in different climatic regions. Earth climates. This I can

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 the lithospheric plates that make up the earth's crust.

Depending on the area 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 humid.

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 summers give way to dry winters.

The largest number of climatic regions is within the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere.

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The classification of climates provides an ordered system for characterizing climate types, their zoning and mapping. Climate types that prevail over vast areas are called macroclimates. A macroclimatic region should have more or less uniform climatic conditions that distinguish it from other regions, although they are only a generalized characteristic (since there are no two places with an identical climate), more in line with realities than the allocation of climatic regions only on the basis of belonging to a certain latitude. - geographic zone.

Territories that are inferior in size to macroclimatic regions also have climatic features that deserve special study and classification. Mesoclimates (from the Greek meso - medium) are the climates of territories several square kilometers in size, for example, wide river valleys, intermountain depressions, basins of large lakes or cities. In terms of distribution area and nature of differences, mesoclimates are intermediate between macroclimates and microclimates. The latter characterize the climatic conditions in small areas of the earth's surface. Microclimatic observations are carried out, for example, on the streets of cities or on test sites established within a homogeneous plant community.

Ice sheet climate dominates 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 twilight and auroras. Even in summer, the sun's rays fall on the earth's surface at a slight angle, which reduces the heating efficiency. Most of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by the ice. In both summer and winter, low temperatures prevail in the elevated regions of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The climate of the interior of Antarctica is much colder than the climate of the Arctic, since the southern mainland is large and high, and the Arctic Ocean moderates the climate, despite the wide distribution of pack ice. In summer, during short periods of warming, drift ice sometimes melts.

Precipitation on ice sheets falls in the form of snow or small particles of ice mist. Inland regions receive only 50-125 mm of precipitation annually, but more than 500 mm can fall on the coast. Sometimes cyclones bring clouds and snow to these areas. Snowfalls are often accompanied by strong winds that carry significant masses of snow, blowing it off the rocks. Strong katabatic winds with snowstorms blow from the cold ice sheet, bringing snow to the coast.

subpolar climate manifests itself in the tundra regions on the northern outskirts of North America and Eurasia, as well as on the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands. In eastern Canada and Siberia, the southern boundary of this climatic zone runs well south of the Arctic Circle due to the strongly pronounced 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, however, 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 the infiltration of melt water into the ground. Therefore, in summer, flat areas turn out to be swampy. On the coast, winter temperatures are somewhat higher, and summer temperatures are somewhat lower than in the interior of the mainland. In summer, when humid air is over cold water or sea ice, fog often occurs on Arctic coasts.

The annual amount of precipitation usually does not exceed 380 mm. Most of them fall in the form of rain or snow in summer, during the passage of cyclones. On the coast, the bulk of precipitation can be brought by winter cyclones. But the low temperatures and clear weather of the cold season, characteristic of most areas with a subpolar climate, are unfavorable for significant snow accumulation.

subarctic climate It is also known under the name "taiga climate" (according to the predominant type of vegetation - coniferous forests). This climatic zone covers the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere - the northern regions of North America and Eurasia, located immediately south of the subpolar climatic zone. There are sharp seasonal climatic differences due to the position of this climatic 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. Summers are short and cool with long days. In winter, the period with negative temperatures is very long, and in summer the temperature can sometimes exceed +32°C. In Yakutsk, the average temperature in January is -43°C, in July - +19°C, i.e. the annual temperature range reaches 62°C. A milder climate is typical for coastal areas, such as southern Alaska or northern Scandinavia.

In most of the considered climatic zone, less than 500 mm of precipitation per year falls, and their amount is maximum on the windward coasts and minimum in the interior of Siberia. Very little snow falls in winter, snowfalls are associated with rare cyclones. Summers are usually wetter, and it rains mainly during the passage of atmospheric fronts. The coasts are often foggy and overcast. In winter, in severe frosts, icy fogs hang over the snow cover.

Humid continental climate with short summers characteristic of a vast band of temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, it extends from the prairies in south-central Canada to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and in Eurasia it covers most of Eastern Europe and parts of Central Siberia. The same type of climate is observed in the Japanese island of Hokkaido and in the south of the Far East. The main climatic features of these regions are determined by the prevailing westerly transport and the frequent passage of atmospheric fronts. In 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 large as in the subarctic climate. In Moscow, the average January temperatures are -9°C, July - +18°C. In this climatic zone, spring frosts pose a constant threat to agriculture. In the coastal provinces of Canada, in New England and on about. Hokkaido's winters are warmer than inland areas, as easterly winds occasionally bring in warmer ocean air.

Annual rainfall ranges from less than 500 mm in the interior of the continents to over 1000 mm on the coasts. In most of the region, precipitation occurs mainly in summer, often during thunderstorms. Winter precipitation, mainly in the form of snow, is associated with the passage of fronts in cyclones. Blizzards are often observed in the rear of a cold front.

Humid continental climate with long summers. Air temperatures and the duration of the summer season increase to the south in areas of humid continental climate. This type of climate is manifested in the temperate latitudinal 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 also expressed in northeastern China and central Japan. Here, too, western transport predominates. The average temperature of the warmest month is +22°С (but temperatures can exceed +38°С), summer nights are warm. Winters are not as cold as in areas of humid continental climate with short summers, but temperatures sometimes drop below 0°C. The annual temperature range is usually 28°C, as, for example, in Peoria (Illinois, USA), where the average temperature in January is -4°C, and in July - +24°C. On the coast, the annual temperature amplitudes decrease.

Most often, in a humid continental climate with a long summer, from 500 to 1100 mm of precipitation falls annually. The greatest amount of precipitation is brought by summer thunderstorms during the growing season. In winter, rains and snowfalls are mainly associated with the passage of cyclones and related fronts.

Maritime climate of temperate latitudes inherent in the western coasts of the continents, primarily in northwestern Europe, the central part of the Pacific coast of North America, southern Chile, southeastern Australia and New Zealand. The prevailing westerly winds blowing from the oceans have a softening effect on the course of air temperature. Winters are mild with average temperatures of the coldest month above 0°C, but when the arctic air currents reach the coasts, there are also frosts. Summers are generally quite warm; during intrusions of continental air during the daytime, the temperature can rise to +38°C for a short time. This type of climate with a small annual temperature range is the most moderate among the climates of temperate latitudes. For example, in Paris, the average temperature in January is +3°С, in July - +18°С.

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. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year in many areas, with the exception of the US Pacific Northwest, which has very wet winters. Cyclones moving from the oceans bring a lot of precipitation to the western continental margins. In winter, as a rule, cloudy weather persists with light rains and occasional short-term snowfalls. Fogs are common on the coasts, especially in summer and autumn.

Humid subtropical climate characteristic of the eastern coasts of the continents north and south of the tropics. The main areas of distribution are the southeastern United States, some southeastern regions 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 east coast of Australia. Summer in the humid subtropics is long and hot, with the same temperatures as in the tropics. The average temperature of the warmest month exceeds +27°C, and the maximum temperature is +38°C. Winters are mild, with average monthly temperatures above 0°C, but occasional frosts have a detrimental effect on vegetable and citrus plantations.

In the humid subtropics, the average annual precipitation ranges from 750 to 2000 mm, the distribution of precipitation over the seasons is quite uniform. In winter, rains 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, which are characteristic of the monsoonal circulation of East Asia. Hurricanes (or typhoons) appear in late summer and autumn, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

Subtropical climate with dry summers typical of the western coasts of the continents north and south of the tropics. In Southern Europe and North Africa, such climatic conditions are typical for the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, which was the reason for calling this climate also Mediterranean. The same climate is in southern California, the central regions of Chile, in the extreme south of Africa and in a number of areas in southern Australia. All these regions have hot summers and mild winters. As in the humid subtropics, there are occasional frosts in winter. In inland areas, summer temperatures are much higher than on the coasts, and often the same as in tropical deserts. In general, clear weather prevails. In summer, on the coasts near which ocean currents pass, there are often fogs. For example, in San Francisco, summers are cool, foggy, and the warmest month is September.

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. The average annual precipitation in a subtropical climate ranges from 380 to 900 mm and reaches maximum values ​​on the coasts and mountain slopes. In the summer, there is usually not enough rainfall for the normal growth of trees, and therefore a specific type of evergreen shrub vegetation develops there, known as maquis, chaparral, mali, machia and fynbosh.

Semi-arid climate of temperate latitudes(synonym - steppe climate) is characteristic mainly for inland regions, remote from the oceans - sources of moisture - and usually located in the rain shadow of high mountains. The main regions with a semi-arid climate are the intermountain basins and the Great Plains of North America and the steppes of central Eurasia. Hot summers and cold winters are due to the inland position 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 actual arid climate. The average annual precipitation is usually less than 500 mm but more than 250 mm. Since the development of steppe vegetation at higher temperatures requires more precipitation, the latitudinal-geographical and altitudinal position of the area is determined by climatic changes. For a semi-arid climate, there are no general regularities in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. For example, areas bordering the subtropics with dry summers experience a maximum of precipitation in winter, while areas adjacent to areas of a humid continental climate experience rainfall mainly in summer. Mid-latitude cyclones bring most of the winter precipitation, which often falls as snow and can be accompanied by strong winds. Summer thunderstorms often come with hail. The amount of precipitation varies greatly from year to year.

Arid climate of temperate latitudes is inherent mainly in the Central Asian deserts, and in the western United States - only in small areas in intermountain basins. Temperatures are the same as in regions with a semi-arid climate, but the precipitation here is not enough for the existence of a closed natural vegetation cover and the average annual amounts usually do not exceed 250 mm. As in semi-arid climatic conditions, the amount of precipitation that determines aridity depends on the thermal regime.

Semi-arid climate of low latitudes mostly typical of the margins of tropical deserts (eg the Sahara and the deserts of central Australia), where downdrafts in subtropical high pressure zones preclude precipitation. The climate under consideration differs from the semi-arid climate of temperate latitudes by very hot summers and warm winters. Average monthly temperatures are above 0°C, although frosts occasionally occur in winter, especially in areas furthest from the equator and located at high altitudes. The amount of precipitation required for the existence of dense natural herbaceous vegetation is higher here than in temperate latitudes. In the equatorial zone, it rains mainly in summer, while on the outer (northern and southern) margins of the deserts, the maximum precipitation occurs in winter. Precipitation mostly falls in the form of thunderstorms, and in winter rains are brought by cyclones.

Arid climate of low latitudes. This is a hot dry climate of tropical deserts, stretching along the Northern and Southern tropics and being influenced by subtropical anticyclones for most of the year. Salvation from the sweltering summer heat can only be found on the coasts washed by cold ocean currents, or in the mountains. On the plains, the average summer temperatures noticeably exceed +32°C, while 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 at many meteorological stations for several years in a row precipitation is not recorded at all. Sometimes the average annual precipitation can reach 380 mm, but this is still enough only for the development of sparse desert vegetation. Occasionally, precipitation occurs in the form of short-lived heavy thunderstorms, but the water quickly drains to form flash floods. The driest regions are along the western coasts of South America and Africa, where cold ocean currents prevent cloud formation and precipitation. These coasts often have fogs formed by the condensation of moisture in the air over the colder surface of the ocean.

Variable humid tropical climate. Areas with such a climate are located in tropical sublatitudinal zones, a few degrees north and south of the equator. This climate is also called tropical monsoon, as it prevails in those parts of South Asia that are influenced by monsoons. Other areas with such a climate are the tropics of Central and South America, Africa and northern Australia. Average summer temperatures are usually approx. + 27 ° С, and winter - approx. +21°С. The hottest month usually precedes the summer rainy season.

Average annual rainfall ranges from 750 to 2000 mm. During the summer rainy season, the intertropical convergence zone exerts a decisive influence on the climate. There are often thunderstorms here, sometimes continuous cloud cover with prolonged rains persists for a long time. Winter is dry, as subtropical anticyclones dominate this season. In some areas, rain does not fall for two to three winter months. In South Asia, the wet season coincides with the summer monsoon, which brings moisture from the Indian Ocean, and Asian continental dry air masses spread here in winter.

humid tropical climate, or the climate of tropical rainforests, common in equatorial latitudes in the Amazon basin in South America and the Congo in Africa, on the Malay Peninsula and on 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 approx. +26°С. As in the variable humid tropics, due to the high midday position of the Sun above the horizon and the same length of the day throughout the year, seasonal temperature fluctuations are small. Moist air, cloudiness and dense vegetation prevent nighttime cooling and maintain maximum daytime temperatures below +37°C, lower than at higher latitudes.

The average annual rainfall in the humid tropics ranges from 1500 to 2500 mm, the distribution over the seasons is usually fairly even. Precipitation is mainly associated with the intratropical 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 precipitation maxima during the year, separated by drier periods. Every day, thousands of thunderstorms roll over the humid tropics. In the intervals between them, the sun shines in full force.

Highland climates. In highland areas, a significant variety of climatic conditions is due to the latitudinal-geographical position, orographic barriers, and different exposure of the slopes in relation to the Sun and moisture-carrying air currents. Even at the equator in the mountains there are snowfields-migrations. The lower boundary of the eternal snows 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. Windward slopes of mountain ranges receive more precipitation. On mountain slopes open to the intrusions of cold air, a drop in temperature is possible. 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. The nature of seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation in the highlands is usually the same as in the adjacent plains.

>>Types of Russian climates

§ 20. Types of climates in Russia

Different types of climates are formed on the territory of Russia. Each of them is characterized by such common features as temperature, precipitation, prevailing types weather for the seasons.

Within the same type of climate, the quantitative indicators of each element can vary significantly, which makes it possible to distinguish climatic regions. The internal differences are especially great in the largest climatic zone of Russia - the temperate one: from the taiga to the deserts, from the sea climate and coasts to sharply continental inside the mainland at the same latitude.

The Arctic climate is typical for the islands of the Arctic Ocean and its Siberian coasts. Here the surface receives very little solar heat. Cold arctic air and anticyclones dominate throughout the year. The severity of the climate is exacerbated by the long polar night, when solar radiation does not reach the surface.

This lengthens the winter and reduces the remaining seasons of the year to 1.5-2 months.

In this climate, there are practically two seasons of the year: a long cold winter and a short cool summer. Average January temperatures are -24-30 CC. Summer temperatures are low: +2-5 °С. Rainfall is limited to 200-300 mm per year. They fall mainly in the winter in the form of snow.

subarctic climate characteristic of territories located beyond the Arctic Circle on the East European and West Siberian plains. AT Eastern Siberia this type of climate is common up to 60 ° N. sh. Winters are long and harsh, and the severity of the climate increases as you move from west to east. Summer is warmer than in the Arctic zone, but still short and rather cold (average July temperatures are from +4 to +12 °C). The annual amount of precipitation is 200-400 mm, but due to low evaporation rates, moisture is excessive. The influence of Atlantic air masses leads to the fact that in the tundra of the Kola Peninsula, compared with the mainland rainfall increases, and winter temperatures are higher than in the Asian part.

Climate of the temperate zone. The temperate climatic zone is the largest climatic zone in Russia in terms of area. It is characterized by significant differences in temperature and moisture as it moves from west to east and from north to south. Common to the entire belt are clearly defined four seasons of the year.

temperate continental climate dominates the European part of Russia. Its main features are warm summers (July temperature +12--24 °C), frosty winters (average January temperatures from -4 to -20 CC), annual precipitation of more than 800 mm in the west and up to 500 mm in the center of the Russian Plain. This climate is formed under the influence of the western transfer of Atlantic air masses, relatively warm in winter and cool in summer, and, moreover, constantly humid. In the temperate continental climate, moisture changes from excessive in the north and northwest to insufficient in the east and southeast. This is reflected in the change of natural zones from taiga to steppe.

continental climate temperate zone is typical for Western Siberia. This climate is formed under the influence of continental air masses of temperate latitudes, moving most often in a latitudinal direction. In the meridional direction from north to south, cold arctic air moves, and continental tropical air penetrates far to the north of the forest belt. Therefore, precipitation here falls 600 mm per year in the north and less - mm - in the south. Summers are warm, even hot in the south (average July temperatures are from +15 to +26 °С). Winter is severe compared to the temperate continental climate, with average January temperatures ranging from -15 to -25 °C.

Sharply continental climate temperate zone is common in Eastern Siberia. This climate is distinguished by the constant dominance of continental air of temperate latitudes. The sharply continental climate is characterized by low cloudiness, meager precipitation, the bulk of which falls in the warm part of the year. Small clouds contribute to the rapid heating of the earth's surface by the sun's rays during the day and summer, and, conversely, to its rapid cooling at night and in winter. Hence the large amplitudes (differences) in air temperatures, warm and hot summers and frosty winters with little snow. Little snow during severe frosts (average January temperature from -25 to -45 ° C) ensures deep freezing of soils and grounds, and this, in temperate latitudes, causes the preservation of permafrost. Summer is sunny and warm (average July temperatures are from +16 to +20 °C). The annual rainfall is less than 500 mm. The moisture coefficient is close to unity.

Monsoon climate temperate zone is typical for the southern regions Far East. When the mainland cools in winter and the atmospheric pressure rises in connection with this, dry and cold air rushes towards warmer air over the ocean. In summer, the mainland warms up more than the ocean, and colder oceanic air tends to the continent, bringing clouds and heavy precipitation. The average January temperatures here are from -15 to -30 °С; in summer, in July, from +10 to +20 °С. Precipitation (up to 600-800 mm per year) falls mainly in summer. If the melting of snow in the mountains coincides with heavy rains, floods occur. Humidification is excessive everywhere (humidity coefficient is greater than unity).

Questions and tasks

1. Using the maps, determine in which of the climatic zones the main part of the territory of Russia is located. What climatic zones occupy the smallest area in our country?
2. Explain why in the temperate zone there are the greatest differences in climatic conditions as you move from west to east.
3. What are the main features of the continental climate. How does this climate affect other components of nature?

Geography of Russia: Nature. Population. Economy. 8 cells : studies. for 8 cells. general education institutions / V. P. Dronov, I. I. Barinova, V. Ya. Rom, A. A. Lobzhanidze; ed. V. P. Dronova. - 10th ed., stereotype. - M. : Bustard, 2009. - 271 p. : ill., maps.

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The Earth's climate has a large number of regularities and is formed under the influence of many factors. At the same time, it is fair to attribute to it a variety of phenomena in the atmosphere. The climatic state of our planet largely determines the state of the natural environment and human activities, especially economic ones.

The climatic conditions of the Earth are formed by three large-scale geophysical processes of a cyclic type:

• Heat transfer- exchange of heat between the earth's surface and the atmosphere.
• moisture circulation- the intensity of water evaporation into the atmosphere and its correlation with the level of precipitation.
• General atmospheric circulation- a set of air currents over the Earth. The state of the troposphere is determined by the features of the distribution of air masses, for which cyclones and anticyclones are responsible. Atmospheric circulation occurs due to the unequal distribution of atmospheric pressure, which is due to the division of the planet into land and water bodies, as well as uneven access to ultraviolet radiation. The intensity of the sun's rays is determined not only by geographical features, but also by the proximity of the ocean, the frequency of precipitation.

Climate should be distinguished from weather, which is the state of the environment at the current moment. However, weather characteristics are often the subject of climatology, or even the most important factors in changing the Earth's climate. The level of heat plays a special role in the development of the earth's climate, as well as weather conditions. Also, the climate is influenced by sea currents and relief features, in particular, the proximity of mountain ranges. No less important role belongs to the prevailing winds: warm or cold.

In the study of the Earth's climate, careful attention is paid to such meteorological phenomena as atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, wind parameters, temperature indicators, and precipitation. They also try to take into account solar radiation in compiling a general planetary picture.

climate-forming factors

1. Astronomical factors: the brightness of the Sun, the ratio of the Sun and the Earth, the features of the orbits, the density of matter in space. These factors affect the level of solar radiation on our planet, daily weather changes, and the spread of heat between the hemispheres.
2. Geographical factors: the weight and parameters of the Earth, gravity, air components, the mass of the atmosphere, currents in the ocean, the nature of the earth's relief, sea level, etc. These features determine the level of heat received in accordance with the weather season, continent and hemisphere of the earth.

The industrial revolution led to the inclusion in the list of climate-forming factors of active human activity. However, all characteristics of the Earth's climate are largely influenced by the energy of the Sun and the angle of incidence of ultraviolet rays.

Earth climate types

There are many classifications of the planet's climatic zones. Various researchers take as the basis for the separation, both individual characteristics and the general circulation of the atmosphere or the geographical component. Most often, the basis for distinguishing a separate type of climate is the solar climate - the influx of solar radiation. The proximity of water bodies and the ratio of land to sea are also important.

The simplest classification identifies 4 basic belts in each hemisphere:

• equatorial;
• tropical;
• moderate;
• polar.

Between the main zones there are transitional sections. They have the same names, but with the prefix "sub". The first two climates, together with the transitions, can be called hot. In the equatorial region, there is a lot of precipitation. The temperate climate has more pronounced seasonal differences, especially in the case of temperature. As for the cold climate zone, these are the most severe conditions caused by the absence of solar heat and water vapor.

This division takes into account atmospheric circulation. According to the predominance of air masses, it is easier to divide the climate into oceanic, continental, and also the climate of the eastern or western coasts. Some researchers define the continental, maritime and monsoon climate additionally. Often in climatology there are descriptions of mountainous, arid, nival and humid climates.

Ozone layer

This concept refers to a layer of the stratosphere with an increased level of ozone, which is formed due to the influence of sunlight on molecular oxygen. Due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by atmospheric ozone, the living world is protected from combustion and widespread cancer. Without the ozone layer, which appeared 500 million years ago, the first organisms would not have been able to get out of the water.

Since the second half of the 20th century, it has been customary to talk about the problem of the "ozone hole" - a local decrease in the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. The main factor of such change is anthropogenic in nature. The ozone hole can lead to increased mortality of living organisms.

Global changes in the Earth's climate

(Increase in mean air temperature over the past century since the 1900s)

Large-scale climate transformations are considered by some scientists as a natural process. Others believe that this is a harbinger of a global catastrophe. Such changes mean a strong warming of the air masses, an increase in the level of aridity and a softening of winters. We are also talking about frequent hurricanes, typhoons, floods and droughts. The cause of climate change is the instability of the Sun, which leads to magnetic storms. Changes in the earth's orbit, the outlines of the oceans and continents, and volcanic eruptions also play a role. The greenhouse effect is also often associated with destructive human activities, namely: atmospheric pollution, deforestation, plowing land, burning fuel.

Global warming

(Climate change towards warming in the second half of the 20th century)

An increase in the average temperature of the Earth has been recorded since the second half of the 20th century. Scientists believe that the reason for this is the high levels of greenhouse gases due to human activity. The consequence of rising global temperatures is changing precipitation, the growth of deserts, the frequency of extreme weather events, the extinction of some biological species, and the rise in sea levels. Worst of all, in the Arctic, this leads to a decrease in glaciers. All together, this can radically change the habitat of various animals and plants, shift the boundaries of natural areas and cause serious problems with agriculture and human immunity.

Climatic conditions may change and transform, but in general they remain the same, making some regions attractive for tourism and others difficult to survive. It is worth understanding the existing species for a better understanding of the geographical features of the planet and a responsible attitude to the environment - humanity may lose some belts during global warming and other catastrophic processes.

What is climate?

This definition is understood as the established weather regime that distinguishes a particular area. It is reflected in the complex of all changes observed in the territory. Climate types affect nature, determine the state of water bodies and soils, lead to the emergence of specific plants and animals, and affect the development of economic and agricultural sectors. Formation occurs as a result of exposure to solar radiation and winds in combination with the variety of the surface. All these factors directly depend on the geographic latitude, which determines the angle of incidence of the rays, and hence the volume of heat production.

What affects the climate?

Different conditions (in addition to geographic latitude) can determine what the weather will be like. For example, proximity to the ocean has a strong impact. The farther the territory is from large waters, the less precipitation it receives, and the more uneven it is. Closer to the ocean, the amplitude of fluctuations is small, and all types of climate in such lands are much milder than continental ones. Sea currents are no less significant. For example, they warm the coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which contributes to the growth of forests there. At the same time, Greenland, which has a similar location, is covered with ice all year round. Strongly affects the formation of climate and relief. The higher the terrain, the lower the temperature, so it can be cold in the mountains even if they are in the tropics. In addition, the ridges can delay why there is a lot of precipitation on the windward slopes, and much less on the continent. Finally, it is worth noting the impact of winds, which can also seriously change the types of climate. Monsoons, hurricanes and typhoons carry moisture and noticeably affect the weather.

All existing types

Before studying each type separately, it is worth understanding the general classification. What are the main types of climate? The easiest way to understand the example of a particular country. The Russian Federation occupies a large area, and the weather in the country is very different. The table will help to study everything. The types of climates and the places where they prevail are distributed in it according to each other.

continental climate

Such weather prevails in regions located further beyond the maritime climate zone. What are its features? The continental type of climate is distinguished by sunny weather with anticyclones and an impressive amplitude of both annual and daily temperatures. Here, summer quickly turns into winter. The continental type of climate can be further divided into temperate, harsh and normal. The best example is the central part of the territory of Russia.

Monsoon climate

This type of weather is characterized by a sharp difference between winter and summer temperatures. In the warm season, the weather is formed under the influence of winds blowing on land from the sea. Therefore, in summer, the monsoon type of climate resembles a marine one, with heavy rains, high clouds, humid air and strong winds. In winter, the direction of the air masses changes. The monsoon type of climate begins to resemble continental - with clear and frosty weather and minimal rainfall throughout the season. Such variants of natural conditions are typical for several Asian countries - they are found in Japan, the Far East and northern India.