Geographical location of subequatorial forests. Subequatorial belt: features and differences, flora and fauna
According to the Alisov classification, where the tropical monsoon regime prevails, widespread in some parts of the tropical oceans, in particular in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, as well as over South Asia and in the tropics of Africa and South America. The intertropical convergence zone, together with the equatorial depression, moves through these areas twice a year - from south to north and from north to south. Therefore, in these areas, the eastern (trade wind) transport prevails in winter, changing to a western transport in summer.
Along with a more or less sharp seasonal change in the prevailing air currents, there is also a change from tropical air to equatorial air from winter to summer.
Temperature
The air temperature in the tropical monsoons over the ocean is as high and has the same small annual amplitude as in the equatorial climate. Over land, the annual temperature amplitude is greater and increases with geographic latitude. This is especially noticeable in southern Asia, where the tropical monsoon circulation extends most far into the mainland to the north.
In Cuiaba, the average temperature in October is +28˚. It decreases slightly with the onset of the summer monsoon, which brings sea air, to +27˚ in January. In winter, in June, it decreases to +24˚. The annual amplitude is thus small - only about 4˚.
Precipitation
Precipitation in tropical monsoon climates is very unevenly distributed. In some places they are as large as in an equatorial climate. But with latitude they usually decrease, especially on the plain inland. In Africa, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, for example, in Conakry, they almost reach 5,000 mm.
The sharply expressed annual variation of precipitation in the tropical monsoon zone is remarkable. The same is found in this zone and on other continents. In Conakry, 15 mm falls in December–March, and 3,920 mm in June–September. In Goiânia, with an annual amount of 1,750 mm, 90 mm falls in winter (from May to September), and 1,390 mm in summer (from November to March).
Characteristic
Absolute and relative air humidity (maximum in summer) and cloudiness (sharp maximum in summer and sharp minimum in winter) also change sharply over the seasons; for example, in Kolkata the cloud cover is 84% in July and 8% in January. We can say that during the summer monsoon, the conditions of the equatorial zone extend towards high latitudes, and during the winter monsoon, the conditions of the subtropical high pressure zone extend towards low latitudes.
One area of the tropical monsoon zone experiences the highest average annual temperatures on the globe. The southwestern shores of the Red Sea in Eritrea sometimes receive the summer monsoon from the southern hemisphere, crossing the Ethiopian Highlands. At the same time, its temperature further increases as a result of the foehn process. Therefore, very high air temperatures are observed on the coast of Eritrea.
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In geography, there are seven main climatic zones, one of which is subequatorial. In fact, this is a transitional link between the equatorial climate zone and the tropical one. The proximity to these belts influenced the characteristics of the natural zones of the subequatorial belt.
Features of the subequatorial belt
Since the subequatorial belt is transitional, different air masses reign here: equatorial in summer, and tropical in winter. As a result, summer is a season of heavy rainfall, while in winter the weather is always dry and moderately warm.
Proximity to the equator affects the amount of annual precipitation: the closer you are, the more it becomes. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of precipitation is in the form of heavy rains in the summer. For nine months there may be continuous rain and thunderstorms, but as you move away from the equatorial line, the period of rainy weather is reduced to three months.
On the territory of the subequatorial belt there are many lakes and rivers that dry up in winter and overflow their banks with the onset of summer.
The territories located on the border with the equator are occupied by the forest subequatorial natural zone. They are followed by monsoon forests. And low-moisture areas are occupied by savannah and open forest.
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Description of natural areas
- Savannas and woodlands
Savannas are vast flat areas in which trees occur in small groups. Open spaces are covered with forbs and grasses.
Rice. 1. The nature of savannas.
This natural zone is characterized by hot weather, with drier, tropical air in winter, and humid equatorial masses predominate in summer. The predominant soil type is red-brown soil.
In savannas, the temperature difference between seasons is not significant, but the daily temperature difference is quite large, and can reach 20-25 degrees Celsius.
The flora and fauna of savannas is very diverse, and here you can meet such rare and unusual animals as armadillos and anteaters. The savannas are home to zebras, antelopes, elephants, giraffes and a wide variety of predators.
Rice. 2. The anteater is an unusual representative of the savannas.
- Natural zone of variable-humid (monsoon) forests
The main feature of this natural zone is a clear division of the climate into two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Local vegetation has adapted to the peculiarities of climatic conditions and is represented, for the most part, by broad-leaved deciduous trees. With the onset of drought, the foliage turns yellow and falls off, but with the onset of the rainy season, the lush greenery is fully restored.
The zone of variable-humid forests is home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and insects, some of which are listed in the Red Book.
- Permanently wet subequatorial forests
They are located on the border with the equator, and therefore their climate, soil, flora and fauna are practically no different from the humid equatorial forests. A characteristic feature of this zone is very high humidity and air temperature, which remain stable throughout the year.
Permanently wet forests are incredibly dense, impenetrable jungles that contain a huge variety of plant and animal species.
Rice. 3. Impenetrable jungle of permanently humid forests.
Even now, rainforests have not been fully explored, and many of their corners are untouched by humans. It is very important to prevent their destruction, since these forests have a huge impact on regulating the climate on the planet.
What have we learned?
Natural complexes of the subequatorial belt largely depend on the degree of their distance from the equator. On its border there are constantly wet forests, followed by monsoon or variable wet forests, which give way to savannas and open forests
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There are various climatic zones on Earth, each of which is accompanied not only by a certain temperature regime, but also by completely different representatives of flora and fauna, original relief and many other features. Studying them allows us to better understand the diverse nature of the planet. For example, the subequatorial belt. What characterizes him?
Key Features
There are two subequatorial belts on the planet, one in each hemisphere. They cover the area between 20 and 30 degrees. In the World Ocean, the subequatorial belt coincides with the boundary of the Trade Wind Currents. Its climate is characterized by monsoons and changes according to the seasons. In summer, the area is blown by a humid wind, in winter - dry and tropical. cold season ranges from 15 to 32 degrees, accompanied by frost and snowfall only in high mountain areas. The ocean water in this zone always has a temperature of plus 25. Combined with high salinity, this leads to fairly low biodiversity in the basin.
Territorial differences
The characteristics of the subequatorial belt indicate its main features, but there are also differences due to each specific location. For example, in areas located near the equator, the maximum amount of rain falls for nine months and creates up to two thousand millimeters of precipitation. On mountain ranges this figure increases six times. However, periods of drought are possible in some regions. For example, in Africa, water level fluctuations are so strong that lakes and rivers that are full in summer simply disappear in winter.
Vegetable world
The subequatorial climate zone is characterized by red or yellow soils, in which they quickly decompose. This leads to the appearance of special plants. They are well adapted to local humidity and precipitation levels - they grow in many tiers and are distinguished by dense, thick leaves and a powerful root system. The biodiversity is impressive: here you can find many tree species with edible fruits or valuable bark, and there are palm trees. The subequatorial belt also includes savannah zones. They are distinguished by separately growing trees with extensive thickets of bushes and tall grass. Savannah has more fertile red-brown soil. The vegetation is represented by such species as acacias, palm trees, baobabs, and mimosas. In the driest areas they are replaced by aloe. The abundance of herbs is also characteristic of savannah areas.
Animal world
The diversity of fauna directly depends on the vegetation that characterizes the subequatorial belt. In areas of loose soil, all kinds of invertebrates and microorganisms live. In the lower tier you can find forest pigs, okapi, small ungulates and even elephants. Gorillas also live in areas with bodies of water. Trees are home to a variety of primates, rodents, birds and insects, with ants and termites being the most common. The largest predator is the leopard. The savannah is home to a variety of ungulate species, including buffalos, antelopes, zebras, and rhinoceroses. You can also meet elephants, hippos, and giraffes there. Predators are also diverse: cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and jackals live in the savannah. The world of birds is represented by ostriches, secretary birds, and marabou storks. Of the birds, ostriches can also be noted, which are sometimes found even in the Sahara. In the most desert regions there are many lizards and small snakes, and small antelopes live there.
Climate of the subequatorial zone confined to the vast expanses of the Brazilian Highlands, Central Africa (north, east and south of the Congo River basin), Asia (on the Hindustan and Indochina peninsulas), Northern Australia.
Total solar radiation is about 750 kJ/cm2 per year, the radiation balance is 290 kJ/cm2 per year on land and up to 500 kJ/cm2 per year on the ocean.
The subequatorial climate zone is characterized by monsoon air circulation: air moves from the tropical latitudes of the winter hemisphere as the winter dry monsoon (trade wind), after crossing the equator it transforms into the summer wet monsoon. A characteristic feature of this belt is the change of air masses according to the seasons: equatorial air dominates in summer, and tropical air in winter. The total amount of precipitation is 1500 mm; on the windward slopes of the mountains, their amount increases sharply (Cherrapunji - 12,660 mm). During the winter season, conditions change dramatically with the arrival of dry tropical air: hot, dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, trees shed their leaves. Within the continents and on their western shores, the vegetation cover of the subequatorial belt is represented by savannas, while moist equatorial forests dominate on the eastern shores.
Temperate climate zone distributed approximately between 40º north and south latitudes and the polar circles. In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic; in the Northern Hemisphere, there are four types of climate: continental, oceanic, western and eastern coasts.
The total radiation is 330–500 kJ/cm2 per year. In the temperate climate zone, temperate (polar) air masses dominate throughout the year, but their dominance is relative: very often arctic and tropical air masses invade temperate latitudes.
The continental climate is characterized by a moderate continental type of annual precipitation with a summer maximum. The total amount of precipitation decreases from west to east: in a temperate continental climate 800 mm, in a continental climate – 600 mm, in a sharply continental climate – about 300 mm. Winter is characterized by stable snow cover, the duration of which increases from 4 months in a moderate continental climate to 9 months in a sharply continental climate. A wide range of zones has been developed, from taiga forests to deserts.
The climate of the western coasts (marine) is formed under the influence of westerly winds coming from the ocean (Western Europe, western North America, Canada, southern South America - Chile). The average monthly temperature in July is +12 – +15º C, the average monthly temperature in January is +5º C, the annual temperature range is 10º. precipitation is 1000 mm; on the western slope of the Cordillera in North America, its value increases to 3000 mm; broad-leaved oak and oak-hornbeam forests grow here.
The average monthly temperature in July is +18 – +20º C. In winter, from the seasonal pressure maxima on the continents, a cold moderate (polar) air mass approaches the coast. The temperature in winter is –25º C, the annual temperature range is 45º. There is a monsoon type of annual precipitation with a large summer maximum, the total amount is 600–700 mm, coniferous and mixed forests grow.
The oceanic climate is developed in the Southern Hemisphere over a continuous ring of water in temperate latitudes. In the northern hemisphere, it is formed in the northern Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Constant baric minimums remain over the ocean throughout the year: in the Northern Hemisphere - the Icelandic, Aleutian, and in the Southern - the Antarctic low pressure belt. Summer temperature is +15º C, winter – +5º C, the annual temperature range is 10º. Cyclonic activity is observed throughout the year, intensifying in winter. Precipitation falls throughout the year with a slight winter maximum, the total amount being about 1000 mm.
The climate of Africa can be described as a unique phenomenon due to its location.
Africa is the only continent in the world that lies on both sides of the equator.
It is interesting that the equator not only divides the globe into two hemispheres, it also divides the African continent almost equally.
Climate has a very large influence on the nature of the area, because it determines weather patterns, as well as changes in weather conditions.
The soil of the area, flora and fauna, various sectors of the economy, as well as
.The formation of certain climatic conditions in Africa is influenced by various factors, which subsequently determine the life and livelihoods of people who live in a particular type of climate.
Africa is widely considered to be the hottest continent due to its location in the hottest climate zones.
An interesting fact is that three of the four climatic zones on the continent are repeated twice.
Due to the fact that Africa is crossed by the equator, around which the equatorial climate zone has formed, the remaining climate zones mirror each other.
Subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate zones occur twice on the continent.
Equatorial climate zone of Africa
The equatorial belt occupies an area along the Gulf of Guinea and extends all the way to the basin in the Congo and.
Throughout the year, the equatorial warm air mass prevails here, which determines the weather conditions.
In this part of Africa there are no seasons with temperature changes and changing weather conditions; it is always very hot here and it rains often. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.
The temperature here is high 365 days a year - from 24 °C to 28 °C.
The equatorial climate is characterized by heavy rainfall. During the year, in different areas of the equatorial part of the continent, from 1500 to 2500 mm of precipitation falls.
Because of this, very high humidity and heat are formed, which are difficult to tolerate; the coolness of the night brings relief.
In the African equatorial part, constant cloudiness and frequent fogs can be observed.
Almost every day before lunch, clouds gather, which after lunch, towards evening, materialize into rain or thunderstorms.
They present plant and animal life in a wonderful abundance that has not been fully explored.
On both sides of the equator, as well as to the east of the equatorial belt, subequatorial climatic zones stretch.
This climate zone is also very hot, with temperatures throughout the year ranging from 26 to 30 °C in summer and 15 to 17 °C in winter.
Subequatorial climate zone of Africa
In the subequatorial climate zone, rainy and dry seasons are clearly visible.
The duration of rains, as well as the numerical indicators of precipitation, decrease as the belt moves away from the equator.
This directly affects the flora of the area.
In places where there is insufficient precipitation, woody vegetation practically does not grow; lush forests are replaced by open forests, which smoothly turn into savannas.
It is very interesting to note the alternation of the rainy season and the predominance of the dry season in subequatorial climatic zones.
While in one of the subequatorial zones of Africa there is a rainy season, which brings the equatorial air mass, in another subequatorial zone at this time an air mass from the tropics dominates, which entails the onset of the dry season.
Tropical climate zone of Africa
A characteristic feature of this climate is dry, hot weather and minimal precipitation, which decreases with distance from the center of the continent and further into its interior.
Africa is mostly located in a tropical climate, so there are a lot of deserts, the formation of which is facilitated by dry air, a remote location from the ocean, as well as increased pressure due to tropical air masses.
These are ideal conditions for the development of numerous deserts and savannas.
The Sahara is the largest desert on the planet, which is located in the tropical climate of Africa. Here, not a single drop of precipitation may fall for years, and it is extremely difficult for a person to stay here.
The air is filled with fine dust and very often there are strong winds that create sandy dust storms.
Wind and dust form whimsical sand.
The tropical zone, in addition to aridity, is characterized by a very sharp daily temperature difference.
During the day, the thermometer rises above 40 °C, heating up the sand and air, and at night the temperature drops sharply by a couple of tens of degrees and can drop to negative levels.
The maximum air temperature worldwide was recorded in the Libyan desert of the African tropical zone and reached 58 °C.
The northern coast, as well as the extreme south of the mainland, occupies a subtropical zone, which is characterized by a change in air masses and a division of the year into seasons.
The average temperature per year is approximately 20 °C. It varies significantly depending on the summer and winter seasons.
Subtropical climate of Africa
The subtropical zone of Africa in the northern and southwestern parts of the continent is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and precipitation in winter, which is brought by temperate air.
The southeast has a subtropical humid climate.
It contributes to the fact that throughout the year, precipitation here is distributed fairly evenly.