Equatorial climate zone
The equatorial climate zone is located on both parts of the equator, between two. The average monthly temperature ranges from + 24 to + 28°C, and the average monthly temperature fluctuation throughout the year varies from ± 2-3º C.
Equatorial air is formed from tropical air masses, brought to the equator by the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Climate formation occurs in the area of the equatorial depression with weak winds. The main thermodynamic process accompanying the transformation of air is its humidification.
The equatorial climate zone is characterized by a large supply of unstable energy. It is saturated with moisture, and the conditions of vertical air stratification are favorable or release energy. In this regard, convective clouds have exclusively important in areas with equatorial air. Influenced by a general combination of air circulation and radiation factors, the climate here is hot and very humid with big amount precipitation: up to 3000 to 10,000 mm on the windward slopes of the mountains.
Surface bodies of water, usually rivers, contain abundant amounts of water. The exception is river systems, which are located in other climatic zones. Natural processes in the equatorial parts of the continents are very active.
Countries of the equatorial belt
The equatorial belt covers several countries in South America: Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil; Africa: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi; the Malacca Peninsula, as well as the islands South-East Asia.
Natural zones of the equatorial belt
Map of natural zones and climate zones of the world
Three terrestrial natural zones are distributed in this belt: the zone of moist equatorial forest (South America, Africa, the islands of Southeast Asia), and woodlands (South America), and the natural zone of the altitudinal zone (the islands of Southeast Asia and South America).
Soils of the equatorial belt
In the equatorial climate zone, yellow, red-yellow ferrallitic (laterite) soils predominate. They are characterized by dead plant substances and rapid mineralization. Organo-mineral complexes also predominate here. These soils are poor chemical compounds and humus (2-3%), but are rich in iron hydroxides and aluminum. The vital activity of microorganisms, as well as small animals, is extremely high, both in the soil and on its surface. When plowing land, the soil due to high temperatures and drainage very quickly lose their fertile properties.
Forests of the equatorial belt
Amazon Basin
Wet equatorial evergreens are forests in which annual quantity precipitation exceeds 2000 mm. The largest areas are located in the basin, B South America; in the Congo Basin, Central America; on the islands of Borneo, Mindanao (Philippines), New Guinea and Indonesia.
mangroves
Distributed along the seas and oceans of the equatorial climate zone. Mangrove trees have adapted to difficult habitats. During low tides, they are exposed to elevated temperatures and drying, and then cooled and flooded with water at high tides. Thus, to survive in this environment, trees must tolerate wide ranges of salinity, temperature and humidity, as well as a number of other natural factors.
Plants and animals of the equatorial belt
The equatorial belt is characterized by a rich flora and fauna. Economic useful plants are: rubber ficus (including Hevea), cocoa tree, breadfruit tree, cotton tree, various types palm trees, as well as trees with highly valuable wood.
Animals that live in the forests of the equatorial belt have adapted to life in trees. These include: monkeys, lemurs, sloths and some representatives. Of the terrestrial animals, tapirs, rhinoceroses, peccaries and hippopotamuses live in the equatorial climate zone. There is also great amount birds, reptiles and insects.
Equatorial belt geographical zone Earth, located on both sides of the equator from 5-8° N. w. to 4-11° S. sh., between subequatorial belts (see map to the station Zemlya); some researchers include E. p. in tropical zone(See Tropical Zones) .
The region is distinguished by the predominance of equatorial air masses, a weakly expressed sector on the continents, the presence of a latitudinal zone on the land plains - hylaia (See Hylaea) and a hylaine-paramos spectrum of zones in the mountains. The climate is due to the large influx solar energy. Radiation balance on land 70-80 (up to 90) kcal/cm 2 per year. Average monthly temperatures in the lowlands are 24-28 °C; annual amplitude average monthly temperatures are the lowest on Earth (2-3 °C). Characterized by the presence of an equatorial trough low blood pressure, with which the intertropical trade wind convergence zone is associated; in them there is a rise in air masses, moisture condensation and heavy precipitation (1500-3000 mm per year, on the windward slopes of the mountains up to 10,000 mm). Precipitation almost always exceeds evaporation, and moisture is excessive. The rivers are high-water, with relatively small fluctuations in flow (except for those whose basins lie in other zones). In the equatorial parts of the continents, the absence of seasonal rhythms is typical and will exclude. everyone's activity natural processes. Characterized by thick weathering crusts; dominated by acidic red-yellow ferrallitic (laterite) soils with complete humification of plant litter and rapid mineralization of organomineral complexes, poor in bases and humus (2-3%) and rich in iron and aluminum hydroxides. The life activity of microorganisms and small animals in soils and on their surface is very active. When forests are cleared and plowed under conditions of high temperatures and leaching regimes, the soils of epochs quickly lose fertility. Humid equatorial evergreen forests(gilley, Brazilian selvas) are distinguished by the multi-temporality of the periodic functions of individual plants in the absence of seasonal aspects of the community as a whole, the density of the tree stand, extraordinary richness and antiquity species composition, an abundance of lianas and epiphytes, high production of above-ground biomass (40-50 to 100 t/ha). Mangroves are common along the shores of seas and oceans. There are many economically useful plants - rubber plants (including Hevea), cocoa tree, bread and cotton (Ceiba) trees, various palm trees, trees with valuable colored wood, etc. Animals living in equatorial forests are adapted to life in trees : monkeys, prosimians, sloths, felines, etc., typical of the terrestrial species are tapirs, rhinoceroses, peccaries, hippopotamuses; Birds, reptiles and insects are very abundant. In the gyl zone, two subzones are sometimes distinguished: constantly wet equatorial forests and equatorial forests with short (2-3 months) dry period; the latter is common in the outer (from the equator) parts of the belt and in the eastern sectors exposed to the influence of continental trade winds. In the forests there appears an admixture of deciduous (during dry times) species and even patches of savannas (the presence of the latter is caused mainly economic activity a person developing primarily the marginal, more accessible territories of the equatorial forest for consumer and plantation crops). In the subzone of permanently humid equatorial forests, the main occupations of the population are forestry, fishing, hunting and primitive consumer agriculture. In the mountains of E. the uniformity is maintained annual progress temperatures and precipitation. Due to a decrease in temperatures with height, changes in the nature of precipitation, an increase in air rarefaction and insolation in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000-3500 m Three mountain gil belts are expressed (see Altitudinal zones,
Tierra caliente,
Tierra templada,
Tierra Fria), above which extends a belt of specific high-mountain equatorial meadows - paramos, and from 4300-4800 m - nival belt. Elements in the oceans are characterized by an even higher radiation balance—up to 120 kcal/cm 2 per year, large clouds, heavy rains, light winds and calms. Surface water have a salinity slightly lower than the average oceanic (about 34 0/00) and are rich in plankton. Due to the peculiarities of the circulation of the atmosphere and waters, the E. p. in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans expressed in the western sectors, and in the eastern sectors only to the north of the equator; in the Indian sector, in the central and eastern sectors. Lit.: Budyko M.I., Heat balance earth's surface, L., 1956; Walter G., Vegetation globe, trans. from German, vol. 1, M., 1968; Glazovskaya M. A., Soils of the World, vol. 1-2, M., 1972-73; Ivanov N.N., Atmospheric humidification of tropical and adjacent countries of the globe, M.-L., 1958 (Notes of the Geogr. Islands of the USSR. New ser., vol. 18); Ryabchikov A. M., Structure and dynamics of the geosphere, its natural development and changes by man, M., 1972; Physico-geographical atlas of the world, M., 1964. E. N. Lukashova.
Big Soviet encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .
See what “Equatorial belt” is in other dictionaries:
The geographic belt of the Earth, located on both sides of the equator from 5 8 .s. w. until 4 11.Yu. w. Characterized by constantly high temperatures (on the plains 24-28.C), heavy precipitation throughout the year (1500-3000 mm, in some places up to 10,000 mm). Prevail... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
equatorial belt- Geographical zone located between 5 8° N latitude. and 4 14° S, with constantly high temperatures and heavy rainfall, evenly distributed throughout the year... Dictionary of Geography
Climatic zones of the Earth according to B. P. Alisov. The equatorial belt is the geographical zone of the Earth, located on both sides of the equatorial ... Wikipedia
The geographic belt of the Earth, located on both sides of the equator from 5 8 ° N. w. to 4 11°S w. Characterized by constantly high temperatures (on the plains 24–28°C), heavy precipitation throughout the year (1500–3000 mm, in some places up to 10,000 mm). Prevail... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
The geological belt of the Earth, located on both sides of the equator from 5 8 ° N. w. to 4 11o south w. Characterized by constantly high temperatures (on the plains 24–28 °C), abundant precipitation throughout the year (1500–3000 mm, in some places up to 10000 mm). Thick... ... Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary
Located on both sides of the equator, from 5–8° N. w. to 4–11° S. sh., limited by subequatorial belts. Discontinuous, breaks up into a number of isolated areas confined to continents (Africa and South America) and accumulations of rocks in the ocean... ... Geographical encyclopedia
Climate rain forests equatorial belt with weak winds, very small annual fluctuations temperatures (24-28 °C at sea level) and heavy precipitation (from 1.5 thousand to 5 thousand mm per year), falling more or less evenly throughout the entire ... ... Wikipedia
EQUATORIAL, equatorial, equatorial (scientific). 1. adj. to the equator. Equatorial circle. Equatorial belt. || Adjacent to the equator. Equatorial countries. 2. Dividing something spherical in half, like the equator (see equator in 2 digits ... Dictionary Ushakova
The geographic belt of the Earth, located along the equator, on both sides of it (from 8° N to 11° S). Temperatures here are constantly high (average monthly 24-27° C), precipitation is heavy (usually 1500-3000 mm, in some places up to 10,000 mm in ... Ecological dictionary
equatorial- oh, oh. équatorial, le adj. Rel. to the equator. Equatorial circle. BAS 1. Only knowing the sea currents and the constantly changing equatorial winds can one sail on the ocean. Hertz. Ends and beginnings. How little do we need the objects that make up... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
And Southeastern. Typical features of this climate are high 24-hour temperatures all year round and heavy daily rainfall. Warmth and dampness are the cause of great variety on the planet of plant and animal species.
As a result of these climatic conditions in South America, the Amazon River Valley is home to the largest a tropical forest in the world, it is called “the lungs of the planet.” The vegetation in these forests is so dense and intertwined that in some places it is impossible to take even two steps. In this area of the planet you can find completely inaccessible places. The Amazon (the name of the rainforest in South America) is partially covered with water due to the water of the Amazon River that rises every year. The species that inhabit this part of the world are excellently adapted to life here and survive without much effort. Here are just a few species - jaguars, tapirs, sloth, piranha, caiman, one of a kind freshwater dolphin and also many, many others.
The biggest problem in the Amazon is deforestation due to... valuable wood equatorial species. Scientists suggest that a decrease in forest area will lead to irreversible consequences in the planet’s climate. Tropical forests are widespread in many South American countries, but the largest part is located in the territory. The country's great economic and cultural progress, as well as the increasing responsibility of Brazilian businesses and citizens, will help to preserve its invaluable natural wealth. In addition to South America, there is also an equatorial climate in Central Africa. The conditions are not much different from the Amazon. You can also find it here 
similar evergreen, tropical forests. Like South America, the African jungle is located on the territory of a vast river valley. Home to countless plant and animal species, many of which can only be found here. The jungle is the habitat of leopards, gorillas, exotic birds, etc. The vegetation, regularly fed by abundant rainfall, becomes impregnable here. The rainforest is crossed by the huge Congo River. This is the second most big river in Africa. Most of African jungle constantly covered with water. The river has many deep tributaries. This river 
a real paradise for animals, but the same conditions are unbearable for people. Due to the high temperatures and high humidity, there are a huge number of mosquitoes and other insects here, which do not make life any easier local residents. Typically, in the equatorial climate zone, cities are located near large water basins or above sea level, which makes it possible for people to live in the conditions of this zone. With his huge biological diversity, the African rainforest is one of the most interesting places peace. We must preserve this priceless natural wealth, because if we don’t do this nature 
our planet will change irreversibly. We need to preserve forests not only for our sake, but also for the sake of future generations. The third (and last) region with an equatorial climate on our planet is located in Southeast Asia. Occupies the southern parts of the Melaka Peninsula and the islands of Malaysia and New Guinea. Like Central Africa and South America, the climate in Southeast Asia is hot and humid with high rainfall. The diversity of plant and animal species is enormous. This rainforest is home to tigers, leopards, orangutans, elephants, an incredible variety of birds and other animals. Animals live on different “floors” of the forest - some live in the treetops, others on the ground, etc. Unlike the jungles in South America and Africa, these in Southeast Asia are not located in river valleys, and more on different islands, such as 
aka Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), also on the Melaka Peninsula. The island of Borneo is especially interesting for scientists for its biological diversity. This island is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and. The beauty of its nature is stunning. Like South America and Africa, Southeast Asia's problems are mainly related to deforestation for its high-quality timber. Due to deforestation there is real danger the fact that thousands of animal species will be left without a home and it is possible that many species may disappear even before they are discovered.
Why is the globe divided into climate zones? Name the climate zones.
1. Dividing the globe into geographical zones and zones. Changes in the climatic conditions of the globe from the equator to the poles lead to changes in the entire natural complex across latitudinal zones. The phenomenon of zonal patterns is characteristic of all components of the natural complex. Geographical envelope as a result of change natural complexes By latitude it is divided into geographical zones and zones. (See the flyleaf for the map “Geographical Zones and Zones.”)
Geographic zones correspond to climatic zones and are named the same as they are. Each geographical zone is characterized by the integrity of climatic conditions. In the northern and southern hemispheres There are 4 main geographical zones: equatorial, tropical, temperate And polar.
Between the main geographical zones there are also transition zones. For the title transition zones add a word "sub"(translated from Latin means - under, about).
Sub equatorial belt
divides equatorial and tropical, subtropical - tropical and temperate, subpolar(subarctic and subantarctic) - moderate And polar belt.
Each geographical zone consists of a collection geographical zones. The names of the zones come from the prevailing vegetation cover.
2. Equatorial belt. The equatorial belt extends on both sides along the equator. Climatic conditions do not differ by season, the temperature is distributed evenly throughout the year.
Both in summer and winter the temperature is high - from +25°C to +30°C. Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year (2000-3000 mm per year, in the mountains up to 10,000 mm). Every day and usually in the afternoon showers. A large number of heat and moisture contributes to the rapid growth of plants and the habitat of various animals. Most The belt is occupied by a zone of equatorial (tropical), permanently moist evergreen forests (Fig. 83).
Rice. 83. Equatorial evergreen forest.
The forest consists of a variety of densely growing evergreen plants. Hundreds of tree species grow on 1 hectare of land. The most tall trees stretch up to 50-60 meters. They grow high and, thanks to sunlight, only their tops branch. And other parts of the trees - trunks, branches, leaves - remain in dense darkness. Below the trees make up another 5-6 tiers.
The gap between the tree trunks is occupied by creeping plants - vines. The length of some of them - as thick as a human hand - reaches 300 m. Tree trunks and branches are covered with epiphytes (in Greek epi - on, above, fit - plant). They get food from the air or feed on tree sap. Below Sun rays do not penetrate, so there are very few bushes there, and herbaceous plants almost not.
In equatorial permanently wet forests various palm trees grow, ironwood with hardwood, breadfruit, chocolate tree. Animals, just like plants, spread across high-altitude tiers. There are many insects living on trees, tree frogs, snakes and birds, as well as numerous types monkeys
Rice. 84. Animals of equatorial evergreen forests.
Elephants and rhinoceroses are preserved in the equatorial forests of Asia and Africa. Predators include tigers, leopards, panthers, and jaguars. (Fig. 84). Along the Congo River in Africa, the largest monkey, a two-meter tall gorilla, lives; in the floodplain of the Amazon River in South America, the world's largest snake, up to 10 meters long, is found - the anaconda. Crocodiles and hippos live in the waters.
The remains of dead plants and animal remains that fall to the surface of the earth in the equatorial belt are processed by worms, ants and microorganisms. Since humus does not have time to accumulate and is washed away, the soil here is infertile. Plant roots grow into the soil only to strengthen themselves.
3. Subequatorial belt. Where equatorial air replaces tropical air, there are 2 seasons - season rainy summer and the season is dry warm winter. In those areas of the belt where dry time lasts 2-3 months, grows variably rain forests. In these forests, compared to the constantly humid equatorial forests, the trees are shorter and do not grow as densely. In this regard, shrubs and herbs grow below. To reduce evaporation, some tree species shed their leaves during the dry season.
In places where the dry period lasts 5-6 months, savannas are common. Savannah is the name given to areas covered with herbaceous vegetation and with sparse trees and shrubs (Fig. 85).
Rice. 85. Savannah in early summer.
At the beginning of the rainy summer, the savanna is covered with dense vegetation. At this time, everything around is surrounded by greenery, trees, shrubs, and grass are green. With the onset of dry winter, after 2-3 months, the savannah changes beyond recognition. Plants dry out and turn brown. There are usually many fires during this period.
Savannah vegetation is adapted to long-term drought. The leaves of herbaceous plants are hard and thin. And they grow so high that in some places even the rider is not visible.
Rice. 86. Baobab.
The trees are short, thick, capable of storing moisture ( baobab(Fig. 86), bottle tree and etc.). Densely growing plants are convenient for the existence of various animals.
The savannas of Africa are especially rich in animals. They live here antelopes, zebras, giraffes, elephants( rice. 87 a, b).
Rice. 87(a). Savannah animals.
Rice. 87(b). Savannah animals.
Herbivores are hunted by predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs. They feed on the remains of herbivores hyenas
The red soils of variable-humid forests and savannas are fertile and therefore widely used for agriculture. Currently, the area of savannas has decreased.
1. Using the map on the flyleaf, mark the equatorial and subequatorial belt. Color it natural areas each belt.
2. Name climatic features each belt.
3. Why is there little humus in the equatorial humid forest zone?
4. What is the difference between subequatorial variable-humid forests from equatorial permanent rain forests?
5. What are savannas called? How do they change? natural conditions zones of savannas and woodlands depending on the time of year?
6. Name the animals of the savanna.
7. What is the vegetation of the savannah like? How is it adapted to long-term drought?
8. Locate the Amazon and Congo rivers on the map.
9. Tell us about the animals that live in the floodplain and in the waters of these rivers.
10. Why is the soil of the equatorial belt infertile?
The equatorial belt is the central belt of the Earth and, as the name implies, is located along the equator.
Climate and temperature
The equatorial belt is located on both sides (northern and southern) of the equatorial line of the globe. In summer there comes a wet period, and in winter there is a season of dry weather associated with the influence of the tropics. Therefore, there is a significant difference in the amount of precipitation that falls here.
On average, this is from 1 to 1.5 thousand millimeters during the year, although in the mountains this figure is much higher, ranging from 6 to 10 thousand millimeters. Throughout the year, the temperature stays at around 22 degrees, rising to +30. The difference between day and night air temperatures is insignificant.
equatorial forest photo
In the equatorial belt, the soils are excellent for agriculture, since there is high humidity, weak wind conditions, and stable temperatures without significant changes. The climate of the equatorial zone is suitable for relaxation, tourism, restoration and improvement of health.
For 365 days, there is one air mass in the zones, which is called equatorial. Therefore, the weather does not change all year round and is characterized by heat, high humidity, precipitation that is evenly distributed throughout all months.
equatorial forest photo
It is characteristic that there are no seasons in the equatorial belt. The formation of air masses occurs in areas of low pressure, so warm and humid air is formed.
Countries with an equatorial climate
The belt, with gaps, runs through the entire Amazonian lowland, located in the center of South America, as well as through another lowland - the Congo. Further stretches along the Gulf of Guinea, capturing Malacca, New Guinea and the Sunda Islands. Subequatorial captures part of the center African continent, Hindustan and Indochina.
Peculiarities
The characteristics of the equatorial belt include many factors that distinguish it from other belts.
- the presence of weak winds, among which trade winds predominate
- air movement and rapid transition of tropical air to more humid equatorial air
- heavy rainfall. In the equatorial belt, two rainy seasons are recorded, differing in the amount of precipitation
- grow wet equatorial forests, and agriculture is actively developing
- flora and fauna are so diverse and rich that here you can find the most exotic species animals and plants
- minimum temperature– this is 20 degrees Celsius, and the average ranges from 24 to 28, but tends to constantly increase. It is quite difficult to bear, which is caused by high level humidity.
Plants and animals
Amazing, varied and very beautiful world nature of the equatorial belt. cocoa tree, breadfruit tree, a coffee tree, palm trees, baobabs, vines, ferns and ficuses, Rafflesia Arnoldi (on our planet this is the most big flower), orchids - this is an incomplete list vegetable world equatorial belt.
- Mammals - 200 species (hippos, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, tapirs, leopards, lions, etc.)
- Birds - 400 species (ostriches, marabou, storks, birds of paradise, hummingbirds, etc.)
- Amphibians - many frogs, toads and tree frogs
- Reptiles - variety of snakes and lizards
- Invertebrates - over 900 species of butterflies, beetles,
- Fish - hedgehog fish, clown fish, sailfish, piranha, triggerfish, swordfish, shark, tuna, etc.
It is quite difficult to live in the area of permanent humid forests, which is associated with high air humidity, which is difficult to tolerate due to high temperatures. Therefore, the equatorial belt is considered by scientists to be unfavorable for human life. The following factors aggravate the situation:
- Development of various foci of infection;
- A large number of poisonous plants;
- There are many dangerous animals, including poisonous ones.
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