# A Regionalization Approach Based on the Comparison of Different Clustering Techniques
## 4 Discussion
### Characterization of the Regions
This entire region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and connected to the south with the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar. It presents diverse habitats, predominantly mixed oak forests and heathland along the coast. In Brittany, Atlantic birch forests can be found in nutrient-poor soils. In southern France and in the Cantabrian-Atlantic region of the Iberian Peninsula, there is coastal dwarf scrub on saline cliffs, as well as rock scrub along the Portuguese coasts [69]. In the Andalusian-Moroccan area, we can find thermo-meso-Mediterranean sandy scrublands, as well as Portuguese acidic palaeodunes [69]. The mean annual temperature ranges from 11 \({}^{\circ}\)C to 15 \({}^{\circ}\)C, with mean annual rainfall ranging from 900 mm to 1300 mm. _Region 4._ This region is found exclusively in Morocco; there are no similar conditions outside Morocco within the study area. It extends mainly in the south of Morocco, from the southern limit of the Atlas Mountains to the border with Algeria. In the eastern part, it includes areas belonging to the province of Figuig, and in the westernmost part, it reaches the border with Western Sahara. It essentially features a desert landscape and xeric scrubland [70], including the Erg dunes as well as those of El Hneite, where arid scrubland and desert oases predominate. The region also includes a large area extending from the Agafay Desert to the province of El Kelaa des Sraghna, which encompasses arid soils with a strong presence of agricultural activity, mainly citrus fruits [71] and olive cultivation. The average annual temperature ranges from 12 \({}^{\circ}\)C to 32 \({}^{\circ}\)C, although it can be higher. The average annual rainfall ranges from 80 mm to 184 mm. _Region 5._ It is found in the westernmost part of Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the Iberian Peninsula. In the Iberian Peninsula, it covers the southwest and extends to the east along the entire Mediterranean coastline from the Penibetic Mountain Range to the mouth of the Turia River in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the westernmost part of the Balearic Islands. It includes important freshwater areas such as lagoons or wetlands, including those of great importance for migratory birds, such as Dofana National Park or the Ebro Delta [72; 73; 74]. The landscape in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula is characterized by forests composed mainly of evergreen species such as cork oak [68]. In the east, it is characterized by scrub and pine forest vegetation, as well as extensive areas of cultivation. In Morocco, occupying a coastal area, this region provides refuge for many birds, with one of the most important areas being Souss Massa National Park for the conservation of, for example, the Bald Ibis [75]. Argan forests predominate between the Western High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas, while wild olive and carob trees are found in the northern part of the region. The average annual temperature for the region in the Moroccan zone ranges between 10 \({}^{\circ}\)C and 21 \({}^{\circ}\)C. The average annual rainfall ranges between 31 mm and 420 mm. The average annual temperature for the region within the Iberian Peninsula ranges between 14 \({}^{\circ}\)C and 19 \({}^{\circ}\)C. The average annual rainfall ranges between 200 mm and 845 mm.