The temperature and rainfall of a meteorological station are given below: Average temperature: 12.8°C Average Rainfall: 54.9 cm per annum Identify the region having the above climatic pattern from among the following:

Answer: (a) Mediterranean region

A mild mean (~13 °C) and around 50 cm of rain fit the Mediterranean.

The idea

With only two averages, work by elimination. A yearly mean of about 13°C is too cool for the monsoon lands. Rain of about 55 cm is too little for north-west Europe and for monsoon regions, and a mild mean does not suit the steppe with its bitter winters.

Monsoon: warmer and far wetter → no → North-west Europe: wetter, 75 cm and more → no → Steppe: colder winters, usually drier → no → Mediterranean: mild, 40–75 cm → fits

Why the others are wrong

(b) Monsoon regions are warmer and much wetter.

(c) Steppes are drier (25–50 cm) with extreme temperatures.

(d) NW Europe is wetter, with rain spread across the year.

The trap

With only averages given, go by the rainfall amount and the mild mean.

Also know

Mediterranean climate also occurs in California, central Chile, the Cape region of South Africa and south-western Australia. Many shrubs have small, tough leaves that limit water loss; this is sclerophyll vegetation. Olives and grapes are characteristic crops. Winter westerlies bring rain, while subtropical high pressure helps keep summers dry.