Climate of Turkmenistan

Abstract

Detailed characteristics of the climate of Turkmenistan are given, including data on climate-forming factors, distribution of separate meteorological elements throughout the republic of Turkmenistan, and climatic features of seasonality. Turkmenistan has a very continental and exceptionally dry climate. It is determined by the low latitude position of this area, its significant distance from the oceans, features of atmospheric circulation, character of the underlying surface, and presence of mountain ranges in the southwest, south, and southeast. The continentality of climate in Turkmenistan is expressed by the sharp daily and annual changes of meteorological elements, the contrast transition between seasons, and high probability of dust storms, strong frosts, and late spring and early fall cold spells. Dryness of the climate is expressed by the very low precipitation, low air humidity, low cloudiness, high evaporation, and frequent droughts and dry winds. Ecological conditions in Turkmenistan are favorable for the development ofnatural vegetation only in the cold period of the year, when wet and humid winter-spring periods facilitate growth of ephemers and ephemeroids. This type of vegetation dries up in the hot and dry summer period. Growth of agricultural crops in Turkmenistan is possible only under artificial irrigation.