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How does the climate of the Kolkhida Lowland differ from the climate of the Kura-Aras Lowland?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

The climate of the Kolkhida Lowland differs significantly from that of the Kura-Aras Lowland due to variations in moisture and temperature patterns across the Caucasus region.

Kolkhida Lowland: This area experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It receives relatively high annual precipitation, ranging from 47 to 71 inches (1,200 to 1,800 mm).12
Kura-Aras Lowland: In contrast, this region features a dry subtropical climate. It is notably drier than the Kolkhida, with annual rainfall totaling only 8 to 16 inches (200 to 400 mm), with even lower amounts in the east. While it also experiences mild winters and hot summers, its overall environment is more continental and arid compared to the maritime-influenced west.12

These climatic differences are further reflected in the local vegetation; while the Kolkhida was historically home to subtropical broad-leaved forests, the arid Kura-Aras Lowland is characterized by wormwood, saltworts, and other drought-resistant species.3