Mediterranean, Inland, and Atlantic Landscapes of Spain
Landscapes of Mediterranean Spain
The Mediterranean climate is characterized by its hot summers, with average temperatures that can reach 25 degrees Celsius, and mild winters, around 10 degrees Celsius. The highest recorded rainfall is in autumn when rains may occur due to sudden cooling of warm, moist air, causing floods. The original vegetation, such as oak and cork oak, has been replaced by pine trees. Where the forest disappears, scrub brush vegetation, or *garrigue*, grows. In drier areas, the steppe lies.
Population
It is a densely populated area. Most of its inhabitants live in cities and large towns. The development of this area has benefited from the modern communications network. In the traditional rural landscape, the habitat is sparse, especially in irrigated areas. One of the main economic activities in Spain is tourism. However, the natural landscape has been degraded as a result of tourism activities, which have provoked inadequate buildings, roads, marinas, etc.
Landscapes of Inland Spain
In the lands of the peninsula, there is a tendency towards a continental Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, with temperatures sometimes reaching -5 degrees Celsius, and daily minimums that may be below 0 degrees Celsius. The minimum recorded rainfall during the summer is low due to the distance from the sea and the relief. The vegetation of inland Spain must resist harsh winters. Large oaks are abundant only in Extremadura and Salamanca. In Soria and Segovia, pine trees grow, and in the valleys of the Ebro and Guadalquivir, very poor steppe grows.
Population
Inland Spain, with the exception of the province of Madrid, is sparsely populated. The rural habitat focuses on medium-sized or small towns. Only dispersed settlements are found in Andalusia, where there are large rural farmhouses (*cortijos*). These areas have suffered depopulation and an aging population.
Inland Spain, with the exception of the province of Madrid, is sparsely populated. The habitat is concentrated in rural or small- to medium-type villages. Only dispersed settlements are found in Andalusia, where there are large rural farmhouses (*cortijos*). These areas have suffered depopulation and an aging population.
Landscapes of Oceanic or Atlantic Spain
Climate
The landscapes of northern and northwestern Atlantic Spain are influenced by a mild climate, which cools the humid air. In summer, temperatures barely rise above 20 degrees Celsius, and in winter, they remain around 10 degrees Celsius. The rains are very frequent and abundant throughout the year, although they are reduced in the summer. In the oceanic forest grows deciduous oak, chestnut, beech, elm, poplar, and ash, among others. These have been largely replaced by pine, which has faster growth and is used in the manufacture of cellulose. In wetlands that have been cleared, or where the natural forest allows it, natural grass grows to feed cattle.
Population
In the coastal landscape of Oceanic Spain, the main roads and important cities are located. The city dwellers are mainly engaged in manufacturing and services. Tourism activity has acquired increasing importance in coastal towns, where many tourist facilities have been built, which have sometimes degraded the natural landscape. The rural habitat of Atlantic Spain is dispersed in houses, small villages, or hamlets.