Climate and Biomes of the Middle East
The Middle East is a large region that spans from the eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. Within this area, there are several different climate zones and biomes.
From the arid deserts of the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean climate of the Levant, the region's environmental diversity plays an important role in shaping its ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
Arid Deserts
The Arabian Desert, encompassing the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) and the Syrian Desert, dominates much of the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
These deserts experience extreme temperatures, limited rainfall, and sparse vegetation, making them one of the driest and hottest regions on Earth.
Adapted flora and fauna, such as drought-resistant plants and desert-adapted animals like camels and lizards, thrive in these harsh desert environments.
Nomadic pastoralism and traditional Bedouin lifestyles have historically been practiced in these desert regions. These rely on the mobility of herds to move and find scarce water sources for their survival.
Mediterranean Climate
The Levant region, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel, features a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate supports a diverse range of vegetation, including evergreen forests, shrublands, and grasslands, fostering high biodiversity.
The Mediterranean coastline is known for its rich marine ecosystems, supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities. Agriculture, particularly olive cultivation and viticulture, thrives in Mediterranean climates, contributing to the region's cultural heritage and economic development.
Semi-Arid Steppe
Semi-arid steppe regions, found in parts of Iraq, Syria, and Iran, experience moderate rainfall and support sparse vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, and drought-resistant plants.
These transitional zones between desert and Mediterranean climates provide vital grazing lands for livestock and support pastoralist communities.
Conservation efforts are needed to mitigate desertification and land degradation in semi-arid steppe regions, safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services.