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According to its geographical location and climate, Qatar is classified as a hot subtropical desert; very hot and muggy between June and August and pleasant between November and February. The average annual rainfall is 81 mm, average maximum temperature is 31oC and average minimum temperature 22oC. The morning humidity averages 71% and the afternoon relative humidity 43%. Qatar is affected by wind blown dust and occasionally sandstorms. The country has no rivers or lakes, and besides the rainfall received, the primary source of fresh water is the ground water. Surface water is very limited; only after a good winter rainfall, water may be seen in depressions, Wadis and runnels for a short time.
As Qatar is subjected to an arid climate, it mainly possesses an arid soil, with coarse texture, shallow depth and low retention low of soluble substances. Four soil associations were recognized in addition to the soil of the cultivated areas. These have been tailored in accordance to geographic and topographic settings, and comprise Rowda (depression) soils, Sabkha deposits (saline soil), Lithosol (rocky soil) and sandy soil. The location of Qatar, being a part of the large land mass of the Arabian Peninsula, play an essential role in the make up of its flora and vegetation. Ephemerals, annuals, dwarf woody perennials, few tree species and perennial grasses are the most common features of plant life forms in the inland levelled parts of the country. Generally the inland vegetation is sparse, with vast areas either barren or with few sporadic species. However, well established plant communities grow in depressions and water catchment areas. Halophytes are common along the coastal areas.
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