A mediterranean climate /ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən/ is the climate typical of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin. The lands around the Mediterranean Sea form the largest area where this climate type is found, but it also is found in most of California, in parts of Western and South Australia, in southwestern South Africa, sections of Central Asia, and in central Chile. In order to avoid confusion, many authors use a small 'm' when referring to the climate of all of these regions and a capital 'M' when referring specifically to the climate of the Mediterranean Basin.