What is the dominant pressure system influencing Baghdad’s annual precipitation pattern?
The correct answer and explanation is :
The dominant pressure system influencing Baghdad’s annual precipitation pattern is the Subtropical High Pressure System. This system is primarily responsible for the dry conditions seen in the region, especially during the summer months.
Explanation:
Baghdad, located in Iraq, experiences a hot desert climate, characteristic of the broader Middle East. The Subtropical High Pressure System is a high-pressure zone that dominates much of the Earth’s subtropical latitudes, typically situated between 20° and 30° latitude, both north and south of the equator. This system is generally stable and characterized by descending air, which prevents cloud formation and leads to dry conditions.
During the summer months, the Subtropical High Pressure System strengthens over Baghdad, leading to extremely high temperatures and virtually no precipitation. The descending air associated with this high-pressure system inhibits the formation of clouds and reduces the likelihood of rainfall. As a result, Baghdad experiences a long dry season, with very little precipitation throughout the year.
In the winter months, the Subtropical High Pressure System weakens somewhat, and the region can be influenced by transient low-pressure systems, mainly coming from the Mediterranean. These systems bring occasional rain to Baghdad, though the amount is often limited. However, this precipitation is still not sufficient to mitigate the overall arid climate of the region.
Additionally, Baghdad’s geographical location—being far from large bodies of water and surrounded by deserts—also limits the amount of moisture available in the atmosphere. This lack of moisture, combined with the dominance of the Subtropical High, results in the typical arid conditions and low annual precipitation levels for Baghdad.
In summary, the Subtropical High Pressure System is the key driver behind the precipitation patterns in Baghdad, contributing to its overall dry climate and minimal rainfall.
