Q3.Which of the following best describes the characteristics of a Mediterranean climate?
Answer: B [Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters]
Explanation:Option (a) is incorrect: High humidity and heavy rainfall throughout the year are typical of tropical rainforest climates, where constant convection and abundant moisture lead to persistent precipitation. Mediterranean climates, in contrast, experience distinct seasonal rainfall concentrated in winters, with dry, hot summers.
Option (b) is correct: Mediterranean climates are marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer dryness is due to the dominance of subtropical high-pressure systems, while winter rainfall occurs when westerly winds bring moist air from oceans. This pattern is seen in regions like the Mediterranean Basin and California.
Option (c) is incorrect: Uniform rainfall and cold temperatures year-round occur in polar or tundra regions, where low temperatures prevent significant evaporation and precipitation is evenly spread. Mediterranean climates differ sharply, with strong seasonal contrasts between wet winters and dry summers.
Option (d) is incorrect: Extremely hot summers and very cold winters are features of continental climates, especially in interior regions of continents far from oceans. Mediterranean climates, by contrast, have moderated temperatures due to proximity to seas and seasonal pressure systems.