In what climate zone does precipitation occur in winter? climatic zones of the earth. Intermediate types of climates

CLIMATE ZONES

climatic zones.

The climate, like all meteorological quantities, is zonal. There are 7 main and 6 transitional climatic zones.

The main ones include:

equatorial,

two subequatorial (in the northern and southern hemispheres),

two tropical,

two moderate

two polar.

The names of the transitional zones are closely linked with the names of the main climatic zones and characterize their location on Earth: two subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). The classification of climatic zones is based on thermal zones and dominant types of air masses and their movement.

In the main belts, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year, and in transitional types of air masses in winter and summer they change due to the change of seasons and the displacement of atmospheric pressure zones.

equatorial belt. Equatorial air prevails throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures are 25-28 ° C, their amplitudes are small, calm or light winds prevail in the belt, humidity is high, cloudiness is significant, more often represented by cumulus and cumulus-thunderstorm (vertically developed) clouds. Precipitation 1000-2000 mm/year. The equatorial belt is characterized by two rainy periods in the transitional seasons, more often after the equinoxes, separated by less rainy or short rainless periods, excessive moisture. The equatorial climate is characteristic of the river basin. Amazon (Amazon lowland, South America), the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the Congo river basin (West Africa, the Congo lowland), the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands and New Guinea (the borders of the Indian and Pacific oceans).

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. Equatorial air dominates in summer, the summer is humid; in winter - tropical, dry winter. Rainy (summer) and dry (winter) periods are clearly defined. Winter is only slightly cooler than summer, average temperatures vary from 22 to 30 ° C, and temperature amplitudes increase. The annual amount of precipitation fluctuates significantly: if on average they fall 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. The subequatorial climate is observed in the Brazilian and Guinean Highlands (South America), in Central Africa it is adjacent to the Congo River basin from all sides, in Hindustan and Indochina (South Asia) and Northern Australia.

Tropical climate zones located on both sides of the tropics, approximately between 18 and 30 ° N. and y.sh. Here, during the year, tropical air dominates (dry air with high temperatures), trade winds (northeast and southeast) prevail. The weather is mostly clear, winters are warm, but noticeably colder than summers. The average temperatures of the warmest month are + 30-35 ° С, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ° С. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° С, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° С. Few areas fall: 50-150 mm/year (with the exception of the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of oceanic trade winds). In the tropics, there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of the continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climatic zones follow the tropical and are roughly between 30 and 40° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Tropical air prevails here in summer, temperate in winter. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these belts, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoonal regions). Summers are dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. Cyclonic weather prevails in winter, associated with a polar (moderate) front. Winters are wet and warm, but temperatures below 0°C are possible. Snow rarely falls, so snow cover does not form. The amount of precipitation is from 200 to 500 mm per year, but on the windward slopes of the mountains it is much more (Tskvice - 8000 mm, Balkan Peninsula). In subtropical zones, there are climatic regions : 1) mediterranean I - on the western coasts of the continents - the Mediterranean, Central Chile (South America), southwest Australia, California (S. America), the southern coast of Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy warm winters; 2) monsoonal subtropical - Florida (S. America), Uruguay (S. America), East China, Japanese Islands (East Asia). In this area, summers are hot but rainy, winters are relatively cold and dry; 3) subtropical continental climatic region located in the central parts of the continents. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cold with little precipitation (southern Australia, Turkmenistan, Iran, the Takla-Makan desert, western China, dry western United States). Separate areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: the southeast of Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

temperate climatic zones occupy a space between 40 ° C. and y.sh. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). During the whole year, moderate air masses dominate here, arctic and tropical air often invades. The belt is dominated westerly winds and on the east coasts monsoons. plays an important role throughout the year cyclonic activity on the polar (moderate) and arctic (antarctic) fronts. Precipitation is frequent, mostly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental regions in winter. The mode and amount of precipitation in the temperate zone vary and depend on two main factors: proximity to the sea and the nature of the relief. The following pattern can be traced: when moving deeper into the continents, the amount of precipitation and days with precipitation becomes less. In the northern and western parts of the continents, moisture is excessive (i.e. K > 1.0), and in the southern and central parts it is insufficient (K< 1,0). Наблюдаются существенные температурные различия между летом и зимой, между сушей и морем. Годовая amplitude air temperature in winter over the mainland reaches 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed, which lasts for several months. The variety of temperature and circulation conditions of the temperate zone predetermines its division into 4 climatic regions:

1)maritime temperate climate(western coasts of the continents) with relatively warm winters, cool and cloudy summers with maximum precipitation. This is a large part of Western Europe, the coastal strip s.-z. North America, south of Chile (South America);

2) transitional from maritime to continental- most of Europe, Patagonia (South America);

3) continental climate with varying degrees of continentality and maximum precipitation in the warm season(inner part of the USA, south and southeast of Eastern Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.);

4) monsoonal temperate climate (n on the eastern coasts of the continents) with cold and dry winters, cool and rainy summers (the Far East, Northeast China, northern Korea, the Japanese Islands, etc.).

Subpolar climatic zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change of air masses: in winter, arctic (antarctic) air dominates, in summer - air masses of temperate latitudes. Cyclones and anticyclones are frequent, the frequency of which is approximately the same. There is a polar day and a polar night. The winter is long and severe, the average temperature in January (July) is down to -40 ° C and lower, but in the oceanic parts it is down to -5-10 ° C. The summer is short and cool, with the temperature of the warmest month not exceeding 10 ° C. There is little precipitation, their annual amount is up to 200 mm and below, in oceanic regions up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excessive moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, the temperature can drop below 0 ° C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. Tundra is located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the islands of Antarctica (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these belts throughout the year. It is atypical for the belts that intense cyclonic activity is noted above the sea surface in the western part of the Arctic and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates Antarctica. Characteristic is the absence of solar radiation in winter (polar night) and round-the-clock lighting in summer. However, the snow and ice surfaces strongly reflect the sun's rays, which here fall at an angle close to 180 °, and radiate a lot of heat. The air temperature and humidity are very low, the average temperatures are negative, only in places in the summer months they rise to +5 ° C. There are maritime arctic and continental antarctic climates. The latter is particularly harsh. Here, the average temperature of December (summer) is -32 ° C, and August (winter) -71 ° C, the maximum temperature rarely rises above -20 ° C. There is little precipitation, the air is dry, strong winds periodically occur, especially in transitional seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. The fact that it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere for almost 200 years. Information about the weather and climate is available in chronicles, in the works of scientists of the ancient world. Some rocks (coral limestones, coal, salts, ribbon clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, and plant pollen make it possible to judge the climate of the prehistoric past. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. In our time, human activity has a great influence on the climate: it changes the state of the atmosphere (increase in CO 2 content, dust content, heat emissions, etc.), the underlying surface (deforestation, creation of reservoirs, irrigation and drainage of territories). The influence of people on the climate can be considered as natural and unfavorable.

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. It is latitude that determines at what angle sunlight falls on the surface of the globe and, accordingly, how intensely 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 the atmospheric air, bring cyclones with a large amount 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 on one and the other side of the mountain range can 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 moist forests are considered to be 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.

Quite diverse and regularly changes with latitude, i.e., zonal. Therefore, climatic zones are distinguished on the planet - latitudinal bands, each of which has a relatively uniform climate. In total, in both hemispheres (Northern and Southern) there are 13 climatic zones (see the map of the atlas "Climatic zones and regions"). Their boundaries are determined by two factors: the amount of solar radiation and superior air masses.

Distinguish between the main and transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, where one of the zonal types of air masses prevails during the year, the equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic and antarctic zones belong.

Transitional climatic zones are also called sub-belts (from the Latin "sub" - "under", that is, under the main ones). Zonal air masses here change seasonally, coming from neighboring main belts. At the same time, they move with the Sun. So, when the Northern Hemisphere has a warm season, all air masses move to the north, and when it is cold, on the contrary, to the south.
On the map of the atlas "Climatic zones and regions" find the main and transitional climatic zones.

Main types of climate

The type of climate is understood as a constant set of climatic indicators characteristic of a long period of time in a certain area. These indicators are:

• the amount of solar radiation;
• average temperature of the warmest and coldest months;
• annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations;
• prevailing air masses;
• average annual precipitation and the mode of their precipitation.

The equatorial, antarctic and arctic climatic zones have only one type of climate, since they are characterized by constant air masses throughout the year. In the tropical, temperate zones and all climatic sub-zones, climatic regions are also distinguished. Each of them has its own type of climate.

Equatorial climate zone

At the equator, where the Sun is at its zenith twice a year, high air temperatures are observed throughout the year (+26 ° С - +28 ° С). The annual amplitude is small, about 2 ° -3 ° С. Humid equatorial air masses prevail here. Daily showers cause a large annual amount of precipitation - about 2000-3000 mm. They fall evenly throughout the year.

tropical belts

Over tropical latitudes, the Sun is also at its zenith. (At what time?) The dryness of tropical air masses, in the belt, causes a high transparency of the atmosphere.
Therefore, the amount of solar radiation here is large, which causes very high air temperatures. The usual temperature of the warmest month is +30 ° С, the coldest +15 ° - +16 ° С. In summer, over land, the air temperature can reach the highest value on the globe - almost +58 ° С. frosts.
Depending on the amount of precipitation in the tropical zone, there are sharp climatic contrasts. In the west and in the interior of the continents, an area of ​​a tropical desert type of climate is formed. Descending air movements prevail here, less than 100 mm of precipitation falls annually.

In the east of the tropical belts of the continents, there is an area of ​​​​a humid tropical climate type. It is dominated by marine tropical air masses coming from the trade winds from the oceans. Therefore, on the eastern coasts, especially in the mountains, several thousand millimeters of precipitation can fall during the year.

temperate zones

In temperate latitudes, the amount of solar radiation fluctuates markedly over 12 months, so the seasons are pronounced. Moderate air masses prevail here throughout the year.

The temperate zone is characterized by significant climatic differences due to the nature of the underlying surface and the peculiarities of the circulation of air masses. There are several climatic regions with corresponding types of climate.
The region of the marine type of climate is formed over the oceanic expanses and on the western margins of the continents. The annual temperature amplitude is to blame here due to the influence of the ocean. The amount of precipitation is high, over 1000 mm per year. Summer is cool, winter is mild.
Region temperate continental climate type(transitional to continental) is typical for the territory of Ukraine. So, in Kyiv, the average temperature in January is -6 ° С, in July +19 ° С, the amount of precipitation is 660 mm per year.

The interior regions of the continents, remote from the ocean, are in the area of ​​the continental type of climate. It is characterized by a small amount of precipitation and a significant annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations. In some areas, such as Siberia, the difference between the maximum summer and winter temperatures is more than 100° (more than +40°C in summer, -60°C in winter).
On the eastern outskirts of the continents in the temperate zone, an area of ​​\u200b\u200bmonsoon climate type has formed. It is characterized by an annual alternation of two seasons - warm wet and cold dry. The wet summer season with heavy rains is ten times more rainy than the dry one. For example, on the Pacific coast, up to 95% of the annual precipitation sometimes falls in summer. The average July temperature exceeds +20°C, while in winter it drops below -20°C.

Arctic and Antarctic belts have similar climatic conditions. The amount of solar radiation is very high on a polar day, but the high albedo causes the predominance of cold and dry arctic or antarctic air masses in these belts. Temperatures throughout the year are mostly negative. Precipitation is less than 200 mm per year.

Climatic zones are continuous or discontinuous regions 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 affects 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 cold pole is located on the mainland, so winter temperatures average -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, the south of Greenland, Alaska, the north of Scandinavia, the northern regions of Siberia and the Far East. The average winter temperature is -30°C. With the advent of a 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. The 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. Warm months average -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. The flora is 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. Humid air prevails in the eastern part of the continents. 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 climate subtypes 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. An area of ​​high pressure dominates the oceans all year round. 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. Most of the precipitation occurs during the 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 are practically absent, precipitation falls in the calendar summer. The dominant natural areas are tropical forests, 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. In summer, the zone is influenced by equatorial wet 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.

Climate- the long-term weather regime characteristic of the area. The climate, unlike the weather, is characterized by stability. It is characterized not only by meteorological elements, but also by the frequency of phenomena, the deadlines for their onset, and the values ​​of all characteristics.

It is possible to identify the main groups of climate-forming factors :

1. geographical latitude of a place , since the angle of inclination of the sun's rays depends on it, which means the amount of heat;
2. atmospheric circulation - prevailing winds bring certain air masses;
3. ocean currents ;
4. absolute altitude of the place (temperature decreases with altitude)
5. distance from the ocean - on the coasts, as a rule, less sharp temperature changes (day and night, seasons of the year); more precipitation;
6. relief(mountain ranges can trap air masses: if a moist air mass meets mountains on its way, it rises, cools, moisture condenses and precipitation falls);
7. solar radiation (the main source of energy for all processes).

The climate, like all meteorological elements, is zonal. Allocate:

• 7 major climatic zones - equatorial, two tropical, temperate, polar,
• 6 transitional - by two subequatorial, subtropical, subpolar.

The classification of climatic zones is based on types of air masses and their movement . In the main belts, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year; in transitional belts, the types of air masses change depending on the season and the displacement of atmospheric pressure zones.

air masses

air masses- large volumes of air in the troposphere, which have more or less the same properties (temperature, humidity, dust content, etc.). The properties of air masses are determined by the territory or water area over which they form.

Characteristics zonal air masses: equatorial– warm and humid; tropical- warm, dry; moderate- less warm, more humid than tropical, seasonal differences are characteristic; arctic and Antarctic- cold and dry.

Within the main (zonal) types of VMs, there are subtypes - continental(forming over the mainland) and oceanic(forming over the ocean). An air mass is characterized by a general direction of movement, but within this volume of air there can be different winds. The properties of air masses change. Thus, marine temperate air masses, carried by western winds to the territory of Eurasia, gradually warm up (or cool down) when moving to the east, lose moisture and turn into temperate continental air.

Climatic zones

equatorial belt characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high air temperatures, a large amount of precipitation.

tropical belts characterize high atmospheric pressure, dry and warm air, low precipitation; winter is colder than summer, trade winds.

temperate zones characterized by moderate air temperatures, western transfers, uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year, pronounced seasons.

Arctic (Antarctic) belt characterized by low average annual temperature and humidity, constant snow cover.

AT subequatorial belt in summer equatorial air masses come, summer is hot and dry. In winter, tropical air masses come, so it is warm and dry.

AT subtropical zone tropical air in summer (hot and dry) and temperate in winter (cool and humid).

AT subarctic belt in summer temperate air dominates (warmth, a lot of precipitation), in winter - arctic air, making it harsh and dry.

climatic regions

Climatic zones change from the equator to the poles, as the angle of incidence of the sun's rays changes. This, in turn, determines the law of zoning, i.e., the change in the components of nature from the equator to the poles. Within the climatic zones there are climatic regions- a part of the climatic zone with a certain type of climate. Climatic regions arise as a result of the influence of various climate-forming factors (peculiarities of atmospheric circulation, the influence of ocean currents, etc.). For example, in temperate climate zone The northern hemisphere is divided into areas of continental, temperate continental, maritime and monsoon climates.

Nautical The climate has high humidity, a large amount of annual precipitation, and small temperature amplitudes. Continental- little precipitation, significant temperature range, pronounced seasons. monsoonal characterizes the influence of monsoons, wet summers, dry winters.

The role of climate.

The climate has a great influence on many important branches of economic activity and human life. It is especially important to take into account the climatic features of the territory when organizing agricultural production . Agricultural crops can produce high sustainable yields only if they are placed in accordance with the climatic conditions of the territory.

All types modern transport are highly dependent on climatic conditions. Storms, hurricanes and fogs, drifting ice make navigation difficult. Thunderstorms and fogs make it difficult, and sometimes even become an insurmountable obstacle for aviation. Therefore, the safety of the movement of sea and air ships is largely ensured by weather forecasts. For the uninterrupted movement of railway trains in winter, one has to deal with snow drifts. For this, forest belts have been planted along all the country's railways. The movement of vehicles is hindered by fog and ice on the roads.