Climate of the eastern shores.
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In the western parts of the continents a Mediterranean climate is formed. In addition to the Mediterranean, it is common on the southern coast of Crimea, Western California, Central Chile, the southwestern tip of Africa, and southwestern Australia. Summer is hot, partly cloudy, without precipitation; winter is cool, windy and rainy. Annual precipitation amounts are usually 400-600 mm, which creates semi-arid conditions. Temperatures in summer are +20-+25 C, in winter +5 - +10 C. The climate is extremely favorable for human life. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here - citrus fruits, grapes, olives, etc.
57. Climate of temperate latitudes.
The climate of temperate latitudes is a climate characteristic of the temperate geographical zone of predominantly the Northern Hemisphere.
The climate of temperate latitudes is formed in a zone of year-round predominance of air of temperate latitudes (polar), marine or continental origin, under the influence of intense cyclonic activity, leading to frequent and strong changes in air pressure and temperature, as well as wind direction.
There are:
Maritime climate observed in the west of the continents;
Continental climate and sharply continental climate, characteristic of inland regions of the Northern Hemisphere;
Temperate monsoon climate, typical of the eastern edge of Eurasia. Boreal climate - climate within temperate zone
with well-defined seasons: snowy winters and relatively short, warm summers. In regions with a boreal climate, landscapes of taiga and mixed forests predominate.
58. Equatorial and subequatorial climate.
Equatorial climate is a hot and humid climate that covers areas near the equator. Equatorial climates are different:
Mainly low atmospheric pressure (equatorial depression);
High air temperatures, almost unchanged throughout the year (24-28 degrees C at sea level);
Heavy rainfall, falling more or less evenly throughout the year;
Light winds (calm zone).
High temperatures and excess moisture contribute to the predominance of equatorial rainforest landscapes on land.
59. Trade wind climate and tropical deserts.
Trade wind climate- climate of areas influenced by trade winds. The trade wind climate is characterized by stable direction and speed of winds (trade winds), moderate cloudiness and low precipitation.
The average air temperature in the summer months is 20-27 degrees C, in the winter months it drops to 10-15 degrees C. The annual precipitation is about 500 mm, its amount increases sharply on the slopes of mountainous islands facing the trade wind, and during relatively rare passages of tropical cyclones.
On land, areas of oceanic trade winds correspond to areas with a tropical desert climate.
Tropical desert climate is a tropical climate characterized by very hot summers and warm to hot winters. Daily temperature fluctuations are large (in some places reaching over 40 degrees C), precipitation is low (up to 100-250 mm per year). At the same latitudes, a trade wind climate is formed over the ocean.
First of all, it is worth understanding what the term “climate” means stable long-term weather conditions that have established over a certain area of the 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;
- quantity 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
, as a rule, is covered with fragments of stones, 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 weather conditions
, after all, each of them has its own distinctive characteristics, which we will talk about later.
Arctic climate
- The features of this type of climate include the following important points:
- weather conditions are unfavorable for human habitation;
the average air temperature in winter ranges from -35 to -550C;! Interesting fact
- The lowest temperature that was recorded in the Arctic climate was -680C!
- in summer the temperature can rise to 0..+50C; annual quantity
- precipitation is 100–200 mm, this insignificance is due to the fact that constant cold prevents the evaporation of moisture;
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, which has an average level of 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;
- average annual temperature air 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;
- the amount of 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 of 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
The features of this type of Arctic climate region are the following important aspects:
- By more occasion, 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;
- V arctic desert trees and shrubs do not grow;
- 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 flora of the ice desert is represented very poorly, then, accordingly, there is no a large number of representatives of the animal world, which include lemmings, arctic foxes, 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;
- of the flora, the most common is moss-lichen cover, 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 nonliving nature on the planet. Directly dependent on it are vegetation, water bodies, fauna, soil cover.
Are being formed climatic conditions due to the influence of the following factors:
- features of the underlying surface
- amount of 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 exact specifications climate, 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 all year round bring precipitation. 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 the central parts of the 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. ( North 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 a climatic zone in which HC – moderate air masses – dominate throughout the year. During the summer months, invasion of TV - tropical winds is possible. 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 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 inland areas 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.
- The western coasts are dominated by a temperate maritime climate. It is formed under the influence of the monsoon, which forms over warm sea and ocean currents. in summer this area, as a rule, not hot, there is a lot of precipitation, winters are warm with a lot of snow falling.
- 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.
- Region continental climate observed 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. Exists permafrost, which is maintained by consistently low temperatures and 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 maritime climate, are the mountains of the Cordillera. 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 continental areas Eurasia experiences long springs in this region. On the western coasts in this belt warm winters. The main factor influencing the climate in this area is the warm sea currents washing the shores. 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.
Summer in Scandinavian countries ( West Side 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 on the warmest 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 the eastern coasts of the continents, air flows from the northwest predominate in winter, and air masses from the southeast in summer. The climate has monsoon properties.
In winter, clear but windy weather is observed on the coast. At the same time, in the 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 has a climate with monkfish. This is expressed in the fact that winter precipitation predominates. As for the temperature regime, in these areas the maximum temperature is observed in August (when the temperature of the ocean waters 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 on long 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 Arctic air.
For formation of this type climate big 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. Thus, on the slopes of the Alps exposed to strong winds, 2000 millimeters of precipitation falls per year, and on the flat parts of the continents - only 300-800 millimeters.
In areas with a temperate continental climate, most of the territory is 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 areas on 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 moisture;
- Monsoon climate with abundant 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.
Vegetable world
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 areas with a temperate climate zone, a prerequisite for everyone is 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 during 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 less 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 rainforests superior to almost all other natural areas. Animals here usually live in the crowns of tall trees. Among the mammals of the tropical zone there are: Flying squirrels, Hippos, 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, Noble deer, fallow deer, ferret, fox, jackal, otter, finch, goldfinch and blackbird.
The subtropical and tropical zones 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 northern latitude and 4–10 u. w.
Features of the geographical location of the subequatorial belts are in the following aspects:
- located on both sides of the equatorial climate;
- distinguish between North and South subequatorial climates;
- The area of distribution of weather conditions of these climatic zones reaches, respectively, 20 0 south latitude and 20 0 north latitude. 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 of 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 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;
- increased air humidity is promoted by heavy 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.
The 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.
Vegetable world
Flora of the equatorial belt
The unique climatic features of the equatorial belt favorably contribute 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 rapid decomposition 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;
- the bats;
- snakes and frogs;
- elephants;
- hippos;
- tapirs;
- rhinoceroses;
- leopards;
- jaguars;
- lions;
- big 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;
- moist soil provides habitat for many invertebrates.
Living in such conditions
An important aspect of the climatic conditions of the equatorial and subequatorial zones 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 of 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.
– the state of the atmosphere at a given place on Earth certain moment or time interval. This state is determined by the dynamics of the atmosphere, physical and chemical processes in it and its interaction with the Earth’s surface and with outer space, as well as with processes determined by the own internal energy of the atmosphere and surface of the Earth. The totality of weather in a given place is called climate.
Climate.
In Greek, climate means slope. In climatology, we mean the inclination of the earth's surface towards the sun's rays. Climate is one of the main geographical characteristics of a particular area; it determines the long-term statistical weather regime of this place. The main features of the climate depend on the supply of solar radiation energy, the circulation of air masses in the atmosphere and the nature of the underlying surface this place. In addition, the climate of a particular region is determined by the geographical latitude and altitude of the place above sea level, its distance from sea coasts, features of orography (relief) and vegetation cover, the presence of glaciers and snow covers, the degree of atmospheric pollution. The Earth's rotation around its axis, inclined to the equatorial plane by 23.26°, and the Earth's revolution around the Sun lead to daily and annual weather variations, as well as to certain latitudinal (zonal) patterns of climate on Earth.
Sun, weather and climate.
Inflow sunlight and heat coming to the rotating Earth leads to daily temperature changes at almost all latitudes, except for the polar caps, where nights and days can last up to six months. Daily and annual changes in the Earth's exposure to solar rays lead to complex periodic variability in heating in different regions of the Earth. The result of unequal heating in different parts of the land, ocean and atmosphere is the emergence of powerful jet streams in the oceans, as well as winds, cyclones and hurricanes in the troposphere. These movements of matter smooth out temperature changes, while they have a strong influence on the weather at every point on Earth and, thereby, shape the climate on the entire planet. It can be expected that the thermal regime on Earth, established over thousands of years, should provide a very accurate repeatability of weather phenomena in each given region. However, in many other places, while maintaining general patterns, over many years there are often noticeable deviations from the average. All these anomalies, at least partially, may be associated with solar activity.
Against the backdrop of a relatively stable climate, the weather is constantly changing, mainly due to atmospheric circulation. The weather is most stable in tropical countries and most variable in mid-latitudes and circumpolar regions, in particular in the north of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, where cyclones often arise and develop. Daily weather forecast methods are based on the construction of daily surface and altitude synoptic maps weather, to the analysis of which general physical laws of atmospheric processes are applied. When forecasting for 3–5 days or more, various statistical techniques are used ( cm. METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA).
Main types of climate.
The climate classification provides an orderly system for characterizing climate types, their zoning and mapping. The types of climate that prevail over large areas are called macroclimates. A macroclimatic region must have more or less homogeneous climatic conditions that distinguish it from other regions, although they represent only a generalized characteristic (since there are no two places with an identical climate), more consistent with reality than the identification of climatic regions only on the basis of belonging to a certain latitude -geographical zone.
Ice sheet climates dominate in Greenland and Antarctica, where average monthly temperatures are below 0° C. During the dark winter season, these regions receive absolutely no solar radiation, although there are twilights and auroras. Even in summer, the sun's rays hit the earth's surface at a slight angle, which reduces the efficiency of heating. Most of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by the ice. In both summer and winter, the higher elevations of the Antarctic Ice Sheet experience low temperatures. The climate of the interior of Antarctica is much colder climate Arctic, because southern mainland is different large sizes and altitudes, and the Arctic Ocean moderates the climate, despite the widespread distribution of pack ice. During short periods of warming in summer, drifting ice sometimes melts. Precipitation on ice sheets falls in the form of snow or small particles of freezing fog. Inland areas receive only 50–125 mm of rainfall annually, but the coast can receive more than 500 mm. Sometimes cyclones bring clouds and snow to these areas. Snowfalls are often accompanied strong winds, which carry significant masses of snow, blowing it off the rocks. Strong katabatic winds with snowstorms blow from the cold ice sheet, carrying snow to the coasts.
The subpolar climate occurs in the tundra regions on the northern edges of North America and Eurasia, as well as on the Antarctic Peninsula and its adjacent islands. In eastern Canada and Siberia southern border This climate zone extends well south of the Arctic Circle due to the strong influence of vast land masses. This leads to long and extremely cold winters. Summers are short and cool with average monthly temperatures rarely exceeding +10° C. To some extent long days compensate for the short duration of summer, but in most of the territory the heat received is not enough to completely thaw the soil. Permanently frozen ground, called permafrost, inhibits plant growth and filtration of melt water into the ground. Therefore, in summer, flat areas become swampy. On the coast, winter temperatures are slightly higher and summer temperatures are slightly lower than in the interior of the mainland. In summer, when moist air sits over cold water or sea ice, fog often occurs along Arctic coasts.
The annual precipitation usually does not exceed 380 mm. Most of them fall in the form of rain or snow in the summer, during the passage of cyclones. On the coast, the bulk of precipitation may be brought by winter cyclones, but the low temperatures and clear weather of the cold season, characteristic of most areas with subpolar climate, unfavorable for significant snow accumulation.
The subarctic climate is also known as the “taiga climate” (based on the predominant type of vegetation - coniferous forests). This climate zone covers the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere - the northern regions of North America and Eurasia, located immediately south of the subpolar climate zone. Sharp seasonal climatic differences appear here due to the position of this climate zone at fairly high latitudes in the interior of the continents. Winters are long and extremely cold, and the further north you go, the shorter the days. Summer is short and cool with long days. Winter period from negative temperatures is very long, and in summer the temperature can at times exceed +32° C. In most of the climate zone under consideration, less than 500 mm of precipitation falls per year, and its amount is maximum on the windward coasts and minimum in the interior of Siberia. There is very little snowfall in winter; snowfalls are associated with rare cyclones. Summer is usually wetter, with rain occurring mainly when atmospheric fronts pass through. The coasts are often foggy and overcast. In winter in very coldy Icy fogs hang over the snow cover.
Humid continental climate with short summer characteristic of a vast strip of temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America it extends from the prairies of south-central Canada to the Atlantic coast, and in Eurasia it covers most of Eastern Europe and some areas Central Siberia. The same type of climate is observed on the Japanese island of Hokkaido and in the south of the Far East. The main climatic features of these areas are determined by the prevailing westerly transport and the frequent passage of atmospheric fronts. During severe winters, average air temperatures can drop to –18° C. Summers are short and cool, with a frost-free period of less than 150 days. The annual temperature range is not as great as in a subarctic climate. In Moscow, the average temperatures in January are –9° C, in July – +18° C. In this climate zone, agriculture poses a constant threat spring frosts. In the coastal provinces of Canada, New England and Hokkaido, winters are warmer than inland areas, as easterly winds at times bring warmer ocean air.
Annual precipitation ranges from less than 500 mm in the interior of continents to more than 1000 mm on the coasts. In most of the region, precipitation falls mainly in the summer, often with thunderstorms. Winter precipitation, mainly in the form of snow, is associated with the passage of fronts in cyclones. Blizzards often occur behind a cold front.
Humid continental climate with long summers . Air temperatures and the length of the summer season increase southward in areas of humid continental climate. This type of climate occurs in the temperate latitude zone of North America from the eastern part of the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast, and in southeastern Europe - in the lower reaches of the Danube. Similar climatic conditions are found in northeastern China and central Japan. Western transport is also predominant here. Average temperature most warm month+22° C (but temperatures can exceed +38° C), summer nights warm. Winters are not as cold as in areas of humid continental climates with short summers, but temperatures sometimes drop below 0 ° C. The annual temperature range is usually 28 ° C. Most often, in humid continental climates with long summers, precipitation falls from 500 to 1100 mm in year. Nai large quantity precipitation is brought by summer thunderstorms during the growing season. In winter, rains and snowfalls are mainly associated with the passage of cyclones and associated fronts.
Temperate maritime climate characteristic of the western coasts of continents, primarily northwestern Europe, the central part of the Pacific coast of North America, southern Chile, southeastern Australia and New Zealand. The course of air temperature is moderated by the prevailing westerly winds blowing from the oceans. Winters are mild with average temperatures in the coldest month above 0°C, but when arctic air flows reach the coasts, there are also frosts. Summers are generally quite warm; with intrusions of continental air during the day, the temperature may be a short time rise to +38° C. This type of climate with a small annual temperature range is the most moderate among climates of temperate latitudes.
In areas of temperate maritime climate, the average annual precipitation ranges from 500 to 2500 mm. The windward slopes of the coastal mountains are the most humid. Cyclones moving from the oceans bring a lot of precipitation to the western continental margins. In winter, as a rule, it lasts cloudy weather with light rains and rare short-term snowfalls. Fogs are common on the coasts, especially in summer and autumn.
A humid subtropical climate is characteristic of the eastern coasts of continents north and south of the tropics. The main areas of distribution are the southeastern United States, some southeastern parts of Europe, northern India and Myanmar, eastern China and southern Japan, northeastern Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil, the coast of Natal in South Africa and the eastern coast of Australia. Summer in the humid subtropics is long and hot, with temperatures similar to those in the tropics. The average temperature of the warmest month exceeds +27° C, and the maximum – +38° C. Winters are mild, with average monthly temperatures above 0° C. In the humid subtropics, average annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 2000 mm, the distribution of precipitation by season is quite uniform. In winter, rain and rare snowfalls are brought mainly by cyclones. In summer, precipitation falls mainly in the form of thunderstorms associated with powerful inflows of warm and humid oceanic air, characteristic of the monsoon circulation of East Asia. Hurricanes (or typhoons) occur in late summer and fall, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
Subtropical climate with dry in summer it is typical for the western coasts of continents north and south of the tropics. IN Southern Europe and North Africa, such climatic conditions are characteristic of the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, which gave rise to calling this climate also Mediterranean. The climate is similar in southern California, central Chile, extreme southern Africa and parts of southern Australia. All these areas have hot summers and mild winters. As in the humid subtropics, there are occasional frosts in winter. In inland areas, summer temperatures are significantly higher than on the coasts, and are often the same as in tropical deserts. In general, clear weather prevails. In summer, on the coasts near which they pass ocean currents, there are often fogs. The maximum precipitation is associated with the passage of cyclones in winter, when the prevailing westerly air currents shift towards the equator. The influence of anticyclones and downward air currents under the oceans determine the dryness of the summer season. Average annual precipitation under conditions subtropical climate ranges from 380 to 900 mm and reaches maximum values on the coasts and mountain slopes. In summer, there is usually not enough rainfall for normal tree growth, and therefore a specific type of evergreen develops there. shrub vegetation, known as maquis, chaparral, mali, macchia and fynbos.
The semiarid climate of temperate latitudes (synonymous with steppe climate) is characteristic primarily of inland regions remote from the oceans (sources of moisture) and usually located in the rain shadow of high mountains. The main areas with a semiarid climate are the intermontane basins and Great Plains of North America and the steppes of central Eurasia. Hot summers and cold winters are due to the inland location in temperate latitudes. At least one winter month has an average temperature below 0° C, and the average temperature of the warmest summer month exceeds +21° C. The temperature regime and the duration of the frost-free period vary significantly depending on the latitude. The term "semiarid" is used to characterize this climate because it is less dry than the arid (dry) climate proper. The average annual precipitation is usually less than 500 mm, but more than 250 mm. Since the development of steppe vegetation in conditions of higher temperatures requires more precipitation, the latitudinal-geographical and altitudinal position of the area determine climate change. For semiarid climate There are no general patterns of precipitation distribution throughout the year. For example, areas bordering the subtropics with dry summers experience maximum rainfall in winter, while areas adjacent to humid continental climates experience rainfall primarily in summer. Temperate cyclones bring most of the winter's precipitation, which often falls as snow and can be accompanied by strong winds. Summer thunderstorms often occur with hail. The amount of precipitation varies greatly from year to year.
The arid climate of temperate latitudes is characteristic mainly of the Central Asian deserts, and in the western United States - only small areas in intermountain basins. Temperatures are the same as in areas with a semiarid climate, but precipitation here is insufficient for the existence of a closed natural vegetation cover and average annual amounts usually do not exceed 250 mm. As in semiarid climatic conditions, the amount of precipitation that determines aridity depends on the thermal regime.
Semiarid climate low latitudes mostly typical for outskirts tropical deserts(for example, the Sahara and deserts of central Australia), where downdrafts of air in subtropical zones high pressure prevents precipitation. The climate under consideration differs from the semiarid climate of temperate latitudes in its very hot summers and warm winter. Average monthly temperatures are above 0°C, although frosts sometimes occur in winter, especially in areas furthest from the equator and located at high altitudes. The amount of precipitation required for the existence of closed natural herbaceous vegetation is higher here than in temperate latitudes. In the equatorial zone, rain falls mainly in the summer, while on the outer (northern and southern) outskirts of the deserts the maximum precipitation occurs in winter. Precipitation for the most part fall in the form of thunderstorms showers, and in winter rains brought by cyclones.
Arid climate of low latitudes.
This is a hot, dry tropical desert climate that extends along the Northern and Southern Tropics and is influenced by subtropical anticyclones for most of the year. Relief from the sweltering summer heat can only be found on the coasts, washed by cold ocean currents, or in the mountains. On the plains, average summer temperatures noticeably exceed +32° C, winter temperatures are usually above +10° C. In most of this climatic region, the average annual precipitation does not exceed 125 mm. It happens that on many weather stations For several years in a row no precipitation is recorded at all. Sometimes the average annual precipitation can reach 380 mm, but this is still only enough for the development of sparse desert vegetation. Occasionally, precipitation occurs in the form of short, strong thunderstorms, but the water drains quickly to form flash floods. The driest areas are located along western shores South America and Africa, where cold ocean currents prevent the formation clouds and loss precipitation. These coasts often experience fog, formed by the condensation of moisture in the air over the colder surface of the ocean.
Variably humid tropical climate.
Areas with such a climate are located in tropical sublatitudinal zones, several degrees north and south of the equator. This climate is also called tropical monsoon climate, as it prevails in those parts of South Asia that are influenced by monsoon. Other areas with such a climate are the tropics of Central and South America, Africa and Northern Australia. Average summer temperatures are usually around +27° C, and winter temperatures are around +21° C. The most hot month, as a rule, precedes summer season rains. Average annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 2000 mm. During the summer rainy season The intertropical convergence zone has a decisive influence on climate. There are frequent thunderstorms here, sometimes overcast with lingering rains persists for a long time. Winter is dry, as subtropical anticyclones dominate this season. In some areas, rain does not fall for two or three winter months. In South Asia, the wet season coincides with the summer monsoon, which brings moisture from the Indian Ocean, and in winter the Asian continental dry air masses spread here.
Humid tropical climate
or tropical rainforest climate, common in equatorial latitudes in the Amazon basins South America and Congo in Africa, the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Southeast Asia. In the humid tropics, the average temperature of any month is not less than +17 ° C, usually the average monthly temperature is about +26 ° C. As in the variable-humid tropics, due to the high midday position of the Sun above the horizon and the same day length throughout the year, seasonal variations temperatures are low. Moist air, cloud cover and dense vegetation prevent night cooling and keep maximum daytime temperatures below 37°C, lower than at higher latitudes.
The average annual precipitation in the humid tropics ranges from 1500 to 2500 mm, and the seasonal distribution is usually fairly even. Precipitation is mainly associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which is located slightly north of the equator. Seasonal shifts of this zone to the north and south in some areas lead to the formation of two maximum precipitation during the year, separated by drier periods. Every day, thousands of thunderstorms roll over the humid tropics. In between, the sun shines in full force.
Highland climates.
In high mountain areas, a significant variety of climatic conditions is due to the latitudinal geographic position, orographic barriers and different exposures of slopes in relation to the Sun and moisture-carrying waters. air flows. Even on the equator in the mountains there are migrating snowfields. The lower limit of eternal snow descends towards the poles, reaching sea level in the polar regions. Like it, other boundaries of high-altitude thermal belts decrease as they approach high latitudes. The windward slopes of mountain ranges receive more precipitation. On mountain slopes exposed to cold air intrusions, temperatures may drop. In general, the climate of the highlands is characterized by lower temperatures, higher cloudiness, more precipitation and a more complex wind regime than the climate of the plains at the corresponding latitudes. Character seasonal changes Temperatures and precipitation in the highlands are usually the same as in the adjacent plains.
Climatic zones and local climate features.
At the end of the 18th century. student of M.V. Lomonosov and one of the first Russian academicians I.I. Lepekhin, outlined general scheme placement of vegetation and fauna on the earth's surface of the world, depending on thermal (climatic) zones. At the beginning of the 19th century. German naturalist and traveler A. Humboldt established zonation and altitudinal zone vegetation due to changes in the amount of heat coming to the Earth.
Initially, 5 climatic zones were distinguished on the surface of the Earth: one hot, located on both sides of the equator between the northern and southern tropical circles; two temperate ones - between the tropical and polar circles and two cold ones, located around the North and South Poles.
Later, when enough information had accumulated about the temperature of the earth's surface in various parts of our planet, the number of climatic zones increased to 7, and the boundaries between them began to be considered not the astronomical tropical and polar circles, but lines of equal average temperatures (isotherms). The boundary of the hot zone began to be considered the average annual isotherm of 20°, of the temperate zones - the isotherm of the warmest month of the year +10°. From the cold belts, two more zones of perpetual frost were identified, the boundary between which was drawn according to the isotherm of the warmest month of the year, 0°.
If the Earth's rotation axis were perpendicular to the plane of its orbit (i.e. to ecliptic), then at each geographic latitude exposure to solar radiation would always remain unchanged. In the polar zones, due to the oblique incidence of solar rays, the heating of the Earth's surface would be maximally different from the heating of the equatorial zone by normally incident solar rays. Then the climate on the entire Earth would depend most on geographic latitude (i.e., the angular distance from the equator). The relatively small tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation leads to a change in the flux of radiation from the Sun at each latitude throughout the year (i.e., during the Earth's revolution around the Sun). This change is especially pronounced at the poles ( polar zones), in which the length of the night exceeds the day. On the contrary, near the equator the Sun may culminate at its zenith. Depending on the limits of possible positions of the Sun above the horizon during the year, it is conventionally accepted to divide the Earth into thermal zones: hot (between the latitudes of the tropics from –23.5° to +23.5°) and two cold ones, in which the northern and southern latitudes exceed 66.5°. The rest of the Earth is between hot and cold, called temperate zones. Now, using data on temperature and the amount of incoming solar energy (radiation), 13 climatic zones are distinguished, which are usually called geographical: Arctic, Antarctic, subarctic, subantarctic, temperate northern and southern, subtropical northern and southern, tropical northern and southern, subequatorial northern and southern, equatorial. Climatic zones, depending mainly on geographic latitude, are clearly visible both on land and in the ocean.
Air temperature.
Air temperature - the degree of air heating, determined using thermometers and thermographs, is one of the most important characteristics of weather and climate, influencing direct impact on humans, animals, plants, on the operation of mechanisms, etc. The maximum temperature of +58°C was recorded in September 1922 in the Tripoli area (North Africa), the minimum temperature was –89°C in July 1983 at the Vostok station in Antarctica.
Air temperature largely depends on how the sun's rays hit a given area of the earth's surface. The surface warms up and begins to transfer heat to the atmosphere. The temperature difference creates differences in air pressure on the earth's surface. Pressure differences create air movement called by the wind. Zones of high and low pressure appear. When there is a difference in atmospheric pressure, air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure to equalize the pressure across the entire surface.
Areas of high and low pressure constantly move across the earth's surface, creating air movement and carrying air masses with them. When two air masses meet different characteristics the air cannot move freely, and a kind of boundary is formed between them, called an atmospheric front. The weather in areas affected by atmospheric fronts is accompanied by cloudiness, precipitation, increased wind speed and a sharp change in air temperature.
Passing through the earth's atmosphere and encountering clouds, dust and water vapor on its way, the sun's rays are partially absorbed or reflected into space. Only about 40% of the solar energy reaching the upper boundary of the atmosphere reaches the earth's surface. At the same time, the incoming radiant energy of the Sun provides the earth's surface with light, heat and energy for almost all chemical transformations of earth's matter that occur on the earth's surface. The amount of incoming solar energy naturally decreases from the equator to the poles, depending on the angle of incidence of the sun's rays and the length of their path through the atmosphere. Atmospheric heat also changes in the same direction.
The surface of the Earth has a different reflectivity of the sun's rays falling on it (value albedo). For this reason, different parts of the surface absorb heat differently and become hotter. Uneven heating of the earth's surface sets in motion air and water masses, trying to equalize the temperature. Interconnected air And sea currents move from place to place great amount heat. Especially big role Warm and cold sea currents play a role in the transfer (advection) of heat, since water absorbs and accumulates much more heat than air. Therefore, stronger deviations from average temperatures are observed on sea coasts.
Seasonal climate phenomena.
Due to the uneven distribution of solar heat and precipitation on the earth's surface, the Earth's climate is very diverse. The famous scientist B.P. Alisov identified 13 climate zones on Earth, which differ from each other in temperature conditions and air masses. The main climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four types of air masses. There are especially large temperature contrasts at the Earth's surface - between the equator and the poles due to the difference in the arrival of solar energy at different latitudes. In the region of the equator there is an equatorial climate zone. Equatorial air and low atmospheric pressure predominate here. Tropical air, high pressure, and downward air movement dominate in tropical zones. In temperate zones, westerly winds predominate. It is much colder here than in tropical zones. Transition belts are located between the remaining belts. The prefix "sub" in Latin means "under". Subequatorial belt - subequatorial belt, etc. IN transitional belts air masses change with the seasons. Temperature distribution is influenced by the location of continents and oceans. Due to the high heat capacity and thermal conductivity of ocean waters, the oceans significantly attenuate the temperature fluctuations that arise as a result of changes in the arrival of solar radiation throughout the year. In this regard, in the middle and high latitudes, the air temperature over the oceans in summer is noticeably lower than over the continents, and higher in winter.
Weather forecasting.
Forecasts current weather(ranging from 0 to 6–12 hours) are based on an observationally intensive approach and are called nowcasts. Traditionally, nowcasting has focused on the analysis and extrapolation of observed meteorological fields, with particular emphasis on mesoscale cloud and precipitation fields derived from satellite and radar data. Nowcast forecast products are particularly valuable in the event of mesoscale severe weather conditions associated with strong convection and intense cyclones. In case of tropical cyclones,Nowcasting is an important approach for detection and subsequent ,short-term prediction, which provides forecast validity in ,some cases beyond 24 hours.
The numerical (hydrodynamic) method of weather forecasting is based on the mathematical solution of a system of complete hydrodynamic equations and obtaining predictive fields of pressure and temperature for certain periods of time. Computing centers in Moscow, Washington, Tokyo, and Reiding (European Forecasting Center) use various numerical schemes for the development of large-scale atmospheric processes. The accuracy of numerical forecasts depends on the speed of calculation computing systems, on the quantity and quality of information coming from weather stations. The more data, the more accurate the calculation.
The synoptic method of making weather forecasts is based on the analysis of weather maps. The essence of this method is a simultaneous review of the state of the atmosphere over a wide area, which makes it possible to determine the nature of the development of atmospheric processes and the further most likely change in weather conditions in the area of interest. Such a review is carried out using weather maps, on which data from meteorological observations at various heights, as well as at the surface of the earth, are plotted simultaneously according to one program at different points. globe. Based on a detailed analysis of these maps, the weather forecaster determines further conditions for the development of atmospheric processes in a certain period of time and calculates the characteristics of meteorological elements - temperature, wind, cloudiness, precipitation, etc.
Statistical forecasting methods make it possible to predict the weather condition for a certain future period of time based on the past and present state of the atmosphere, i.e. predict changes in various weather elements in the future.
In operational practice, forecasters use several methods, which sometimes differ in a number of parameters, so the last word always remains with the forecaster, who chooses the best forecasting method, from his point of view. An integrated approach is often chosen - the use of several particular methods for forecasting the same characteristic of the state of the atmosphere at once in order to select the final formulation of the forecast.
Edward Kononovich
Literature:
Eris Chaisson, Steve McMillan Astronomy today. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, 2002
Materials on the Internet:
Mazur I.I., Rukin M.D. Weather analogy. Economics, 2003
http://science.nasa.gov
http://ciencia.nasa.gov/
http://www.noaa.gov/
Khabutdinov Yu. G., Shantalinsky K. M. Meteorology and climatology: The study of the atmosphere. Kazan University Publishing House, 2001.
http://spaceweather.com
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 nonliving nature on the planet. Vegetation, water bodies, fauna, and soil cover are directly dependent on it.
Climate type
Climate zone
average temperature
Regime and amount of atmospheric precipitation, mm
Atmospheric circulation
Territory
Temperate marine
Moderate
1000 mm throughout the year
Winds from the west
Western parts of Eurasia and North America
Temperate continental
Moderate
400 millimeters during the year
Winds from the west
Interiors of continents
Moderate monsoon
Moderate
Mainly during the summer monsoon
Eastern region of Eurasia
Climatic conditions are formed due to the influence of the following factors:
- features of the underlying surface
- amount of 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 of the sun's rays on the Earth's surface)
- 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 of the eastern 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 the central parts of the 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 a climatic zone in which HC – moderate air masses – dominate throughout the year. During the summer months, invasion of TV - tropical winds is possible. This belt is also characterized by relatively low atmospheric pressure, intense frontal and cyclonic activity, and large seasonal temperature differences. In winter, 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 of 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.
- The western coasts are dominated by a temperate maritime climate. 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 lot of snow falling.
- 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 observed 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 region is characterized by low rainfall. There is permafrost, which is maintained by consistently low temperatures and 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. The western coasts in this zone have warm winters. The main factor influencing the climate in this area is the warm sea currents washing the shores. 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 on the warmest 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 the eastern coasts of the continents, air flows from the northwest predominate in winter, and air masses from the southeast in summer. The climate has monsoon properties.
In winter, clear but windy weather is observed on the coast. At the same time, in the 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 has a maritime climate. This is expressed in the fact that winter precipitation predominates. As for the temperature regime, in these areas the maximum temperature is observed in August (when the temperature of the ocean waters 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 Arctic air.
The formation of this type of climate is greatly influenced by the geographical features of the 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. Thus, on the slopes of the Alps exposed to strong winds, 2000 millimeters of precipitation falls per year, and on the flat parts of the continents - only 300-800 millimeters.
In areas with a temperate continental climate, most of the territory is occupied by mountains. The largest of them are the Cordillera, Sayan Mountains, Altai, Rocky Mountains, Carpathians and Alps.
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In winter, rain and rare snowfalls are mainly caused by cyclones. Hurricanes (or typhoons) occur in late summer and autumn, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
This type of climate is typical of the west coast of continents in the south and north of the tropics. In North Africa and Southern Europe, such climatic conditions are characteristic of the Mediterranean coast, which also allows this climate to be called Mediterranean.
This type of climate is also found in central Chile, southern California, the extreme south of Africa and in several areas in southern Australia.
In these areas, summers are hot and winters are mild. In winter, just as in the humid subtropics, there are occasional frosts.
In the summer, temperatures in inland areas are significantly higher than on the coast, and are often the same as in tropical deserts. Also in summer, fog often occurs on the coast near which ocean currents pass.
The passage of cyclones in winter, when westerly air currents shift toward the equator, is associated with maximum precipitation. The dryness of the summer season is determined by the influence of anticyclones and declining air flows over the oceans.
In subtropical climates average annual quantity precipitation ranges from 380 mm to 900 mm, and reaches maximum values on the mountain slopes and on the coast.
In summer, there is usually not enough rainfall for normal tree growth, so a specific type of evergreen shrubby vegetation develops there, known as mali, maquis, macchia, chaparral and fynbos.
Semiarid climate of temperate latitudes.
A synonym for this type of climate is steppe climate. It is mainly characteristic of inland areas that are remote from the oceans - sources of moisture - and mainly located in the rainy shadow of high mountains.
The main areas with a semiarid climate are the Great Plains and intermountain basins of North America and the steppes of central Eurasia. Its inland location in temperate latitudes results in cold winters and hot summers.
The average temperature is below 0°C in at least one winter month, and the average temperature of the warmest summer month exceeds 21°C. Depending on the latitude, the temperature regime and the duration of the frost-free period change significantly.
The term “semiarid” is used to characterize this climate, because this climate is less dry than the arid climate proper. The annual amount of precipitation is partly more than 500 mm, but not less than 250 mm.
Since the development of steppe vegetation in conditions of higher temperatures requires more precipitation, the latitudinal-geographical and altitudinal position of the area determine climatic changes.
Throughout the year, there are no general patterns of precipitation distribution for a semiarid climate. For example, in those areas adjacent to areas of humid continental climate, precipitation occurs mainly in the summer, and in areas bordering the subtropics with dry summers, maximum precipitation occurs in winter.
Most of the winter precipitation comes from mid-latitude cyclones. They often fall in the form of snow and can also be accompanied by strong winds. Summer thunderstorms often include hail.
Semiarid climate of low latitudes.
This type of climate is characteristic of the edges of tropical deserts (for example, the deserts of central Australia and the Sahara), where downdrafts of air in subtropical high pressure zones exclude precipitation.
This climate differs from the semiarid climate of temperate latitudes with warm winters and very hot summers. Average monthly temperatures are above 0°C, although sometimes there are frosts in winter, especially in those areas that are furthest from the equator and located at high altitudes.
Here, the amount of precipitation that is necessary for the existence of closed natural herbaceous vegetation is higher than in temperate latitudes. On the outer (southern and northern) outskirts of deserts, maximum precipitation falls in winter, while in the equatorial line rain falls mainly in summer.
Precipitation mainly falls in the form of thunderstorms, and in winter the rains are brought by cyclones.
Arid climate of temperate latitudes.
This type of climate is mainly characteristic of the Central Asian deserts, and in the west - only for small areas in intermountain basins.
The temperatures here are the same as in the semiarid climate regions, but there is not enough precipitation for the existence of a closed natural vegetation cover and usually the average annual precipitation does not exceed 250 mm.
The amount of precipitation, which determines aridity, as in semiarid conditions, depends on the temperature regime.
Arid climate of low latitudes.
It's dry and hot climate tropical deserts that stretch along the Southern and Northern tropics, and for a significant part of the year are under the influence of subtropical anticyclones.
Only in the mountains or on the coast, which is washed by cold ocean currents, can one find salvation from the debilitating summer heat. Summer temperatures on the plains noticeably exceed 32°C, and winter temperatures, as a rule, are above 10°C.
The average annual precipitation in most of this climatic region does not exceed 125 mm. It even happens that for several years in a row, many meteorological stations do not record precipitation at all.
The average annual precipitation can reach 380 mm, but this is only sufficient for the development of sparse desert vegetation.
The driest areas are located along the western coasts of Africa and South America, where precipitation and cloud formation are hindered by cold ocean currents.
Fogs are a common occurrence on this coast. They are formed by the condensation of moisture in the air over the colder surface of the ocean.
Variable humid tropical climate.
Areas of this type of climate are tropical sublatitudinal zones several degrees south and north of the equator. This climate is also called tropical monsoon climate because it prevails in those parts of South Asia that are under the influence of monsoons.
Other areas of this type of climate are the tropics of Northern Australia, Africa, South and Central America. Average temperatures in winter are around 21°C, and in summer they are usually around 27°C. Typically, the hottest month precedes the summer rainy season.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 750 mm to 2000 mm. The intertropical convergence zone has a decisive influence on the climate during the summer rainy season. There are often thunderstorms here, and sometimes, for a long period, there is continuous cloud cover with lingering rains.
Since this season is dominated by subtropical anticyclones, winter is dry. Rain in some areas does not fall for two or three winter months. The wet season in South Asia coincides with the summer monsoon, which brings moisture from the Indian Ocean, and in winter the Asian continental dry air mass spreads here.
This climate is also called tropical rainforest climate. It is distributed in equatorial latitudes in the Amazon basin in South America and the Congo in Africa, on the islands of Southeast Asia and on the Malacca Peninsula.
The average temperature of any month in the humid tropics is at least 17°C, and average monthly temperature about 26°C. As in the variably humid tropics, due to the same length of day throughout the year and the high midday solstice above the horizon, seasonal temperature fluctuations are small.
Dense vegetation cover, cloud cover and humid air interfere with nighttime cooling and keep maximum daytime temperatures below 37°C. In the humid tropics, the average annual precipitation ranges from 1500 mm to 2500 mm.
Precipitation is predominantly associated with the intertropical convergence zone, which is located slightly north of the equator. In some areas, seasonal shifts of this zone to the south and north lead to the formation of two maximum precipitation throughout the year, which are separated by drier periods. Thousands of thunderstorms pass over the humid tropics every day.
Highland climate.
Significant in high mountain areas is due to the latitudinal geographic position, different exposures of slopes in relation to moist air currents and the Sun, and orographic barriers.
Sometimes, even at the equator, snow falls in the mountains. The lower limit of eternal snow descends towards the poles, reaching sea level in the polar regions. The windward slopes of mountain ranges receive more precipitation.
A decrease in temperature can be observed on mountain slopes that are open to cold air intrusions.
In general, this type of climate is characterized by higher cloud cover, lower temperatures, more complex wind patterns and greater precipitation than lowland climates at similar latitudes. The pattern of precipitation and seasonal changes here is usually the same as on the adjacent plains.
This was a description of climate types, which, I hope, greatly helped you understand this issue. See you again on the blog pages!