Arid

Dry climates are represented within the climate group: Dry

They are characterized by the amount of annual precipitation less than a threshold value which approximates the potential evapotranspiration.

The threshold value (in mm) is calculated as follows:

Multiply the average annual temperature in °C by 20, then add

(a) 280 if 70% or more of the total precipitation is in the high-sun half of the year (April through September in the Northern Hemisphere, or October through March in the Southern), or
(b) 140 if 30%–70% of the total precipitation is received during the applicable period, or
(c) 0 if less than 30% of the total precipitation is so received.
According to the modified Köppen classification system used by modern climatologists, total precipitation in the warmest six months of the year is taken as reference instead of the total precipitation in the high-sun half of the year.[19]

If the annual precipitation is less than 50% of this threshold, the classification is Arid: desert climate. Arid climates can be classified as either hot or cold deserts. 

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Photo of Margherita Bruscolini
Margherita is an interdisciplinary Earth scientist and drone pilot with a background in geologic and environmental sciences. She has international experience working in fields such as Earth Observation (EO), remote sensing, drones & geospatial data analysis applied to the environmental and humanitarian sectors, sustainability and climate change. Margherita is passionate about natural and climate-related technologies that can be used to develop sustainable and long-lasting solutions. She is working for a more inclusive world (Women in Geospatial+), without any sort of geographical or social barriers. Keywords: Science communication, Climate Change, STEM, inclusivity, sustainability, nature, hydrosphere, hydrology, water risks, Earth Observation (EO), satellite data, flood modeling, vulnerability, resilience, lifelong learning  Region/Country mentioned: Temperate climates, Arid climates, Luxembourg, Niger  Relevant SDG targets: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 17  
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Event

11th International Conference on Water Resources and Arid Environments (ICWRAE)

Local Perspectives Case Studies

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Maman

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Space-based Solution

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Solution summary

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