Bioclimates of the Mediterranean Basin

Distribution of the mediterranean-climate zone in the Mediterranean Basin, and isolines of the mean minimum temperature for the coldest month (m, 7, 3, 0, -3 and -7º C), which define the following climatic environments (including typical/potential vegetation):

..... Infra-mediterranean (in red; m > 3)

..... Thermo-mediterranean (in orange; 3 < m < 7º C): shrublands

..... Meso-mediterranean (in green; 0 < m < 3) evergreen oak forests

..... Supra-mediterranean or sub-mediterranean (in yellow; -3 < m < 0): winter semi-deciduous forests

..... Mountain-mediterranean (in black; -7 < m < -3): conifer forest

Areas with m < -7º C (Oro-mediterranean, m < -7; dwarf-shrubs) are small areas at the tops of mountains (not shown).

From: Quézel, P. & Médail, F. 2003. Écologie et biogeographie des forêts du bassin méditerranéen. Elsevier, Paris.