To the intermediate climatic zones of the world. climatic zones of the earth. temperate climate zone

You go to the North - you come to the South,

And from the South You again sail to the North.

After all, our round Ball - you know, my friend,

And if it's morning now, then it's evening somewhere.

And the Sun, our Light, is one for all,

But, and for all of him, alas, there is not enough:

Here on the Equator - heat all year round,

Well, at the Pole - snow, frost and wind ...

"Our Home is the Earth" Zarkovsky V.G.

Going on a long journey, everyone is interested in what the climate is in those parts and what the weather will be like, so as not to miscalculate with the wardrobe. After all, having flown by plane from Moscow for 2-3 hours, you can get into a different climatic zone. Departing from winter, you find yourself in spring or a hot and humid tropical summer. A three-hour flight due north at any time of the year will lead to an arctic climate.

What determines the climate

If you go to the beach to sunbathe and accidentally fall asleep, then one side of the body will become dark, and the other will remain white. So it is with the heating of the soil. Heat from it, evaporating along with moisture and reflected into the atmosphere, heats its lower layers.

The main parameter influencing the climate in this area, is the strength and duration of sunlight and heat received on the earth.

Also, climatic conditions are affected by:

• the height of the terrain above sea level (the higher, the colder);
• speeds and directions of dominant winds (northern - cold, southern - warm);
• distance from the sea and the ocean (the closer to them, the stronger the influence of sea currents and winds).

What is a climate zone

Geography has analytically determined the characteristic dependence of weather patterns in certain areas over a long period of time. The result of these studies was the division of the entire surface of the globe along certain lines into climatic zones and zones.

How to determine

There is no need to independently engage in the definition of the belt in modern times. There is a large amount of reference and information literature and maps with descriptions and drawing on them, generally accepted throughout the world, belts and zones. It is enough to determine the geographical location of a given point on the map and compare it with the climatic map of the world or a given region.

climate-forming factors

In the presence of many natural weather indicators (air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, direction and speed of wind, precipitation and others) there are three main factors that determine the climate anywhere in the world. At the same time, there are regularities in the presence of certain weather when combined these factors in one place.

If you go high in the mountains (above 4000 meters), then there will definitely be snow and ice. And it does not depend on the mainland and the intensity of solar radiation there. The same phenomena are observed at the poles. At the equator, on the contrary, it is always humid and hot. Although continentality and zonality also have their influence on the climate.

The main factors include:

Solar radiation

This factor tops the list for a reason. Indeed, at the beginning of the creation of the planetary system, the Sun was the first source of external energy to the Earth. And everything that was born and happened in the future is closely and inextricably linked with his activities. It, being the main source of light and heat to the Earth, gives it a different amount of energy - depending on geographical latitude. At the same time, the cyclic regularity of its supply to one or another part of the planet is preserved. This is due to the constant angle of inclination of the earth's axis to the plane of the orbit of its rotation around the sun. This main factor the presence of different seasons of the year, climatic zones, poles and equator.

Interesting Facts:

1. Areas with the maximum amount of solar radiation are distinguished by a hot and dry climate. With a sufficient amount of moisture, there is a rich flora and fauna in them and it is possible to grow 2-3 crops per year.
2. An important natural factor in the safe delivery of solar energy to the surface of the planet is the presence of an ozone layer in the atmosphere.
3. A distinctive feature of some regions of the Earth is the many days of the year when there is no sun in the sky above them. The smallest number of times it appears on the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago (Laptev Sea) - 10-15 days a year.
4. The maximum number of sunny days at the Dead Sea is 320-330 days per year.

Atmospheric circulation

The movement of air masses occurs in the atmosphere of our planet constantly. This phenomenon is as natural as the light of the sun and the presence of oxygen in the air. At the same time, seemingly chaotic winds subject to the laws of nature and physics and have certain patterns in their directions and strength.

Air masses are moving along earth's surface(interlatitudinal air exchange) and actively rise into the troposphere (warm), from there they descend (cold). They also carry moisture in the form of clouds and clouds, which allows precipitation: rain, snow or hail. The speed of air movement can vary from 0.5-30 meters per second at the surface to more 40 meters per second in upper layers troposphere.

In various territories, there are belt, seasonal, latitudinal, daily and other constant movements of air masses.

Interesting Facts:

1. The strongest winds (anomalous) can reach much higher speeds. In the places of their possible occurrence, there are no ground communications and residential buildings. After all, their speed is comparable to the most powerful hurricane - about 60 meters per second (more than 200 km / h). In Russia, such a place is Cape Taigonos in the Magadan region.
2. In 1904 a unique a natural phenomenon for the European part of Russia was recorded in Moscow. It's been enough strong tornado, which hurt in its vicinity: Lyublino, Karacharovo, Sokolniki.
3. In the desert, during a sandstorm, the wind can change the landscape of the area beyond recognition.
4. The same property of the wind and its "architecture" is noted in the snowy deserts of Antarctica. Therefore, its first researchers put large vertical stakes (marks) on the site of provisions left before the time of famine. Often this saved their lives: snow storms covered the food warehouse, but the ends of the poles stuck out on the surface.
5. In Russia, the speed of movement of the air mass is officially determined, after which it can be called "wind". That's 60 centimeters per second. This is written in a serious document on certification and metrology, corresponding to GOST.

Relief

It plays an important role in weather conditions in a certain area and climate formation in large areas of the Earth. No wonder mountain ranges are often the boundaries of climatic zones.

A good example of the influence of relief on weather and human actions

Tourists, being in nature, tend to put up a tent behind a hill (on the leeward side). This is necessary to reduce the influence of the wind on the quality of their rest, and creates the safety of making a fire.

The relief factor is also interesting because it has the ability to qualitatively change the influence of the first two.

For example:

1. The region is located a little to the west of the Ural Mountains.
2. Influence Atlantic Ocean(from the west) it has a direct but reduced influence (it is expressed in warm western and southwestern winds with high humidity).
3. Therefore, the climate here is not as humid as in the western regions.
4. Due to the influence of the continent (from the east), the weather has a temperate continental hue.
5. Summer is moderately hot, normal amount precipitation. Winter is moderately frosty, with average humidity.

A typical picture of population is observed in mountainous areas: villages are built on the southern, southeastern or southwestern side of the mountain ranges. This is due to the presence of sunlight on these sides of the mountains.

Interesting Facts:

1. Relief is a characteristic of the outer surface of the Planet (lithosphere). With its apparent stability, it is in constant change. This is due to the movement of tectonic plates under the continents and oceans. This speed compared to the wind - "super turtle" - from 0.5-2 cm to 14-16 cm per year. Somewhere it is a little more, somewhere less.
2. The movement of the Earth's surface occurs not only in the horizontal plane, but also in the vertical one. Some landmasses rise above sea level, while others sink.
3. The "longest mountain" is not on the surface of the earth, but under water. This is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and its length is 40 thousand km. It is located in the "bowels" of the Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is the only part of it that is above sea level.
4. In Europe, agriculture in the mountains reaches a height of 2000 meters. In Ethiopia - up to 3900 (growing cereal crops).

Characteristic

Belts, like any physical and geographical phenomenon of nature, have a number of special properties and characteristics. They reflect the main features inherent in each belt and describe its individual characteristics.

arctic and antarctic

These belts are the coldest and are located in the region of the poles, in the polar regions of the Earth. They are characterized by scarce flora and fauna, the presence of strong winds.

Arctic

Its continental climate is characteristic of Greenland, the Canadian Arctic archipelago. It is the most severe, with freezing temperatures almost all year round. The arctic oceanic climate is characterized by cold summers (up to + 2 °C) and moderate rainfall (up to 400 mm).

Antarctic

The southernmost geographic zone of the Earth. Includes Antarctica and some of the Antarctic islands. In winter, the polar night lasts for several months. Most of the mainland is hidden under the ice sheet. Near the coast there are large areas of exposed rocks ranging from several tens to several hundred square kilometers - Antarctic oases. Also exposed are fragments of mountain ranges and individual rocks that break through the ice sheet - nunataks.

There is no indigenous population in Antarctica, but there are permanent scientific stations.

Moderate

It is the longest among all the climatic zones of the Earth. Moderate prevails throughout the year. air masses.

Within the belt stand out 4 climatic regions:

• wet sea;
• temperate continental;
• continental;
• and monsoon climate.

The area is very wealthy. animal world. There is an opportunity to meet a wide variety of animals. Thanks to green forests temperate zone a large number of birds and herbivores live there, which feed well, reproduce and lead an active life. Rivers and lakes are rich in freshwater fish species.

Vegetable world it is also rich and varied: from moss and lichens in the polar desert and tundra to oak, spruce, elm, larch, birch and other trees and shrubs in the taiga and various forests.

Subtropical

It is formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and temperate in winter.

In the subtropical zone, there are 4 climatic regions:

• Mediterranean climate type;
• monsoon;
• arid;
• climate with even moisture .

The ocean is quite salty, warm, it has little oxygen and plankton. In the subtropics, you can find relic plants that arose in the middle Cretaceous period.

Equatorial

Its name speaks for itself - it is located in equatorial latitudes. The surface of the belt is located on the territory with the most close quarters to the Sun and the smallest angle of reflection of solar radiation. Precipitation regime in the equatorial zone: daily rains and showers with constant sun and warmth. There are quite favorable conditions for human habitation and agriculture. Twice a year you can harvest a rich harvest.

The combination of natural factors created unique conditions for the existence of various forms of life. This is reflected in the diversity of local flora and fauna.

Precipitation

Their intensity depends on several factors.

The main ones are:

• distance to the sea or ocean;
• the presence in the region of large reservoirs (natural and artificial).

The farther the ocean is and the absence of large water formations (lakes, rivers and swamps), the less the amount of precipitation in the given territory and the unstable mode of precipitation is characteristic. Desert areas are the least provided with moisture. There are places where precipitation can fall once every few years.

Also, their frequency is significantly affected by:

• sea ​​currents;
• relief features;
• local wind rose.

What is the most comfortable belt

By this "pleasant" concept is meant a place with a climate where most people will feel good while performing normal, daily activities. Of course, there are such northern and southern nationalities who like extreme conditions life. They are so adapted to their climate that moving even to middle latitudes is unacceptable for them.

For the average inhabitant of the Earth, the most comfortable are moderate and sub tropical climate ic zones, when the heat balance is normal for most of the year.

The factors that form a positive or negative relationship between climate and man have been experimentally and analytically determined.

Belts of Russia

Three large belts are located on the territory of the country: moderate (the largest), arctic and subarctic. A small part of the Black Sea coast is occupied by the subtropical belt.

Moderate

He found his place among the coldest and hottest zones of the globe. This feature influenced its name. Compared with its neighbors, it has fairly mild winters and moderate warm summer. The level of precipitation allows you to have normally moist soil on which a large number of plants grow. The fauna of the temperate zone is diverse and includes thousands of species of various living organisms and mammals.

Arctic

Under him, air masses from the Arctic dominate all year round. In winter, during the polar night, the surface practically does not receive solar heat, and the average air temperature is about -30°C. In summer it does not rise above +10 °C. There is less precipitation in winter than in summer. The scarcity of vegetation is expressed in the presence of one type of landscape - the tundra.

Subarctic

It is characterized by a climate close to the Arctic, but experiencing a number of existing external influences. From the ocean environment, it has become more saturated with moisture, and from the continent it is influenced by warm air masses. Objectively, this is explained by its approach to more southern latitudes.

Subtropical

Its climate has a very limited distribution in our country. Thanks to him, the inhabitants of Russia have the opportunity to relax in favorable climatic conditions all year round. From spring to autumn - the resort and beach season, in winter - the spa season. Due to the special structure of the soil (it weakly retains moisture), coastal vegetation is considered rare. Plants with thorns and lianas actively grow in forest areas, which makes them difficult to pass.

Mountain ranges and ridges in Russian Federation create a mountain climate, where the purity of the air is the best, absolute humidity, high solar radiation and low pressure.

All together, the four climatic zones of our country have created a unique nature with beautiful and unique landscapes.

Test

It is required to answer the question, indicating the correct answer from the 3 proposed:

1. You went on a trip by plane, flying from Moscow to Rome. From there to Dakar (Africa, Senegal) on another plane. There, on a transatlantic liner across the Atlantic, they cruised to Montreal (North America, Canada).

What zones will you visit?

a) temperate, subarctic, tropical

b) temperate, subtropical, tropical

c) temperate, tropical, subequatorial

2. Climate impact Far East oceans provide:

a) Quiet and Arctic

b) Arctic and Atlantic

c) Arctic and Indian

3. Part of which continent in the Southern Hemisphere falls into the temperate zone?

a) Africa

b) South America

c) Australia

4. Natural and weather conditions of which climate are the most comfortable for people to live?

a) subtropical

b) arctic

c) moderate

5. In the forest of which climatic zone can spruce, cedar, poplar and birch be seen?

a) subtropics

b) temperate continental

c) monsoon

6. In what climate is it preferable for people prone to lung diseases to live?

a) tropical

b) temperate continental

c) subtropical

7. In which zone is the average temperature in winter about -30 ° C?

a) moderate

b) subarctic

c) arctic

Right answers:

Video

Cognitive information on the topic " Climatic zones and regions of Russia. read our article.

Climatic zones are climatically homogeneous regions of the Earth. They look like wide solid or intermittent stripes. They are located along the latitudes of the globe.

General characteristics of the climatic zones of the Earth.

Climatic zones differ from each other:

• the degree of heating by the sun;
• peculiarities of atmospheric circulation;
• seasonal change in air masses.

Climatic zones differ significantly from each other, gradually changing from the equator to the poles. However, the climate is influenced not only by the latitude of the Earth, but also by the terrain, proximity to the sea, altitude above sea level.

In Russia and in most countries of the world, the classification of climatic zones created by the famous Soviet climatologist is used. B.P. Alisov in 1956.

According to this classification, four main climatic zones of the Earth and three transitional zones are distinguished on the globe - with the prefix "sub" (Latin "under"):

• Equatorial (1 belt);
• Subequatorial (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Tropical (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subtropical (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Moderate (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subpolar (2 belts - in the southern subantarctic, in the northern subarctic);
• Polar (2 belts - in the southern Antarctic, in the northern Arctic);

Within these climatic zones, four types of Earth's climate are distinguished:

• Continental,
• Oceanic,
• The climate of the western shores,
• The climate of the eastern shores.

Let us consider in more detail the climatic zones of the Earth and the types of climates inherent in them.

Climatic zones and types of climates of the Earth:

1. Equatorial climate zone- the air temperature in this climatic zone is constant (+ 24-28 ° С). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm), and up to 6000 mm can fall on the windward slopes of the mountains.

2. subequatorial climate- located between the equatorial and tropical main types of Earth's climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - by tropical ones. The amount of precipitation in summer is 1000-3000 mm. The average summer temperature is +30°C. In winter, there is little precipitation, the average temperature is +14°C.

Subequatorial and equatorial belt. From left to right: savannah (Tanzania), rainforest (South America)

3. Tropical climate zone. In this type of climate, a continental tropical climate and an oceanic tropical climate are distinguished.

• continental tropical climate - annual precipitation - 100-250 mm. The average summer temperature is +35-40°С, winter +10-15°С. Daily temperature fluctuations can reach up to 40 °C.
• oceanic tropical climate - annual precipitation - up to 50 mm. The average summer temperature is +20-27°С, winter +10-15°С.

Tropical belts of the Earth. Left to right: deciduous forest (Costa Rica), veld ( South Africa), desert (Namibia).

4. subtropical climate- located between the tropical and temperate main types of Earth's climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, while air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here in winter. For subtropical climate hot, dry summers (from +30 to +50°C) and relatively cold winters with precipitation are characteristic; stable snow cover is not formed. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm.

• dry subtropical climate - observed inside the continents in subtropical latitudes. Summers are hot (up to +50°С) and frosts down to -20°С are possible in winter. The annual rainfall is 120 mm or less.
• mediterranean climate - observed in the western parts of the continents. Summer is hot, without precipitation. Winter is cool and rainy. The annual amount of precipitation is 450-600 mm.
• subtropical climate of the eastern shores continents is monsoonal. Compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot (+25°C) and humid (800 mm).

Subtropical belts of the Earth. From left to right: evergreen forest (Abkhazia), prairies (Nebraska), desert (Karakum).

5. temperate climate zone. It forms over territories of temperate latitudes - from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles. Annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm along the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in hinterland. The temperature in summer fluctuates from +10°С to +25-28°С. In winter - from +4°С to -50°С. In this type of climate, a marine type of climate is distinguished, continental and monsoon.

• nautical temperate climate - annual precipitation - from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm. Summers are cool +15-20°С, winters are warm from +5°С.
• continental temperate climate - annual precipitation - about 400 mm. Summers are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with stable snow cover for many months.
• monsoon temperate climate - annual precipitation - about 560 mm. Winter is clear and cold (-20-27°С), summer is humid and rainy (-20-23°С).

Natural zones of temperate zones of the Earth. From left to right: taiga (Sayan), broad-leaved forest ( Krasnoyarsk region), steppe (Stavropol), desert (Gobi).

6. subpolar climate- consists of the subarctic and subantarctic climatic zones. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool (from +5 to +10 ° C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by arctic and antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach as low as -50°C.
7. The polar type of climate is the Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones. It forms above 70° north and below 65° south latitude. The air is very cold, the snow cover does not melt all year round. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. Settling, they give a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature is not higher than 0°C, winter - -20-40°C.

Subpolar climatic zones of the Earth. From left to right: arctic desert(Greenland), tundra (Yakutia), forest-tundra (Khibiny).

More clearly, the characteristics of the Earth's climates are presented in the table.

Characteristics of the climatic zones of the Earth. Table.

Note: Dear visitors, hyphens in long words in the table are set for the convenience of mobile users - otherwise the words will not wrap and the table will not fit on the screen. Thanks for understanding!

Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia:

• Arctic: January t −24…-30, summer t +2…+5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.
• Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t +4…+12. Precipitation 200-400 mm.
• Moderately continental: January t -4 ... -20, July t +12 ... +24. Precipitation 500-800 mm.
• Continental climate: January t −15…-25, July t +15…+26. Precipitation 200-600 mm.

Climatic zones are climatically homogeneous regions of the Earth. They look like wide solid or intermittent stripes. They are located along the latitudes of the globe.

General characteristics of the climatic zones of the Earth.

Climatic zones differ from each other:

• the degree of heating by the sun;
• peculiarities of atmospheric circulation;
• seasonal change in air masses.

Climatic zones differ significantly from each other, gradually changing from the equator to the poles. However, the climate is influenced not only by the latitude of the Earth, but also by the terrain, proximity to the sea, altitude above sea level.

In Russia and in most countries of the world, the classification of climatic zones created by the famous Soviet climatologist is used. B.P. Alisov in 1956.

According to this classification, four main climatic zones of the Earth and three transitional zones are distinguished on the globe - with the prefix "sub" (Latin "under"):

• Equatorial (1 belt);
• Subequatorial (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Tropical (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subtropical (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Moderate (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subpolar (2 belts - in the southern subantarctic, in the northern subarctic);
• Polar (2 belts - in the southern Antarctic, in the northern Arctic);

Within these climatic zones, four types of Earth's climate are distinguished:

• Continental,
• Oceanic,
• The climate of the western shores,
• The climate of the eastern shores.

Let us consider in more detail the climatic zones of the Earth and the types of climates inherent in them.

Climatic zones and types of climates of the Earth:

1. Equatorial climate zone- the air temperature in this climatic zone is constant (+ 24-28 ° С). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm), and up to 6000 mm can fall on the windward slopes of the mountains.

2. subequatorial climate- located between the equatorial and tropical main types of Earth's climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - by tropical ones. The amount of precipitation in summer is 1000-3000 mm. The average summer temperature is +30°C. In winter, there is little precipitation, the average temperature is +14°C.

Subequatorial and equatorial belts. From left to right: savannah (Tanzania), rainforest (South America)

3. Tropical climate zone. In this type of climate, a continental tropical climate and an oceanic tropical climate are distinguished.

• continental tropical climate - annual precipitation - 100-250 mm. The average summer temperature is +35-40°С, winter +10-15°С. Daily temperature fluctuations can reach up to 40 °C.
• oceanic tropical climate - annual precipitation - up to 50 mm. The average summer temperature is +20-27°С, winter +10-15°С.

Tropical belts of the Earth. From left to right: deciduous forest (Costa Rica), veld (South Africa), desert (Namibia).

4. subtropical climate- located between the tropical and temperate main types of Earth's climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, while air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here in winter. The subtropical climate is characterized by hot, dry summers (from +30 to +50°C) and relatively cold winters with precipitation; no stable snow cover is formed. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm.

• dry subtropical climate - observed inside the continents in subtropical latitudes. Summers are hot (up to +50°С) and frosts down to -20°С are possible in winter. The annual rainfall is 120 mm or less.
• mediterranean climate - observed in the western parts of the continents. Summer is hot, without precipitation. Winter is cool and rainy. The annual amount of precipitation is 450-600 mm.
• subtropical climate of the eastern shores continents is monsoonal. Compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot (+25°C) and humid (800 mm).

Subtropical belts of the Earth. From left to right: evergreen forest (Abkhazia), prairies (Nebraska), desert (Karakum).

5. temperate climate zone. It forms over territories of temperate latitudes - from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles. Annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm along the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. The temperature in summer fluctuates from +10°С to +25-28°С. In winter - from +4°С to -50°С. In this type of climate, a marine type of climate is distinguished, continental and monsoon.

• maritime temperate climate - annual precipitation - from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm. Summers are cool +15-20°С, winters are warm from +5°С.
• continental temperate climate - annual precipitation - about 400 mm. Summers are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with stable snow cover for many months.
• monsoon temperate climate - annual precipitation - about 560 mm. Winter is clear and cold (-20-27°С), summer is humid and rainy (-20-23°С).

Natural zones of temperate zones of the Earth. From left to right: taiga (Sayan Mountains), broad-leaved forest (Krasnoyarsk Territory), steppe (Stavropol Territory), desert (Gobi).

6. subpolar climate- consists of the subarctic and subantarctic climatic zones. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool (from +5 to +10 ° C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by arctic and antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach as low as -50°C.
7. The polar type of climate is the Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones. It forms above 70° north and below 65° south latitude. The air is very cold, the snow cover does not melt all year round. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. Settling, they give a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature is not higher than 0°C, winter - -20-40°C.

Subpolar climatic zones of the Earth. From left to right: arctic desert (Greenland), tundra (Yakutia), forest tundra (Khibiny).

More clearly, the characteristics of the Earth's climates are presented in the table.

Characteristics of the climatic zones of the Earth. Table.

Note: Dear visitors, hyphens in long words in the table are set for the convenience of mobile users - otherwise the words will not wrap and the table will not fit on the screen. Thanks for understanding!

Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia:

• Arctic: January t −24…-30, summer t +2…+5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.
• Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t +4…+12. Precipitation 200-400 mm.
• Moderately continental: January t -4 ... -20, July t +12 ... +24. Precipitation 500-800 mm.
• Continental climate: January t −15…-25, July t +15…+26. Precipitation 200-600 mm.

On the climate (and, therefore, climate zone) have an impact and form it, depending on geographical conditions climate-forming factors. These include: the amount of solar radiation reaching a certain surface of the Earth; atmospheric circulation processes; biomass volumes. These climate-determining factors can vary considerably depending on the geographic latitude of the area. It is latitude that determines at what angle sunlight falls on the surface of the globe and, accordingly, how intensely the surface located at different distances from the equator will warm up.

The thermal regime of a certain area depends to a large extent on its proximity to the oceans, which act as heat accumulators. On the land surfaces bordering the oceans, there is more mild climate climate zone compared to the climate in the depths of the continents. Daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations near large volumes of water are more gradual than in continental climates closer to the center of the continents. There is more rainfall here and the sky is often covered with clouds. On the contrary, the continental climate is characterized by sharp temperature changes and less rainfall.

Ocean-related phenomena such as sea currents are also a major factor in determining the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm the atmospheric air, bring cyclones with a large amount of precipitation. How dramatically the current can affect nature can be seen on the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall into his zone of influence, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.

It has no less influence on the climate and relief (which also affects the formation of the climatic zone). Everyone knows the shots of climbers climbing the mountains, who, starting from green meadows at the foot of the mountain, stand on snow-capped peaks a few days later. This happens due to the fact that with every kilometer above sea level, the ambient temperature drops by 5-6 °C. Besides, mountain systems prevent the movement of both warm and cold air masses. Often the climate on one and the other side of the mountain range can differ significantly. A striking example of this is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, located on different sides Caucasus mountains.

In order to properly define the term climate zone» you need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.

Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain time in a particular area. And the climate is considered to be the average well-established weather regime. What's happened climate zone What are its varieties?

Climatic zone and its properties.

climate zone It is customary to call the latitudinal band, which differs from other bands by the circulation of the atmosphere, as well as by the intensity of heating of the Sun.

In total, there are 7 varieties on the planet climatic zones c, which in turn are divided into main and transitional belts. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.

Permanent and transitional climatic zones.

The permanent (main) is called climate zone, in which one air mass dominates throughout the year. The main types of belts include: temperate, tropical, equatorial and arctic.

For transitional belts the change of air masses is characteristic, that is, hot comes in summer, and colder in winter. Allocate subarctic, subtropical and subequatorial belts.

Equatorial climate zone.

This subtype of the main climate zone located at the equator. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. During the year it is under the influence of the equatorial air mass.

The main features of the equatorial belt:

• high humidity;
• high precipitation (up to 7 thousand mm per year);
• high temperature (from 20 ° C and above).

The natural area of ​​this climate zone wet forests are considered, which are filled with various poisonous plants and animals.

In this belt is the Amazonian lowland, equatorial africa and the Greater Sunda Islands.

Subequatorial climatic zone.

This subtype of transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, 2 air masses change on its territory during the year.

IN subequatorial belt located in Northern Australia, northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones.

The tropical zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. Weather in the tropics depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. For tropical climate zone characterized by sharp temperature changes - from hot to cold.

This is considered main reason, according to which the world of flora and fauna is very poor. North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands are in this subspecies of permanent belts.

The subtropical zone is located in the middle of the temperate and tropical belts. It is customary to distinguish between northern and southern subtropical belts. In summer, tropical heat prevails here, which is characterized by dryness, and cold air mass reigns in winter.

The climate zone characteristic of the Great China Plain, North Africa, North America and southern Japan.

temperate climate zone.

A distinctive feature of the temperate zone is the ability of temperature to change seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature.

IN temperate latitudes there is a significant part of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the north of the USA.

Climatic zones are continuous or discontinuous areas that are parallel to the latitudes of the planet. Between themselves, they differ in the circulation of air currents and the amount of solar energy. The terrain, proximity to or are also important climate-forming factors.

According to the classification of the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov, there are seven main types of Earth's climate: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (one each in the hemispheres). In addition, Alisov identified six intermediate belts, three in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical, as well as subarctic and subantarctic.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone on the world map

The polar region adjacent to the North Pole is called the Arctic. It includes the territory of the Arctic Ocean, margins and Eurasia. The belt is represented by icy and , which are characterized by protracted harsh winters. The maximum summer temperature is +5°C. arctic ice affect the climate of the Earth as a whole, preventing it from overheating.

The Antarctic belt is located in the very south of the planet. Nearby islands are also under his influence. The cold pole is located on the mainland, so winter temperatures average -60°C. Summer figures do not rise above -20°C. The territory is located in the Arctic desert zone. The mainland is almost completely covered with ice. Land areas are found only in the coastal zone.

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone on the world map

The subarctic zone includes Northern Canada, the south of Greenland, Alaska, the north of Scandinavia, the northern regions of Siberia and the Far East. The average winter temperature is -30°C. With the advent of a short summer, the mark rises to +20°C. In the north of this climatic zone dominates, which is characterized by high humidity, swampiness and frequent winds. The south is located in the forest-tundra zone. The soil has time to warm up during the summer, so bushes and woodlands grow here.

Within the subantarctic belt are the islands of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The zone is subject to the seasonal influence of air masses. In winter, arctic air dominates here, and in summer masses come from the temperate zone. The average temperature in winter is -15°C. Storms, fogs and snowfalls often occur on the islands. In the cold season, the entire water area is occupied by ice, but with the onset of summer, they melt. Warm months average -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. The flora is represented by algae, lichens, mosses and herbs.

temperate climate zone

Temperate climate zone on the world map

In the temperate zone lies a quarter of the entire surface of the planet: North America, and. Its main feature is a clear expression of the seasons of the year. The prevailing air masses give high humidity and low pressure. The average winter temperature is 0°C. In summer, the mark rises above fifteen degrees. Cyclones prevailing in the northern part of the zone provoke snow and rain. Most of the precipitation falls as summer rain.

Territories deep into the continents are prone to droughts. represented by an alternation of forests and arid regions. In the north grows, the flora of which is adapted to low temperatures and high humidity. Gradually it is replaced by a zone of mixed broad-leaved forests. The strip of steppes in the south surrounds all continents. The zone of semi-deserts and deserts covers the western part of North America and Asia.

Temperate climates are subdivided into the following subtypes:

• nautical;
• temperate continental;
• sharply continental;
• monsoon.

Subtropical climate zone

Subtropical climate zone on the world map

In the subtropical zone there is a part of the Black Sea coast, the southwest and, the south of the North and. In winter, the territories are influenced by air moving from the temperate zone. The thermometer rarely drops below zero. In summer, the climate zone is affected by subtropical cyclones, which warm the earth well. Humid air prevails in the eastern part of the continents. There are long summers and mild winters without frost. The western coasts are characterized by dry summers and warm winters.

Temperatures are much higher in the interior regions of the climate zone. The weather is almost always clear. Most of the precipitation falls during the cold period, when the air masses shift to the side. On the coasts, hard-leaved forests grow with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. In the northern hemisphere, they are replaced by a zone of subtropical steppes, smoothly flowing into the desert. In the southern hemisphere, the steppes turn into broad-leaved and deciduous forests. Mountainous areas are represented by forest-meadow zones.

In the subtropical climate zone, the following climate subtypes are distinguished:

• subtropical oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate;
• subtropical inland climate;
• subtropical monsoon climate;
• climate of high subtropical highlands.

Tropical climate zone

Tropical climate zone on the world map

The tropical climate zone covers separate territories in everything except Antarctica. All year round the oceans are dominated by an area of ​​high pressure. Because of this, there is little rainfall in the climate zone. Summer temperatures in both hemispheres exceed +35°C. Average winter temperatures are +10°C. The average daily temperature fluctuation is felt in the interior of the continents.

Most of the time the weather is clear and dry. The bulk of the precipitation falls on winter months. Significant temperature fluctuations provoke dust storms. On the coasts, the climate is much milder: winters are warm, and summers are mild and humid. Strong winds practically absent, precipitation falls in the calendar summer. dominant natural areas are rainforests, deserts and semi-deserts.

The tropical climate zone includes the following climate subtypes:

• trade wind climate;
• tropical dry climate;
• tropical monsoon climate;
• monsoon climate on tropical plateaus.

Subequatorial climate zone

Subequatorial climatic zone on the world map

The subequatorial climatic zone affects both hemispheres of the Earth. In summer, the zone is influenced by equatorial wet winds. In winter, the trade winds dominate. The average annual temperature is +28°C. Daily temperature fluctuations are insignificant. Most of the precipitation falls during the warm season under the influence of the summer monsoons. The closer to the equator, the more abundant it rains. In summer, most rivers overflow their banks, and in winter they dry up completely.

The flora is represented by monsoon mixed forests, and woodlands. The foliage on the trees turns yellow and falls during the drought period. With the arrival of rains, it is restored. In the open spaces of the savannas, cereals and herbs grow. The plant world adapted to periods of rain and drought. some distant woodlands has not yet been studied by man.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial climate zone on the world map

The belt is located on both sides of the equator. The constant flow of solar radiation creates a hot climate. Weather conditions are affected by air masses coming from the equator. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is only 3°C. Unlike other climatic zones, the equatorial climate remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Temperatures do not fall below +27°C. Due to heavy rainfall, high humidity, fogs and clouds are formed. Strong winds are practically absent, which favorably affects the flora.