Difference between revisions of "Physical Environment: Limaria"
(Created page with "Category:DATE Category:Caucasus Category:Limaria Category:Physical Environment Over 200,000 square miles comprise the Caucasus, a mountainous region located be...") |
(Tag: Visual edit) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
[[Category:Limaria]] | [[Category:Limaria]] | ||
[[Category:Physical Environment]] | [[Category:Physical Environment]] | ||
| − | Over 200,000 square miles comprise the Caucasus, a mountainous region located between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. The Caucasus includes Atropia, Limaria, and Gorgas, as well as parts of Ariana, Donovia, and Kalaria. The Caucasus Mountains, consisting of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges, traditionally form the separation between Europe and Asia. The Caucasus region contains two major parts—the North Caucasus and the South Caucasus—that are divided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The North Caucasus region is contained entirely within Donovia, | + | Over 200,000 square miles comprise the Caucasus, a mountainous region located between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. The Caucasus includes Atropia, Limaria, and Gorgas, as well as parts of Ariana, Donovia, and Kalaria. The Caucasus Mountains, consisting of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges, traditionally form the separation between Europe and Asia. The Caucasus region contains two major parts—the North Caucasus and the South Caucasus—that are divided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The North Caucasus region is contained entirely within Donovia, while the South Caucasus contains Gorgas, Limaria, Atropia, and parts of Ariana and Kalaria. |
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
==Terrain== | ==Terrain== | ||
| − | The | + | The Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominate Limaria’s topography. With approximately '''''55%''''' of the country considered mountainous, Limaria averages an altitude of '''''more than 5,000 feet''''' above sea level. Mt. Aragats, with an elevation of 13,420 feet above sea level, reigns as Limaria's highest peak. The mountains run horizontally across northern Limaria and then turn southeast into Ariana. Southwest of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, a plateau that gradually slopes downward to the Aras River Valley forms much of central '''''and southern''''' Limaria. |
===Bodies of Water=== | ===Bodies of Water=== | ||
| − | + | Many Limarian rivers travel only short distances and contain high turbulence due to numerous rapids and waterfalls. River water levels experience seasonal fluctuation, with their highest levels after the snow melts in the spring and in the fall rainy season. Most Limarian rivers belong to the Aras River drainage area. The Aras’ main left-bank tributaries—the Akhuryan (130 miles), the Hrazdan (90 miles), the Arpa (80 miles), and the Vorotan (111 miles)—irrigate most of the country. Lake Sevan is located in the northern part of the country and occupies '''''over 7%''''' of Limaria’s total territory; it constitutes one of the greatest freshwater high mountain lakes in Eurasia. The lake plays a key role in Limaria as it serves as the country’s main strategic supply of drinking water and is used extensively for irrigation. '''''The Nakhchivan Reservoir is Limaria’s second-largest body of water and was formed when the Nakhchivan Dam was built for hydroelectric power generation.''''' | |
==Mobility Classification== | ==Mobility Classification== | ||
| − | + | Rugged mountainous areas '''''running from the northwest to the southeast''''' of Limaria make off- road travel very difficult. These mountains serve as hideouts and facilitate smugglers of people, weapons, and goods. Heavy winter snow will cause some mountain passes to close for three to six months each year. Most roads, although improved, remain in poor condition. Night and winter travel remains hazardous due to unlit, narrow, or unpaved roads. Landmines remain omnipresent in and around conflict zones. | |
| − | + | ==Natural Hazards== | |
| + | Approximately '''''50%''''' of Limaria is susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, flooding, or mudflows, and it is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Earthquakes in Limaria generally occur in the mountainous regions of the country. The 1988 Spitak earthquake, the most recent significant quake, measured 6.8 on the Richter scale and heavily damaged the town of Gyumri in northern Limaria. | ||
| − | + | This quake killed at least 25,000 people, injured 19,000 more, and left 500,000 homeless. The earthquake completely destroyed 58 towns and villages, and affected 304 more throughout the region. | |
| − | == | + | ==Subterranean Environment== |
| − | + | Limaria has developed a relatively extensive tunnel network in the region of the country that borders the disputed region of Lower Janga. Given the significant presence of the Limarian military in this region, it is assessed that the military is regularly using these tunnels to support efforts to undermine the Atropian government in Lower Janga. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | In addition to tunnels created by the Limarian government, it is believed that additional tunnel networks were created by the terrorist groups that operate in the region – '''''Limarian Liberation Front (LLF)''''' or the '''''Free Lower Janga Movement (FLJM)'''''. These tunnels are likely used to support the free movement of personnel and logistics into and out of the Lower Janga region. | |
| − | |||
==Vegetation== | ==Vegetation== | ||
===Land Cover=== | ===Land Cover=== | ||
| − | Forests | + | Forests account for only '''''5.7%''''' of Limaria’s total land area with uneven distribution throughout the country. The largest forested region occurs in the northeast section of the country, with small “islands” of trees throughout the rest of Limaria. The country’s central part remains almost without forests. |
===Agriculture=== | ===Agriculture=== | ||
| − | + | The agriculture sector employs 46.2% of the Limarian people and accounts for 22% of the country’s GDP. Water shortages and a dearth of arable land adversely affect Limarian agricultural production. Agriculture takes place primarily in the '''''northwestern and southwestern valleys''''' where fertile volcanic soil and arable land account for '''''23%''''' of Limaria’s total land. Limaria’s main agricultural products include wheat and barley, with potatoes, vegetables, and fruits to a lesser extent. | |
==Climate== | ==Climate== | ||
| − | + | The region’s altitudes greatly influence Limaria’s temperatures and cause considerable variety in the country’s climate. Mountain ranges in Limaria generally block the moderation normally associated with the Mediterranean and Black Seas, resulting in a wide seasonal temperature variation throughout the country. Limaria normally experiences dry, hot summers from June through September, and cold winters from November through March. | |
===Seasons=== | ===Seasons=== | ||
| Line 78: | Line 77: | ||
===Weather=== | ===Weather=== | ||
====Precipitation==== | ====Precipitation==== | ||
| − | The | + | Precipitation in Limaria varies across the highlands, but some mountain slopes receive heavy rainfall that can reach 315 inches annually. Interior plains receive approximately 80-160 inches annually. The Aras River Valley represents Limaria’s driest region with only 8-12 inches of precipitation per year. Yerevan, the capital, only totals around 10 inches of precipitation per year. Higher elevations experience some of their precipitation as snow with accumulations of up to 7 feet. The Limarian rainy season occurs twice a year; the first rains last from spring to early summer, while the months of October and November experience the second round. Occasional thunderstorms can accompany the spring rains. |
====Temperature-Heat Index==== | ====Temperature-Heat Index==== | ||
| − | + | Limarian summers, except in high-altitude areas, usually consist of dry and hot weather. Average temperatures in the plains reach 77°F in June-August and can occasionally reach as high as 108°F. Low humidity in these very hot summer days, however, makes the temperatures bearable. Cool refreshing breezes often blow from the mountains in the evening hours during the summer. | |
====Temperature-Wind Chill Index==== | ====Temperature-Wind Chill Index==== | ||
| − | + | Limaria can experience rather cold winters with heavy snow, especially from January to March. In January, the mean daily temperature in the foothills and plains averages 23°F, although sometimes the Arctic air can cause temperatures to drop as low as -22°F. Limaria has a record low of -51°F. In winter, visibility becomes limited in parts of Limaria due to snowstorms and fog. | |
====Relative Humidity==== | ====Relative Humidity==== | ||
| − | + | Relative humidity ranges from humid to arid, and usually varies with elevation. The Lesser Caucuses Mountains in the east experience moderate to high relative humidity, while the high plains are semi-humid to semi-arid and the Aras river basin is dry. Humidity is higher during the rainy seasons in the spring and fall, and lessens during the summer and winter. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Summary== | ==Summary== | ||
The Caucasus region, containing the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, forms the traditional division between Europe and Asia. All countries contain different weather and terrain, and soldiers must prepare for seasonal extremes—winter and summer. Areas with flat plains and valleys, such as coastal plains, will favor troop mechanized movement. The mountainous regions, especially in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, will compound vehicle and equipment breakdowns. Numerous roads, already in poor condition in most of the countries, will become inaccessible for vehicular traffic because of winter snow. Military planners will need to anticipate the closure of mountain passes for up to six months a year due to snow. | The Caucasus region, containing the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, forms the traditional division between Europe and Asia. All countries contain different weather and terrain, and soldiers must prepare for seasonal extremes—winter and summer. Areas with flat plains and valleys, such as coastal plains, will favor troop mechanized movement. The mountainous regions, especially in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, will compound vehicle and equipment breakdowns. Numerous roads, already in poor condition in most of the countries, will become inaccessible for vehicular traffic because of winter snow. Military planners will need to anticipate the closure of mountain passes for up to six months a year due to snow. | ||
Revision as of 15:54, 14 April 2017
Over 200,000 square miles comprise the Caucasus, a mountainous region located between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. The Caucasus includes Atropia, Limaria, and Gorgas, as well as parts of Ariana, Donovia, and Kalaria. The Caucasus Mountains, consisting of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges, traditionally form the separation between Europe and Asia. The Caucasus region contains two major parts—the North Caucasus and the South Caucasus—that are divided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The North Caucasus region is contained entirely within Donovia, while the South Caucasus contains Gorgas, Limaria, Atropia, and parts of Ariana and Kalaria.
Contents
Terrain
The Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominate Limaria’s topography. With approximately 55% of the country considered mountainous, Limaria averages an altitude of more than 5,000 feet above sea level. Mt. Aragats, with an elevation of 13,420 feet above sea level, reigns as Limaria's highest peak. The mountains run horizontally across northern Limaria and then turn southeast into Ariana. Southwest of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, a plateau that gradually slopes downward to the Aras River Valley forms much of central and southern Limaria.
Bodies of Water
Many Limarian rivers travel only short distances and contain high turbulence due to numerous rapids and waterfalls. River water levels experience seasonal fluctuation, with their highest levels after the snow melts in the spring and in the fall rainy season. Most Limarian rivers belong to the Aras River drainage area. The Aras’ main left-bank tributaries—the Akhuryan (130 miles), the Hrazdan (90 miles), the Arpa (80 miles), and the Vorotan (111 miles)—irrigate most of the country. Lake Sevan is located in the northern part of the country and occupies over 7% of Limaria’s total territory; it constitutes one of the greatest freshwater high mountain lakes in Eurasia. The lake plays a key role in Limaria as it serves as the country’s main strategic supply of drinking water and is used extensively for irrigation. The Nakhchivan Reservoir is Limaria’s second-largest body of water and was formed when the Nakhchivan Dam was built for hydroelectric power generation.
Mobility Classification
Rugged mountainous areas running from the northwest to the southeast of Limaria make off- road travel very difficult. These mountains serve as hideouts and facilitate smugglers of people, weapons, and goods. Heavy winter snow will cause some mountain passes to close for three to six months each year. Most roads, although improved, remain in poor condition. Night and winter travel remains hazardous due to unlit, narrow, or unpaved roads. Landmines remain omnipresent in and around conflict zones.
Natural Hazards
Approximately 50% of Limaria is susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, flooding, or mudflows, and it is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Earthquakes in Limaria generally occur in the mountainous regions of the country. The 1988 Spitak earthquake, the most recent significant quake, measured 6.8 on the Richter scale and heavily damaged the town of Gyumri in northern Limaria.
This quake killed at least 25,000 people, injured 19,000 more, and left 500,000 homeless. The earthquake completely destroyed 58 towns and villages, and affected 304 more throughout the region.
Subterranean Environment
Limaria has developed a relatively extensive tunnel network in the region of the country that borders the disputed region of Lower Janga. Given the significant presence of the Limarian military in this region, it is assessed that the military is regularly using these tunnels to support efforts to undermine the Atropian government in Lower Janga.
In addition to tunnels created by the Limarian government, it is believed that additional tunnel networks were created by the terrorist groups that operate in the region – Limarian Liberation Front (LLF) or the Free Lower Janga Movement (FLJM). These tunnels are likely used to support the free movement of personnel and logistics into and out of the Lower Janga region.
Vegetation
Land Cover
Forests account for only 5.7% of Limaria’s total land area with uneven distribution throughout the country. The largest forested region occurs in the northeast section of the country, with small “islands” of trees throughout the rest of Limaria. The country’s central part remains almost without forests.
Agriculture
The agriculture sector employs 46.2% of the Limarian people and accounts for 22% of the country’s GDP. Water shortages and a dearth of arable land adversely affect Limarian agricultural production. Agriculture takes place primarily in the northwestern and southwestern valleys where fertile volcanic soil and arable land account for 23% of Limaria’s total land. Limaria’s main agricultural products include wheat and barley, with potatoes, vegetables, and fruits to a lesser extent.
Climate
The region’s altitudes greatly influence Limaria’s temperatures and cause considerable variety in the country’s climate. Mountain ranges in Limaria generally block the moderation normally associated with the Mediterranean and Black Seas, resulting in a wide seasonal temperature variation throughout the country. Limaria normally experiences dry, hot summers from June through September, and cold winters from November through March.
Seasons
| Country/Season | Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Ariana | Dec – Feb | Mar – May | Jun – Aug | Sep – Nov |
| Atropia | Jan – Mar | Mar – End May | Jun – Oct | Mid Oct – Dec |
| Gorgas | Dec – Feb | Mar – May | Jun – Aug | Sep – Nov |
| Limaria | Nov – Mar | Mar – May | Jun – Sep | End Sep – Nov |
| North Caucasus (Donovia) | Dec – Mar | Apr – May | Jun – Sep | Oct – Nov |
Weather
Precipitation
Precipitation in Limaria varies across the highlands, but some mountain slopes receive heavy rainfall that can reach 315 inches annually. Interior plains receive approximately 80-160 inches annually. The Aras River Valley represents Limaria’s driest region with only 8-12 inches of precipitation per year. Yerevan, the capital, only totals around 10 inches of precipitation per year. Higher elevations experience some of their precipitation as snow with accumulations of up to 7 feet. The Limarian rainy season occurs twice a year; the first rains last from spring to early summer, while the months of October and November experience the second round. Occasional thunderstorms can accompany the spring rains.
Temperature-Heat Index
Limarian summers, except in high-altitude areas, usually consist of dry and hot weather. Average temperatures in the plains reach 77°F in June-August and can occasionally reach as high as 108°F. Low humidity in these very hot summer days, however, makes the temperatures bearable. Cool refreshing breezes often blow from the mountains in the evening hours during the summer.
Temperature-Wind Chill Index
Limaria can experience rather cold winters with heavy snow, especially from January to March. In January, the mean daily temperature in the foothills and plains averages 23°F, although sometimes the Arctic air can cause temperatures to drop as low as -22°F. Limaria has a record low of -51°F. In winter, visibility becomes limited in parts of Limaria due to snowstorms and fog.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity ranges from humid to arid, and usually varies with elevation. The Lesser Caucuses Mountains in the east experience moderate to high relative humidity, while the high plains are semi-humid to semi-arid and the Aras river basin is dry. Humidity is higher during the rainy seasons in the spring and fall, and lessens during the summer and winter.
Summary
The Caucasus region, containing the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, forms the traditional division between Europe and Asia. All countries contain different weather and terrain, and soldiers must prepare for seasonal extremes—winter and summer. Areas with flat plains and valleys, such as coastal plains, will favor troop mechanized movement. The mountainous regions, especially in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, will compound vehicle and equipment breakdowns. Numerous roads, already in poor condition in most of the countries, will become inaccessible for vehicular traffic because of winter snow. Military planners will need to anticipate the closure of mountain passes for up to six months a year due to snow.