cold wind intrusions.
- Dry Mediterranean: Found on the eastern coast, including Mallorca and Menorca, influenced by warm Mediterranean air masses and winds from Africa.
- Arid Mediterranean: Covers the coastal area of southeastern Spain, Ibiza, and Formentera, influenced by the subtropical front, preventing the entry of cold air masses. Rainfall is scarce.
- Continental Domain: Distance from the sea results in a continental climate with a high thermal amplitude:
- Interior Continental Soft Hue: A transition zone between the oceanic and interior domains.
- Interior Continental Accused Nuance: Minimal marine influence, resulting in a greater thermal amplitude.
- Mountain Domain: Altitude causes lower temperatures:
- Mountain Oceanic Influence: Found in the Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees, with abundant rainfall.
- Mountain Mediterranean Catchment: Includes the Iberian and Central Systems, Toledo Mountains, and Sierra Morena. Influenced by continental air masses, with cold, longer winters but little rainfall, except in *subtropical* areas.
- Mountain Subtropical Catchment: The Betic System, with a softened climate, hotter and drier summers. Snow is only present at the highest peaks.
- Canary Islands Domain: Located in subtropical latitudes, influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the African continent. Characterized by mild temperatures and little rain, primarily in winter.
Urban Climate
Factors influencing the climate in large cities include human activities, building materials, and a shortage of vegetation. These factors lead to:
- Increased temperatures due to heating systems, vehicles, industries, building materials, and limited vegetation. This creates a heat island effect, where temperatures rise closer to the city center.
- Increased cloud cover and fog due to pollution.
- Modification of winds and breezes by urban planning.
- Increased rainfall in urban areas due to the heat island effect.
Climate in Catalonia
Catalonia’s climate varies with latitude, altitude, and proximity to the continent. It is primarily characterized by:
- Mediterranean-type climates: Including high mountain, low and medium mountain, coastal, and continental edge variations.
- Oceanic domain: Occurs only in the Val d’Aran, influenced by Atlantic winds, fog, and humidity.
- Mountain domain: With oceanic influence on the peaks and valleys of the Pyrenees, featuring two subtypes: Alpine climate and Subalpine climate, characterized by rainfall and cool temperatures.
Winds in Catalonia
- North and Northeast: Cold and slightly wet.
- East: Warm and dry in summer, wet in autumn and spring.
- Southeast: Includes winds from Murcia, the “bochorno” of La Mancha and Andalusia, and the “sirocco” in Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
- South and Southwest: The “Gregal” and “Garbí” or “Llebeig”, which are warm and wet.
- West: North-temperate and humid.
- Northwest: Dry winds with gusts, such as the “Cierzo” or “Mistral”.