TITLE:
Case Study: Analysis of the Physical Factors of Palestinian Bioclimate
AUTHORS:
Jehad M. H. Ighbareyeh, A. Cano-Ortiz, E. Cano
KEYWORDS:
Indices, Biodiversity, Bioclimatology, Ombrotype, Thermotypes
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Climate Change,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
27,
2014
ABSTRACT:
This study
analyses the physical factors of the Palestinian bioclimate, the mean monthly
and annual temperature, mean monthly maximum temperature, and mean monthly
minimum temperature using data from six weather stations from the Palestine
Meteorological Department, recorded in two periods: The first period from 1969
to 1981, the second period from 1975 to 1995 (more than 32 years). Statistical
tests included a bioclimatic analysis of Palestinian meteorological stations
for the periods from 1969-1981 and 1975-1995 by using bioclimatic
classification of the Earth of Rivas Martinez Salvador, with regard to
thermicity index, compensated thermicity index, annual ombrothermic index, and
simple continentality index. The bioclimate of Palestineis affected by various
factors, such as the Jordanian-Syrian desert, and its natural geography and topography,
among others as well as biodiversity. Annual ombrothermic index value ranging
between 0.6 to 3.4 and simple continentality index was from 12.4 to 18.1. It is
concluded that the occupied Palestinian territories belong to the arid,
semiarid, dry, sub-humid and humid ombrotype, and the Inframediterranean,
Thermomediterranean and Mesomediterranean bioclimatic belt.