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Why does the Armenian Highland have a continental climate despite its proximity to the Black Sea?

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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 Armenian Highland exhibits a continental climate primarily due to its high elevation and its position relative to the Greater Caucasus range, which acts as a significant barrier to atmospheric circulation.12

While the Greater Caucasus range experiences moderated conditions at higher altitudes due to prevailing westerly air currents that bring maritime influences from the Black Sea, the Armenian Highland is shielded from these effects. Consequently, the highland experiences much greater temperature extremes than the Greater Caucasus at corresponding elevations. For instance, at 6,500 feet, the Armenian Highland records average temperatures of 10 °F (−12 °C) in January and 64 °F (18 °C) in July, reflecting a more pronounced continental character.12

Overall, the region is characterized by moderately cold, continental conditions on its upland plateaus, which support semiarid steppe landscapes, while the higher peaks experience more humid, alpine conditions with prolonged, cold winters.12