Phytoclimatic map of Calabria (Southern Italy)

Abstract

This study updates Pavari's phytoclimatic map in a region of southern Italy, Calabria (between 37° 50′ and 40° 10′ N and 15° 30′ and 17° 20′ E). A set of homogeneous monthly precipitation and temperature series registered in Calabria and relative to the period 1916-2010 were used. First, temperature data from 28 thermometric stations, over a 30-year period, were homogenized and processed. A multiple regression analysis was carried out between temperature data (annual average temperature, average of minimum temperature and average temperature of the coldest month of the year) as dependent variables and some geographical variables (altitude of the station, continentality and solar radiation) as independent variables. Then, temperature maps of the region were calculated and, finally, temperature and rainfall maps were intersected to define Pavari's phytoclimatic map. The results obtained in this study allow the identification and the delineation of three phytoclimatic belts. © 2013 Tommaso Caloiero.