Middle East Geography and Climate

Introduction

• The Middle East is often stereotyped as a vast desert.
• Dryness and aridity are indeed common features influencing human habitation and activities in the region.

Size and Scale

• Middle East is a large region, often misrepresented in size by Mercator map projections.
• Similar in size to two continental United States side-by-side.
• Stretching from Morocco to Iran, roughly 5,000-6,000 miles wide.

Climate

• Predominantly arid or semi-arid.
• Deserts defined by precipitation: less than 250 mm (10 inches) annually.
• Semi-arid regions receive 250-500 mm (10-20 inches) of precipitation annually.
• Estimated 80% of the Middle East is desert; with semi-arid regions, this could rise to 90%.

Types of Deserts

• Hot deserts dominate the Middle East.
• Not just sand dunes; also rocky deserts, bare rocky plateaus, sandy plains, and salt flats.

Notable Deserts

• Sahara Desert: Largest hot desert, size of the continental U.S.
• Lut Desert, Iran: Holds record for hottest temperature (70.5°C/159°F).
• Arabian Desert: World's third-largest desert.
• Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter): Largest sand dune desert, unpopulated.

Exceptions to Aridity

• Fertile Crescent: Well-watered, includes Tigris and Euphrates basins.
• Mediterranean Climate Areas: Coastal regions with more precipitation and plant life.
  • Found in Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Turkey.
• Mountainous Regions: Experience freezing temperatures and snow in winter.
  • Notably in Northern Iraq, Turkey, and Iran.

Conclusion

• Despite predominant aridity, the Middle East has significant geographic and climatic diversity.
• Some areas have climates conducive to agriculture and even skiing in Iran and Turkey.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the climatic and geographic diversity within the Middle East, highlighting the significant features and exceptions to its arid environment.