Climate- this is a long-term weather regime characteristic of a particular area. It manifests itself in a regular change of all types of weather observed in this area.

Climate influences living and inanimate nature. are closely related to climate water bodies, soil, vegetation, animals. Separate sectors of the economy, especially Agriculture are also highly dependent on climate.

The climate is formed as a result of the interaction of many factors: the quantity solar radiation coming to the earth's surface; atmospheric circulation; the nature of the underlying surface. At the same time, climate-forming factors themselves depend on the geographical conditions of a given area, primarily on geographical latitude.

The geographic latitude of the area determines the angle of incidence of the sun's rays, the receipt of a certain amount of heat. However, obtaining heat from the Sun also depends on the proximity of the ocean. In places far from the oceans, there is little precipitation, and the mode of precipitation is uneven (in the warm period more than in the cold), cloudiness is low, winters are cold, summers are warm, annual amplitude temperature is large. Such a climate is called continental, as it is typical of places located in the depths of continents. A maritime climate is formed above the water surface, which is characterized by: a smooth course of air temperature, with small daily and annual temperature amplitudes, large cloudiness, uniform and sufficient a large number of atmospheric precipitation.

The climate is greatly influenced by sea ​​currents. Warm currents warm the atmosphere in the areas where they flow. So, for example, the warm North Atlantic Current creates favorable conditions for the growth of forests in the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, while most of the island of Greenland, which lies approximately at the same latitudes as the Scandinavian Peninsula, but is outside the zone of influence of the warm current, all year round covered with a thick layer of ice.

plays an important role in shaping the climate relief. You already know that with the rise of the terrain for each kilometer, the air temperature drops by 5-6 ° C. Therefore, on the alpine slopes of the Pamirs, the average annual temperature is 1 ° C, although it is located just north of the tropic.

The location of mountain ranges has a great influence on the climate. For example, Caucasian mountains they hold back moist sea winds, and on their windward slopes facing the Black Sea, much more precipitation falls than on their leeward slopes. At the same time, the mountains serve as an obstacle to the cold northern winds.

There is a dependence of climate and prevailing winds . On the territory of the East European Plain, during almost the entire year, westerly winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean, so the winters in this area are relatively mild.

Districts Far East are under the influence of the monsoons. In winter, winds constantly blow from the depths of the mainland. They are cold and very dry, so there is little rainfall. In summer, on the contrary, the winds bring a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. In autumn, when the wind from the ocean subsides, the weather is usually sunny and calm. This best time years in this area.

Climate characteristics are statistical findings from long-term weather records (in temperate latitudes ax 25-50 year series are used; in the tropics, their duration may be shorter), primarily over the following main meteorological elements: atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, air temperature and humidity, cloudiness and precipitation. They also take into account the duration of solar radiation, the visibility range, the temperature of the upper layers of soil and water bodies, the evaporation of water from the earth's surface into the atmosphere, the height and condition of the snow cover, various atmospheric phenomena and ground-based hydrometeors (dew, ice, fog, thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.). In the XX century. The climatic indicators included characteristics of the elements of the heat balance of the earth's surface, such as total solar radiation, radiation balance, heat exchange between the earth's surface and the atmosphere, and heat consumption for evaporation. Complex indicators are also used, i.e., functions of several elements: various coefficients, factors, indices (for example, continentality, aridity, moisture), etc.

Climatic zones

Long-term average values ​​of meteorological elements (annual, seasonal, monthly, daily, etc.), their sums, frequencies, etc. are called climate standards: corresponding values ​​for separate days, months, years, etc. are considered as a deviation from these norms.

Climate maps are called climatic(temperature distribution map, pressure distribution map, etc.).

Depending on the temperature conditions, prevailing air masses and winds, climatic zones.

The main climatic zones are:

  • equatorial;
  • two tropical;
  • two moderate;
  • arctic and antarctic.

Between the main belts there are transitional climatic zones: subequatorial, subtropical, subarctic, subantarctic. In transition zones air masses change with the seasons. They come here from neighboring zones, so the climate of the subequatorial zone in summer is similar to the climate of the equatorial zone, and in winter - to the tropical climate; the climate of the subtropical zones in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical, and in winter - with the climate of the temperate zones. This is due to the seasonal movement of belts over the globe. atmospheric pressure following the Sun: in summer - to the north, in winter - to the south.

Climatic zones subdivided into climatic regions. So, for example, in the tropical belt of Africa, areas of tropical dry and tropical humid climate, and in Eurasia, the subtropical belt is subdivided into areas of the Mediterranean, continental and monsoon climate. In the mountainous areas is formed altitudinal zonality because the air temperature decreases with altitude.

Diversity of Earth's climates

The classification of climates provides an ordered system for characterizing climate types, their zoning and mapping. Let us give examples of climate types prevailing over vast territories (Table 1).

Arctic and Antarctic climate zones

Antarctic and arctic climate dominates in Greenland and Antarctica, where the average monthly temperatures are below 0 °C. Into the dark winter time During the year, these regions receive absolutely no solar radiation, although there are twilights and auroras. Even in summer, the sun's rays fall on the earth's surface at a slight angle, which reduces the heating efficiency. Most of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by the ice. In both summer and winter, low temperatures prevail in the elevated regions of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The climate of the interior of Antarctica is much colder than the climate of the Arctic, because southern mainland is different large sizes and heights, and the Arctic Ocean moderates the climate, despite the wide distribution of pack ice. In summer, during short periods of warming, drift ice sometimes melts. Precipitation on ice sheets falls in the form of snow or small particles of ice mist. Inland regions receive only 50-125 mm of precipitation annually, but more than 500 mm can fall on the coast. Sometimes cyclones bring clouds and snow to these areas. Snowfalls are often accompanied by strong winds that carry significant masses of snow, blowing it off the slope. Strong katabatic winds with snowstorms blow from the cold glacial sheet, bringing snow to the coast.

Table 1. Climates of the Earth

Climate type

Climate zone

Average temperature, ° С

Mode and amount of atmospheric precipitation, mm

Atmospheric circulation

Territory

Equatorial

Equatorial

During a year. 2000

Warm and humid equatorial air masses form in the area of ​​low atmospheric pressure.

Equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania

tropical monsoon

Subequatorial

Mostly during the summer monsoon, 2000

South and Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, Northern Australia

tropical dry

Tropical

During the year, 200

North Africa, Central Australia

Mediterranean

Subtropical

Mainly in winter, 500

In summer - anticyclones at high atmospheric pressure; winter - cyclonic activity

mediterranean, South coast Crimea South Africa, Southwestern Australia, Western California

subtropical dry

Subtropical

During a year. 120

Dry continental air masses

Inland parts of the continents

temperate maritime

Moderate

During a year. 1000

westerly winds

Western parts of Eurasia and North America

temperate continental

Moderate

During a year. 400

westerly winds

Inland parts of the continents

moderate monsoon

Moderate

Mostly during the summer monsoon, 560

Eastern margin of Eurasia

Subarctic

Subarctic

During the year, 200

Cyclones prevail

Northern margins of Eurasia and North America

Arctic (Antarctic)

Arctic (Antarctic)

During the year, 100

Anticyclones predominate

The water area of ​​the Arctic Ocean and mainland Australia

Subarctic continental climate is formed in the north of the continents (see the climate map of the atlas). In winter, arctic air prevails here, which is formed in the regions high pressure. On eastern regions Canadian Arctic air is distributed from the Arctic.

Continental subarctic climate in Asia, it is characterized by the largest annual amplitude of air temperature on the globe (60-65 ° С). The continentality of the climate here reaches its limit.

average temperature in January it varies across the territory from -28 to -50 °С, and in the lowlands and hollows, due to air stagnation, its temperature is even lower. In Oymyakon (Yakutia), a record negative air temperature for the Northern Hemisphere (-71 °C) was registered. The air is very dry.

Summer in subarctic belt although short, but quite warm. The average monthly temperature in July ranges from 12 to 18 °C (daily maximum is 20-25 °C). Over the summer, more than half of the annual amount of precipitation falls, amounting to 200-300 mm on the flat territory, and up to 500 mm per year on the windward slopes of the hills.

The climate of the subarctic zone of North America is less continental than the corresponding climate of Asia. It has less cold winters and colder summers.

temperate climate zone

Temperate climate western coasts continents has pronounced features of the maritime climate and is characterized by the predominance of sea air masses throughout the year. It is observed on Atlantic coast Europe and the Pacific coast of North America. The Cordilleras are a natural boundary separating the coast with a maritime type of climate from the inland regions. The European coast, except for Scandinavia, is open to the free access of temperate maritime air.

The constant transfer of sea air is accompanied by high cloudiness and causes protracted springs, in contrast to the interior of the continental regions of Eurasia.

winter in temperate zone warm on the western coasts. The warming effect of the oceans is enhanced by warm sea currents washing the western shores of the continents. The average temperature in January is positive and varies across the territory from north to south from 0 to 6 °C. Intrusions of arctic air can lower it (on the Scandinavian coast down to -25°C, and on the French coast down to -17°C). With the spread of tropical air to the north, the temperature rises sharply (for example, it often reaches 10 ° C). In winter, on the western coast of Scandinavia, there are large positive temperature deviations from the average latitude (by 20 ° C). The temperature anomaly on the Pacific coast of North America is smaller and does not exceed 12 °С.

Summer is rarely hot. The average temperature in July is 15-16°C.

Even during the day, the air temperature rarely exceeds 30 °C. Due to frequent cyclones, all seasons are characterized by overcast and rainy weather. Especially a lot cloudy days happens on the west coast of North America, where before mountain systems Cordillera cyclones are forced to slow down their movement. In connection with this, the weather regime in the south of Alaska is characterized by great uniformity, where there are no seasons in our understanding. Eternal autumn reigns there, and only plants remind of the onset of winter or summer. Annual rainfall ranges from 600 to 1000 mm, and on the slopes of mountain ranges - from 2000 to 6000 mm.

In conditions of sufficient moisture on the coasts developed broadleaf forests, and in conditions of excess - coniferous. The lack of summer heat reduces the upper limit of the forest in the mountains to 500-700 m above sea level.

The temperate climate of the eastern coasts of the continents It has monsoonal features and is accompanied by a seasonal change of winds: in winter, northwestern flows predominate, in summer - southeast. It is well expressed on the eastern coast of Eurasia.

In winter, with a northwest wind, cold continental temperate air spreads to the coast of the mainland, which is the reason for the low average temperature of the winter months (from -20 to -25 ° C). Clear, dry, windy weather prevails. In the southern regions of the coast, there is little rainfall. The north of the Amur region, Sakhalin and Kamchatka often fall under the influence of cyclones moving over Pacific Ocean. Therefore, in winter there is a thick snow cover, especially in Kamchatka, where its maximum height reaches 2 m.

In summer, with a southeasterly wind, temperate sea air spreads on the coast of Eurasia. Summers are warm, with an average July temperature of 14 to 18 °C. Precipitation is frequent due to cyclonic activity. Their annual amount is 600-1000 mm, and most of it falls in the summer. Fog is frequent at this time of the year.

Unlike Eurasia, East Coast North America is characterized sea ​​features climate, which are expressed in the predominance of winter precipitation and marine type annual course air temperatures: the minimum occurs in February, and the maximum occurs in August, when the ocean is at its warmest.

The Canadian anticyclone, unlike the Asian one, is unstable. It forms far from the coast and is often interrupted by cyclones. Winter here is mild, snowy, wet and windy. In snowy winters, the height of snowdrifts reaches 2.5 m. With a southerly wind, icy conditions often occur. Therefore, some streets in some cities in eastern Canada have iron railings for pedestrians. Summers are cool and rainy. The annual rainfall is 1000 mm.

temperate continental climate most clearly expressed on the Eurasian continent, especially in the regions of Siberia, Transbaikalia, northern Mongolia, as well as on the territory of the Great Plains in North America.

A feature of the temperate continental climate is the large annual amplitude of air temperature, which can reach 50-60 °C. In the winter months, with a negative radiation balance, the earth's surface cools down. The cooling effect of the land surface on the surface layers of air is especially great in Asia, where a powerful Asian anticyclone forms in winter and cloudy, calm weather prevails. The temperate continental air formed in the area of ​​the anticyclone has a low temperature (-0°...-40°C). In valleys and basins, due to radiation cooling, the air temperature can drop to -60 °C.

In the middle of winter, the continental air in the lower layers becomes even colder than the Arctic. This very cold air of the Asian anticyclone spreads to Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, southeastern regions of Europe.

The winter Canadian anticyclone is less stable than the Asian anticyclone due to the smaller size of the North American continent. Winters here are less severe, and their severity does not increase towards the center of the mainland, as in Asia, but, on the contrary, decreases somewhat due to the frequent passage of cyclones. Continental temperate air in North America is warmer than continental temperate air in Asia.

The formation of a continental temperate climate is significantly influenced by geographical features continental territories. In North America, the Cordillera mountain ranges are a natural boundary separating the coast with a maritime climate from the inland regions with a continental climate. In Eurasia, a temperate continental climate is formed over a vast expanse of land, approximately from 20 to 120 ° E. e. Unlike North America, Europe is open to free penetration of sea air from the Atlantic deep into the interior. This is facilitated not only by the western transfer of air masses, which prevails in temperate latitudes, but also by the flat nature of the relief, the strong indentation of the coasts and the deep penetration into the land of the Baltic and North Seas. Therefore, a temperate climate of a lesser degree of continentality is formed over Europe compared to Asia.

In winter, the Atlantic sea air, moving over the cold land surface of the temperate latitudes of Europe, retains its physical properties and its influence extends throughout Europe. In winter, as the Atlantic influence weakens, the air temperature decreases from west to east. In Berlin it is 0 °С in January, -3 °С in Warsaw, -11 °С in Moscow. At the same time, the isotherms over Europe have a meridional orientation.

The orientation of Eurasia and North America with a wide front to the Arctic Basin contributes to the deep penetration of cold air masses onto the continents throughout the year. Intense meridional transport of air masses is especially characteristic of North America, where arctic and tropical air often replace each other.

Tropical air entering the plains of North America with southern cyclones is also slowly transformed due to its high speed of movement, high moisture content and continuous low cloudiness.

In winter, the result of intense meridional circulation of air masses are the so-called “jumps” of temperatures, their large daily amplitude, especially in areas where cyclones are frequent: in the north of Europe and Western Siberia, the Great Plains of North America.

IN cold period fall in the form of snow, a snow cover forms, which protects the soil from deep freezing and creates a supply of moisture in the spring. The height of the snow cover depends on the duration of its occurrence and the amount of precipitation. In Europe, a stable snow cover on the flat territory is formed east of Warsaw, its maximum height reaches 90 cm in the northeastern regions of Europe and Western Siberia. In the center of the Russian Plain, the height of the snow cover is 30–35 cm, and in Transbaikalia it is less than 20 cm. On the plains of Mongolia, in the center of the anticyclonic region, snow cover forms only in some years. The absence of snow, along with the low winter air temperature, causes the presence of permafrost, which is no longer observed anywhere on the globe under these latitudes.

In North America, the Great Plains have little snow cover. To the east of the plains, tropical air begins to take part in the frontal processes more and more, it intensifies the frontal processes, which causes heavy snowfalls. In the Montreal area, the snow cover lasts up to four months, and its height reaches 90 cm.

Summer in the continental regions of Eurasia is warm. The average July temperature is 18-22°C. In dry regions of southeastern Europe and Central Asia the average air temperature in July reaches 24-28 °C.

In North America, continental air is somewhat colder in summer than in Asia and Europe. This is due to the smaller extent of the mainland in latitude, the large indentation of its northern part with bays and fjords, an abundance large lakes and more intensive development of cyclonic activity compared to the interior regions of Eurasia.

In the temperate zone annual amount precipitation on the flat territory of the continents varies from 300 to 800 mm, on the windward slopes of the Alps falls more than 2000 mm. Most of the precipitation falls in the summer, which is primarily due to an increase in the moisture content of the air. In Eurasia, there is a decrease in precipitation across the territory from west to east. In addition, the amount of precipitation also decreases from north to south due to a decrease in the frequency of cyclones and an increase in air dryness in this direction. In North America, a decrease in precipitation across the territory is noted, on the contrary, in the direction to the west. Why do you think?

Most of the land in the continental temperate zone is occupied by mountain systems. These are the Alps, Carpathians, Altai, Sayans, Cordillera, Rocky Mountains, etc. mountainous areas climatic conditions differ significantly from the climate of the plains. In summer, the air temperature in the mountains drops rapidly with altitude. In winter, when cold air masses invade, the air temperature in the plains often turns out to be lower than in the mountains.

The influence of mountains on precipitation is great. Precipitation increases on the windward slopes and at some distance in front of them, and weakens on the leeward slopes. For example, differences in annual rainfall between the western and eastern slopes Ural mountains sometimes reach 300 mm. In mountains with height, precipitation increases to a certain critical level. In the Alps level most precipitation falls at altitudes of about 2000 m, in the Caucasus - 2500 m.

Subtropical climate zone

Continental subtropical climate determined by the seasonal change of temperate and tropical air. The average temperature of the coldest month in Central Asia is below zero in places, in the northeast of China -5...-10°C. The average temperature of the warmest month is in the range of 25-30°C, while daily highs can exceed 40-45°C.

The most strongly continental climate in the air temperature regime is manifested in the southern regions of Mongolia and in the north of China, where the center of the Asian anticyclone is located in the winter season. Here, the annual amplitude of air temperature is 35-40 °C.

Sharply continental climate in the subtropical zone for the high-mountainous regions of the Pamirs and Tibet, whose height is 3.5-4 km. The climate of the Pamirs and Tibet is characterized cold winter, cool summers and low rainfall.

In North America, a continental arid subtropical climate is formed in closed plateaus and in intermountain basins located between the Coastal and Rocky Ranges. Summers are hot and dry, especially in the south, where the average July temperature is above 30°C. The absolute maximum temperature can reach 50 °C and above. In Death Valley, a temperature of +56.7 °C was recorded!

Humid subtropical climate characteristic of the eastern coasts of the continents north and south of the tropics. The main areas of distribution are the southeastern United States, some southeastern regions of Europe, northern India and Myanmar, eastern China and southern Japan, northeastern Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil, the coast of Natal in South Africa and the east coast of Australia. Summer in humid subtropics long and hot, with the same temperatures as in the tropics. The average temperature of the warmest month exceeds +27 °С, and the maximum temperature is +38 °С. Winters are mild, with average monthly temperatures above 0°C, but occasional frosts have a detrimental effect on vegetable and citrus plantations. In the humid subtropics, the average annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 2000 mm, the distribution of precipitation over the seasons is quite uniform. In winter, rains and rare snowfalls are brought mainly by cyclones. In summer, precipitation falls mainly in the form of thunderstorms associated with powerful inflows of warm and humid oceanic air, which are characteristic of the monsoonal circulation of East Asia. Hurricanes (or typhoons) appear in late summer and autumn, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

subtropical climate with dry summers is typical of the western coasts of the continents north and south of the tropics. IN Southern Europe and North Africa, such climatic conditions are typical for the coasts mediterranean sea, which was the reason to call this climate also mediterranean. Similar climate in southern California, central regions Chile, in the extreme south of Africa and in a number of areas in southern Australia. All these regions have hot summers and mild winter. As in the humid subtropics, there are occasional frosts in winter. In inland areas, summer temperatures are much higher than on the coasts, and often the same as in tropical deserts. In general, clear weather prevails. In summer, on the coasts near which ocean currents pass, there are often fogs. For example, in San Francisco, summers are cool, foggy, and most warm month- September. The maximum precipitation is associated with the passage of cyclones in winter, when the prevailing air currents mix towards the equator. The influence of anticyclones and downward air currents over the oceans determine the dryness of the summer season. The average annual precipitation in a subtropical climate varies from 380 to 900 mm and reaches maximum values ​​on the coasts and mountain slopes. In summer, there is usually not enough rainfall for normal growth trees, and therefore a specific type of evergreen shrub vegetation develops there, known as maquis, chaparral, mal i, macchia and fynbos.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial type of climate distributed in equatorial latitudes in the Amazon basin in South America and Congo in Africa, on the Malay Peninsula and on the islands South-East Asia. Usually mean annual temperature about +26 °С. Due to the high noon position of the Sun above the horizon and the same length of the day throughout the year, seasonal temperature fluctuations are small. Humid air, cloudiness and dense vegetation prevent nighttime cooling and maintain maximum daytime temperatures below +37 °C, lower than at higher latitudes. The average annual rainfall in the humid tropics ranges from 1500 to 3000 mm and is usually evenly distributed over the seasons. Precipitation is mainly associated with the intratropical convergence zone, which is located slightly north of the equator. Seasonal shifts of this zone to the north and south in some areas lead to the formation of two precipitation maxima during the year, separated by drier periods. Every day, thousands of thunderstorms roll over the humid tropics. In the intervals between them, the sun shines in full force.

The amount of solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses form along 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 atmospheric pressure and equatorial air masses. The sun is high above the horizon here, which contributes to high temperatures air, 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 westerly winds from the 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 of high pressure that 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 the subarctic zone, moderate air masses determine the weather in summer, and arctic ones in summer.

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 certain territory. But the earth's surface is heterogeneous, therefore, inside the climatic zones can be formed Various types climate.

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, maritime, continental and monsoon climates are distinguished. 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.

The climate is decisive for geographical location natural areas. Where dry and hot deserts form, where it rains all year round and the sun shines - lush vegetation equatorial forests. But, in one climatic zone there may be boundaries of several natural zones.

Climatic zones and natural zones

Let's look at the table first.

Table "Natural zones of climatic zones"

Features of the climate of the natural zones of the world

equatorial forests

All year round it is very hot and there are tropical rains. The average temperature in winter is +15°, in summer about 30°. More than 2000 mm of precipitation falls annually. There is no clear distribution for the seasons, all months are warm and humid.

Savannah

Winter is tropical, summer is equatorial. Two periods are pronounced: droughts in winter and rainy season in summer. About 500 mm of precipitation falls annually. The average temperature in winter is +10°, in summer about 26°.

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Rice. 1. Drought in the savannah

desert

Arid climate, a bright change in temperature is observed throughout the day. In winter, it can even be below zero at night. In summer, the sun warms dry air by 40-45°C.

Rice. 2. Freezing in the desert

Steppes and forest-steppes

Winter is moderate, summer is dry. Even during the warm period of the year, the air temperature can drop to minus at night. Precipitation falls mainly in winter - up to 500 mm per year. feature steppe zone are cold penetrating winds blowing from the north.

Deciduous and mixed forests

Characterized by pronounced winters (with snow) and hot summers. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

Rice. 3. Winter in the deciduous forest

Taiga

It is characterized by cold dry winters, but hot summers that last 4-5 months. Precipitation falls approximately 1000 mm. in year. The average temperature in January is 25°, in summer +16°.

Tundra and forest tundra

The climate is harsh. Winter is long, cold, dry, about 9 months. Summer is short. Arctic winds often blow.

Arctic and Antarctic deserts

Eternal winter zone. Summer is very short and cold.

record breaking low temperature was recorded in Antarctica - 89.2 ° and -91.2 °. In Russia, the lowest temperature was in the city of Verkhoyansk - 67.8°C.

What have we learned?

Climatic zones define natural zones. In some belts, there may be boundaries of several natural zones. The flora and fauna are largely dependent on weather conditions region.

Topic quiz

Report Evaluation

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1. Sign the climatic zones of the world on the map, underline the names of the main climatic zones. What is the difference between the main and transitional climatic zones.
2. Sign the names of the continents. Indicate which of them has the coldest climate, which is the hottest, which is the driest, which is the wettest. Which continent has all the climate zones?
3. Highlight different types shading areas where the annual amplitude of air temperature can reach maximum values ​​and where it is equal to 0 "C.
4. Specify districts the globe, where during the year westerly winds dominate (blue arrows), and where - trade winds (red arrows).
5. Highlight on the map the boundaries of the belts of solar illumination and sign their names. What is the cause of uneven illumination and heating of the earth's surface?
6. Indicate on the map with letter indices "B" and "H" the zones of high and low atmospheric pressure. Where does the most precipitation fall? Highlight areas with the maximum number precipitation.

Answers:

geography assignment answer

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 geographic latitude, general atmospheric circulation 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 conditions 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 mainland coasts have a mild climate with warm summer and mild winters 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

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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.