Climatic zones of Africa air masses. Natural zone of humid equatorial forests. Plants of equatorial forests. Features and meaning

Wet equatorial forests(or tropical rain forests) are a geographical natural area that is located along the equator, shifting south.

Variety of flora and fauna.

The complex multi-tiered structure of the forest. There are four main tiers of tropical rainforest, which differ not only in flora, but also in animal life.

Availability humid climate with high rainfall and high temperatures.

The flora is predominantly represented by evergreen tree-like plants with poorly developed bark, as well as flowers and fruits formed on tree trunks and branches.

The conditions in which tropical rainforests grow are due to low air pressure, heavy tropical rainfall and heat. Under these conditions, various tropical crops such as coconut palm, banana tree, cocoa and pineapple are also well cultivated. These forests are called the "lungs" of the planet, but such a statement is controversial according to scientists who claim that tropical forest vegetation releases quite little oxygen into the atmosphere.

Climate

Rainforests are characterized by a humid and hot equatorial climate. There are slight temperature fluctuations throughout the year (from 24°C to 28°C), intense and uniform precipitation precipitation(from 2000 to 10000 mm per year) and high air humidity due to the high content of water vapor and reaching 80% and above. The seasons in this natural area are followed by a dry season and a season of tropical rains.

In conditions of such a climate, vegetation develops rapidly in the humid equatorial forests. The trees here branch weakly, have a dense evergreen crown, and the height of the trunks reaches several tens of meters.

The upper tier is represented mainly by palm trees and ficuses, and the lower tier is represented by tree ferns, lianas and large plants. At the foot of the trees, twilight always reigns, created by lush crowns, which is why, due to the lack sun rays in rain tropical forests almost no undergrowth.

The soil

Despite the growth of lush vegetation, the soil of tropical rainforests due to the hot climate is not very fertile and is very saturated with aluminum and iron oxides. The high content of these chemical compounds gives it a red or red-yellow color, and the rapid decomposition of plants under the influence of bacteria prevents the accumulation of the humus (fertile) layer of the earth.

Geographical position

Moist equatorial forests are widespread in tropical regions with an equatorial climate, such as Central and South America (Amazon Basin), Equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), northeastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands .

In the very center of Africa in the basin of the great African river Congo to the north and south of the equator line and along the shores of the Gulf of Guinea are the humid equatorial forests of Africa. The forest zone is located in the equatorial climate zone. It's hot and humid here all year round. Usually in the morning the weather is hot and clear. The sun rises higher and bakes more and more. As the temperature rises, evaporation increases. It becomes damp and stuffy, like in a greenhouse. In the afternoon, cumulus clouds appear in the sky and merge into heavy lead clouds. The first drops fell, and a violent thunderstorm broke out. It rains for an hour or two, sometimes more. Rushing streams of rainwater rush through the forest. Countless streams merge into wide rivers. By evening the weather clears up again. And so almost every day from year to year.

There is an abundance of water everywhere. The air is saturated with moisture, plants and soil are saturated with water. Vast areas are swampy or subject to flooding. The abundance of heat and moisture favors the lush development of dense evergreen woody vegetation. Plant life in the equatorial forests never stops. Trees bloom, bear fruit, shed old foliage and put on new ones throughout the year.

Eternal twilight reigns under the multi-storey green vault of the forest. Only in some places a ray of the sun breaks through the foliage. Oil palm grows in bright places. The palm vulture likes to eat its fruits. 100 or more species of trees can be counted on 1 hectare of the equatorial forest. Among them are many valuable breeds: ebony (ebony), red, rosewood. Their wood is used to make expensive furniture and is exported in large quantities.

The forests of Africa are the birthplace of the coffee tree. Bananas are also indigenous Africans. And the cocoa tree was brought here from America. large areas occupied by plantations of cocoa, coffee, bananas, pineapples.

Most animals have adapted to life in trees. Mammals are characterized by a variety of monkeys. Lord of the African equatorial forest, the largest in the world great ape- gorilla. The favorite food of gorillas is the core of banana stalks. There are very few gorillas left and hunting for them is strictly prohibited. There is a forest antelope bongo, an African wild boar, in the depths of the forest you can meet a very rare hoofed animal akapi. Of the predators, there is a leopard, which climbs trees perfectly.

The world of birds is very rich: kalao - a hornbill, a parrot, a Congolese peacock, tiny sunbirds that feed on flower nectar. Many snakes, incl. poisonous, chameleons that feed on insects.

Zone residents equatorial forests are excellent hunters. The significance of hunting is all the more great because the development of cattle breeding is hindered by the spread of the tsetse fly. The bite of this fly is detrimental to livestock and causes serious illness in a person. Rivers abound in fish. And fishing is more important than hunting. But swimming is dangerous. There are many crocodiles here.

On both sides of the equator largely determines the climate of this corner the globe. It is located mainly in the tropics, because the cold weather characteristic of temperate latitudes, not here. But at the same time, the climatic zones of Africa, which diverge from the equator to the north and south, cannot be compared with each other. The structure of the mainland is such that in the two hemispheres the same zone has its own characteristics. And in order to learn the local weather and its characteristics, the article presents the belts of Africa and their brief description.

Geographical position of the continent

Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Eurasia. It is washed by two oceans - the Atlantic and Indian, a few seas and straits. Geological structure of these lands is such that their breadth is greater in and lesser in the south. This partly affects which climatic zones in Africa are formed in one or another of its regions. It also largely affects the local relief, the presence of flora and fauna. For example, in the northern part, where all the lands are covered with impenetrable sands, as you yourself understand, there are a minimum of plants and animals. But to the south, where the tropical moist forests or even savannas, animal and vegetable world richer, it appears before us in all its African originality and uniqueness.

Short description, table

The climatic zones of Africa begin with the equatorial.

• At zero latitude, the wettest continent is located, where the maximum amount of precipitation falls - more than 2000 mm per year.
• It is followed by the subequatorial strip, where the amount of precipitation and natural wealth is reduced. No more than 1500 mm of moisture falls here annually.
• The tropical climate zone is the largest region of the continent. Depending on the hemisphere, the amount of precipitation here can range from 300 to as little as 50 mm per year.
• covers the edge of the coast in the north of the mainland and a corner located in South Africa, in the very south. Both there and there it is always windy and humid. In winter, temperatures drop by 7 degrees, compared with summer figures. Rainfall is estimated at 500 mm per year.

Equatorial latitudes

Listing all the climatic zones of Africa, special attention should be paid to equatorial zone, since on this mainland it is considered the most unique, the wettest and most prolific in terms of agriculture. It is located, of course, along zero latitude, and covers such states as the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Ghana, Guinea, Benin, Cameroon and others adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea. A feature of the equatorial climate is that closer to the east it becomes drier, but in the western parts of the land the maximum amount of precipitation falls.

subequatorial zone

Africa is located in climatic zones that are characterized by hot temperatures, and a large part of its territory is occupied by subtropics. Here it is a little drier than at the equator, the jungle and evergreen forests turn into savannahs. A feature of this belt is that in summer equatorial winds blow here, which bring rain and often fog to the region. In winter, tropical trade winds are observed, which are drier and very hot, as a result of which the amount of rain decreases and the air temperature rises. In North Africa subequatorial belt covers such countries as Mali, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, etc. In the southern part of the continent, these are Tanzania, Kenya, Angola, Zambia Mozambique.

Tropics. Dry and windy

As the table above has already shown us, it is difficult to imagine the climatic zones of Africa without the tropics, which occupy most of the continent. Their widest strip stretched in the northern part of the mainland, covering the Sahara desert and all nearby countries. These are Egypt, the northern territories of Chad, Sudan, and Mali, as well as Mauritania, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and many others. The amount of precipitation here is minimal - about 50 mm per year. The whole territory is covered with sands, blown by dry trade winds. Often there are sandstorms. Among the animals inhabiting the Sahara, insects and reptiles are more common, which get out of the dunes only at night. In the Southern Hemisphere, the tropics also fall on the Kalahari Desert region. The climate here is very similar to the north, but is characterized by a large amount of precipitation and a less sharp daily change in temperature.

Subtropical areas

In conclusion, consider the extreme climatic zones of Africa - subtropical. They occupy the smallest part of the continent both in the north and in the south, therefore they have little effect on the overall weather picture. So, in the northern part of the mainland, this zone extends as a thin strip along the Mediterranean coast. Only the most high points Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, which are washed by the waves of this sea. A feature of the local climate is that in winter winds blow from the west, bringing moisture. Due to this, it is during the cold season that the maximum amount of precipitation falls here - about 500 mm. In summer, the winds change to tropical trade winds, which bring heat, drought and even sand from the Sahara. It does not rain at all, the temperature rises to a maximum. in the southern hemisphere weather are similar. The only feature is that it is a narrow cape, which is washed on all sides by the ocean. Evaporated moisture makes the air humid throughout the year, and precipitation falls here not only in winter, but also in all other seasons.

Madagascar and the Cape Verde Islands

The climatic zones of Africa cover not only the continent itself, but also the islands that belong to it - mainland and volcanic. To the east, beyond the waters of the Mozabic Strait, lies Madagascar. It falls into two climatic zones at once - subequatorial and tropical. True, both here are not as dry as in Africa itself. Rains happen often, and the whole island is literally immersed in evergreens and palm trees. lie in the Atlantic, west of the Gulf of Guinea. Here the climate is subequatorial, humid, but at the same time very windy. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

Conclusion

We have just briefly reviewed all the climatic zones of Africa. Grade 7 is the period when children get acquainted with the natural areas and climate of our planet. It is important that the child during this period does not miss anything and can quickly figure out which zone we live in, which are located to the south, and which, on the contrary, go north. This will broaden his horizons and allow him to better navigate in geography.

Equatorial climate zone on the world map

The equatorial climate zone is located on both sides of the equator, between the two. Average monthly temperature ranges from + 24 to + 28°C, and the average monthly temperature fluctuation throughout the year varies from ± 2-3º C.

Equatorial air is formed from tropical air masses brought to the equator by the trade winds of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The formation of the climate occurs in the region of the equatorial depression with weak winds. The main thermodynamic process that accompanies the transformation of air is its humidification.

The equatorial climatic zone is characterized by a large supply of unstable energy. It is saturated with moisture, and the conditions of vertical air stratification are favorable or release energy. In this regard, convective clouds have exclusively importance in areas with equatorial air. Under the influence of a general combination of air circulation and radiation factors, the climate here is hot and very humid with a large amount of precipitation: up to 3000 to 10,000 mm on the windward slopes of the mountains.

Surface water bodies, usually rivers, contain abundant water. The exception is river systems located in other climatic zones. Natural processes in the equatorial parts of the continents are very active.

Countries of the equatorial belt

The equatorial belt covers several countries of South America: Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil; Africa: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi; the Malay Peninsula, as well as the islands South-East Asia.

Natural zones of the equatorial belt

Map of natural zones and climatic zones of the world

Three terrestrial natural zones are distributed in this belt: the zone of humid equatorial forest (South America, Africa, the islands of Southeast Asia), and light forests (South America), and the natural zone of the altitudinal zone (the islands of Southeast Asia and South America).

Soils of the equatorial belt

In the equatorial climate zone yellow, red-yellow ferralitic (laterite) soils predominate. They are characterized by dead plant matter and rapid mineralization. Organo-mineral complexes also predominate here. These soils are poor in chemical compounds and humus (2-3%), but rich in iron hydroxides and aluminum. The vital activity of microorganisms, as well as animals small size extremely high, both in the soil and on its surface. When and plowing land, soil due to high temperatures and drainage very quickly lose their fertile properties.

Forests of the equatorial belt

Amazon Basin

Moist equatorial evergreen - forests in which the annual rainfall exceeds 2000 mm. The largest plots are located in the basin, B South America; in the Congo Basin, Central America; on the islands of Borneo, Mindanao (Philippines), New Guinea and Indonesia.

mangroves

Distributed along the seas and oceans of the equatorial climatic zone. Mangrove trees have adapted to difficult habitats. At low tides, they are exposed elevated temperatures and drying, and then cooled and flooded with water during high tides. Thus, in order to survive in this environment, trees must withstand wide ranges of salinity, temperature and humidity, as well as a number of other natural factors.

Plants and animals of the equatorial belt

The equatorial belt is characterized by a rich flora and fauna. economic useful plants stand out: rubber ficus (including hevea), cocoa tree, breadfruit tree, cotton tree, various types of palm trees, as well as trees with high-value wood.

Tapir

Animals that live in the forests of the equatorial belt have adapted to life on trees. These include: monkeys, lemurs, sloths and some representatives. Of the terrestrial animals, tapirs, rhinos, peccaries and hippos live in the equatorial climatic zone. There are also a huge number of birds, reptiles and insects.

Africa is an amazing continent, where a large number of geographical zones are combined. Nowhere else are these distinctions so visible.

The natural areas of Africa are very clearly visible on the map. They are distributed symmetrically about the equator and depend on uneven precipitation.

Characteristics of the natural zones of Africa

Africa is the second largest continent on Earth. It is surrounded by two seas and two oceans. But the most main feature- this is its symmetry in position in relation to the equator, which divides Africa into two parts along the horizon.

Hard-leaved evergreen moist forests and shrubs are located in the north and south of the mainland. Next come deserts and semi-deserts, then savannahs.

In the very center of the continent there are zones of variable-humid and permanent moist forests. Each zone is characterized by its climate, flora and fauna.

Zone of variable-moist and humid evergreen equatorial forests of Africa

The zone of evergreen forests is located in the Congo Basin and runs along the Gulf of Guinea. Over 1000 plants can be found here. In these zones, predominantly red-yellow soils. Many types of palm trees grow here, including oilseeds, tree ferns, bananas, and creepers.

Animals are placed in tiers. In these places animal world very varied. A huge number of shrews, lizards and snakes live in the soil.

A huge number of monkeys live in the zone of humid forests. In addition to monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees, more than 10 species of individuals can be found here.

Dog-headed baboons cause a lot of anxiety to local residents. They are destroying the plantations. This species is distinguished by ingenuity. They can only be frightened by weapons, they are not afraid of a person with a stick.

African gorillas in these places grow up to two meters and weigh up to 250 kilograms. Elephants, leopards, small ungulates, forest pigs live in the forests.

Good to know: The tsetse fly lives in the eucalyptus regions of Africa. It is very dangerous for humans. Its bite infects with deadly sleeping sickness. A person begins to be disturbed by severe pain and fever.

savannah zone

About 40% of the entire territory of Africa is occupied by savannahs. The vegetation is represented by tall grasses and umbrella trees towering above them. The main one is the baobab.

This is the tree of life, which is of great importance to the people of Africa. , leaves, seeds - everything is eaten. The ash from the burnt fruit is used to make soap.

In dry savannahs, aloes grow with fleshy and prickly leaves. In the rainy season, the savannah is very abundant vegetation, but in the dry season it turns yellow, fires often occur.

The red soils of the savannah are much more fertile than those in the rainforest zone. This is due to the active accumulation of humus during the dry period.

Large herbivores live on the territory of the African savannah. Giraffes, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes live here. The savannah area is the habitat of predators, cheetahs, lions, leopards.

Tropical and semi-desert zones

Savannahs change into zones tropical deserts and semi-deserts. Precipitation in these places is very irregular. In certain areas, it may not rain for several years.

The climatic features of the zone are characterized by excessive dryness. Often there are sandstorms, during the day there are strong temperature differences.

The relief of the deserts is a placer of stones and salt marshes in those places where once there were seas. There are practically no plants here. There are rare spines. There are species of vegetation with a short lifespan. They grow only after the rains.

Zones of evergreen hard-leaved forests and shrubs

The most extreme zone of the continent is the territory of evergreen hard-leaved leaves and shrubs. These areas are characterized by wet winters and hot dry summers.

Such a climate favorably affects the condition of the soil. In these places it is very fertile. Lebanese cedar, beech, oak grow here.

In this zone, the highest points of the mainland are located. On the peaks of Kenya and Kilimanjaro, even in the hottest period, there is always snow.

Table of Natural Areas of Africa

The presentation and description of all the natural zones of Africa can be visualized in the table.

Position climatic zones mainland is very clearly demarcated. This applies not only to the territory itself, but also to the definition of fauna, flora and climate types.