Understanding Spain’s Climate and Resources
1. Atmospheric Circulation
The atmosphere’s circulation includes jet streams, high-altitude winds reaching 500 km/h. Two main types exist: the subtropical (35-40°) and the polar (60°). These currents descend in winter and ascend in summer, impacting aviation. Jet streams move eastward, creating rightward air descents (high pressure) and leftward air ascents (low pressure). Earth’s movement influences jet streams.
1.1 Air Circulation Near the Surface
Occurs mainly in the troposphere, with low-pressure zones (warm, less dense air, barometer below 1015 hPa) and high-pressure zones (cold, dense air, barometer above 1015 hPa). Isobars indicate pressure patterns.
2. Climatic Factors in Spain
2.1 Tropical Anticyclones (Azores)
High-pressure centers, diverging air masses. The Azores anticyclone dominates Spain’s mainland and Balearic Islands in summer, creating stable, dry weather. It also brings Saharan dust, causing haze or muddy rain.
2.2 Atlantic Depressions
Low-pressure systems with unstable weather, winds, and variable temperatures. They affect the northwest, bringing rain and clouds.
2.3 Thermodynamic Adjustments
Spain’s climate is influenced by interactions between polar and tropical air masses. Polar maritime air brings cold, unstable weather with snow in winter. Continental or Siberian air brings dry, cold conditions.
2.4 Western Mediterranean Influence
In summer, warm Mediterranean waters evaporate, creating low pressure when colder air arrives. This leads to condensation and heavy rainfall. Mediterranean depressions can draw warm subtropical air.
2.5 Iberian Peninsula Relief
Varied terrain creates microclimates. Inland areas experience temperature extremes, while coastal regions are moderated by the sea.
3. Spain’s Climates
3.1 Oceanic or Atlantic Climate
Characterized by abundant rainfall, mild temperatures, and westerly winds. Regions include Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, and northern Navarre. Vegetation includes temperate deciduous forests and heathlands.
Varieties:
- Mountain Oceanic: Cooler temperatures and higher precipitation due to elevation.
- Transitional Oceanic: Transition zone with lower rainfall and drier summers.
3.2 Mediterranean Climate
Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Includes Balearic Islands, southern Atlantic coast, and Mediterranean coast. Vegetation includes maquis, garrigue, and steppe.
Varieties:
- Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean: Higher rainfall in colder months.
- Mountain Mediterranean: Cooler winters, hot and dry summers.
- Dry Mediterranean: Less than 400mm annual rainfall, high aridity.
3.3 Continental Climate
Strong thermal oscillations between cold winters and hot summers. Regions include Castile-La Mancha and Madrid. Vegetation includes pines and shrubs.
Varieties:
- Interior Climate: Long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
- Low Rainfall Areas: Minimal precipitation, influenced by dry winds.
4.1 Canary Islands Climate
Warm temperatures and scarce rainfall due to location, elevation, and cold ocean currents. Varieties include coastal subdesertic, mid-mountain with sea of clouds, and peak climates.
5. Catalonia’s Climate and Resources
5.1 Water Resources
Catalonia faces water demand challenges, particularly in urban and industrial sectors. The Ebro basin is shared with other regions. Internal basins have deficit issues due to rainfall patterns and lack of investment.
5.2 Energy and Mineral Resources
Catalonia relies on external resources. Energy sources include lignite mines, nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power, and emerging renewables. Mineral resources include potash, rock salt, limestone, and clay.
6. Landscape Zones
Cold Zone
- Polar Climate: Temperatures below 0°C, sparse vegetation (tundra).
- Cold Continental Climate: Very cold winters, rising temperatures in summer, tundra and evergreen forests.
Temperate Zone
- Continental Climate: Short rains, high thermal oscillation, variable vegetation (shrubs, prairie, taiga).
- Oceanic Climate: Humid and mild, grasslands and deciduous forests.
- Mediterranean Climate: Short rains, hot summers, mild winters, drought-resistant vegetation.
- Mountain Temperate Climate: Rainy, low temperatures, vegetation varies with altitude.
Warm Desert Zone
- Desert climate with little to no rain, high daytime temperatures, sparse vegetation.
Equatorial and Tropical Zones
- Equatorial Climate: High rainfall, consistent temperatures, lush vegetation.
- Tropical Climate: Seasonal rainfall, savanna vegetation.
- Tropical Mountain Climate: Rainfall varies with altitude, temperature line is straighter, vegetation changes with elevation.
7. Landscape Features
Mediterranean Landscapes
Mild winters, hot summers, uneven rainfall. Vegetation adapted to drought and fire. Agriculture includes rainfed and irrigated crops. Livestock includes goats, sheep, and cattle.
Oceanic Landscapes
Moderate rainfall, mild temperatures, grasslands, and deciduous forests. Livestock includes cattle, bison, and horses.
Continental Landscapes
Scarce rainfall, temperature extremes. Vegetation varies with altitude. Agriculture focuses on cereals. Cultivation methods include openfield and bocage.