Arctic climate zone precipitation regime. Polar climate zones
The polar belt is rightfully considered the coldest and most lifeless region on our planet. Its distinctive features are extremely low temperatures and unique natural phenomena. The natural zones of the polar zone are represented by Arctic and Antarctic deserts.
Climate
In the Arctic and Antarctica, located at both poles of the Earth, the climate is very stable. These regions experience very low temperatures throughout the year. Even at the height of summer, the air does not warm up to zero. The sun's rays, touching the polar pole at an angle, are not able to properly warm the permafrost that reigns in this region.
Winters are incredibly harsh, and temperatures often drop below -50 -60 Celsius. There is very little precipitation at the pole - no more than 200-250 mm. within a year.
For natural areas arctic belt typical unique phenomenon- day and night for six months. It is due to the specific tilt of the planet’s axis, and is characteristic only of the poles.
Relief features
Endless icy wastelands, pack ice, drifting hummocks and incredible icebergs are all components of the unique topography of the polar pole. It is the ice that forms the landscape of the southernmost continent - Antarctica, and covers most of the North Pole.
Soil polar regions bound by permafrost, which does not warm up even in summer months. During this period, only the melting of coastal continental ice, which lose up to 10% of their volume. However, with the onset of winter ice cover is being restored again.
TOP 4 articleswho are reading along with this
Rice. 1. Melting glaciers.
Polar ice plays a huge role in shaping the planet's climate. Reflecting solar radiation, they thereby prevent critical overheating of the Earth. Also, many kilometers of ice deserts play a great role in the circulation of ocean currents.
Flora
Due to the peculiarities of its climate, the polar pole cannot boast of rich vegetation. However, even here you can find flowers: in the southern latitudes of the belt, with the onset of heat, modest saxifrage and polar poppy make their way to the surface.
Rice. 2. Flora of the polar zone.
The territories not covered by glaciers belong to mosses and lichens - the only plants that can grow in such harsh conditions.
Animal world
The polar bear is the absolute master of the Arctic Pole - one of the most... large predators on the planet. Thick coat, thick hide and impressive fat layer help him survive among the glaciers.
Rice. 3. Polar bears.
The coastal zones are home to large marine animals - seals and walruses. In the vastness of the polar zones you can find lemmings - rodents that have adapted to life in the harsh conditions of icy deserts. Sometimes you can see herds of deer here, as well as wolves and arctic foxes.
In summer, numerous bird markets- nesting sites waterfowl. The cold waters are home to whales, narwhals, and valuable commercial fish.
What have we learned?
The natural zones of the polar pole include the ice deserts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Extremely low temperatures reign on their territory, and even at the height of summer the temperature here does not rise above 0 Celsius. As a result, the flora and fauna of the polar poles are extremely poor.
Evaluation of the report
Average rating: 4.7. Total ratings received: 23.
The Arctic is one of the coldest and most lifeless areas on Earth. Includes part of Eurasia. The geographic location of the Arctic belt is limited North Pole and the Arctic Ocean. There are common borders with the American continent. The water area of the belt is often referred to as northern regions The Quiet and Total Arctic covers more than 27 million sq. km.
Climate zone
The meteorological indicators of this area are determined by cold northern air masses. the belt dominates throughout the Arctic Ocean, as well as on the outskirts of Siberia. Frosty weather persists in these parts of the Earth all year round. Permafrost is not warmed up by the sun's rays, since they fall tangentially to the ground.
We can say that the cold in the Arctic persists constantly. Even in summer time Solar radiation is not able to penetrate thick ice layers. Not large number The surface still receives heat, but it goes towards melting the snow cover. The Arctic climate zone is always characterized by sub-zero temperatures.
Precipitation in this area is extremely rare. The reason is minimal accumulations of water vapor due to constantly low temperatures. The average precipitation level does not exceed 200 mm per year.
Closer to the European part of the continent it predominates. The main zone of its distribution is considered Eastern Siberia. Here the climate is less harsh and suitable for life. Temperatures often rise to +12 degrees. Annual precipitation is twice as much - up to 450 mm.
First of all, it is worth understanding what the term “climate” means stable long-term weather conditions that have settled on certain territory earth's surface.
It would be fair to say that solar heat is distributed absolutely unevenly over the surface of the Earth, as a result of which different earthly climates are formed, in other words, climate zones.
As a rule, the division into climatic zones occurs according to the following criteria:
- air masses , predominant in a certain region;
- amount of solar energy that hits the earth's surface.
Stripes of the earth's surface, which differ in the characteristics of the movement of air masses, as well as the intensity of solar heating, are precisely called climatic zones.
It is also worth noting the fact that on the planet it is customary to distinguish between 7 main climatic zones and 6 transitional natural climates.
It is important to understand! The transitional climate zone is located between the main zones, and its peculiarity is that the air masses in it change depending on the season!
Arctic/climate/
Antarctic
The Arctic and Antarctic climate zones, which are the most severe and quite cold, are of greatest interest to humanity.
To broaden the readers' horizons about these harsh climates, in this article we will talk in as much detail as possible about the Arctic and Antarctic belts, and also indicate all their features.
Distribution area of the belts
The Arctic and Antarctic climate zones occupy those areas of the earth's surface that are located near the poles. Therefore, this type of belt is also commonly called polar.
To understand the difference between the Arctic and Antarctic belts, it is worth understanding the following important points:
- the Arctic belt dominates the pole of the Southern Hemisphere;
- The distribution of the Antarctic climate is the pole of the Northern Hemisphere
The Arctic and Antarctic climate zones extend to the following geographical areas of the earth's surface:
- continent Antarctica;
- northern borders of Eurasia;
- northern part Latin America;
- islands of the Arctic Ocean;
- Greenland;
- Baffin Island;
- New Earth;
- Taimyr Peninsula;
- Spitsbergen.
It is also important that the surface of these geographical areas is usually covered with fragments of rocks, glaciers and snow.
What types of climate exist?
An important aspect is that in the Arctic and Antarctic zones there are the following types of climates:
- arctic;
- Antarctic;
- subarctic;
- subantarctic.
And although in general the above climates have a general severity of weather conditions, each of them still has its own distinctive characteristics, which we will discuss further.
Arctic climate
The features of this type of climate include the following important points:
- weather conditions are unfavorable for human habitation;
- average temperature air in winter ranges from -35 to -550C;
Interesting fact! The lowest temperature recorded in arctic climate, amounted to -680C!
- V summer period the temperature can rise to 0..+50C;
- annual precipitation is 100–200 mm, this insignificance is due to the fact that constant cold prevents the evaporation of moisture;
- precipitation falls as snow or fine frozen particles of freezing fog.
The Arctic belt is usually divided into the following climatic zones:
- inner arctic, which is characterized by a long polar night;
- Siberian, which is the harshest of all coastal zones;
- Pacific, having intermediate level climate severity;
- The Atlantic is considered the warmest region of the Arctic climate zone.
Antarctic climate
- much colder Arctic zone due to the fact that the surface of the continent consists of heights located over a large area;
- the average annual air temperature ranges from -30 to -700C;
Interesting fact! A record low temperature was recorded at the Vostok station, which was -890C!
- the movement of cold air masses contributes to the appearance of a frosty wind, the force of which can easily knock a person off his feet.
Subarctic climate
This climate has the following features:
- located in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth between the temperate and arctic climatic zones;
- in winter the air masses of the arctic zone predominate, and in summer the air flow comes from the temperate zone;
- summer climate temperature is 0–100C, and winter temperature is from -30 to -450C;
- sum annual precipitation is 200–500 mm;
- poor moisture evaporation contributes to the fact that the earth's surface in this climate is constantly swamped.
Subantarctic climate
This climate has the following features:
- located between the temperate and Antarctic zones, which are located in the Southern Hemisphere;
- the total annual precipitation is 500 mm;
- The climatic zone of this species is mostly located above the surface of the ocean.
Special zones of the Arctic and Antarctic belts
The harsh characteristics of this climate zone contribute to the emergence special zones, in which weather conditions absolutely influence the course of all natural processes. Zones of this type include the following areas of the earth's surface:
- arctic desert;
- arctic tundra.
Arctic desert
Features of this type of Arctic climatic region are in the following important aspects:
- in most cases, they are located in the climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere;
- the air temperature, even in the warmest period of summer, does not rise above zero mark on the thermometer scale;
- depending on latitude polar night can last from 97 to 127 days;
- the average annual temperature ranges from -20 to -300C, but sometimes the temperature drops to -600C;
- the temperature regime contributes to fairly intense frost weathering of the soil;
- trees and shrubs do not grow in the Arctic desert;
- the flora is represented by an incredible number of species of mosses and lichens, and in some places you can find such herbaceous plants, like cinquefoil, saxifrage and forget-me-nots;
- since the plant world icy desert is presented very sparingly, then accordingly there is a small number of representatives of the animal world, which include the lemming, the arctic fox, arctic wolf and deer of the Novaya Zemlya breed.
arctic tundra
This area of the Arctic and Antarctic climate zones is distinguished by the following features:
- maximum temperature himself warm period year is 50C;
- from flora The most common cover is moss and lichen, and along the watershed lines you can sometimes find thickets of tundra shrubs;
- There are few representatives of the fauna here, but in the summer quite a lot of birds appear here.
temperate zone
The temperate zone is a zone characterized by a temperate climate and other characteristic features. However, the main factor when dividing into zones is still climate. Climate is a factor that has a decisive influence on all living and inanimate nature on the planet. Directly dependent on it are vegetation, water bodies, fauna, soil cover.
Climatic conditions are formed due to the influence of the following factors:
- features of the underlying surface
- quantity solar radiation
- atmospheric circulation intensity
The temperature regime in a certain climate zone depends on two factors:
- Geographic latitude of the area (determining the angle of incidence on the Earth’s surface sun rays)
- Proximity of the ocean
- Sea currents
- Relief features
- Character of the prevailing winds
To determine more accurate climate characteristics, various indices, coefficients, and factors are used. Among them are continentality, humidification, and aridity.
Temperate zone
According to accepted characteristics, the temperate zone can be divided into three main types according to territoriality:
- temperate climate east coasts
- temperate climate of the western coasts
- continental temperate climate.
There are many cyclones in this climate zone, causing the weather to change dramatically and produce either snow or rain. In addition, winds blow here from the west, which bring precipitation all year round. Summers in this zone are quite warm (up to +25°-28°C), winters are cold (from +5°C to -50°C). The average annual precipitation is from 1000-3000 millimeters, and in central parts continents - no more than 100 millimeters.
Temperate latitudes
A temperate climate is forming in the Northern Hemisphere. More than half of the area in the Northern Hemisphere is occupied by land, and in the Southern Hemisphere almost 98% of the area is covered by seas. The belt is located between 40-45° and 62-68° N latitude. ( Northern Hemisphere) and 42° and 58° S in the Southern Hemisphere. The climate in this zone is characterized by strong and frequent changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind direction. This happens due to the high intensity of cyclones.
In general, this belt is climate zone, in which HC - moderate air masses - dominate throughout the year. During the summer months, TV intrusion is possible - tropical winds. This belt is also characterized by relatively low atmospheric pressure, intense frontal and cyclonic activity, and large seasonal temperature differences. IN winter period There is instability in weather and climate factors.
Climatic regions of the temperate zone - winds, precipitation
- On the coasts on the eastern side of the continents there are areas of monsoon climate. It is characterized by the following seasonal changes in air masses - warm and humid summer monsoons, dry and very cold winter monsoons. In summer there is 15-20 times more precipitation than in winter. Canadian and Asian high pressure centers have a significant influence.
- A sharply continental climate is observed in the interior regions North America and Eurasia. These areas are isolated from seas and oceans, winters are cold, summer months are usually hot. The weather type is anticyclonic.
- On western coasts The maritime temperate climate predominates. It is formed under the influence of the monsoon, which forms over warm sea and ocean currents. Summers in this area are usually not hot, there is a lot of precipitation, winters are warm with a large number falling snow.
- The moderate continental climate is characterized by alternating air masses; continental winds predominate. Cold winter, warm summer. The invasion of tropical winds causes warming, the amount of precipitation is average, but in summer there is usually more than in winter.
- The continental climate region is found exclusively in the northern hemisphere. Continental winds blow throughout the year. It is warmer in the southern part of the region, cooler in the northern part. The area is characterized a small amount precipitation. There is permafrost that is maintained stably low temperatures and a little snow.
Temperate climate on western coasts
On the coasts of continents, the temperate climate has pronounced features of a marine climate. Marine air masses prevail throughout the year. This climate is observed on the Pacific coast and the Atlantic coast in Europe. The natural boundary that separates inland areas from the coast with a maritime climate is the Cordillera mountains. Almost the entire European coast (with the exception of Scandinavia) is completely open to the influx of temperate sea air.
Sea air is constantly transported, this process is accompanied by high clouds. Unlike the continental regions of Eurasia, this region experiences long springs. On the western coasts in this belt warm winters. The main factor influencing the climate in this area is the warm shores washing sea currents. The average January temperature is above zero, it varies (from north to south) from 0 to +6 degrees Celsius. At the same time, in Scandinavia, subject to the invasion of Arctic winds, the temperature can drop to -25 degrees. During incursions of tropical winds.
In the summer in Scandinavian countries (western part of the coast) the temperature rises sharply. Compared to mid-latitudes, the difference can be up to twenty degrees. On the Atlantic coast, the temperature anomaly is not so pronounced - it is approximately 12 degrees. The average July temperature is 16 degrees Celsius. During the daytime, even at the most warm days the temperature almost never rises above 30 degrees.
Since this zone is characterized by frequent cyclones, the weather is usually rainy and cloudy, most days are not sunny. The number of cloudy days is especially high on the western side of the North American coast. The cordilleras block the path of cyclones, and they are forced to slow down.
The average annual precipitation on mountain slopes is 2000-6000 millimeters, in other areas - 600-1000 millimeters.
Temperate climate on eastern coasts
On eastern coasts continents in winter, air flows from the north-west predominate, in summer - air masses from the south-east. The climate has monsoon properties.
IN winter time on the coast there is clear, but windy weather. At the same time, in southern regions there is very little precipitation, and Kamchatka and Sakhalin are periodically affected by powerful cyclones. It is cyclones that play a decisive role in the formation of thick snow covers in these areas, the thickness of which in some areas can reach two meters.
The eastern North American coast is characterized by a climate with monkfish. This is expressed in the fact that winter precipitation predominates. What rocks temperature regime, then in these areas the maximum temperature is observed in August (when the ocean water temperature reaches its maximum), and the minimum in February.
Anticyclones in these areas have different features. Asian, unlike Canadian, is quite stable. The Canadian anticyclone forms at a great distance from the coast and can be interrupted many times by various cyclones.
The average temperature in summer is 14-18 degrees Celsius, that is, summer in these areas is quite warm. The North American coast is also characterized by very snowy winters - the snow thickness can reach two and a half meters. These areas are characterized by frequent icy conditions, which are caused by the influence of the southern wind.
Temperate continental climate
Eurasia is the part of the planet where the temperate continental climate is most pronounced. A special feature of the climate in these areas is the impressive temperature range. It can reach 55-60 degrees. The land surface quickly cools quickly and intensely, this phenomenon is called radiation cooling. It can be so significant that the lower layers of continental air become colder than air Arctic.
For formation of this type climate great influence provide geographical features continent. Europe, for example, unlike North America, is completely open, and air masses moving from the Atlantic freely penetrate long distances inland.
The average July temperature in continental Eurasia is 19-22 degrees. In drier areas the temperature is slightly higher - 25-28 degrees Celsius. But the amount of precipitation in different areas varies significantly. So, on susceptible strong winds On the slopes of the Alps, 2000 millimeters of precipitation falls annually, and on the flat parts of the continents - only 300-800 millimeters.
In areas with a temperate continental climate most territories are occupied by mountains. The largest of them are the Cordillera, Sayan Mountains, Altai, Rocky Mountains, Carpathians and Alps.
tropics and subtropics
Tropical and subtropical zones are the richest natural zones in the diversity of flora and fauna. The tropical zone is one of the main climatic zones of the planet, and the subtropical zone is one of the transitional ones. They are characterized by a rather hot climate, as they are located near the equator. The formation of the tropics and subtropics occurs under constant increased atmospheric pressure, which leads to the establishment of low clouds and the hottest temperatures compared to other zones.
Climate
Tropical zone
The tropical zone, according to its climate, divides its natural zones into dry and wet. A distinctive feature of both subzones is considered to be constant strong dry trade winds blowing along the equator.
The dry tropics have a fairly hot, dry climate. The average temperature of the warmest months reaches +30 - +35 degrees, and the coldest months never drop below +10 degrees. High atmospheric pressure has led to the fact that the territory of this natural zone is extremely low clouds, there is little precipitation, up to 200 mm per year.
Humid areas of the tropics are characterized by large volumes of precipitation, reaching up to 7000 mm per year. The climate there is as hot as in dry ones.
Subtropical zone
The subtropical zone is located immediately after the tropical one. Scientists divide this zone, depending on the amount of precipitation, into wet and semi-wet. Average summer temperature subtropical zone reaches 20-25 degrees Celsius, and in winter - not lower than 5 degrees Celsius.
Natural zones of the subtropical zone are found on many continents of our planet. This led to a large number of climate types in this natural zone. Perhaps it is the subtropical zone that can boast of the diversity of these conditions. According to the type of climate, the described zone is divided:
- Mediterranean climate with typical winter abundant moisture;
- Continental climate with rather poor hydration;
- Monsoon climate with plenty of moisture in summer
Natural areas
Tropical zone
The tropical zone is usually divided into the following natural zones, starting from east to west:
- Wet zone tropical forests;
- Woodland zone;
- Zone of dry forests and hot savannas;
- Zone tropical semi-deserts and deserts.
As a rule, all zones are sparsely populated by humans, with the exception of some areas of the eastern sites.
Subtropical zone
The tropical zones are more diverse, since their individual sections are found on each continent. On the western part of the oceanic coast they are located in the following order:
- Hard-leaved forests;
- Subtropical steppes;
- Subtropical semi-deserts and deserts;
The Southern Hemisphere “hides” zones deep on the continent:
- Subtropical steppes;
- To the east are deciduous forests of the subtropics;
- In high areas there are subtropical evergreen forests.
Flora
Tropical zone
The tropical zone, due to its favorable location, boasts a rich flora. It is in this natural zone that more than 75% of all flora existing on Earth grow.
swampy forests
In the swamps of the tropical forest, the soil is severely depleted of oxygen, which is why the species composition of plants here is poor. All representatives of the flora have an external root system, allowing you to receive enough oxygen. Typically, this type of rain forest occurs in swampy lowlands and is characterized by low species diversity.
Mangroves
Mangrove forests grow in coastal areas or in temperate areas, prerequisite everyone has access to warm currents. Here you can see, as if in levels, plants:
- Rhizophores;
- Avicennia;
- Brughieres and conocarpus;
- Ceriops;
- Aegitseras;
- On the border with the forest there are nipa palms.
Tree crowns mangrove forest They are located very tightly, so light practically does not pass through them to the lower tiers. Almost the entire forest floor is occupied by stilted roots, making progress difficult.
Mountain forests
Such forests grow at an altitude of more than a kilometer. Due to heavy rainfall, the fog condenses quite heavily here. The forest is formed by two poorly formed tiers:
- The top one is woody. Represented by tree ferns, magnolias, camellias, giant evergreen oaks, and rhododendrons.
- The lower tier is grassy. It is represented by mosses and lichens, ferns, undergrowth of trees and herbs.
- There is also extra-tiered vegetation: lianas and epiphytic mosses.
Seasonal forests
Seasonal forests receive less rainfall in certain months. Based on the leaves they shed during drought, forests are divided into:
- Evergreen forests (eg eucalyptus);
- Semi-evergreen (the upper tier sheds its leaves, but the lower one does not);
- Sparse ones are represented by one type.
By location in climate zone:
- Monsoon: laurel, sugar cane, annual grasses, lianas and epiphytes;
- Savannah: palms, bottle trees, cacti, milkweeds and grasses;
- Prickly xerophilous: legumes (acacia and mimosa), thin vines and herbaceous grasses;
Subtropical zone
Hardleaf forests are located in Mediterranean climate, usually presented:
- On upper tier: oak, olive tree, cedar and black pine;
- On the second: strawberry tree, boxwood and phyllyria;
- On the bottom: grasses and mosses.
Monsoon mixed forest is formed by evergreen oak (and other representatives of beech trees), magnolias, pines, laurels, fir, camellias, palms and vines. Closer to the equator, the species composition is significantly depleted.
Evergreens (hemigilea) differ from their tropical neighbors in a smaller diversity of species. The flora is represented by tree ferns, evergreen oaks, camellias and camphor laurel. Among the grassy areas there are thickets of bamboo.
Animal world
Tropical zone
By number of living animal species tropical forests superior to almost all other natural areas. Animals here usually live in the canopies tall trees. Among the mammals of the tropical zone there are: Flying squirrels, Hippopotamuses, Elephants, Rhinoceroses, Palm squirrels, Many species of monkeys (spider monkey, howler monkey, marmosets), Sloths, Tapir, Tree porcupines,
Spike-tailed squirrels, Leopards, Tiger, Hedgehogs, Okapi, Lemur loris.
Amphibians include a huge variety of frogs (colorful steeplejacks), peep toads, caecilians and tree frogs.
Subtropical zone
The fauna of the subtropical zone is represented by species of the tropics and temperate zone. To the previous animals are added: mouflon, red deer, fallow deer, ferret, fox, jackal, otter, chaffinch, goldfinch and blackbird.
Subtropical and tropical zone They are distinguished by a rich flora and fauna and have a comfortable warm climate.
equatorial belt
It is also worth noting that the equatorial and subequatorial climate zones are of greatest interest to the average person. So that the reader understands what the equatorial and subequatorial belts are, in this article we will talk in detail about the main features of these types of climate, and also indicate the main aspects of weather conditions in these natural areas.
Geographical location
The characteristics of the location of the equatorial belt are as follows: important features climatic conditions:
- is the central belt of our planet;
- received its name due to its location near the Earth's equator;
- covers the territory of the earth's surface between coordinates 5–7 0 north latitude and 4–10 south latitude. w.
Peculiarities geographical location subequatorial belts are in the following aspects:
- located on both sides of equatorial climate;
- distinguish between North and South subequatorial climates;
- The area of distribution of weather conditions of these climatic zones reaches, respectively, up to 20 0 southern latitudes s and 20 0 s. w.
Territories of the earth's surface covered by the equatorial belt
This climate zone is common in the following areas of the earth's surface:
- Part South America, which is located within the Amazonian lowland;
- equatorial part of Africa;
- Gulf of Guinea;
- most of the territory of the Greater Sunda Islands.
Regional location of subequatorial climate
The following areas of the earth's surface are subject to climatic zones of this type:
- northern South America;
- southern part North America;
- Australia;
- Pacific Islands;
- south Asia.
Climate
Equatorial climate
The climatic features of the equatorial belt consist of the following important aspects:
- summer is a single season of the year;
- the average temperature varies from 25 to 30 0 C;
- high humidity plentiful air promotes precipitation;
- annual precipitation averages 2000–3000 mm;
- winds are short-lived and weak;
- the main type of winds are tropical trade winds;
- consistently high temperatures.
Climatic conditions of subequatorial zones
The climate of these zones is notable for the following properties:
- air temperature ranges from 15 to 350C;
- air masses change seasonally, in other words, in winter - dry tropical air predominates, and in summer - humid wind;
- Cloudy weather conditions are quite common;
- The period of rains and thunderstorms can last up to 9 months.
Soil
Distinctive features of the soil of the equatorial belt
The features of the soil and topography of this climatic zone include the following important points:
- wide river valleys with inherent floodplains;
- river valleys in the mountains are usually narrow and deep;
- flat areas have lateral erosion;
- high probability of landslides;
- soils are of acid-ferrallite type;
- The humus content in the soil is no more than 3%.
Characteristics of soils in subequatorial belts
The main feature of soils in subequatorial climatic zones is that there is a full range of red-colored tropical soils, ranging from yellow-red to red brown-dry types.
Such an abundance of soil varieties can only indicate that quite vigorous vegetation flourishes in these climatic zones.
Flora
Flora of the equatorial belt
Unique climatic features The equatorial belt favorably contributes to the growth of evergreen forests, which have the following tiered structure:
- the upper tier is represented by trees that have a horizontal rhizome and an even trunk;
- in the middle tier, as a rule, there are liana plant species;
- lower tier presented as follows useful species trees like breadfruit, rubber and cocoa.
Vegetation of subequatorial belts
Savannas are a special zone of the plant world of subequatorial climatic zones. The diversity of vegetation in this region is facilitated by the rapid decomposition of organic matter in the soil.
Savannah vegetation includes the following species:
- trees with edible fruits (palm trees, coffee trees);
- tall trees are represented by baobabs and acacias;
- an abundance of different herbs is typical throughout the entire territory of the subequatorial climate.
Fauna
Fauna of the equatorial belt
The fauna of this climatic zone is characterized by a variety of animal species, among which the following can be noted:
- monkeys of many breeds;
- anteaters;
- sloths;
- bats;
- snakes and frogs;
- elephants;
- hippos;
- tapirs;
- rhinoceroses;
- leopards;
- jaguars;
- lions;
- great variety birds
Such richness of fauna can impress anyone.
Fauna of subequatorial belts
The lush vegetation of this climate zone contributes to the habitat of many animal species in this region. Among the representatives of the fauna of subequatorial climatic zones, the following animals can be distinguished:
- giraffes;
- elephants;
- hippos;
- okapi;
- buffalos;
- zebras;
- antelope;
- lions;
- cheetahs;
- jackals;
- hyenas;
- among the birds one can distinguish storks, ostriches and marabou;
- many species of lizards and small snakes;
- wet soil is a habitat for many invertebrates.
Living in such conditions
An important aspect of the climatic conditions of the equatorial and subequatorial belts is that they are absolutely unsuitable for human life, despite the rapid development of flora and fauna. This is primarily due to the following factors:
- constant high temperature;
- high level humidity;
- a humid and warm environment is the source of many infections that are dangerous to human health;
- the presence in these climatic conditions of many species of poisonous plants and animals, represented by snakes and insects.
As we see, the natural conditions of the equatorial and subequatorial belts do little to facilitate the living and functioning of people in this climate, and can significantly damage human health.
Thus, in this article we tried to describe in as much detail as possible all the climatic features of the equatorial and subequatorial zones. We hope that the information presented in the article will significantly expand the reader’s horizons in the field of climatic zones located on the earth’s surface.
- Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia.
General characteristics of the Earth's climate zones.
Climatic zones differ from each other:
- degree of heating by the sun;
- peculiarities of atmospheric circulation;
- seasonal changes in air masses.
Climatic zones differ significantly from each other, gradually changing from the equator to the poles. However, climate is influenced not only by the latitude of the Earth, but also by the terrain, proximity to the sea, and altitude.
In Russia and in most countries of the world, the classification of climate zones created by the famous Soviet climatologist is used B.P. Alisov in 1956.
According to this classification on globe There are four main climatic zones of the Earth and three transitional ones - with the prefix “sub” (Latin “under”):
- Equatorial (1 belt);
- Subequatorial (2 zones - 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 zones - subantarctic in the south, subarctic in the north);
- Polar (2 zones - Antarctic in the south, Arctic in the north);
Within these climatic zones, four types of Earth's climate are distinguished:
- Continental,
- Oceanic,
- The climate of the western shores,
- Climate eastern shores.
Let us consider in more detail the climate 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 climate zone is constant (+24-28°C). 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 Earth’s climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter by tropical ones. The amount of precipitation in summer is 1000-3000 mm. Average summer temperature is +30°C. In winter there is little precipitation, the average temperature is +14°C.
Subequatorial and equatorial belts. From left to right: savannah (Tanzania), wet forest(South America)
3. Tropical climate zone. In this type of climate, a distinction is made between continental tropical climate and oceanic tropical climate.
- mainland tropical climate – annual precipitation - 100-250 mm. The average summer temperature is +35-40°C, winter +10-15°C. Daily temperature fluctuations can reach 40 °C.
- oceanic tropical climate - annual precipitation – up to 50 mm. The average summer temperature is +20-27°C, winter +10-15°C.
Tropical zones 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 Earth’s climate. In summer, tropical air masses dominate, and in winter, air masses invade temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation. Subtropical climates are characterized by hot, dry summer(from +30 to +50°С) and relatively cold winter with precipitation, no stable snow cover is formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm.
- dry subtropical climate - observed within continents subtropical latitudes. Summer is hot (up to +50°C) and in winter frosts down to -20°C are possible. Annual precipitation is 120 mm or less.
- Mediterranean climate – observed in western parts continents. Summer is hot, without precipitation. Winter is cool and rainy. The annual precipitation is 450-600 mm.
- subtropical climate of the eastern coasts continents is monsoon. Winter, compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, is cold and dry, and summer is hot (+25°C) and humid (800 mm).
Subtropical zones of the Earth. From left to right: evergreen forest(Abkhazia), prairie (Nebraska), desert (Karakum).
5. Temperate climate zone. It is formed over areas of temperate latitudes - from 40-45° northern and southern latitudes to the polar circles. Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm to 3000 mm on the outskirts of the continent and up to 100 mm in the interior. Temperatures in summer range from +10°C to +25-28°C. In winter - from +4°С to -50°С. In this type of climate there are marine type climate, continental and monsoon.
- maritime temperate climate – annual precipitation - from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm. Summers are cool +15-20°C, winters are warm from +5°C.
- continental temperate climate – annual precipitation is about 400 mm. Summers are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with stable snow cover for many months.
- monsoon temperate climate - annual precipitation is about 560 mm. Winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C), summer is humid and rainy (-20-23°C).
Natural areas temperate zones Earth. From left to right: taiga (Sayan Mountains), broadleaf forest(Krasnoyarsk Territory), steppe (Stavropol region), desert (Gobi).
6.
Subpolar climate- consists of subarctic and subantarctic climatic zones. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so summers are cool (from +5 to +10°C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by Arctic and Antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach -50°C.
7.
Polar climate type - Arctic and Antarctic climate zones. Forms above 70° north and below 65° south latitudes. The air is very cool, the snow cover does not melt all year. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. As they settle, they provide a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature is not higher than 0°C, winter - -20-40°C.
Subpolar climate 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 Earth's climatic zones. Table.
Note: Dear visitors, hyphens in long words in the table are placed for the convenience of mobile users - otherwise the words will not be transferred and the table will not fit on the screen. Thanks for understanding!
Climate type |
Climate zone |
Average temperature, °C |
Atmospheric circulation |
Territory |
||
January |
July |
|||||
Equatorial |
Equatorial |
Within a year. 2000 |
Warm and humid equatorial air masses form in areas of low atmospheric pressure |
Equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania |
Climate type |
Climate zone |
Average temperature, °C |
Mode and quantity atmospheric precipitation, mm |
Atmospheric circulation |
Territory |
|
January |
July |
|||||
Tropical monsoon |
Subequatorial |
Mainly during the summer monsoon, 2000 |
South and Southeast Asia, Western and Central Africa, Northern Australia |
Climate type |
Climate zone |
Average temperature, °C |
Mode and amount of precipitation, mm |
Atmospheric circulation |
Territory |
|
January |
July |
|||||
Mediterranean |
Subtropical |
Mainly in winter, 500 |
In summer - anti-cyclones at high atmospheric pressure; in winter - cyclonic activity |
Mediterranean, South Bank Crimea, South Africa, Southwestern Australia, Western California |
Climate type |
Climate zone |
Average temperature, °C |
Mode and amount of precipitation, mm |
Atmospheric circulation |
Territory |
|
January |
July |
|||||
Arctic (Antarctic) |
Arctic (Antarctic) |
During the year, 100 |
Anticyclones predominate |
The waters of the Arctic Ocean and the continent of Antarctica |
Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia:
- Arctic: January t −24…-30, summer t +2…+5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.
- Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t +4…+12. Precipitation is 200-400 mm.
- Moderate continental: January t −4…-20, July t +12…+24. Precipitation 500-800 mm.
- Continental climate: January t −15…-25, July t +15…+26. Precipitation 200-600 mm.
Antarctic belt - the southernmost geographical zone Land that includes Antarctica and its adjacent islands and parts of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans with a border within 48-60° south latitude.
The Antarctic climate is characterized by a very harsh climate, with low air temperatures all year round, since the Earth's cold pole is located in the center of Antarctica. In winter the average temperature is between - 60 to –70 °C, characterized by a long polar night. In summer the average temperature ranges from – 30 to – 50 °C, above – 20 °C doesn't rise. The level of radiation is high, up to 30 kcal/cm² per month, but only 10% of the heat goes to heating the snow surface, the rest of the energy is reflected into space, so a negative radiation balance can be traced. Precipitation falls in the form of snow, its amount decreases from the coast to the center of the continent, respectively. from 500–700 to 30–50 mm . On the coast there are strong katabatic winds up to 12 m/s, frequent snow storms and fogs, and in central regions The weather on the mainland is mostly calm and clear.
The adjacent areas of the oceans are covered with ice. The area of ice cover varies from season to season, reaching a width of 500-2000 km in winter. The bottom surface is divided by vast basins. In summer, a narrow strip of sparse ice forms along the coast, and the surface layers of water are cold. Characteristic feature Antarctic waters are icebergs.
On land, the landscape of the zone predominates Antarctic deserts, the main part of the continent is covered with ice, only in the coastal areas are there Antarctic oases - exposed areas of land. Also areas not covered with ice mountain ranges and individual rocks - nunataks. Above 3000 m there is an area permafrost. In coastal oases there are mainly drainage and salt lakes, as well as lagoons surrounded by ice shelves, no rivers.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna of Antarctica are unique due to its long isolation. This explains the lack land mammals And freshwater fish. In summer, the rocks of the mainland heat up to a temperature just above 0 °C, and lichens, mosses, fungi, algae, and bacteria grow on them in places. Invertebrates found small sizes: rotifers, tardigrades and some species of wingless insects. Although Antarctic waters are cold, they are rich in fish and small crustaceans (krill). IN Antarctic zone seals, fur seals and whales live and nest on the coast seabirds, namely penguins, skuas, albatrosses. Grows on the islands tundra vegetation, there are many birds.
According to international agreements prohibited in Antarctica economic activity, only scientific. A wide range of research and observations are being carried out by scientists from different countries, especially on climate change in natural conditions without the influence of the human factor.
Related materials: