On Earth, it is very diverse for the reason that the planet heats up unevenly, and precipitation falls unevenly. Climate classification began to be offered back in the 19th century, around the 70s. Professor of Moscow State University B.P. Alisova spoke about 7 types of climate, which make up their own climatic zone. In her opinion, only four climatic zones can be called the main ones, and three zones are transitional. Let's take a look at the main characteristics and features of climatic zones.
Types of climatic zones:
Equatorial air masses prevail here throughout the year. At a time when the sun is directly above the belt, and these are the days of the spring and autumn equinox, there is heat in the equatorial belt, the temperature reaches about 28 degrees above zero. The water temperature is not much different from the air temperature, by about 1 degree. There is a lot of precipitation here, about 3000 mm. Evaporation is low here, so there are many wetlands in this belt, as well as many dense wet forests, due to the wetland. Precipitation in these areas of the equatorial belt is brought by trade winds, that is, rainy winds. This type of climate is located over the north of South America, over the Gulf of Guinea, over the Congo River and the upper Nile, as well as over almost the entire Indonesian archipelago, over part of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which are located in Asia and over the shores of Lake Victoria, which is located in Africa.
This type of climatic zone is located simultaneously in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. This type of climate is divided into continental and oceanic tropical climates. The mainland is located over a larger area of high pressure, therefore, there is little precipitation in this belt, about 250 mm. The summer is hot here, so the air temperature rises to 40 degrees above zero. In winter, the temperature is never below 10 degrees above zero.
There are no clouds in the sky, so this climate is characterized by cold nights. The daily temperature drops are large enough, therefore, this contributes to the high destruction of rocks.
Due to the large disintegration of rocks, a huge amount of dust and sand is formed, which later forms sandstorms. These storms pose a potential danger to humans. The western and eastern parts of the continental climate differ by many. Since cold currents flow along the western coast of Africa, Australia, and therefore the air temperature here is much lower, there is little precipitation, about 100 mm. If you look at the east coast, warm currents flow here, therefore, the air temperature is higher and more precipitation falls. This area is quite suitable for tourism.
Oceanic climate
This type of climate is a bit similar, the only difference is that there are less cloud cover and strong, steady winds. Summer air temperature here does not rise above 27 degrees, and in winter it does not drop below 15 degrees. The period for precipitation here is mainly summer, but there are very few of them, about 50 mm. This arid area is filled with tourists and visitors to coastal towns in the summer.
Precipitation falls here frequently and occurs throughout the year. This happens under the influence of westerly winds. In summer, the air temperature does not rise above 28 degrees, and in winter it reaches -50 degrees. There is a lot of precipitation on the coasts - 3000 mm, and in the central regions - 1000 mm. Vivid changes appear when the seasons of the year change. A temperate climate is formed in two hemispheres - the northern and southern and is located above the temperate latitude. The area of low pressure prevails here.
This type of climate is subdivided into subclimates: maritime and continental.
The marine subclimate prevails in the western part of North America, Eurasia and South America. The wind is brought from the ocean to the mainland. From this we can conclude that the summer here is cool (+20 degrees), but the winter is relatively warm and mild (+5 degrees). There is a lot of precipitation - up to 6000 mm in the mountains.
Continental subclimate - prevails in the central regions. There is less precipitation here, since cyclones practically do not pass here. In summer, the temperature is about +26 degrees, and in winter it is quite cold -24 degrees with a lot of snow. In Eurasia, the continental subclimate is clearly expressed only in Yakutia. Winters are cold here with little rainfall. This is because in the interior regions of Eurasia, the regions are least affected by the ocean and oceanic winds. On the coast, under the influence of large amounts of precipitation, frost softens in winter and heat in summer.
There is also one that predominates in Kamchatka, Korea, northern Japan, and part of China. This subtype is expressed by the frequent change of monsoons. Monsoons are winds that, as a rule, bring rain to the mainland and always blow from the ocean to land. Winters are cold here due to cold winds, and summers are rainy. Rains or monsoons are brought here by winds from the Pacific Ocean. On the island of Sakhalin and Kamchatka, precipitation is not small, about 2000 mm. Air masses in the entire temperate type of climate are only moderate. Due to the high humidity of these islands, with 2000 mm of precipitation per year for an unaccustomed person, acclimatization is necessary in this area.
Polar climate
This type of climate forms two belts: Antarctic and. Polar air masses dominate here all year round. During the polar night in this type of climate, the sun is absent for several months, and during the polar day it does not go away at all, but shines for several months. The snow cover never melts here, and ice and snow radiating warmth carry constant cold air into the air. The winds are weakened here and there are no clouds at all. There is catastrophically little precipitation here, but particles resembling needles are constantly flying in the air. There is a maximum of 100 mm of precipitation. In summer, the air temperature does not exceed 0 degrees, and in winter it reaches -40 degrees. In summer, periodic drizzle prevails in the air. When traveling to this area, you may notice that the face tingles a little with frost, so the temperature seems to be higher than it really is.
All the types of climates discussed above are considered basic, because here the air masses correspond to these zones. There are also intermediate types of climates, which carry the prefix "sub" in their name. In these types of climates, air masses are replaced by the characteristically coming seasons. They pass from nearby belts. Scientists explain this by the fact that when the Earth moves around its axis, climatic zones shift alternately, now to the south, then to the north.
Intermediate climate types
Equatorial masses come here in summer, and tropical masses dominate in winter. There is a lot of precipitation only in summer - about 3000 mm, but despite this, the sun is merciless here and the air temperature reaches +30 degrees all summer. The winter is cool.
In this climatic zone, there is good airflow and drainability. The air temperature here reaches +14 degrees and in terms of precipitation, there are very few of them in winter. Good drainage of the soil does not allow water to stagnate and form, as in. This type of climate makes it possible to settle. Here are the states that are populated to the limit by the people, for example, India, Ethiopia, Indochina. Many cultivated plants grow here, which are exported to various countries. Venezuela, Guinea, India, Indochina, Africa, Australia, South America, Bangladesh and other states are located in the north of this belt. In the south are Amazonia, Brazil, northern Australia and the center of Africa.
Tropical air masses prevail here in summer, and in winter they come here from temperate latitudes and carry a large amount of precipitation. Summers are dry and hot, and the temperature reaches +50 degrees. Winters are very mild with a maximum temperature of -20 degrees. Low amount of precipitation, about 120 mm.
The west is dominated by a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and rainy winters. This area differs in that there is a little more rainfall here. About 600 mm of precipitation falls here every year. This area is favorable for resorts and the life of people in general.
Among the crops grown here are grapes, citrus fruits and olives. Monsoon winds prevail here. It is dry and cold in winter, and hot and humid in summer. Precipitation falls here about 800 mm per year. In the forest, monsoons blow from sea to land and bring precipitation with them, and in winter winds blow from land to sea. This type of climate is pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere and in the east of Asia. The vegetation grows well here thanks to the abundant rainfall. Also, thanks to the abundant rains, agriculture is well developed here, which gives life to the local population.
Subpolar climate
Summers are cool and humid here. The temperature rises to the limits of +10, and the precipitation is about 300 mm. On the mountain slopes, the amount of precipitation is greater than on the plains. The swampiness of the territory indicates a low erosion of the territory, and there are also a large number of lakes here. Winters are quite long and cold here, and the temperature reaches -50 degrees. The boundaries of the poles do not pass exactly, this is what speaks of the uneven heating of the Earth and the variety of the relief.
Antarctic and climatic zones
Arctic air dominates here, and the snow crust does not melt. In winter, the air temperature reaches -71 degrees below zero. In summer, the temperature can only rise to -20 degrees. There is very little rainfall here.
In these climatic zones, air masses change from arctic, which prevail in winter, to moderate air masses, which dominate in summer. Winter here lasts 9 months, and it is quite cold, as the average air temperature drops to -40 degrees. In summer, on average, the temperature is about 0 degrees. For this type of climate, there is high humidity, which is about 200 mm and a fairly low evaporation of moisture. The winds are strong here and often blow in the area. This type of climate is located on the northern coast of North America and Eurasia, as well as Antarctica and the Aleutian Islands.
In such a climatic zone, winds from the west prevail over the rest, and monsoons blow from the east. If monsoons are blowing, the precipitation depends on how far the area is from the sea, as well as on the terrain. The closer to the sea, the more precipitation falls. The northern and western parts of the continents carry a lot of precipitation, while in the southern parts there is very little. Winter and summer are very different here, there are also differences in the climate on land and at sea. The snow cover here lasts only a couple of months, in winter the temperature differs significantly from the summer air temperature.
The temperate zone consists of four climatic zones: the maritime climatic zone (fairly warm winters and rainy summers), the continental climatic zone (a lot of precipitation in the summer), (cold winters and rainy summers), as well as a transitional climate from the maritime climatic zone to the continental climatic zone.
and climatic zones
In the tropics, hot and dry air usually prevails. Between winter and summer, the difference in temperature is large and even very significant. In summer, the average temperature is +35 degrees, and in winter, +10 degrees. Large temperature differences appear here between day and night temperatures. In a tropical type of climate, there is little rainfall, a maximum of 150 mm per year. On the coasts, there is more precipitation, but not much, since moisture goes to land from the ocean.
In the subtropics, the air is drier in summer than in winter. In winter, it is more humid. Summer is very hot here, as the air temperature rises to +30 degrees. In winter, the air temperature is rarely below zero degrees, so even in winter it is not particularly cold here. When snow falls, it melts very quickly and does not leave a snow cover. There is little rainfall - about 500 mm. In the subtropics there are several climatic zones: monsoon, which brings rain from the ocean to land and on the coast, Mediterranean, which is characterized by a large amount of precipitation, and continental, where precipitation is much less and it is drier and warmer.
and climatic zones
The air temperature averages +28 degrees, and its changes from daytime to nighttime temperatures are insignificant. Sufficiently high humidity and light winds are typical for this type of climate. Precipitation falls here every year 2000 mm. A couple of rainy periods alternate with less rainy periods. The equatorial climatic zone is located in the Amazon, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, on the Malacca Peninsula, on the islands of New Guinea.
On both sides of the equatorial climate zone there are subequatorial zones. The equatorial type of climate prevails here in summer, and tropical and dry in winter. That is why there is more rainfall in the summer than in the winter. On the slopes of the mountains, precipitation even goes off scale and reaches 10,000 mm per year, and this is all thanks to the torrential rains that dominate here all year round. On average, the temperature is about +30 degrees. The difference between winter and summer is greater than in the equatorial type of climate. The subequatorial type of climate is located in the highlands of Brazil, New Guinea and South America, as well as in Northern Australia.
Climate types
Today, there are three criteria for the classification of climate:
- by the peculiarities of the circulation of air masses;
- by the nature of the geographic relief;
- according to climatic characteristics.
Based on certain indicators the following types of climate can be distinguished:
- Solar. It determines the amount of receipt and distribution of ultraviolet radiation over the earth's surface. The determination of the solar climate is influenced by astronomical indicators, season and latitude;
- Mountain. Climatic conditions at altitude in the mountains are characterized by low atmospheric pressure and clean air, increased solar radiation and increased precipitation;
- ... Dominates in semi-deserts. There are large fluctuations in day and night temperatures, and precipitation is practically absent and is a rare occurrence every few years;
- ... Very humid climate. It forms in places where there is not enough sunlight, so moisture does not have time to evaporate;
- Nivalny. This climate is inherent in areas where precipitation falls mainly in solid form, they settle in the form of glaciers and snow blockages, and do not have time to evaporate;
- Urban. The air temperature in the city is always higher than in the surrounding area. Solar radiation is received in a reduced amount, therefore, daylight hours are shorter than on natural objects nearby. Clouds concentrate more over cities, and precipitation falls more often, although in some settlements the humidity level is low.
In general, climatic zones on earth alternate naturally, but they are not always pronounced. In addition, the features of the climate depend on the relief and terrain. In the zone where anthropogenic influence is most manifested, the climate will differ from the conditions of natural objects. It should be noted that over time, this or that climatic zone undergoes changes, climatic indicators change, which leads to changes in ecosystems on the planet.
Main climatic zones - video
Climatic zones - these are climatically homogeneous areas of the Earth. They look like wide continuous or discontinuous stripes. 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 of 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, and height above sea level.
In Russia and in most countries of the world, the classification of climatic zones is used, created by the famous Soviet climatologist 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" (lat. "Under"):
- Equatorial (1 belt);
- Subequatorial (2 belts - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
- Tropical (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
- Subtropical (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
- Moderate (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
- Subpolar (2 belts - subantarctic in the south, subarctic in the north);
- Polar (2 belts - in the southern Antarctic, in the northern arctic);
Within these climatic zones, four types of the 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), on the windward slopes of the mountains, precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm.
2. Subequatorial climate- is located between the equatorial and tropical main types of the Earth's climate. Equatorial air masses dominate in this belt in summer, and tropical air masses in winter. The amount of precipitation in summer is 1000-3000 mm. The average summer temperature is + 30 ° С. In winter, there is little precipitation, the average temperature is + 14 ° С.
Subequatorial and equatorial belts. From left to right: savannah (Tanzania), humid forest (South America)
3. Tropical climatic 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. Average summer temperature + 35-40 ° С, winter + 10-15 ° С. Daily temperature fluctuations can reach 40 ° C.
- oceanic tropical climate - annual precipitation - up to 50 mm. Average summer temperature + 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- is located between the tropical and temperate main types of the Earth's climate. In summer, tropical air masses dominate, and in winter, air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here. The subtropical climate is characterized by hot, dry summers (from +30 to + 50 ° С) and relatively cold winters with precipitation, no stable snow cover is formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm.
- climate of dry subtropics - observed inside the continents in subtropical latitudes. Summers are hot (up to + 50 ° С) and in winter frosts down to -20 ° С are possible. Annual precipitation is 120 mm or less.
- Mediterranean climate - observed in the western parts of the continents. Summer is hot, no precipitation. The winters are cool and rainy. The annual amount of precipitation is 450-600 mm.
- subtropical climate of the eastern shores continents is monsoon... Winters are cold and dry compared to other climates in the subtropical zone, 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 Desert).
5. Moderate climatic zone. It forms over the territories of temperate latitudes - from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles. Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm to 3000 mm on the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. Summer temperature ranges from + 10 ° С to + 25-28 ° С. In winter - from + 4 ° С to -50 ° С. In this type of climate, there is a marine type of climate, continental and monsoon.
- maritime temperate climate - annual precipitation - from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm. Summer is cool + 15-20 ° С, winters are warm from + 5 ° С.
- continental temperate climate - the annual amount of precipitation is about 400 mm. Summers are warm (+ 17-26 ° С), and winters are cold (-10-24 ° С) with a stable snow cover for many months.
- monsoon temperate climate - the annual amount of precipitation is about 560 mm. Winters are clear and cold (-20-27 ° С), summers are humid and rainy (-20-23 ° С).
Natural zones of the 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 subarctic and subantarctic climatic zones. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool (from +5 to + 10 ° С) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the north-east of Yakutia 100 mm). In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by the Arctic and Antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach -50 ° C.
7.
Polar type of climate - 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. Very little precipitation falls, the air is saturated with small ice needles. When they settle, they add up to only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature is not higher than 0 ° С, winter temperatures are -20-40 ° С.
Subpolar climatic zones of the Earth. From left to right: Arctic desert (Greenland), tundra (Yakutia), forest-tundra (Khibiny).
The characteristics of the Earth's climates are presented more clearly in the table.
Characteristics of the climatic zones of the Earth. Table.
Note: Dear visitors, hyphens in long words in the table are provided for the convenience of mobile users - otherwise the words will not be wrapped and the table will not fit on the screen. Thank you for understanding!
| Climate type | Climatic zone | Average temperature, ° С | Circulation of the atmosphere | Territory | ||
| January | july | |||||
| Equatorial | Equatorial | +26 | +26 | During a year. 2000 | In the area of low atmospheric pressure, warm and humid equatorial air masses are formed | Equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania |
| Climate type | Climatic zone | Average temperature, ° С | Mode and amount of precipitation, mm | Circulation of the atmosphere | Territory | |
| January | july | |||||
| Tropical monsoon | Subequatorial | +20 | +30 | Mostly during the summer monsoon, 2000 | Monsoons | South and Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, Northern Australia |
| Climate type | Climatic zone | Average temperature, ° С | Mode and amount of precipitation, mm | Circulation of the atmosphere | Territory | |
| January | july | |||||
| Mediterranean | Subtropical | +7 | +22 | Mainly in winter, 500 | In summer - anti-cyclones at high atmospheric pressure; in winter - cyclonic activity | Mediterranean Sea, Southern coast of Crimea, South Africa, Southwestern Australia, Western California |
| Climate type | Climatic zone | Average temperature, ° С | Mode and amount of precipitation, mm | Circulation of the atmosphere | Territory | |
| January | july | |||||
| Arctic (Antarctic) | Arctic (Antarctic) | -40 | 0 | Throughout the year, 100 | Anticyclones prevail | Water area of the Arctic Ocean and mainland Antarctica |
Types of climates (climatic zones) in Russia:
- Arctic: t January -24 ... -30, t summer + 2 ... + 5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.
- Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t + 4 ... + 12. Precipitation is 200-400 mm.
- Moderately continental: t January −4 ... -20, t July + 12 ... + 24. Precipitation is 500-800 mm.
- Continental climate: t January −15 ... -25, t July + 15 ... + 26. Precipitation is 200-600 mm.
Main questions. What is a climatic zone? What features of the climate are characteristic for each of the climatic zones? What is the impact of climatic conditions on the distribution of the population?
Climatic (Greek. klimatos - tilt) differences on Earth are directly related to the tilt of the sun's rays to the earth's surface. Climatic zoning is manifested in the placement of climatic zones (Fig. 1) Climatic zones are territories that are continuous or interruptedstopband around the Earth. They differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses, prevailing winds, amount and mode of precipitation. They stretch from west to east and replace each other from the equator to the poles. Stand out the main and transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year. In transitional climatic zones there are 2 types of air masses. They change with the change of seasons. The distribution of temperatures and precipitation within the belts is also influenced by other factors: the proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, and relief. Therefore, within the climatic zones, great differences are observed and climatic regions are distinguished. Each of them has a certain type of climate.
The main climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four main types of air masses: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic climatic zones (think about their names).
Between the main belts are located transitional climatic zones: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic. Their name depends on the prevailing types of air masses, and the prefix "sub" (lat. sub - sub) indicates a secondary role in the general circulation of the atmosphere. For example, subequatorial means located near the equatorial. The air masses in the transition zones change according to the seasons: in winter, the air masses of the main belt, adjacent from the pole, prevail, in summer - from the equator. (rice.).
Equatorial belt formed in the equator region between 5 ° S. latitude - 10 ° N NS. Equatorial air masses prevail here throughout the year. There are always high temperatures and a lot of precipitation. Average monthly temperatures are from - + 25 to +28 ° С. Precipitation is 1500-3000 mm per year. This belt is the wettest part of the earth's surface. This is due to the high position of the Sun above the horizon throughout the year and the rising air currents characteristic of the low pressure belt.
For subequatorial belts(up to about 20 ° N and S), two seasons are characteristic: summer dominates equatorial air and very humid, and in winter - tropical air and very dry. In winter, the sun's rays fall at right angles in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore, tropical the air mass in this zone comes from the north and dry weather sets in. Winter is not much colder than summer. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to + 30 ° С. Annual precipitation on the plains is up to 1000-2000 mm, and on the mountain slopes - up to 6000-10,000 mm. Almost all precipitation occurs in summer. (Remember the influence of the trade winds on the formation of the climate).
Tropical belts stretched from 20 to 30 ° N. and y.sh. on both sides of the tropics. Remember why in tropical latitudes the air drops and high pressure prevails? For a whole year, continental tropical air dominates here. Therefore, the climate in the central regions of the continents is hot and dry. Trade winds prevail. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30 - + 35 ° С, the coldest - not lower than + 10 ° С. The cloudiness is insignificant, there is little precipitation far from the oceans, no more than 50-150 mm per year. Their number increases in the eastern parts of the continents, which are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean. In the west and in the center of the continents, the climate is dry and desert. (Determine the differences in the climate of the marginal and central regions of the tropical belt in Africa from the climate map).
Subtropical belts(30-40 ° N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate in winter. Summers are dry, hot, with an average temperature of the warmest month of about 30 ° C. Winter is humid and warm, but short-term drops in temperature are possible. Snow falls very rarely. it Mediterranean climate. (Explain why the climate on the eastern coasts of the continents subtropical monsoon, with hot rainy summers and cool dry winters?). In the central parts of the continents, the climate subtropical continental, with hot and dry summers and relatively cold winters with little rainfall.
Moderate belts stretched in temperate latitudes from 40 to 60 ° N. and y.sh. They receive much less heat from the sun than in previous climatic zones. Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, but arctic and tropical air penetrates. In the west, westerly winds prevail, in the east of the continents - monsoons... The climate of the temperate zone is diverse due to the influence of various climatic factors on its territory. A large annual amplitude of air temperature (in summer - +22 - 28 ° С, and in winter - -22 - 33 ° С) is typical for the territories of the central part of the continent. It increases as it moves inland. Similarly, depending on the position of the territory in relation to the ocean and relief, different amounts of precipitation fall. Snow falls in winter. On the western coasts of the continents, the climate nautical, with relatively warm and humid winters, cool and cloudy summers, a lot of rainfall. On the east coasts - monsoon climate with cold dry winters and not hot rainy summers, but in the interior - continental climate.
V subarctic (subantarctic) Arctic (Antarctic) air dominates in winter belts, and air masses of temperate latitudes in summer (Determine the geographic location of the belts on the map). Winters are long, with average winter temperatures down to -40 ° C. Summer (in the southern hemisphere - winter) is short and cold, with an average temperature not exceeding + 10 ° С. Annual precipitation is low (300-400 mm), and evaporation is even less. The air is damp and cloudy.
About a quarter of the world's population lives in a temperate climate zone.Only 5% of the world's population lives in a tropical desert climate.
1. Show climatic zones on a physical map of the world. 2. Fill in the table "Climatic zones of the Earth": the name of the climatic zone, geographical position, prevailing air masses, climate features (temperature, precipitation). * 3. In what climatic zone is Belarus located? What are the main features of the climate, drawing on knowledge about your area. ** 4. In what climatic zone (region) are the most favorable conditions for recreation and health improvement of people? Justify your answer.
Climatic zones are basic and transitional. The main climatic zones have a constant air movement throughout the year. In the transitional areas, there are signs of two main zones, depending on the season. The main types include:
1. Equatorial belt
Located on both sides of the equator. It is characterized by a constant air temperature (24 ° -26 ° C heat), temperature fluctuations at sea are less than 1 ° C. The maximum solar heat is observed in September and March, when the sun is at its zenith. During these months, the maximum falls. The annual amount of precipitation is about 3000 mm; in the mountains, precipitation can reach 6000 mm. Precipitation falls usually in the form of showers. There are many wetlands, dense, multi-tiered wetlands with an exceptional variety of flora and fauna grow. For most cultivated plants, high humidity is favorable, therefore, two crops are harvested in the equatorial zone a year.
The equatorial climatic zone includes the moist forests of the left tributaries of the Amazon, Andes of Ecuador and Colombia, the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon, the right tributaries of the Congo, the upper Nile, the southern half of Ceylon, most of the Indonesian archipelago, parts of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
2. Tropical belt
Tropical climatic zones in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres cover areas of high pressure year-round. In the tropics, the atmosphere over the mainland is different, therefore the oceanic tropical climate and the mainland tropical climate are different. Oceanic is similar to, differs only in stable winds and less cloudiness. Summers over the oceans are warm, about + 25 ° С, and winters are cool, on average + 12 ° С.
A high pressure area prevails above the ground, rain is rare here. The continental climate is characterized by very hot summers and cool winters. The daily air temperature can change dramatically. Such fluctuations lead to frequent dust storms.
Lush forests are always warm and humid. There is also a lot of rainfall here. The tropical climatic zone includes Africa (Sahara, Angola, Kalahari), Asia (Arabia), North America (Cuba, Mexico), South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay), central Australia.
3. Moderate belt
The temperate climatic zone is far from uniform. The seasons are clearly expressed in it, in contrast to the tropical and equatorial ones. There is a maritime climate and a humid continental climate. All zones differ in the average annual rainfall and characteristic vegetation.
Maritime dominates in the west of North and South America, Eurasia. There are many cyclones here, so the weather is unstable. In addition, westerly winds blow, bringing precipitation all year round. Summers in this zone are warm, about + 26 ° С, winters are cold, from + 7 ° С to −50 ° С. Continental predominates in the center of the continents. Cyclones penetrate here less often, so there are warmer and drier summers and colder winters.
4. Polar belt
It forms two belts: Antarctic and Arctic. The polar belt has a unique feature - the sun does not appear here for several months in a row (polar night) and the polar day also lasts for a long time, when it does not go beyond the horizon. The air is very chilled, the snow does not melt almost all year round.
Transition zones include:
1. Subequatorial belt
The northern belt includes: the Isthmus of Panama, Venezuela, Guinea, the Sahel deserts in Africa, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and southern China. The southern belt covers the Amazon lowland, Brazil, the center and east of Africa, and northern Australia. Equatorial air masses dominate here in summer. There is a lot of precipitation, the average temperature is + 30 ° С. In winter, tropical air masses dominate in the subequatorial zone, the temperature is about + 14 ° C. The territory of this climatic zone is very favorable for human life, it is here that many civilizations arose.
2. Subtropical climate.
This belt is dominated by either a Mediterranean climate or a subtropical one. Most of the year there is a lot of rainfall, so the vegetation is especially diverse. The subtropical belt covers the Mediterranean, the southern coast of Crimea, Western California, southwest Africa and Australia, southern Japan, Eastern China, northern New Zealand, the Pamirs and Tibet.
3. Subpolar climate.
This climatic zone is located on the northern outskirts of North America and Eurasia. It is cool in summer (+ 5 ° С-10 ° С), in winter arctic air masses come here, winters are long and cold (up to -50 ° С).
Climatology (from "climate" and "logia") is a science that studies the issues of climate formation, description and classification of the world's climates, and anthropogenic influences on climate.
Meteorology (from the Greek metéōros, atmospheric and celestial phenomena) is the science of the structure and properties of the earth's atmosphere and the physical processes taking place in it. A significant part of meteorologists are engaged in modeling weather forecasting, climate, and atmospheric research.
Climatic zones of the Earth
In Russia and on the territory of the former USSR, the classification of climate types was used, created in 1956 by the famous Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov. This classification takes into account the peculiarities of atmospheric circulation. According to this classification, there are four main climatic zones for each hemisphere of the Earth: equatorial, tropical, temperate and polar (in the northern hemisphere - arctic, in the southern hemisphere - Antarctic). Between the main zones there are transitional belts - subequatorial belt, subtropical, subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). In these climatic zones, in accordance with the prevailing circulation of air masses, four types of climate can be distinguished: continental, oceanic, western and eastern coasts (see Fig. 1).
Rice. 1. Climatic zones
As can be seen from the analysis of the map, the names of the belts correspond to their geographic location, so it is easy to remember their name.
The main climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four types of air masses (see Table 1).
Tab. 1. Types of air masses
Equatorial belt
This kind of permanent belt is found in the equatorial region. It is considered to be the only belt that is torn into several parts. Throughout the year, it is under the influence of one air mass, which is also called equatorial.
The main characteristics of the belt: heat (temperature from 20 ° C), large amount of precipitation - up to 7000 mm per year, high humidity. The natural zone of this belt is humid forests, which are home to many poisonous animals and plants.
The equatorial belt includes the Amazonian Lowland, which is located in South America, the Greater Sunda Islands and equatorial Africa (see Fig. 2).
Tropical and subtropical belts
The tropical view of the climatic zone is typical for tropical latitudes. In the tropics, the weather will depend on the height of the sun above the horizon. The tropical zone is characterized by sharp changes in temperature - from cold to heat. Tropical zones are dominated by the tropical zone, high pressure, descending air movement. In summer, the air is very hot. The air is cooler in winter. Tropical air masses are dry. Rains are rare on land plains. There are few of them over the ocean.
For this reason, its natural zone is represented in the form of semi-deserts and deserts, the flora and fauna of which is very scarce (see Fig. 3). The tropical belt is typical for Mexico, North Africa, the Caribbean, southern Brazil and Central Australia.
The subtropical belt is located between the temperate and tropical zones. Divide the southern and northern subtropical zones. In summer, tropical heat reigns here, which is characterized by dryness, and in winter, a moderate cold air mass prevails.
The subtropical belt is located in North America (USA), it is characteristic of southern Japan, North Africa and the Great Plain of China. And in the southern hemisphere, the subtropical zone is occupied by the north of New Zealand, the south of Australia and the south of Africa.
Temperate zone
The main characteristic of this belt is that the temperature of one air mass changes with the seasons: cold winter, hot summer, spring and autumn can be clearly distinguished. The temperate zone is characterized by negative temperatures. Temperate zones are dominated by temperate air and westerly winds. It is much colder here than in the tropics. There is a lot of precipitation, but they are unevenly distributed
The temperate zone is located on a large territory of Europe, the north of the USA, Canada, Russia, and Great Britain. It stretches to the Far East and northern Japan.
Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones
In the arctic and antarctic belts, arctic air prevails throughout the year. Snow and ice surfaces reflect well the sun's rays, which fall here at an angle close to 180 °. Therefore, the temperature and humidity here are very low, only in some places in the summer months the thermometer rises to + 5 ° С. In Antarctica, temperatures in winter (in August) sometimes reach -71 ° C, and in the warmest months they rise only to -20 ° C. There is little precipitation at the poles.
Bibliography
The mainI am
1. Geography. Land and people. Grade 7: Textbook for general education. uch. / A.P. Kuznetsov, L.E. Saveliev, V.P. Dronov, "Spheres" series. - M .: Education, 2011.
2. Geography. Land and people. 7th grade: atlas, "Spheres" series.
Additional
1. N.A. Maximov. Behind the pages of a geography textbook. - M .: Education.
1. Russian Geographical Society ().
3. Textbook on geography ().
4. Geographical directory ().
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