The climate within the Earth's surface varies zonal. The most modern classification, which explains the reasons for the formation of a particular type of climate, was developed by B.P. Alisov. It is based on the types of air masses and their movement.
air masses- These are significant volumes of air with certain properties, the main of which are temperature and moisture content. The properties of air masses are determined by the properties of the surface over which they form. Air masses form the troposphere like lithospheric plates that make up the earth's crust.
Depending on the region of formation, four main types of air masses are distinguished: equatorial, tropical, temperate (polar) and arctic (antarctic). In addition to the area of formation, the nature of the surface (land or sea) over which air accumulates is also important. In accordance with this, the main zonal types of air masses are divided into maritime and continental.
Arctic air masses are formed in high latitudes, above the ice surface of the polar countries. Arctic air is characterized by low temperatures and low moisture content.
moderate air masses clearly divided into marine and continental. Continental temperate air is characterized by low moisture content, high summer and low winter temperatures. Maritime temperate air forms over the oceans. It is cool in summer, moderately cold in winter and constantly wet.
Continental tropical air formed over tropical deserts. It is hot and dry. Sea air is characterized by lower temperatures and much higher humidity.
equatorial air, forming a zone at the equator and over the sea and over land, it has a high temperature and humidity.
Air masses constantly move after the sun: in June - to the north, in January - to the south. As a result, territories are formed on the surface of the earth where one type of air mass dominates during the year and where air masses replace each other according to the seasons of the year.
The main feature of the climate zone is the dominance of certain types of air masses. subdivided into main(during the year, one zonal type of air masses dominates) and transitional(air masses change seasonally). The main climatic zones are designated in accordance with the names of the main zonal types of air masses. In transitional belts, the prefix "sub" is added to the name of the air masses.
Main climatic zones: equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (antarctic); transitional: subequatorial, subtropical, subarctic.
All climatic zones, except for the equatorial one, are paired, that is, there are both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
In the equatorial climate zone equatorial air masses dominate all year round, low pressure prevails. It is humid and hot throughout the year. The seasons of the year are not expressed.
Tropical air masses (hot and dry) dominate throughout the year. tropical zones. Due to the downward movement of air that prevails throughout the year, very little precipitation falls. Summer temperatures are higher here than in the equatorial zone. Winds are trade winds.
For temperate zones characterized by the dominance of moderate air masses throughout the year. Westerly air transport prevails. Temperatures are positive in summer and negative in winter. Due to the predominance of low pressure, a lot of precipitation falls, especially on ocean coasts. In winter, precipitation falls in solid form (snow, hail).
In the Arctic (Antarctic) belt Cold and dry arctic air masses dominate throughout the year. It is characterized by downward movement of air, north- and south-east winds, the predominance of negative temperatures throughout the year, and constant snow cover.
In the subequatorial belt there is a seasonal change of air masses, the seasons of the year are expressed. Summer is hot and humid due to the arrival of equatorial air masses. In winter, tropical air masses dominate, so it is warm but dry.
In the subtropical zone moderate (summer) and arctic (winter) air masses change. Winter is not only severe, but also dry. Summers are much warmer than winters, with more rainfall.
Climatic regions are distinguished within the climatic zones with different types of climates maritime, continental, monsoon. Marine type of climate formed under the influence of sea air masses. It is characterized by a small amplitude of air temperature for the seasons of the year, high cloudiness, and a relatively large amount of precipitation. Continental type of climate formed away from the ocean coast. It is distinguished by a significant annual amplitude of air temperatures, a small amount of precipitation, and a distinct expression of the seasons of the year. Monsoon type of climate It is characterized by the change of winds according to the seasons of the year. At the same time, the wind changes direction with the change of season, which affects the precipitation regime. rainy summer replaced by a dry winter.
The largest number of climatic regions is within the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere.
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The weather in every corner of the planet is determined by the climatic zone. There are few climatic zones, but each natural area has its own characteristics. The planet consists of two components - water and land, which have a different structure. The land is divided into lowlands, plains, highlands and mountains, and water is divided into oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, bays and streams, which have warm and cold currents. The intensity of exposure to sunlight affects different areas of the earth in different ways. For this reason, climatic zones were formed. They are divided into two groups - basic and transitional, differing natural conditions and occupied area.
Main natural areas
In the middle of the nineteenth century, scientists gave an approximate description of the main climatic zones. There are four of them in total:
- equatorial;
- tropical;
- moderate;
- polar.
The polar zone is divided into Antarctic and Arctic. The weather in the two zones differs due to the asymmetry of the Earth's poles. In the northern part, the climate is milder: in summer, the snow cover melts and vegetation appears. In the south, snow lies almost all year round, and temperature fluctuations exceed fifty degrees.
equatorial zones
In the location of the continental equatorial climate is north South America, Central and North Africa, Indonesian archipelago. This zone is characterized by a humid climate: more than 3,000 millimeters of precipitation falls annually. The areas that are located in the zone of the equatorial cyclone are rich in swamps and lakes. Precipitation falls in the form of heavy showers mainly in summer rather than winter. Throughout the year, the temperature practically does not fluctuate, keeping within thirty-five degrees Celsius.
You should find out how the continental climate differs from the sea. In the dynamic minimum zone, low pressure causes a large amount of precipitation - more than 3500 millimeters per year. The waters are often foggy and cloudy. Since the air is saturated with moisture, dense air masses form over the ocean. The natural circulation of water is constantly taking place, since this zone is dominated by warm currents. The temperature is kept within twenty-eight degrees throughout the year.
Although the tropical zone is located at an insignificant distance from the equator, its characteristics differ from those of the equatorial belt. The zone is divided into two parts - South and North. The first includes the southern part of Eurasia, northern Africa and Central America. Part of South America, the center of Australia and Africa are included in the second subzone.
The tropical zone is characterized by a dry and hot climate, low rainfall, fog and rain. In July, the air temperature reaches thirty-five, and in January it drops to eighteen degrees. Temperatures also fluctuate greatly throughout the day. This zone has a large number of deserts, as monsoons often fly by.
A more humid and cool climate prevails over the waters of the tropical zone. Up to five hundred millimeters of precipitation falls annually, and the temperature ranges from fifteen degrees in winter to twenty-five in summer. The western parts of Australia, Africa and America are washed by cold waters, so a cool dry climate prevails. On the eastern shores, the weather is warmer and more humid, as warm seas flow along these territories.
The main climatic zone of the Earth is temperate. This zone contains most of the land and world waters - most of Eurasia and North America. The weather in this area varies with the seasons. The zone is divided into two types - marine and continental.
The maritime temperate climate is characterized by cool summers (not higher than twenty-three degrees) and warm winter(not below seven degrees Celsius). Precipitation falls moderately, evenly throughout the year, often nebula can be observed above the water.
On land, the amount of precipitation decreases, and the temperature regime is more severe. On the climatic map of the world, one can observe that in summer in this zone the air temperature reaches forty degrees, and in severe snowy winters it drops to -30 on average. This area is the most populated.
polar regions
The highest pressure is observed at the North (water area and islands of the Arctic Ocean) and the South Pole of the planet (Antarctica). There is a difference between the two subzones in temperature regime: at the North Pole in winter the temperature does not fall below fifty degrees, and in summer it does not rise above seven, and in the South of the planet the temperature is around zero degrees in summer, and in January it drops to seventy. Both poles have a common characteristic phenomenon - polar night and day. For several months in summer the sun does not set below the horizon, and in winter it does not rise for two or three months.
Transition belts
Transition zones are located between the main belts. They have their own characteristics that stand out from the general background. Warm trade winds, moderate humidity and mild weather prevail here. Scientists discovered three classes of transition zones back in the nineteenth century, they have remained unchanged until now:
- subequatorial;
- subtropical;
- subpolar.
In the territories of the subequatorial climatic zone, the weather is changeable. In winter, due to the predominance of tropical air masses there is little rainfall, the sky clears of clouds, the air becomes cold. In summer, the weather is subject to equatorial cyclones: the air is hot, and there is enough precipitation - more than 3000 millimeters per year.
Geographical position of subtropical zones between temperate and tropical latitudes. The weather is hot and sunny in summer, and it gets colder in winter, with a small amount of snow falling, but there is no permanent snow cover.
The subpolar climate is characterized by high humidity and low air temperature. In the Southern Hemisphere in this zone there is a water area Antarctica, and in the North - the main part of the land.
Many do not know in which climatic zones Russia is located. The climate of Russia is formed in the waters of the Arctic Ocean and ends in the Caucasus. It is characterized by the regularity of the change of clearly defined four seasons with dry hot summers and snowy frosty winters. Most of the country is located in the temperate climate zone, which is divided into four subtypes: monsoonal, sharply and moderately continental, continental. There are also arctic, subarctic and subtropical climates.
The relief of the area affects the location of different types of climate. How many areas are there? Scientists identify 8 climatic zones, but since the Arctic and Antarctic zones are combined into a polar region, there are 7 in total. Geographical climatic zones are studied at school, where students fill out special maps. At the same time, they must paint over the zones with different shades of blue, as well as fill out climate tables, which should contain indicators of temperature and precipitation in different areas.
Climatic zones are continuous or discontinuous areas that are parallel to the latitudes of the planet. Between themselves, they differ in the circulation of air currents and the amount of solar energy. The terrain, proximity to or are also important climate-forming factors.
According to the classification of the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov, there are seven main types of Earth's climate: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (one each in the hemispheres). In addition, Alisov identified six intermediate belts, three in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical, as well as subarctic and subantarctic.
Arctic and Antarctic climate zone
Arctic and Antarctic climate zone on the world map
The polar region adjacent to the North Pole is called the Arctic. It includes the territory of the Arctic Ocean, margins and Eurasia. The belt is represented by icy and, which are characterized by long severe winters. The maximum summer temperature is +5°C. arctic ice affect the climate of the Earth as a whole, preventing it from overheating.
The Antarctic belt is located in the very south of the planet. Nearby islands are also under his influence. The pole of cold is located on the mainland, therefore winter temperatures the average is -60°C. Summer figures do not rise above -20°C. The territory is located in the Arctic desert zone. The mainland is almost completely covered with ice. Land areas are found only in the coastal zone.
Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone
Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone on the world map
The subarctic zone includes northern Canada, southern Greenland, Alaska, northern Scandinavia, northern regions of Siberia and Far East. The average winter temperature is -30°C. With coming short summer the mark rises to +20°C. In the north of this climatic zone dominates, which is characterized by high humidity, swampiness and frequent winds. The south is located in the forest-tundra zone. The soil has time to warm up during the summer, so bushes and woodlands grow here.
Within the subantarctic belt are the islands of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The zone is subject to the seasonal influence of air masses. In winter, arctic air dominates here, and in summer masses come from the temperate zone. average temperature in winter is -15°C. Storms, fogs and snowfalls often occur on the islands. In the cold season, the entire water area is occupied by ice, but with the onset of summer, they melt. Indicators warm months the average is -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. Vegetable world represented by algae, lichens, mosses and herbs.
temperate climate zone
Temperate climate zone on the world map
In the temperate zone lies a quarter of the entire surface of the planet: North America, and. Its main feature is a clear expression of the seasons of the year. The prevailing air masses give high humidity and low pressure. The average winter temperature is 0°C. In summer, the mark rises above fifteen degrees. Cyclones prevailing in the northern part of the zone provoke snow and rain. Most of the precipitation falls as summer rain.
Territories deep into the continents are prone to droughts. represented by an alternation of forests and arid regions. It grows in the north, the flora of which is adapted to low temperatures and high humidity. Gradually it is replaced by a zone of mixed broad-leaved forests. The strip of steppes in the south encircles all the continents. The zone of semi-deserts and deserts covers the western part of North America and Asia.
Temperate climates are subdivided into the following subtypes:
- nautical;
- temperate continental;
- sharply continental;
- monsoon.
Subtropical climate zone
Subtropical climate zone on the world map
In the subtropical zone there is a part of the Black Sea coast, the southwest and, the south of the North and. In winter, the territories are influenced by air moving from the temperate zone. The thermometer rarely drops below zero. In summer, the climate zone is affected by subtropical cyclones, which warm the earth well. In the eastern part of the continents dominated wet air. There are long summers and mild winters without frost. The western coasts are characterized by dry summers and warm winters.
Temperatures are much higher in the interior regions of the climate zone. The weather is almost always clear. Most of the precipitation falls during the cold period, when the air masses shift to the side. On the coasts, hard-leaved forests grow with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. In the northern hemisphere, they are replaced by a zone of subtropical steppes, smoothly flowing into the desert. In the southern hemisphere, the steppes turn into broad-leaved and deciduous forests. Mountain areas are represented by forest-meadow zones.
In the subtropical climate zone The following subtypes of climate are distinguished:
- subtropical oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate;
- subtropical inland climate;
- subtropical monsoon climate;
- climate of high subtropical highlands.
Tropical climate zone
Tropical climate zone on the world map
The tropical climate zone covers separate territories in everything except Antarctica. All year round region dominates the oceans high blood pressure. Because of this, there is little rainfall in the climate zone. Summer temperatures in both hemispheres exceed +35°C. Average winter temperatures are +10°C. The average daily temperature fluctuation is felt in the interior of the continents.
Most of the time the weather is clear and dry. The bulk of the precipitation falls on winter months. Significant temperature fluctuations provoke dust storms. On the coasts, the climate is much milder: winters are warm, and summers are mild and humid. Strong winds practically absent, precipitation falls in the calendar summer. dominant natural areas are rainforests, deserts and semi-deserts.
The tropical climate zone includes the following climate subtypes:
- trade wind climate;
- tropical dry climate;
- tropical monsoon climate;
- monsoon climate on tropical plateaus.
Subequatorial climate zone
Subequatorial climatic zone on the world map
The subequatorial climatic zone affects both hemispheres of the Earth. AT summer time the zone is under the influence of equatorial moist winds. In winter, the trade winds dominate. The average annual temperature is +28°C. Daily temperature fluctuations are insignificant. Most of the precipitation falls during the warm season under the influence of the summer monsoons. The closer to the equator, the more abundant it rains. In summer, most rivers overflow their banks, and in winter they dry up completely.
The flora is represented by monsoon mixed forests and light forests. The foliage on the trees turns yellow and falls during the drought period. With the arrival of rains, it is restored. In the open spaces of the savannas, cereals and herbs grow. The plant world adapted to periods of rain and drought. Some remote forest areas have not yet been studied by man.
Equatorial climate zone
Equatorial climate zone on the world map
The belt is located on both sides of the equator. The constant flow of solar radiation creates a hot climate. Weather conditions are affected by air masses coming from the equator. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is only 3°C. Unlike other climatic zones, the equatorial climate remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Temperatures do not fall below +27°C. Due to heavy rainfall, high humidity, fogs and clouds are formed. Strong winds are practically absent, which favorably affects the flora.
On the climate (and, therefore, climatic zone) have an impact and form it, depending on geographical conditions, climate-forming factors. These include: the amount of solar radiation reaching a certain surface of the Earth; atmospheric circulation processes; biomass volumes. These climate-determining factors can vary considerably depending on the geographic latitude of the area. Latitude determines the angle at which sunlight strikes the surface. the globe and, accordingly, how intensively the surface located at different distances from the equator will warm up.
The thermal regime of a certain area depends to a large extent on its proximity to the oceans, which act as heat accumulators. On the land surfaces bordering the oceans, there is more mild climate climate zone compared to the climate in the depths of the continents. Daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations near large volumes of water are more gradual than in continental climates closer to the center of the continents. There is more rainfall here and the sky is often covered with clouds. On the contrary, the continental climate is characterized by sharp temperature changes and less rainfall.
Ocean-related phenomena such as sea currents are also a major factor in determining the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm atmospheric air, bring cyclones with a lot of precipitation. How dramatically the current can affect nature can be seen on the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall into his zone of influence, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.
It has no less influence on the climate and relief (which also affects the formation of the climatic zone). Everyone knows the footage of climbers climbing the mountains, who, starting from green meadows at the foot of the mountain, stand on snow-capped peaks a few days later. This happens due to the fact that with every kilometer above sea level, the ambient temperature drops by 5-6 °C. In addition, mountain systems prevent the movement of both warm and cold air masses. Often the climate is on one side and the other mountain range may differ significantly. A vivid example of this is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, located on opposite sides of the Caucasus Mountains.
In order to properly define the term climatic zone» You need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.
Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain time in a particular area. And the climate is considered to be the average well-established weather regime. What climatic zone What are its varieties?
Climatic zone and its properties.
climate zone It is customary to call the latitudinal band, which differs from other bands by the circulation of the atmosphere, as well as by the intensity of heating of the Sun.
In total, there are 7 varieties on the planet climatic zones c, which in turn are divided into main and transitional belts. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.
Permanent and transitional climatic zones.
The permanent (main) is called climatic zone, in which one air mass dominates throughout the year. The main types of belts include: temperate, tropical, equatorial and arctic.
Transitional zones are characterized by a change in air masses, that is, it is hot in summer and colder in winter. Allocate subarctic, subtropical and subequatorial belts.
Equatorial climate zone.
This subtype of the main climate zone located at the equator. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. During the year it is under the influence of the equatorial air mass.
The main features of the equatorial belt:
- high humidity;
- high precipitation (up to 7 thousand mm per year);
- high temperature (from 20 ° C and above).
The natural area of this climate zone considered moist forests that are filled with various poisonous plants and animals.
In this belt is the Amazonian lowland, equatorial Africa, as well as the Greater Sunda Islands.
Subequatorial climatic zone.
This subtype of transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, 2 air masses change on its territory during the year.
In the subequatorial zone there is Northern Australia, the north of South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, Southeast Asia.
Tropical and subtropical zones.
The tropical zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. Weather in the tropics depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. For tropical climate zone characterized by sharp temperature changes - from hot to cold.
This is considered the main reason why the world of flora and fauna is very poor. North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands are in this subspecies of permanent belts.
The subtropical zone is located in the middle of the temperate and tropical zones. It is customary to distinguish between the northern and southern subtropical belts. In summer, tropical heat prevails here, which is characterized by dryness, and cold air mass reigns in winter.
The climatic zone characteristic of the Great China Plain, North Africa, North America and southern Japan.
temperate climate zone.
A distinctive feature of the temperate zone is the ability of temperature to change seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature.
A significant part of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the north of the USA are located in temperate latitudes.
The amount of solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses form along thermal zones, i.e. depending on latitude. The latitude also determines the climatic zone - vast territories within which the main climate indicators practically do not change. Climatic zones were determined by the Russian climatologist B.P. Alisov. Their definition is based on the dominant types of air masses, from which the climatic zones got their name.
Climatic zones are divided into basic and transitional. Where the influence of one type of air masses prevails throughout the year, the main climatic zones have formed. There are only seven of them: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic. The seven main climatic zones correspond to four types of air masses.
The equatorial climatic zone is dominated by low Atmosphere pressure and equatorial air masses. The sun here is high above the horizon, which contributes to high air temperatures, and due to the predominance of ascending air currents and the influence of moist oceanic air masses that come with the trade winds, a lot (1000-3500 mm) of precipitation falls in this belt.
In tropical zones dominated by tropical air masses, high pressure and low air masses. Tropical air masses are always dry, because the air that comes from the equator in the tropics at an altitude of 10-12 km already contains little moisture. As it descends, it heats up and becomes even drier. Therefore, it does not rain often here. The air temperature is high. Such climatic conditions contributed to the creation of zones of tropical deserts and semi-deserts here.
The temperate climate zone is influenced by westerly winds and moderate air masses. There are clearly defined four seasons. The amount of precipitation depends on the remoteness of the territories from the ocean. Thus, most precipitation falls in the western part of Eurasia. They are brought westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The farther to the east, the less precipitation, i.e., the continentality of the climate increases. In the far east, under the influence of the ocean, the amount of precipitation increases again.
The Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones are areas high pressure, which are influenced by katabatic winds. The air temperature rarely rises above 0⁰С. Climatic conditions in both belts are very similar - it is always cold and dry here. Precipitation is less than 200 mm for the whole year.
Territories where air masses change seasonally twice a year are classified as transitional climatic zones. The prefix “sub” appears in the names of transitional zones, which means “under”, i.e. under the main belt. Transitional climatic zones are located between the main zones. There are only six of them: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic.
So, the subarctic zone is located between the arctic and temperate, the subtropical - between the temperate and tropical, the subequatorial - between the tropical and equatorial zones. In transitional zones, the weather is determined by air masses that come from neighboring main belts and change with the seasons. So, for example, the climate of the subtropical zone in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical zone, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zone. And the climate of the subequatorial belt in summer has signs of equatorial, and in winter - tropical climate. In the subarctic zone, moderate air masses determine the weather in summer, and arctic ones in summer.
Thus, climatic zones are located in zones and this is due to the influence of solar radiation. Thus, the type of climate on Earth varies zonal. Under the type of climate is understood a constant set of climatic indicators characteristic of a certain period of time and a certain territory. But earth's surface heterogeneous, therefore, different types of climate can form within the climatic zones.
The boundaries of climatic zones do not always coincide with the direction of the parallels. And in some places they deviate significantly to the north or south. This is primarily due to the nature of the underlying surface. Therefore, within the same climatic zone, different types of climate can form. They differ from each other in the amount of precipitation, the seasonality of their distribution, and the annual amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. For example, in the temperate zone of Eurasia, maritime, continental and monsoon climates are distinguished. Therefore, individual climatic zones are also subdivided into climatic regions.
Thus, 13 climatic zones are conditionally distinguished on Earth: 7 of them are main and 6 are transitional. The definition of climatic zones is based on the air masses prevailing in the region throughout the year. Separate climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical) are also divided into climatic regions. Climatic regions are formed under the influence of the underlying surface within the boundaries of one climatic zone.
