Physical Processes

The Mezzogiorno has a tricky physical landscape and climate. This hinders economic development in the region.

Climate

• The Mezzogiorno region has a Warm Temperate Oceanic climate, also known as Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers with temperatures around 29°C.
• The region is influenced by a high-pressure belt from the Atlantic, leading to clear skies and low precipitation. Winters in the Mezzogiorno are warm, mild, and damp with temperatures around 11°C.
• The average annual rainfall in the region ranges from 500 to 900mm. The eastern part of the region experiences a rain shadow effect from the Apennine Mountains, making it drier. Convectional rainfall leads to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, causing flash floods, landslides, and mudslides.
• The South Mezzogiorno is affected by hot winds from the Sahara, while Sardinia experiences cold Mistral winds from mainland Europe. Dry north-east trade winds cause high evaporation rates, resulting in droughts.

Soils

• The Mezzogiorno region has poor, thin, upland soils, as over half of the region is mountainous.
• Terra Rossa soils, common in Sicily and South Mezzogiorno, are formed from weathered limestone and are suitable for vine growing.
• Limestone, which does not break down easily, is the dominant rock type, leading to soil scarcity in some areas.
• Volcanic soils, which are the best for cultivation, are found near Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius.
• Rich alluvial soils are present in the lower valleys of rivers like the Volturno and Agri, although these areas are limited.

Relief and Drainage

• The landscape of the Mezzogiorno is dominated by the Apennine Mountains, stretching for 1,050 km. 85% of the land is categorised as upland (over 200m) and 45% as mountainous (over 400m). The Apennine Mountains formed during the Alpine folding 30 million years ago and consist mainly of limestone.
• Coastal plains are the lowest and most productive points, benefiting from fertile alluvial soils.
• The region is tectonically active, located on the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates, leading to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mudslides. Notable events include the 2016 earthquake that killed around 300 people and the Mount Etna eruption in December 2018.
• Mezzogiorno's extensive limestone coverage results in good drainage in lowland areas, while highland areas feature karst landscapes due to rock weathering.

The Appennines Mountains hinder economic development