Climatic zones and climatic regions of the Earth. Description, map and characteristics. §14. Climatic zones and regions of the Earth Average temperature, ° С

The amount of solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses are formed according to thermal zones, i.e. depending on latitude. The latitude also determines the climatic zone - vast territories within which the main climate indicators practically do not change. Climatic zones were determined by the Russian climatologist B.P. Alisov. Their definition is based on the dominant types of air masses, from which the climatic zones got their name.

Climatic zones are divided into basic and transitional. Where the influence of one type of air masses prevails throughout the year, the main climatic zones have formed. There are only seven of them: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic. The seven main climatic zones correspond to four types of air masses.

The equatorial climatic zone is dominated by low Atmosphere pressure and equatorial air masses. The sun here is high above the horizon, which contributes to high air temperatures, and due to the predominance of ascending air currents and the influence of moist oceanic air masses that come with the trade winds, a lot (1000-3500 mm) of precipitation falls in this belt.

IN tropical zones dominated by tropical air masses, high pressure and low air masses. Tropical air masses are always dry, because the air that comes from the equator in the tropics at an altitude of 10-12 km already contains little moisture. As it descends, it heats up and becomes even drier. Therefore, it does not rain often here. The air temperature is high. Such climatic conditions contributed to the creation of zones here tropical deserts and semi-deserts.

The temperate climate zone is influenced by westerly winds and moderate air masses. There are clearly defined four seasons. The amount of precipitation depends on the remoteness of the territories from the ocean. Thus, most precipitation falls in the western part of Eurasia. They are brought by the western winds from Atlantic Ocean. The farther to the east, the less precipitation, i.e., the continentality of the climate increases. In the far east, under the influence of the ocean, the amount of precipitation increases again.

The Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones are areas high pressure, which are influenced by katabatic winds. The air temperature rarely rises above 0⁰С. Climatic conditions in both belts are very similar - it is always cold and dry here. Precipitation is less than 200 mm for the whole year.

Territories where air masses change seasonally twice a year are classified as transitional climatic zones. The prefix “sub” appears in the names of transitional zones, which means “under”, i.e. under the main belt. Transitional climatic zones are located between the main zones. There are only six of them: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic.

So, the subarctic zone is located between the arctic and temperate, the subtropical - between the temperate and tropical, the subequatorial - between the tropical and equatorial belts. In transitional zones, the weather is determined by air masses that come from neighboring main belts and change with the seasons. So, for example, the climate of the subtropical zone in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical zone, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zone. And the climate of the subequatorial belt in summer has signs of an equatorial climate, and in winter - a tropical climate. IN subarctic belt in summer the weather is determined by moderate air masses, and in summer by arctic ones.

Thus, climatic zones are located in zones and this is due to the influence of solar radiation. Thus, the type of climate on Earth varies zonal. The type of climate is understood as a constant set of climatic indicators characteristic of a certain period of time and a certain territory. But the earth's surface is not uniform, therefore, different types of climate can form inside the climatic zones.

The boundaries of climatic zones do not always coincide with the direction of the parallels. And in some places they deviate significantly to the north or south. This is primarily due to the nature of the underlying surface. Therefore, within the same climatic zone, different types of climate can form. They differ from each other in the amount of precipitation, the seasonality of their distribution, and the annual amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. For example, in the temperate zone of Eurasia, marine, continental and monsoon climate s. Therefore, individual climatic zones are also subdivided into climatic regions.

Thus, 13 climatic zones are conditionally distinguished on Earth: 7 of them are main and 6 are transitional. The definition of climatic zones is based on the air masses prevailing in the region throughout the year. Separate climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical) are also divided into climatic regions. Climatic regions are formed under the influence of the underlying surface within the boundaries of one climatic zone.

Appeared in the 70s of the XIX century and had a descriptive character. According to the classification of professor of Moscow State University B.P. Alisov, there are 7 types of climates on Earth, which make up climatic zones. 4 of them are main, and 3 are transitional. The main types are:

Equatorial climate zone. This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of the equatorial throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinoxes, the Sun is at its zenith and greatly heats the Earth. 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), on the windward slopes of the mountains precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. Precipitation here exceeds evaporation, so equatorial climate swamped, and thick and tall grow on them. The climate of this zone is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial type of climate is formed over the northern regions; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, above the basin and headwaters, including the shores in Africa; over most of the Indonesian archipelago and adjacent parts and the Pacific Oceans in Asia.
Tropical climate zone. This type of climate forms two tropical climatic zones (in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres) over the following territories.

In this type of climate, the state of the atmosphere over the mainland and the ocean is different, therefore, continental and oceanic are distinguished. tropical climate.

Continental climate zone: a large area is dominated by the region, so there is very little precipitation here (from 100-250 mm). The mainland tropical climate is characterized by very hot summers (+35-40°C). In winter the temperature is much lower (+10-15°C). The daily fluctuations in temperature are great (up to 40 °C). The absence of clouds in the sky leads to the formation of clear and cold nights (clouds could trap the heat coming from the Earth). Sharp daily and seasonal temperature changes contribute, which gives a lot of sand and dust. They are picked up and can be carried over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger to the traveler.

Mainland tropical climates The western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Cold currents pass along the western coasts of South America and Africa, so the climate here is characterized by relatively low air temperature (+ 18-20 ° C) and low rainfall (less than 100 mm). Warm currents pass along the eastern coasts of these continents, so the temperatures are higher here and there is more precipitation.

Oceanic tropical climate similar to the equatorial, but differs from it by smaller and more stable winds. Summer over the oceans is not so hot (+20-27°С), and winter is cool (+10-15°С). Precipitation falls mainly in summer (up to 50 mm). Moderate. There is a significant influence of westerly winds, bringing precipitation throughout the year. Summer in this climatic zone is moderately warm (from +10°С to +25-28°С). Winter is cold (from +4°С to -50°С). Annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm along the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. There are clear differences between the seasons. This type of climate also forms two belts in the northern and southern hemispheres and is formed over territories (from 40-45 ° north to polar circles). An area is formed over these territories low pressure, active cyclonic activity. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:

1. nautical, which dominates the western parts North America, South America, is formed under the direct influence of westerly winds from the ocean to the mainland, therefore it is characterized by cool summers (+ 15-20 ° С) and warm winter(from +5°С). The precipitation brought westerly winds, fall out all year round(from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm);
2. continental, dominating in central regions continents is different from it. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, so the summer is warm here (+ 17-26 ° C), and the winter is cold (-10-24 ° C) with a stable multi-month. Due to the significant extent of Eurasia from west to east, the most pronounced continental climate observed in Yakutia, where average January temperatures can drop to -40°C and there is little precipitation. This is because the interior of the mainland is not as influenced by the oceans as the coasts, where moist winds not only bring precipitation, but also moderate the heat in summer and frost in winter.

The monsoon subtype, which dominates in the east of Eurasia to Korea and in the north, in the northeast, is characterized by a change in stable winds (monsoons) by season, which affects the amount and pattern of precipitation. It blows here in winter cold wind from the continent, so the winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer the winds bring warm rainy weather. In Kamchatka, 1600 to 2000 mm of precipitation falls.

In all subtypes of the temperate climate, only moderate air masses dominate.

Polar type of climate. Above 70° north and 65° southern latitudes the polar climate dominates, forming two belts: and. Polar air masses dominate here throughout the year. The sun does not appear at all for several months (polar night) and does not go below the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice radiate more heat than they receive, so the air is very cold and does not melt all year round. Throughout the year, these areas are dominated by a high pressure area, so the winds are weak, there are almost no clouds. 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. average temperature summer does not exceed 0°С, and winters -20-40°С. Long drizzle is typical for summer.

Equatorial, tropical, temperate, polar types of climate are considered the main ones, since within their zones the air masses characteristic of them dominate throughout the year. Between the main climatic zones are transitional, having the prefix "sub" in the name (Latin "under"). In transitional climatic zones, air masses change seasonally. They come here from neighboring belts. This is explained by the fact that as a result of the movement of the Earth around its axis, the climatic zones shift to the north, then to the south.

There are three additional types of climate:

subequatorial climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - by tropical ones.

Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average +30°С. The sun reaches its zenith in spring and scorches mercilessly.

Winter is cooler than summer (+14°С). There is little rainfall. The soils dry out after the summer rains, therefore, in the subequatorial climate, unlike, swamps are rare. The territory is favorable for human settlement, therefore it is here that many centers of the emergence of civilization are located -,. According to N.I. , it is from here that many varieties originated cultivated plants. to the north subequatorial belt relate: South America(Isthmus of Panama,); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, all of Indochina, South China,). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (lowland,); Africa (center and east of the mainland); (northern coast of the mainland).

subtropical climate. Tropical air masses dominate here in summer, while air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here in winter. This determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summer(from +30 to +50°C) and relatively Cold winter with precipitation, stable snow cover is not formed. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm. Inside the continents in subtropical latitudes, there is little precipitation in winter. The climate of dry subtropics dominates here with hot summers (up to +50°С) and unstable winters, when frosts down to -20°С are possible. In these areas, precipitation is 120 mm or less. In the western parts of the continents, it dominates, which is characterized by hot, cloudy summers without precipitation and cool, windy and rainy winters. More precipitation falls in the Mediterranean climate than in the dry subtropics. The annual amount of precipitation here is 450-600 mm. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.

The subtropical climate of the eastern shores of the continents is monsoonal. Winter here is cold and dry compared to other climates, and summer is hot (+25°С) and humid (800 mm). This is due to the influence of the monsoons, blowing from land to sea in winter, and from sea to land in summer, bringing precipitation in summer. monsoonal subtropical climate well expressed only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in east coast Asia. Heavy rainfall in summer time give the opportunity to develop magnificent. On fertile soils, it is developed here, supporting the life of more than a billion people.

subpolar climate. 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). As elsewhere, precipitation increases on windward slopes. Despite the small amount of precipitation, the moisture does not have time to evaporate completely, therefore, in the north of Eurasia and North America, small lakes are scattered in the subpolar zone, and large areas are swamped. 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. Subpolar climatic zones are located only on the northern outskirts of Eurasia and North America and in Antarctic waters.

Remember

What do you know from the 6th grade geography course about the conditions that determine the climate?

The climate is determined by the latitude of the area (the angle of incidence of sunlight), the nature of the underlying surface, general circulation atmosphere.

This I know

1. List the main climate-forming factors. What is the most important factor?

The main climate-forming factors are geographical latitude, the general circulation of the atmosphere and the nature of the underlying surface. Most main factor- geographic latitude of the area.

2. Explain how the underlying surface affects the climate of the territory?

First, different temperature regime and humidity are formed over the surface of the oceans and land. Over the oceans there is more humidity, less fluctuations in temperature. On land, the climate changes with distance from the coasts inland. At the same time, temperature fluctuations increase, cloudiness and precipitation decrease. Currents influence the climate. Cold currents along the coast make the climate of the coasts cool and very dry. warm currents make the climate milder. Relief and the absolute height of the terrain play an important role in shaping the climate.

3. Give examples of the influence of remoteness from the oceans on the climate of the territory.

A vivid example of the influence of remoteness from the oceans on climate is the difference between the climate of the coasts and inland regions of Eurasia. The coasts of the mainland have mild climate With warm summer And mild winter with frequent thaws. Up to 800 mm of precipitation falls here. The interior regions are characterized by dry, hot summers and very frosty winters with little snow.

4. How does the main climatic zone differ from the transitional one?

In the main climatic zone, one air mass dominates throughout the year. In transitional zones, two air masses replace each other.

This I can

5. On the map "Climatic zones and regions of the Earth" name the main and transitional climatic zones.

Transitional belts have the prefix "sub-" in the name.

6. Determine the type of climate according to the totality of signs: January temperature -10 ... -150С, July +20 ... +250С. precipitation falls throughout the year, but with a summer maximum. The annual amount of precipitation is 250-300 mm. What continents have this type of climate?

This is a temperate continental type of climate. It is represented in Eurasia, North America.

7. Based on the climate diagram (see Figure 35), determine the type of climate.

The climate is characterized by small temperature fluctuations. The air temperature does not fall below 10 0С in winter, summer temperatures - +20…+250С. Precipitation has a winter maximum. Such characteristics may have a subtropical Mediterranean type of climate.

8. Fill in the table

It's interesting to me

9. In what climate zone would you like to go on vacation in summer? What clothes will you especially need when traveling?

To have a rest in the summer I would go to the subtropical Mediterranean climatic zone. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.

When traveling, you will need light clothing made from natural fabrics that would not leave exposed skin, beachwear and hats.

Outline of the lesson on the geography of continents and oceans

Topic of the lesson: “Climatic zones and regions of the Earth. Climate Map.

Target: deepen and systematize students' knowledge of climatic zones and regions; to form students' understanding of the process of formation of climatic zones; improve the practical skills of students to work with the map "Climatic zones of the world"

Equipment: physical map world, climate map, textbooks, reference abstract, laptop, atlases, TV.

Conduct form: learning new material

Lesson progress

ORGANIZING TIME

UPDATING STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Questions session.

What is climate? What climate-forming factors can you name?

What determines the amount of solar radiation entering the earth's surface?

What is albedo?

What is air mass circulation? What are the main zonal circulation types do you know?

What is a cyclone? Anticyclone?

MOTIVATION OF STUDENTS' LEARNING AND COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES

Teacher's story.

You already know what factors influence climate formation. It is the combined effect of these factors that determines the great diversity of the planet's climates. Regions with a relatively homogeneous climate are distributed zonally and form climatic zones. The patterns of distribution of climatic zones are reflected in the map "Climatic zones and regions of the world", which you are already familiar with from the previous class. Today in the lesson we will remember how to work with this map, why it looks like this, and this will help us determine after a certain time climatic features continents and oceans.

STUDY NEW MATERIAL

Teacher's story.

Consider the map "Climatic zones and regions of the world." You see that on the surface of our planet there are 7 main climatic zones (Arctic, 2 temperate, 2 tropical, equatorial, Antarctic) and 6 transitional (2 subequatorial, 2 subtropical, 2 polar). Each climatic zone corresponds to certain air masses that have their own characteristics. Thus, the humidity and temperature of the equatorial air masses are very high. Tropical air masses have high temperatures And low humidity. Temperate zone characterized by the presence of four distinct seasons. The Arctic and Antarctic belts are characterized low temperatures and little rainfall.

Climatic differences on the Earth's surface are primarily due to geographical location. certain territories, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation and surface character. IN mountainous areas big influence climate is affected by altitude.

There are marine (or oceanic) and continental (or continental) types of climates. So, the climate of Antarctica is continental, and the Arctic (with the exception of Greenland and other large islands) is oceanic.

On the border of the continents and oceans, a monsoon climate prevails, that is, the winds change direction depending on the season: in winter they blow from land, in summer - from the ocean. You can observe such a climate in the east of Eurasia, where the mainland is washed by Pacific Ocean.

Exercise.

Using the map "Climatic zones and regions of the world" determine the name of the main and transitional zones, fill in the table.

Climatic zones of the Earth

Question.

How are the air masses of the main climatic zones different from the air masses of the transitional ones?

Teacher's story.

In each climatic zone, several types of climate are formed, differing in the following indicators: the amount of solar radiation, the average temperatures of the most warm month and the coldest month of the year annual amplitude temperature fluctuations, the predominance of a certain type of air masses, medium annual amount and their dropout mode. Differences in these indicators indicate the presence of climatic regions within the same climatic zone. So, in the equatorial climatic zone, these indicators are almost the same, therefore, climatic regions are not distinguished, and there is only one type of climate - equatorial. And already in the tropical climatic zone, they determine (follow the map!) Areas of desert tropical and humid tropical climate types.

Exercise.

Using the map "Climatic zones and regions of the world" determine the types of climate in the temperate climate zone. Within what climatic region is the territory located Russian Federation?

Teacher's story.

The main types of Earth's climates change zonally, but the heterogeneity of the earth's surface, especially at the border of land and ocean, to a large extent changes climates and causes their diversity. Once again, consider a climate map containing data on the main elements of climates - temperatures, precipitation, pressure, wind, climatic zones. Why are there several climate maps? Because there are a lot of climatic elements, and because of this, sometimes only one element is reflected on the maps, for example, the annual temperature distribution or the annual rainfall. To show the annual amount of precipitation in different parts of the earth's surface, contour lines are used, temperatures are shown using isotherms, wind direction is marked with arrows, etc.

CONSOLIDATION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF STUDENTS

Conversation on questions and assignments.

What is a climate zone?

Name the main and transitional climatic zones of the Earth.

Why is it sometimes possible to define climatic regions within the same climatic zone?

What are the characteristics of the temperate climate zone?

Tell us how to use the map "Climatic zones and regions of the world."

LESSON SUMMARY

Final words from the teacher:

There are seven main climatic zones and six transitional zones on Earth, the main differences of which are their geographical position, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation and the nature of the earth's surface;

The main climatic zones are characterized by the predominance of one zonal type of air masses throughout the year; in transitional climatic zones, different air masses dominate in different seasons;

The variety of climate-forming factors determines the formation of climatic regions with various types climate.

7. HOMEWORK

1. Work out the relevant text in the textbook.

2. Apply to contour map climatic zones of the Earth.

3. Prepare for the thematic assessment lesson.

Verification work on the topic: "The relief of the Earth."

I.Answer the questions.

What's happened Earth's crust? What types of earth's crust do you know?

Explain how ancient mountains are formed?

Which geological processes occur during the collision of the continental crust and the oceanic crust?

What geological processes occur during the divergence lithospheric plates?

How are platforms different from folded areas?

II. Complete the sentences.

Lithospheric plates are ... There are 7 large plates. List these boards.

In the zones of the Mid-Ocean Ridges, there is ... .., where the mantle substance rises along the faults, solidifies and the earth's crust is formed ....

When plates collide, for example, ... and ..., the first one sinks and goes into the mantle, as a result, ... are often formed along the boundaries of the continents. And island arcs.

When ... and ... collide, mountains are formed.

Explain why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur at the junctions of lithospheric plates.