Where is the Antarctic belt located? Polar climate zones
Arctic belt - climate zone, which occupies the poles of the planet. It is characterized by extreme low temperatures and special natural phenomena: northern lights, polar nights and days, formation of hummocks and pack ice.
The Arctic belt occupies the largest area in Antarctica, spreading over the entire continent. In the north of the planet, it includes the northern parts of the Eurasian and North American continents, Baffin Island, Greenland, the Taimyr Peninsula, the archipelago New Earth, the island of Spitsbergen and other islands of the Arctic Ocean. It partially includes the northernmost waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Climate
These places are characterized constant climate. Low temperatures - main feature, distinguishing the Arctic zone. The temperature here in January and July is negative; the air almost never warms up even to zero. The meteorological indicators of this area are determined by cold air masses. Sun rays, falling onto the planet at an angle, do not warm up the permafrost.
Winters in Antarctica are especially harsh. At the Soviet Vostok station, a record low temperature of -89 °C was recorded here. So far, this figure remains a record.
There is very little precipitation at the planet's poles - less than 250 mm per year. The Arctic belt is occupied by Arctic and Antarctic deserts. They represent a multi-kilometer shell of glaciers.
Day and night
Most earthlings are accustomed to the fact that daylight hours last from half to a third of the day. Night and day for six months is a common phenomenon characteristic of the territories included in the Arctic zone. The temperature in January and July, the amplitude of which is about 50 o C, almost never rises above zero. Its indicators range from -10 to -60 o C, sometimes dropping to -70 and even lower. The tilt of the planet's axis causes this unique phenomenon, characteristic exclusively of the poles. That is why the six-month day and night are called polar.
Ice
The Arctic belt is devoid of flashy luxury. His beauty is stern and restrained, but isn’t this where real greatness lies? Researchers of the Arctic and Antarctic write about these places, not skimping on expressions in superlatives. Vast icy deserts, sparkling masses of icebergs, drifting hummocks and treacherous pack ice - all this evokes both fear and admiration.
Ice forms the relief of Antarctica, the southern continent. They also cover most North Pole. The Arctic, sung by Rozhdestvensky in the most touching terms, is occupied by powerful glaciers. Most of the Arctic Ocean consists of ice. Their seasonal melting is typical only for the southern latitudes of the belt, bordering the Eurasian continent. Summer in these latitudes is short, but it still exists. At this time, coastal continental ice begins to melt, losing up to 10% of its volume. With the onset of winter, everything returns to normal.
Flora and fauna
How monumental nature is arctic belt, so majestic are its inhabitants. The top food chain is a dangerous predator - polar bear. He even wanders into human settlements and is often seen, for example, by residents of Spitsbergen and Novaya Zemlya. The true king of the Arctic, he has none natural enemy, except for a person. Today this animal is under protection; ecologists monitor the population size.
In these parts there are huge whales, walruses, narwhals. Coastal zones are the favorite habitat of seals.
There are more modest inhabitants in the polar zone. For example, lemmings are agile rodents that are not afraid of low temperatures. In some areas there are huge herds of deer. The most dangerous predators After the polar bear, wolves and polar foxes are considered - arctic foxes.
The Arctic belt cannot boast of a huge variety of flora. But even flowers grow here! Polar poppy and saxifrage are found in southern latitudes belts And somewhere in mountainous area you can even find edelweiss.
The greatest importance belongs to lichens and mosses; they cover areas not occupied by glaciers.
Oxygen-saturated air is another feature that characterizes the Arctic zone. Temperatures in summer and winter in the southern border region are rarely above zero, but the air is wonderful and pure water are the best factors development of the inhabitants of the water kingdom. Found in Arctic waters great amount valuable fish.
October 15, 2015The Arctic is one of the coldest and most lifeless areas on Earth. Includes part of Eurasia. Geographical position The Arctic belt is limited to the 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 Quiet and Atlantic Oceans. In total, the Arctic occupies more than 27 million sq. km.
Climate zone
The meteorological indicators of this area are determined by cold northern air masses. The Arctic climate zone 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 heated 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. A small amount of 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. Average level precipitation does not exceed 200 mm per year.
Closer to the European part of the continent it predominates subarctic belt. Its main distribution area is considered to be Eastern Siberia. Here the climate is less harsh and suitable for life. Temperatures often rise to +12 degrees. Annual quantity precipitation is twice as much - up to 450 mm.
Arctic belt: characteristics
First of all, this climate zone is determined minimum temperatures. Often the readings reach -70 degrees. The Yamal and Taimyr peninsulas are considered the most unsuitable for life. Here average temperature in winter it is about -55 degrees. It is a little warmer in the area of Spitsbergen and Wrangel Island.
At the North Pole, temperatures vary between -43 degrees. In the summer, temperatures can rise to -10 0 C. Much more favorable weather is observed on the islands of Golomyanny, Vize, Hayes and Hooker. There, the thermometer rises to 0 in the summer. At Cape Chelyuskin, the average annual indicators fluctuate within -14 0 C. The Arctic zone warms up to positive temperatures only in southern regions at the end summer period. In August, temperatures can reach +10 degrees. However, this temperature does not last more than two weeks.
The Arctic belt is covered with powerful ice masses. Their area is more than 2 million sq. km. During the ultra-short summer, about 8% melts ocean ice. However, with the onset climatic winter the surface of the water freezes again.
Video on the topic
Features of the ice cover
The northern regions of the Arctic waters freeze several meters deep. First-year ice is characterized by a thickness of 1.5 m. With the onset of summer, it almost completely melts. Closer to October, an ice crust begins to form on the surface of the water again.
Perennial masses are much thicker - up to 4 meters. As ice moves, hummocks form. Their thickness often reaches 15 meters. As a result of the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, ice masses break off, forming icebergs. Their depth (underwater) can vary up to hundreds of meters. Arctic ice plays vital role in the global climate system. They reflect the sun, preventing the Earth from warming up to critical maximums. They are also of decisive importance in the circulation of ocean currents.
Arctic desert
Mainly located at the North Pole. Characterized by sparse vegetation and minimal temperatures. Almost the entire surface is covered with ice and snow. This area includes the northern regions of the Canadian archipelago and Greenland.
The Arctic zone has always been characterized by unsuitable climatic conditions. However, the icy desert is the harshest part of the North Pole. Even lichens and mosses can rarely be found here. In the southern regions of the desert there are small oases of buttercups and polar poppies.
The climate here is not conducive to the development of fauna and flora. Temperatures stay below zero for most of the year. The highest levels are observed at the end of summer - 2 - - 4 0 C. Precipitation is a rare phenomenon.
Nature of the Arctic belt
Vegetable world mainly represented by dwarf shrubs and mosses. IN southern regions You can find tall grass and even cereals. There is no talk about the diversity of flora. Of the flowering plants, only polar poppy, sedge and saxifrage stand out.
The Arctic belt is not rich in wildlife either. The dominant inhabitants, the top of the food chain, are considered to be polar bears. In the southern Arctic you can find deer, musk oxen, bighorn sheep, lemmings and arctic hare. The most dangerous predators are wolves and arctic foxes. The most common species of mammals in the Arctic are rodents.
Birds arrive only in summer. They nest most often in the tundra.
The Arctic waters are home to walruses, seals, narwhals and baleen whales.
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. Natural areas polar belt 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. during a year.
The natural zones of the Arctic zone are characterized by a unique phenomenon - day and night lasting 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.
The 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 great importance in the circulation of ocean currents.
Vegetable world
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.
Territories not covered by glaciers belong to mosses and lichens - the only plants capable of growing in such harsh conditions.
Animal world
The polar bear is the absolute owner 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 polar zones you can meet lemmings - rodents that have adapted to life in harsh conditions 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?
TO natural areas The polar poles 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.
Equatorial belt. Equatorial air masses(EV) all year, low pressure zone. Climatic regions within the belt are not expressed. Temperatures are high all year round, there is excessive moisture, and there is a lot of precipitation. Seasonal fluctuations in average monthly temperatures, pressure and precipitation are insignificant, winds are weak. Weather: before noon - hot sunny, after noon - heavy rains.
Subequatorial belts. Seasonal change air masses: in summer - equatorial (EV), in winter - tropical (TV). In summer, climatic and weather the same as in equatorial belt, in winter - as in a tropical, desert climate region (kTV). Winter is slightly cooler than summer, but is dry.
Tropical zones. Tropical air masses all year round (TA), predominance of continental tropical air (CTA). The pressure is high, the temperature is high, but in winter it is slightly lower than in summer. Significant annual and daily amplitude of temperature fluctuations. There is almost no precipitation, negligible humidity, strong hot dry winds and dust storms. So dry hot climate called arid, and those parts tropical zones, in which such climatic conditions are typical - areas of tropical, desert climate. The weather is clear, sunny, dry.
On eastern coasts continents washed by warm currents, the climatic conditions are different, the climatic region is different. Such areas are called wet areas tropical climate. Tropical sea air (MTA) dominates here, there is a lot of precipitation, especially in summer, and there is excessive moisture. Monsoons are typical. The weather is similar to equatorial.
Subtropical zones. Seasonal change of air masses: tropical (TV) in summer, moderate (HC or MF) in winter. The pressure is high in summer and relatively low in winter. Significant seasonal differences in temperature and precipitation, but temperatures are positive throughout almost the entire year. Although short-term decreases to negative values and even snowfall. On the plains it melts quickly; in the mountains it can persist for several months. In summer, trade winds predominate, in winter - westerly winds.
Within the subtropical zones there are four climatic regions in accordance with changes in the properties of air masses when moving from the oceans to the interior of the continents.
Region Mediterranean climate - on the western and southern coasts of the continents of the northern hemisphere. In summer, continental tropical air masses (CTA) dominate, in winter - marine and continental temperate air masses (mW and MW). Relatively hot and dry summer, mild and wet winter. Continental area subtropical climate- continental tropical air (CTA) predominates in summer, moderate continental air (TCA) predominates in winter; hot and dry summers, cool, relatively wet winters with unstable frontal weather. Humidification is generally insufficient.
Monsoon subtropical climate region- on the eastern coasts of the continents. The summer monsoon (mTW) produces heat and humidity, while the winter monsoon (WM) produces comparative coolness and relative dryness. There is sufficient moisture, the total amount of precipitation is about 1000 mm, falling mainly in winter.
Marine subtropical climate region- on the southern and eastern coasts of continents southern hemisphere. Marine air masses predominate in winter and summer, so summers are cooler and winters warmer than in other areas subtropical zone. Humidification is high and uniform throughout the year.
Temperate zones. Moderate air masses (AM) dominate throughout the year, but invasions of air masses (especially in summer) and air masses (usually in winter) are possible. Large seasonal differences in temperature: summers are warm, sometimes hot, winters are cold, frosty, and long. Atmosphere pressure during the year, relatively low, intense cyclonic and frontal activity, causing instability of climatic and weather conditions, especially in winter. There are westerly winds throughout the year, with north-easterly winds often blowing in winter and trade winds sometimes blowing in summer. In winter, many areas of the belt experience long-lasting and stable snow cover. Within the temperate zone, the properties of air masses change from west to east, especially in the northern hemisphere, therefore, within temperate zone There are five climatic regions:
Marine area temperate climate - on western coasts continents, is formed under the influence of hydrocarbons formed over warm currents and brought by the dominant westerly winds. Cool summers, mild winters, a lot of precipitation, especially heavy snowfalls in winter. Precipitation is frontal and orographic, there is excessive moisture, and the weather is very unstable.
Region is moderate continental climate - MSW and SWW replace each other, although the latter predominates, summers are warm, winters are cold, AW intrusions cause significant cooling, TW - climate warming. Precipitation is average, with more precipitation in summer than in winter. Frontal and cyclonic precipitation predominate.
Only in the northern hemisphere. Throughout the year - KUV, invasions of KAV are not uncommon, including in summer. Summers in the north are cool, in the south they are warm, sometimes hot, and winters are frosty. The annual amount of precipitation is insignificant; in summer it falls somewhat more. Low winter soil temperatures and small amounts of snow support the existence of permafrost.
Region of sharply continental climate- in the interior regions of Eurasia and North America, completely isolated from the seas and oceans and under the influence of centers high pressure. Winters are very frosty, summers are sometimes hot, everywhere - permafrost. The amount of precipitation is insignificant, the humidity is insufficient, and the winds are weak. Anticyclonic weather type.
Region monsoon climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents. Seasonal change of air masses: summer monsoon (suM) - warm and humid, winter monsoon (wM) - very cold and dry; influence of Asian and Canadian high atmospheric pressure centers. The amount of summer precipitation is 10 - 20 times greater than winter; excessive moisture.
Subarctic and subantarctic belts. In summer - moderate (HC), and in winter - Arctic and Antarctic air masses (AM). Large seasonal fluctuations in air temperature, continuous distribution permafrost. In summer - westerly winds, in winter - northeast or southeast. Two climate regions:
Continental climate region- northern Eurasia and North America. Cool, damp summers, harsh, long winters with little snow, little precipitation, excessive moisture, large swamps.
Marine (oceanic) climate region- in northern Europe, around Antarctica. Cool summer, relatively mild winter, quite a lot of precipitation (up to 500 mm), constant fog.
Arctic and Antarctic belts. AB throughout the year, very cold winter and summer, little precipitation, strong winds(in the north - northeast, in the south - southeast). Two climate regions:
Continental Antarctic (Arctic) climate region- in Antarctica, Greenland and the islands of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. The temperatures are below freezing all year round and there is little precipitation (less than 100 mm).
Region oceanic climate - in the Arctic, temperatures are negative, but during polar day reach +5 °C, there is little precipitation, but cyclones are frequent.
Arctic belt
Arctic belt
northernmost geographical zone on the ground. Includes most of the Arctic, covers a significant part of the Northern waters. The Arctic Ocean, almost all of its islands and partly the coastal regions of Eurasia and the North. America. The boundary is usually drawn along the 5 °C isotherm of the warmest month (July).
Severe arctic climate. In winter, the polar night continues for several months, during which snow and ice are greatly cooled as a result of radiation. In summer, especially on a polar day, it is very large influx solar radiation , however, it is largely reflected and goes back into space. At the same time, the Arctic climate is noticeably warmer than the climate Antarctica : Wed January temperatures from –30 to –40 °C, avg. July temperatures, as a rule, never drop below 0 °C anywhere. Even in the North. frosts not lower than –52 °C were observed at the pole; Max. down to –6 °C. The only exception is the Greenland Ice Sheet, in the center. parts of which last all year round negative temperature (down to –70 °C and below). The warming influence of ocean waters is felt, especially warm currents coming from the Atlantic. Prevails high blood pressure overcast, fogs; In winter - snowstorms, in summer - drizzling rains.
In the wetter Atlantic sector of the zone (Ellesmere Island, Greenland, Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, partially Severnaya Zemlya) there are extensive ice sheets with a total area of \u200b\u200b. St. 2 million km². The landscapes of icy deserts dominate here. The soils are practically undeveloped. The vegetation is sparse, represented by lichens, including scale mosses, leafy mosses, liverworts and rare herbs: polar poppies, buttercups, saxifrage, and cereals. Animal world poor, characterized by polar bears, arctic foxes, and lemmings. In summer, bird colonies are common on the rocks: colonies of guillemots, guillemots, and auks nesting together.
Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Edited by prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .
See what the “Arctic belt” is in other dictionaries:
Natural belt Land that includes most of the Arctic. On land, the Arctic belt includes the zone arctic deserts. The seas are stable ice cover. The boundary of the Arctic belt is usually drawn along isotherm 5. From the very warm month… …
arctic belt- The northernmost geographical zone of the Earth, including most of the Arctic (its border is drawn along the +5°C isotherm of the warmest month) ... Dictionary of Geography
The natural belt of the Earth, including most of the Arctic. On land, the Arctic belt includes a zone of Arctic deserts. The seas are characterized by stable ice cover. The boundary of the Arctic belt is usually drawn along the 5ºC isotherm of the warmest month... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
The northern geographical zone of the Earth, including the large (northern) part of the Arctic (See Arctic). The boundary of the AP is usually drawn along the 5°C isotherm of the warmest month. Characterized by negative or low positive values… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia
The natural belt of the Earth, including b. Part of the Arctic. On land, the Arctic region includes the Arctic zone. deserts. The seas are characterized by stable ice cover. The boundary of the AP is usually drawn along the 5 °C isotherm of the warmest month (July or August) ... Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary
- ... Wikipedia
Noun, m., used. often Morphology: (no) what? belts, what? belt, (see) what? belt, what? belt, what about? about the belt; pl. What? belt, (no) what? belts, what? belts, (I see) what? belts, what? belts, about what? about belts 1. A belt is an item of clothing for... ... Dictionary Dmitrieva
The northernmost geographical zone of the Earth, including most of the Arctic. The border of the Arctic zone is drawn along the 5°C isotherm of the warmest month (July or August). Characterized by negative (over Greenland) or low positive... ... Ecological dictionary
- (a. Arctic geosynclinal belt; n. arktischer Geosynklinalgürtel, arktisches Ceosynklinalgebiet; f. zone geosynclinale arctique; i. cinturon geosinclinal artico) movable belt earth's crust, encircling the northern depression from the south. Arctic approx.... ... Geological encyclopedia
Surrounds the Northern depression. Arctic approx. Includes Paleozoic and Mesozoic folded structures of the North. Greenland, Canada, northeast Russian Federation … Big Encyclopedic Dictionary