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Re: California's Mediterranean climate

Mediterranean climates are certainly characterised by pretty dry summers,
with occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainshowers. Temperature in summer
is quite warm (30° C + during daytime). Winters are more humid, frost is
quite rare, especially near the coast. If I take France, there is a
sensible difference between the climate of the coastal zone (up to a few
kilometers towards the hinterland) and the hinterland itsels. Coastal zone
can be almost frost-free, with a rather high atmospheric humidity, while
the hinterland experiences less humidity and sharper thermic contrasts.

The geological nature of the areas is also of great importance: quite large
"mediterranean" areas are underlain with limestone. They bear a
characteristic flora. Among these are Salvia, Ophrys and much more
beauties. The flora in areas underlain with clay or marl, quite abundant
too, will be different as the soils will retain more humidity and have a
different chemistry. There are also areas with different volcanic and
cristalline rocks, which again will bear different floristic associations.

Therefore there are many different Mediterranean biotopes and floras,
depending on location of the biotope, its local microclimate and the
underlying terrane. This variety of biotopes makes the flora of the
Mediterranean regions a very diversified and beautiful one.


Patrice Christmann - near Orleans (France) - USDA Climatic zone 8 -
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