middle east
list of middle east countries:
- egypt
- turkey
- iran
- iraq
- saudi arabia
- yaman
- syiria
- israel
- united arab emirates
- lubnan
- oman
- kuwait
- qatar
- bahrain
geographycal region of middle east
The
Middle East region represents an area of over 5.0 million square miles. The
physical geography of the Middle East is varied. Vast deserts are common in the
region. The Sahara Desert runs across North Africa, essentially limiting
settlement to along the Mediterranean coastline and in Egypt along the Nile
River. The desert of the Arabian Peninsula is so inhospitable that it has been
given the name "The Empty Quarter." Other significant deserts exist
throughout the region. In areas better served by rainfall and rivers (for
example the Tigris-Euphrates river system, the Jordan River, and along the
Mediterranean coast), rich agriculture is abundant. Mountain ranges exist
throughout the region with some peaks rising as high as 19,000 feet. Snow is a common
sight in these mountain ranges. Between the mountains, high plateaus are common
(see physical map).
Ease of movement in and out of the Middle East by water is also affected by the presence of a number of narrow water passageways. Gibraltar controls the water route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Water access between the Mediterranean and Black Seas is only possible through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which in some places is only half a mile wide. Other critical water routes would include: the Suez Canal, which links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea; Bab el Mandeb, a strait that separates the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean; and the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Environmental
As for climate, the region again displays a great variety. In the desert areas, rainfall is low, averaging about four inches per year. Temperatures in such areas show great extremes. Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Black and Caspian Seas, the water serves to lessen the temperature extremes of the desert resulting in a more moderate climate that is similar to that of southern Italy or California.
Climate Egypt
Climate jordan
Climate coyprus
Cyprus has the warmest climate (and warmest winters) in the Mediterranean part of the European Union. The average annual temperature on the coast is around 24 °C (75 °F) during the day and14 °C (57 °F) at night. Generally – summer's/holiday season lasts about 8 months, begins in April with average temperatures of 21–23 °C (70–73 °F) during the day and 11–13 °C (52–55 °F) at night, ends in November with average temperatures of 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) during the day and 12–14 °C (54–57 °F) at night, although also in remaining 4 months temperatures sometimes exceeds 20 °C (68 °F). Among all cities in the Mediterranean part of the European Union, Limassol has the warmest winters, in the period January–February average temperature is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F) during the day and 8–9 °C (46–48 °F) at night, in other coastal locations in Cyprus is generally 16–17 °C (61–63 °F) during the day and 7–9 °C (45–48 °F) at night. In March and December in Limassol average temperatures is 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) during the day and 10–11 °C (50–52 °F) at night, in other coastal locations in Cyprus is generally 17–19 °C (63–66 °F) during the day and 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) at night. Middle of summer is usually hot - in the July and August on the coast the average temperature is usually around 33 °C (91 °F) during the day and around 23 °C (73 °F)at night (inside the island, in the highlands average temperature exceeds 35 °C (95 °F)) while in the June and September on the coast the average temperature is usually around 30 °C (86 °F)during the day and around 20 °C (68 °F) at night. Large fluctuations in temperature are rare. Temperatures inside the island are more stringent, with colder winters and more hot summers compared with the coast of the island.[3]
Ease of movement in and out of the Middle East by water is also affected by the presence of a number of narrow water passageways. Gibraltar controls the water route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Water access between the Mediterranean and Black Seas is only possible through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which in some places is only half a mile wide. Other critical water routes would include: the Suez Canal, which links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea; Bab el Mandeb, a strait that separates the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean; and the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Environmental
As for climate, the region again displays a great variety. In the desert areas, rainfall is low, averaging about four inches per year. Temperatures in such areas show great extremes. Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Black and Caspian Seas, the water serves to lessen the temperature extremes of the desert resulting in a more moderate climate that is similar to that of southern Italy or California.
Climate of Middle East
The birthplace of three major religions
and civilization, the Middle East has always been a dry place. The basic
climate of the Middle East is hot and dry, although winters are mild with a
little rain. To the north of the desert are the great steppes. This area has
extremes of temperature and rain in winter and spring. Rest of the area has
rainfall between March and November and sometimes floods from March to May.
Summers are long and hot and winters mild and wet along the Mediterranean
coast. The coastal areas are humid but have a steady breeze to compensate.
Rainfall and temperature vary
considerably across the Middle East and even within countries. The Caspian Sea
coast of northern Iran receives up to 2000 mm of rain a year, while the desert
regions of Iran often receives no rain at all for many years. Temperatures also
vary by region. Ankara in the central plateau region of Turkey averages 32°F in
January and 73°F in July.
Low-lying coastal regions of the
Arabian Peninsula of Jordan and Iraq, and those bordering the Mediterranean Sea
have much more moderate winter temperatures: Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia
averages 75°F in January and 89°F in July. Lowland desert areas in the interior
regions of the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt have extreme heat in
the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching 77°F or higher.
Across the Middle East, summer
temperatures are usually around 85 F, but often rise above 100. In Baghdad, the
record high is 120 F; in Basra, 124 F, the highest temperatures recorded in any
major Middle Eastern city. In the Saudi desert, however, temperatures over 120
F are common. Most storms crossing the Middle East become dust- or sandstorms
when strong winds whip the dry desert surface; as many as 38 occur annually.
The impact of global warming which is
expected to bring rise in temperatures between 3.2F and 7F, melt ice caps and
submerge coastal areas will force those living in Middle East to move inland,
and face even more scorching summers. It is likely to affect the oil production
and have far reaching impact on the Middle East economy.
Climate Egypt
Throughout Egypt,
days are commonly warm or hot, and nights are cool. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter
from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The only
differences between the seasons are variations in daytime temperatures and
changes in prevailing winds. In the coastal regions, temperatures range between
an average minimum of 14 C in winter and an average maximum of 30 C in summer.
Temperatures
vary widely in the inland desert
areas, especially in summer, when they may range from 7 C at night to
43 C during the day. During winter, temperatures in the desert fluctuate less dramatically, but they can be as low as 0 C at
night and as high as 18 C during the day.
Climate jordan
Official
name:
|
Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan
|
Capital:
|
'Amman
|
Area:
|
total:
92,300 sq km
water: 329 sq km land: 91,971 sq km |
Climate:
|
mostly
arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)
|
Location:
|
Middle
East, northwest of Saudi Arabia
|
Geographic
coordinates:
|
31 00
N, 36 00 E
|
Comparative
Area:
|
slightly
smaller than Indiana
|
Land
boundaries:
|
total:
1,635 km
border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km |
Coastline:
|
26 km
|
Terrain:
|
mostly
desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates
East and West Banks of the Jordan River
|
Elevation
extremes:
|
lowest
point: Dead Sea -408 m
highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m |
Climate united arab emirates
The climate of the UAE generally
is hot and dry. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum
temperatures reach above 48° C on the coastal plain. In the Al Hajar al Gharbi
Mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, a result of increased
altitude. Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10°
C and 14° C. During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as
the sharqi makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The average annual
rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 millimeters, but in some
mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 millimeters. Rain in the
coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months,
sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds. The region is prone
to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility.
Climate coyprus
Cyprus has the warmest climate (and warmest winters) in the Mediterranean part of the European Union. The average annual temperature on the coast is around 24 °C (75 °F) during the day and14 °C (57 °F) at night. Generally – summer's/holiday season lasts about 8 months, begins in April with average temperatures of 21–23 °C (70–73 °F) during the day and 11–13 °C (52–55 °F) at night, ends in November with average temperatures of 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) during the day and 12–14 °C (54–57 °F) at night, although also in remaining 4 months temperatures sometimes exceeds 20 °C (68 °F). Among all cities in the Mediterranean part of the European Union, Limassol has the warmest winters, in the period January–February average temperature is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F) during the day and 8–9 °C (46–48 °F) at night, in other coastal locations in Cyprus is generally 16–17 °C (61–63 °F) during the day and 7–9 °C (45–48 °F) at night. In March and December in Limassol average temperatures is 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) during the day and 10–11 °C (50–52 °F) at night, in other coastal locations in Cyprus is generally 17–19 °C (63–66 °F) during the day and 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) at night. Middle of summer is usually hot - in the July and August on the coast the average temperature is usually around 33 °C (91 °F) during the day and around 23 °C (73 °F)at night (inside the island, in the highlands average temperature exceeds 35 °C (95 °F)) while in the June and September on the coast the average temperature is usually around 30 °C (86 °F)during the day and around 20 °C (68 °F) at night. Large fluctuations in temperature are rare. Temperatures inside the island are more stringent, with colder winters and more hot summers compared with the coast of the island.[3]
climate of Kuwait
Summer:
The summer months are June, July, August and part of September. These
months are mostly dry, HOT and dusty! Temperatures exceeding 48c, dust
lasting for over a week, all in summer. The seoson "bawarih" starts
June 1st and ends July 25th bringing strong winds and heavy duststorms that
could last for days, day & night. After the 25th of July, temperatures
reach 50c for a week or two with dry air. The humidity starts after mid
August and September where it could exceed 90%. Temperatures start to
decrease to an average high of 45c by the end of August, 43c for the 1st half
of September and 40c/39c by the end of September.
Autumn:
The Autumn months are October and November. Temperatures start to
decrease to the lower 30s throughout October and the upper 20s to the mid 20s
in November. Kuwait could have one or two passing thunderstorms by the end of
October, however, November is the month where Kuwait witnisses pretty heavy
thunderstorms associated with hail. The air freshens up after these
thunderstorms. Also, it will be cooler.
Winter:
The Winter months are December, January, february and part of March.
During these months Kuwait has a variety of weather patterns. One day it
could be just partly cloudy and cold, or cloudy for days without the sun, or
it could be raining constantly for days, also, it could be sunny with the
fresh cold air! All in one! Fog could affect Kuwait during the winter months,
the visibility is vanished at times due to the fog. Temperatures could
decrease to as low as 0c at night especially at the desert areas where it
could be -1c for a couple of days. Frosts are slightly rare but are possible
in Northern Kuwait. High temperatures range from 10c-19c. The average winter
rainfall in Kuwait is 320mm which is quite alot compared to the
other gulf states.
Spring:
Spring is a very tricky seoson! Spring months are part of March, April
and May. During the spring months in Kuwait you could get up with a beautiful
sunny and peacefull day. As the afternoon goes on clouds start to build up
from nowhere bringing fierce thunderstorms by the evening! Kuwait has got
affected by these thunderstorms in the past. These thunderstorms are
associated with strong winds, fierce lightning, heavy rain and hail! They are
also associated with dust at times. This seoson is called the
"sarayat" seoson. It is also a warm season with temperatures
in the upper 20s to the mid 30s.
|
 |
Climate saudi Arabia
Official
name:
|
Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
|
Capital:
|
Riyadh
|
Area:
|
total:
1,960,582 sq km
water: 0 sq km land: 1,960,582 sq km |
Climate:
|
harsh,
dry desert with great temperature extremes
|
Location:
|
Middle
East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen
|
Geographic
coordinates:
|
25 00
N, 45 00 E
|
Comparative
Area:
|
slightly
more than one-fifth the size of the US
|
Land
boundaries:
|
total:
4,431 km
border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km |
Coastline:
|
2,640
km
|
Terrain:
|
mostly
uninhabited, sandy desert
|
Elevation
extremes:
|
lowest
point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m |
Climate oman
With the exception of Dhofar
region, which has a light monsoon climate and receives cool winds from the
Indian Ocean, the climate of Oman is extremely hot and dry most of the year.
Summer begins in mid-April and lasts until October. The highest temperatures
are registered in the interior, where readings of more than 50° C in the shade
are common. On the Al Batinah plain, summer temperatures seldom exceed 46° C,
but, because of the low elevation, the humidity may be as high as 90 percent.
The mean summer temperature in Muscat is 33° C, but the gharbi (literally,
western), a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali, can raise
temperatures from the towns on the Gulf of Oman by 6° C to 10° C. Winter
temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15° C and 23° C.
Precipitation on the coasts
and on the interior plains ranges from twenty to 100 millimeters a year and
falls during mid- and late winter. Rainfall in the mountains, particularly over
Al Jabal al Akhdar, is much higher and may reach 700 millimeters. Because the
plateau of Al Jabal al Akhdar is porous limestone, rainfall seeps quickly
through it, and the vegetation, which might be expected to be more lush, is
meager. However, a huge reservoir under the plateau provides springs for
low-lying areas. In addition, an enormous wadi channels water to these valleys,
making the area agriculturally productive in years of good rainfall. Dhofar,
benefiting from a southwest monsoon between June and September, receives
heavier rainfall and has constantly running streams, which make the region
Oman's most fertile area.
Climate iran
Iran has a variable
climate. In the northwest, winters are cold with heavy snowfall and subfreezing
temperatures during December and January. Spring and fall are relatively mild,
while summers are dry and hot. In the south, winters are mild and the summers
are very hot, having average daily temperatures in July exceeding 38° C. On the
Khuzestan plain, summer heat is accompanied by high humidity.
In general, Iran has an arid climate in which most of the relatively scant annual precipitation falls from October through April. In most of the country, yearly precipitation averages 25 centimeters or less. The major exceptions are the higher mountain valleys of the Zagros and the Caspian coastal plain, where precipitation averages at least 50 centimeters annually. In the western part of the Caspian, rainfall exceeds 100 centimeters annually and is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. This contrasts with some basins of the Central Plateau that receive ten centimeters or less of precipitation annually.
In general, Iran has an arid climate in which most of the relatively scant annual precipitation falls from October through April. In most of the country, yearly precipitation averages 25 centimeters or less. The major exceptions are the higher mountain valleys of the Zagros and the Caspian coastal plain, where precipitation averages at least 50 centimeters annually. In the western part of the Caspian, rainfall exceeds 100 centimeters annually and is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. This contrasts with some basins of the Central Plateau that receive ten centimeters or less of precipitation annually.
Climate Israel
Israel
is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a
subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. The
northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized
by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. Whereas the southern and eastern
areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.
The
rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December
through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the
South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the
country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to
Eilat where rainfall is negligible.
Heavy
snow falls only in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount
Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) remains generally snow covered from
December to March. In other parts of the country snow is observed rarely.
The
city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern
tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.
Climate of Qatar
Climate of Qatar
The Climate of Qatar can be described as subtropical dry,
hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, very high temperatures in summer
and a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially in
the inland areas. The coastal areas are slightly influenced by the Persian
Gulf, and have lower maximum, but higher minimum temperatures and a higher
moisture percentage in the air.
Summer (June to September) is very hot with low rainfall. Daily maximum temperatures can reach easily 40°C
or more. Winter is cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm,
mostly dry and pleasant, with maximum temperatures between 25°C and 35°C and
cooler night Temperatures between 15 and 22°C.
A hot, dust-laden wind, the Shamal, blows in the spring and
summer-period, from March till August. sometimes these winds can be very strong, and cause Sandstorms, that can occur throughout the year, although they
are most common in the spring. Most rain falls during the winter months in
sudden, short but heavy cloudbursts and thunderstorms.
Climate Lubnan
The climate is
Mediterranean, with mild to cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. However,
there are large regional, even local, differences. The average
temperatures range from 32 ºC in July to 16 ºC (coast) or 10 ºC (Beqaa Valley)
in January. The higher mountain ranges are colder and can experience heavy
winter snowfall. There, the snow sometimes remains till early summer. In
the coastal regions and lower parts of the mountains, winters tend to be rainy.
Geologically, Lebanon consists almost exclusively of limestone, generally of
Cretaceous origin, with Jurassic limestone in some areas, mainly in the south.
Basaltic rocks are found in a few places, especially in the north in Akkar.
Climate turkey
Official name:Republic of Turkey
Capital:Ankara
Area:total: 780,580 sq km
water: 9,820 sq km
land: 770,760 sq km
Climate:temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior
Location:southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Geographic coordinates:39 00 N, 35 00 E
Comparative Area:slightly larger than Texas
Land boundaries:total: 2,648 km
border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km
Coastline:7,200 km
Terrain:high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain; several mountain ranges
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m
Capital:Ankara
Area:total: 780,580 sq km
water: 9,820 sq km
land: 770,760 sq km
Climate:temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior
Location:southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Geographic coordinates:39 00 N, 35 00 E
Comparative Area:slightly larger than Texas
Land boundaries:total: 2,648 km
border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km
Coastline:7,200 km
Terrain:high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain; several mountain ranges
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m
Climate Bahrain
Bahrain has two seasons: an
extremely hot summer and a relatively mild winter. During the summer months,
from April to October, afternoon temperatures average 40° C and can reach 48° C
during June and July. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes
this season uncomfortable. In addition, a hot, dry southwest wind, known
locally as the qaws, periodically blows
sand clouds across the barren southern end of Bahrain toward Manama in the
summer. Temperatures moderate in the winter months, from November to March,
when the range is between 10° C and 20° C. However, humidity often rises above
90 percent in the winter. From December to March, prevailing winds from the
southeast, known as theshammal,
bring damp air over the islands. Regardless of the season, daily temperatures
are fairly uniform throughout the archipelago.
Bahrain receives little
precipitation. The average annual rainfall is seventy-two millimeters, usually
confined to the winter months. No permanent rivers or streams exist on any of
the islands. The winter rains tend to fall in brief, torrential bursts, flooding
the shallow wadis that are dry the rest of the year and impeding
transportation. Little of the rainwater is saved for irrigation or drinking.
However, there are numerous natural springs in the northern part of Bahrain and
on adjacent islands. Underground freshwater deposits also extend beneath the
Gulf of Bahrain to the Saudi Arabian coast. Since ancient times, these springs
have attracted settlers to the archipelago. Despite increasing salinization,
the springs remain an important source of drinking water for Bahrain. Since the
early 1980s, however, desalination plants, which render seawater suitable for
domestic and industrial use, have provided about 60 percent of daily water
consumption needs.
Climate syiria
Official
name:
|
Syrian
Arab Republic
|
Capital:
|
Damascus
|
Area:
|
total:
185,180 sq km
note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory water: 1,130 sq km land: 184,050 sq km |
Climate:
|
mostly
desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters
(December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet
periodically in Damascus
|
Location:
|
Middle
East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey
|
Geographic
coordinates:
|
35 00
N, 38 00 E
|
Comparative
Area:
|
slightly
larger than North Dakota
|
Land boundaries:
|
total:
2,253 km
border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 km |
Coastline:
|
193 km
|
Terrain:
|
primarily
semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west
|
Elevation
extremes:
|
lowest
point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m
highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m |
EGYPT AND DUBAI
JORDAN
