Climatic zones and climatic regions of the Earth. Description, map and characteristics. Climate zones What are climate zones

Main questions. What is a climate zone? What features of the climate are characteristic of each of the climatic zones? What effect does climatic conditions have on population distribution?

climatic (gr. klimatos - tilt) differences on Earth are directly related to the inclination of the sun's rays to the earth's surface. Climatic zoning is manifested in the placement of climatic zones (Fig. 1) Climatic zones are territories that are continuous or interruptedstopband encircle the earth. They are differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses, prevailing winds, amount and mode of precipitation. They stretch from west to east and replace each other from the equator to the poles. stand out main and transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year. In transitional climatic zones - 2 types of air masses. They change with the seasons. Other factors also influence the distribution of temperatures and precipitation within the belts: the proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, and relief. Therefore, large differences are observed within the climatic zones and climatic regions are distinguished. Each of them has a certain type of climate.

Main climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four main types of air masses: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic climatic zones (think about their names).

Between the main belts are located transitional climatic zones: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic. Their name depends on the prevailing types of air masses, and the prefix "sub" (lat. sub - under) indicates a secondary role in the general circulation of the atmosphere. For example, subequatorial means located next to the equatorial. Air masses in transitional zones change seasonally: in winter, air masses of the main belt, neighboring from the pole, prevail, in summer - from the side of the equator. (rice.).

equatorial belt formed in the region of the equator between 5 ° S. latitude - 10 ° N sh. During the year, equatorial air masses prevail here. There are always high temperatures and high rainfall. Average monthly temperatures are from –+25 to +28 °C. Precipitation falls 1500-3000 mm per year. This belt is the wettest part of the earth's surface. This is due to the high position of the Sun above the horizon throughout the year and the ascending air currents characteristic of the low pressure zone.

For subequatorial belts(up to about 20 ° N and S) two seasons are characteristic: in summer it dominates equatorial air and very humid, and in winter - tropical air and very dry. In winter, the rays of the Sun fall at right angles in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore, tropical the air mass in this belt comes from the north and dry weather is established. Winter is not much colder than summer. The average air temperature in all months fluctuates between +20 - +30°C. The annual amount of precipitation on the plains is up to 1000-2000 mm, and on the slopes of the mountains - up to 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. (Remember how the trade winds influence climate formation).

tropical belts stretched from 20 to 30 ° north latitude. and y.sh. on both sides of the tropics. Remember why in tropical latitudes the air descends and high pressure prevails? Continental tropical air dominates here throughout the year. Therefore, the climate in the central regions of the continents is hot and dry. Trade winds prevail. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30 - +35°C, the coldest month is not lower than +10°C. Cloudiness is negligible, there is little precipitation far from the oceans, no more than 50-150 mm per year. Their number increases in the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean. In the west and in the center of the continents, the climate is dry, desert. (Identify on the climatic map the differences in the climate of the marginal and central regions of the tropical zone in Africa).

subtropical belts(30-40 ° N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate in winter. Summers are dry and hot, with an average temperature of the warmest month of about 30°C. Winter is wet, warm, but short-term temperature drops are possible. Snow falls very rarely. it Mediterranean climate. (Explain why on the eastern coasts of the continents the climate subtropical monsoon with hot, rainy summers and cool, dry winters?). In the central parts of the continents, the climate subtropical continental, with hot and dry summers and relatively cold winters with low rainfall.

temperate zones stretched in temperate latitudes from 40 to 60 ° N. latitude. and y.sh. They receive much less solar heat compared to previous climatic zones. Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, but arctic and tropical air penetrates. Western winds prevail in the west, in the east of the continents - monsoons. The climate of the temperate zone is diverse due to the influence of various climatic factors on its territory. A large annual amplitude of air temperature (+22 - 28°С in summer and -22 - 33°С in winter) is typical for the territories of the central part of the mainland. It increases as you move deeper into the continents. Similarly, depending on the position of the territory in relation to the ocean and the relief, different amounts of precipitation fall. Snow falls in winter. On the western coasts of the continents, the climate nautical, with relatively warm and humid winters, cool and overcast summers, and high rainfall. On the east coasts monsoonal climate with cold dry winters and not hot rainy summers, and in the interior - continental climate.

AT subarctic (subantarctic) arctic (antarctic) air dominates in winter, and air masses of temperate latitudes dominate in summer (Determine the geographical position of the belts on the map). The winter is long, with an average winter temperature of up to -40 °C. Summer (winter in the southern hemisphere) is short and cold, with an average temperature of no higher than + 10°C. Annual rainfall is low (300-400 mm) and evaporation is even less. The air is damp, very cloudy.

Approximately a quarter of the world's population lives in the temperate climate zone.Only 5% of the world's population lives in a tropical desert climate.

1. Show the climatic zones on the physical map of the world. 2. Fill in the table "Climatic zones of the Earth": the name of the climatic zone, geographical location, prevailing air masses, climate features (temperature, precipitation). *3. What climate zone is Belarus in? Name the main features of the climate, drawing on knowledge about your area. **4. In which climatic zone (region) are the most favorable conditions for recreation and health improvement of people? Justify your answer.

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-type climate was 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.

It is very diverse on Earth for the reason that the planet heats up unevenly, and atmospheric precipitation also falls unevenly. Climate classification began to be proposed as early as the 19th century, around the 70s. Professor of Moscow State University B.P. Alisova spoke about 7 types of climate that make up their own climatic zone. In her opinion, only four climatic zones can be called the main ones, and three zones are transitional. Let's look at the main characteristics and features of climatic zones.

Types of climatic zones:

Equatorial air masses prevail here throughout the year. At a time when the sun is directly above the belt, and these are the days of the spring and autumn equinoxes, the equatorial belt is hot, the temperature reaches approximately 28 degrees above zero. The water temperature is not much different from the air temperature, about 1 degree. There is a lot of precipitation here, about 3000 mm. Evaporation is low here, so there are many wetlands in this belt, as well as many dense wet forests, due to the waterlogged soil. Precipitation in these areas of the equatorial belt is brought by trade winds, that is, rainy winds. This type of climate is located over the north of South America, over the Gulf of Guinea, over the Congo River and the upper Nile, as well as over almost the entire Indonesian archipelago, over parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which are located in Asia and over the shores of Lake Victoria, which is located in Africa.

This type of climate zone is located simultaneously in the southern and northern hemispheres. This type of climate is divided into continental and oceanic tropical climate. The mainland is located over a larger area of ​​the high pressure area, therefore, there is little precipitation in this belt, approximately 250 mm. It is a hot summer here, so the air temperature rises to 40 degrees above zero. In winter, the temperature never drops below 10 degrees above zero.

There are no clouds in the sky, so this climate is characterized by cold nights. Daily temperature differences are quite large, so this contributes to the high destruction of rocks.

Due to the large decay of rocks, a huge amount of dust and sand is formed, which subsequently forms sandstorms. These storms pose a potential danger to humans. The western and eastern parts of the mainland climate differ a lot. Since cold currents flow along the western coast of Africa, Australia, and therefore the air temperature here is much lower, there is little precipitation, about 100 mm. If you look at the east coast, then warm currents flow here, therefore, the air temperature is higher and there is more precipitation. This area is quite suitable for tourism.

oceanic climate

This type of climate is a bit similar to, the only difference is that there is less cloud cover and strong, steady winds. The summer air temperature here does not rise above 27 degrees, and in winter it does not fall below 15 degrees. The period for precipitation here is predominantly summer, but there are very few of them, about 50 mm. This arid area in the summer is filled with tourists and guests of coastal cities.

Precipitation here is frequent and occurs throughout the year. This happens under the influence of westerly winds. In summer, the air temperature does not rise above 28 degrees, and in winter it reaches -50 degrees. There is a lot of precipitation on the coasts - 3000 mm, and in the central regions - 1000 mm. Vivid changes occur when the seasons change. The temperate climate is formed in two hemispheres - northern and southern and is located above the temperate latitude. The area of ​​low pressure prevails here.

This type of climate is divided into sub-climates: maritime and continental.

The maritime subclimate prevails in the western part of North America, Eurasia and South America. The wind is brought from the ocean to the mainland. From this we can conclude that the summer here is cool (+20 degrees), but the winter is relatively warm and mild (+5 degrees). There is a lot of precipitation - up to 6000 mm in the mountains.
Continental subclimate - prevails in the central regions. There is less precipitation here, since cyclones practically do not pass here. In summer, the temperature is about +26 degrees, and in winter it is quite cold -24 degrees with a large snow cover. In Eurasia, the continental subclimate is pronounced only in Yakutia. Winters are cold with little rainfall. This is because in the interior of Eurasia, areas are the least affected by the ocean and oceanic winds. On the coast, under the influence of a large amount of precipitation, frost softens in winter, and heat softens in summer.

There is also one that prevails in Kamchatka, Korea, in northern Japan, and part of China. This subtype is expressed by the frequent change of monsoons. Monsoons are winds that, as a rule, bring rain to the mainland and always blow from the ocean to land. Winters are cold due to cold winds, and summers are rainy. Rains or monsoons bring winds from the Pacific Ocean here. On the island of Sakhalin and Kamchatka, precipitation is not small, about 2000 mm. Air masses in all temperate climates are only moderate. Due to the high humidity of these islands, with 2000 mm of precipitation per year for an unaccustomed person, acclimatization in this area is necessary.

polar climate

This type of climate forms two belts: Antarctic and. Polar air masses dominate here all year round. During the polar night in this type of climate there is no sun for several months, and during the polar day it does not go away at all, but shines for several months. The snow cover here never melts, and the ice and snow that radiate heat carry constant cold air into the air. Here the strength of the winds is weakened and there are no clouds at all. There is catastrophically little precipitation here, but particles resembling needles are constantly flying in the air. Precipitation here is a maximum of 100 mm. In summer, the air temperature does not exceed 0 degrees, and in winter it reaches -40 degrees. In summer, periodic drizzle prevails in the air. When traveling to this area, you may notice that the face is a little prickly with frost, so the temperature seems to be higher than it really is.

All the types of climates discussed above are considered basic, because here the air masses correspond to these belts. There are also intermediate types of climates, which carry the prefix "sub" in their name. In such types of climate, air masses are replaced by the characteristic of the coming seasons. They move from nearby belts. Scientists explain this by the fact that when the Earth moves around its axis, the climatic zones shift alternately, then to the south, then to the north.

Intermediate types of climates

Here, in summer, equatorial masses come, and in winter, tropical masses dominate. There is a lot of precipitation only in summer - about 3000 mm, but despite this, the sun is merciless here and the air temperature reaches +30 degrees all summer. Winter is cool.

In this climatic zone, good blowing and drainage. The air temperature here reaches +14 degrees and in terms of precipitation, there are very few of them in winter. Good drainage of the soil does not allow water to stagnate and form, as in. This type of climate makes it possible to settle. Here are states that are populated by people to the limit, for example, India, Ethiopia, Indochina. Many cultivated plants grow here, which are exported to various countries. In the north of this belt are Venezuela, Guinea, India, Indochina, Africa, Australia, South America, Bangladesh and other states. In the south are the Amazon, Brazil, northern Australia and the center of Africa.

Tropical air masses predominate here in summer, and in winter they come here from temperate latitudes and carry a large amount of precipitation. Summer is dry and hot, and the temperature reaches +50 degrees. Winter is very mild with a maximum temperature of -20 degrees. Low rainfall, about 120 mm.

The Mediterranean climate prevails in the west, characterized by hot summers and rainy winters. This area is different in that it receives slightly more rainfall. Approximately 600 mm of precipitation falls here annually. This area is favorable for resorts and people's lives in general.

Among the crops grown here are grapes, citrus fruits and olives. Monsoon winds prevail here. In winter it is dry and cold, and in summer it is hot and humid. Precipitation here is approximately 800 mm per year. In the forest, monsoons blow from the sea to land and carry precipitation, while in winter the winds blow from land to sea. This type of climate is pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere and in the east of Asia. Vegetation here grows well thanks to abundant rains. Also, thanks to abundant rains, agriculture is well developed here, which gives life to the local population.

Subpolar type of climate

Summers here are cool and humid. The temperature rises to the limits of +10, and the precipitation is about 300 mm. On the mountain slopes, the amount of precipitation is greater than on the plains. The swampiness of the territory indicates a low weathering of the territory, and there are also a large number of lakes. Winters here are quite long and cold, and the temperature reaches -50 degrees. The boundaries of the poles are not even, this is what indicates the uneven heating of the Earth and the diversity of the relief.

Antarctic and climatic zones

Arctic air dominates here, and the snow crust does not melt. In winter, the air temperature reaches -71 degrees below zero. In summer, the temperature can rise only to -20 degrees. There are very few rainfalls here.

In these climatic zones, the air masses change from arctic, which prevail in winter, to moderate air masses, which dominate in summer. Winter here lasts 9 months, and it is quite cold, as the average air temperature drops to -40 degrees. In summer, on average, the temperature is around 0 degrees. For this type of climate, there is a high humidity, which is approximately 200 mm, and a rather low evaporation of moisture. The winds here are strong and blow frequently in the area. This type of climate is located on the northern coast of North America and Eurasia, as well as Antarctica and the Aleutian Islands.

In such a climatic zone, winds from the west prevail over the rest, and monsoons blow from the east. If the monsoons blow, then the precipitation depends on how far the area is from the sea, as well as on the terrain. The closer to the sea, the more precipitation falls. The northern and western parts of the continents carry a lot of precipitation, while in the southern parts there is very little. Winter and summer are very different here, there are also differences in the climate on land and at sea. The snow cover here lasts only a couple of months, in winter the temperature differs significantly from the summer air temperature.

The temperate zone consists of four climatic zones: the maritime climatic zone (quite warm winters and rainy summers), the continental climatic zone (a lot of precipitation falls in the summer), (cold winters and rainy summers), as well as the transitional climate from the maritime climatic zone to the continental climatic zone.

and climatic zones

The tropics are usually dominated by hot and dry air. Between winter and summer periods, the difference in temperature is large and even very significant. In summer, the average temperature is +35 degrees, and in winter +10 degrees. Large temperature differences here are manifested between day and night temperatures. In the tropical type of climate, there is little rainfall, a maximum of 150 mm per year. On the coasts, there is more precipitation, but not much, since moisture comes to land from the ocean.

In the subtropics, the air is drier in summer than in winter. In winter it is more humid. Summer here is very hot, as the air temperature rises to +30 degrees. In winter, the air temperature is rarely below zero degrees, so even in winter it is not particularly cold here. When snow falls, it melts very quickly and leaves no snow cover. There is little precipitation here - about 500 mm. There are several climatic zones in the subtropics: the monsoon, which brings rain from the ocean to land and on the coast, the Mediterranean, which is characterized by a large amount of precipitation, and the continental, in which there is much less precipitation and it is more arid and warm.

and climatic zones

The air temperature averages +28 degrees, and its differences from daytime to nighttime temperatures are insignificant. Sufficiently high humidity and weak winds are typical for this type of climate. Precipitation here falls every year 2000 mm. A couple of rainy periods are followed by less rainy periods. The equatorial climatic zone is located in the Amazon, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, on the Malay Peninsula, on the islands of New Guinea.

On both sides of the equatorial climatic zone are subequatorial belts. In summer, the equatorial type of climate prevails here, and in winter - tropical and dry. That is why there is more precipitation in summer than in winter. On the slopes of the mountains, precipitation even exceeds the limits and reaches 10,000 mm per year, and this is all thanks to the heavy rains that dominate here all year round. The average temperature is around 30 degrees. The difference between winter and summer is greater than in the equatorial type of climate. The subequatorial type of climate is located in the highlands of Brazil, New Guinea and South America, as well as in Northern Australia.

Climate types

To date, there are three criteria for climate classification:

• according to the features of the circulation of air masses;
• by the nature of the geographical relief;
• on climatic grounds.

Based on certain indicators The following types of climate can be distinguished:

• Solar. It determines the amount of receipt and distribution of ultraviolet radiation over the earth's surface. The determination of the solar climate is influenced by astronomical indicators, season and latitude;
• Mountain. Climatic conditions at altitude in the mountains are characterized by low atmospheric pressure and clean air, increased solar radiation and increased precipitation;
• . Dominates in and semi-deserts. There are large fluctuations in the temperature of the day and night, and precipitation is practically absent and is a rare occurrence every few years;
• . Very humid climate. It forms in places where there is not enough sunlight, so moisture does not have time to evaporate;
• Nival. This climate is inherent in the area where precipitation occurs mainly in solid form, they settle in the form of glaciers and snow blockages, and do not have time to evaporate;
• Urban. The air temperature in the city is always higher than in the district. Solar radiation is received in a reduced amount, and therefore the daylight hours are shorter than at natural objects nearby. Clouds are more concentrated over cities, and precipitation is more frequent, although in some settlements the level of humidity is lowered.

In general, on earth, climatic zones naturally alternate, but they are not always pronounced. In addition, the features of the climate depend on the relief and terrain. In the zone where the anthropogenic influence is most pronounced, the climate will differ from the conditions of natural objects. It should be noted that over time, this or that climatic zone undergoes changes, climatic indicators change, which leads to changes in ecosystems on the planet.

Main climatic zones - video

Climate- this is a long-term weather regime characteristic of a particular area. It manifests itself in a regular change of all types of weather observed in this area.

Climate influences living and non-living nature. In close dependence on the climate are water bodies, soil, vegetation, animals. Individual sectors of the economy, primarily agriculture, are also very dependent on climate.

The climate is formed as a result of the interaction of many factors: the amount of solar radiation entering the earth's surface; atmospheric circulation; the nature of the underlying surface. At the same time, climate-forming factors themselves depend on the geographical conditions of a given area, primarily on geographical latitude.

The geographic latitude of the area determines the angle of incidence of the sun's rays, the receipt of a certain amount of heat. However, obtaining heat from the Sun also depends on the proximity of the ocean. In places far from the oceans, there is little precipitation, and the mode of precipitation is uneven (in the warm period more than in the cold), cloudiness is low, winters are cold, summers are warm, and the annual temperature amplitude is large. Such a climate is called continental, as it is typical of places located in the depths of continents. Above the water surface, a maritime climate is formed, which is characterized by: a smooth course of air temperature, with small daily and annual temperature amplitudes, high cloudiness, a uniform and fairly large amount of precipitation.

The climate is greatly influenced by sea ​​currents. Warm currents warm the atmosphere in the areas where they flow. So, for example, the warm North Atlantic Current creates favorable conditions for the growth of forests in the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, while most of the island of Greenland, which lies approximately at the same latitudes as the Scandinavian Peninsula, but is outside the zone of influence of the warm current, all year round covered with a thick layer of ice.

plays an important role in shaping the climate relief. You already know that with the rise of the terrain for each kilometer, the air temperature drops by 5-6 ° C. Therefore, on the alpine slopes of the Pamirs, the average annual temperature is 1 ° C, although it is located just north of the tropic.

The location of mountain ranges has a great influence on the climate. For example, the Caucasus Mountains hold back moist sea winds, and their windward slopes facing the Black Sea receive significantly more precipitation than their leeward slopes. At the same time, the mountains serve as an obstacle to the cold northern winds.

There is a dependence of climate and prevailing winds. On the territory of the East European Plain, westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean prevail for almost the entire year, so winters in this area are relatively mild.

The regions of the Far East are under the influence of monsoons. In winter, winds constantly blow from the depths of the mainland. They are cold and very dry, so there is little rainfall. In summer, on the contrary, the winds bring a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. In autumn, when the wind from the ocean subsides, the weather is usually sunny and calm. This is the best time of the year in the area.

Climate characteristics are statistical inferences from long-term weather records (in temperate latitudes, 25-50-year series are used; in the tropics, their duration may be shorter), primarily over the following main meteorological elements: atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, temperature and air humidity, cloudiness and precipitation. They also take into account the duration of solar radiation, the visibility range, the temperature of the upper layers of soil and water bodies, the evaporation of water from the earth's surface into the atmosphere, the height and condition of the snow cover, various atmospheric phenomena and ground-based hydrometeors (dew, ice, fog, thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.) . In the XX century. The climatic indicators included characteristics of the elements of the heat balance of the earth's surface, such as total solar radiation, radiation balance, heat exchange between the earth's surface and the atmosphere, and heat consumption for evaporation. Complex indicators are also used, i.e., functions of several elements: various coefficients, factors, indices (for example, continentality, aridity, moisture), etc.

Climatic zones

Long-term average values ​​of meteorological elements (annual, seasonal, monthly, daily, etc.), their sums, frequencies, etc. are called climate standards: the corresponding values ​​for individual days, months, years, etc. are considered as a deviation from these norms.

Climate maps are called climatic(temperature distribution map, pressure distribution map, etc.).

Depending on the temperature conditions, prevailing air masses and winds, climatic zones.

The main climatic zones are:

• equatorial;
• two tropical;
• two moderate;
• arctic and antarctic.

Between the main belts there are transitional climatic zones: subequatorial, subtropical, subarctic, subantarctic. In transitional zones, air masses change with the seasons. They come here from neighboring zones, so the climate of the subequatorial zone in summer is similar to the climate of the equatorial zone, and in winter - to the tropical climate; the climate of the subtropical zones in summer is similar to the climate of the tropics, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zones. This is due to the seasonal movement of atmospheric pressure belts over the globe following the Sun: in summer - to the north, in winter - to the south.

Climatic zones are divided into climatic regions. So, for example, in the tropical zone of Africa, areas of tropical dry and tropical humid climates are distinguished, and in Eurasia, the subtropical zone is divided into areas of the Mediterranean, continental and monsoon climate. In mountainous areas, altitudinal zonation is formed due to the fact that air temperature decreases with height.

Diversity of Earth's climates

The classification of climates provides an ordered system for characterizing climate types, their zoning and mapping. Let us give examples of climate types prevailing over vast territories (Table 1).

Arctic and Antarctic climate zones

Antarctic and arctic climate dominates in Greenland and Antarctica, where the 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 slope. Strong katabatic winds with snowstorms blow from the cold glacial sheet, bringing snow to the coast.

subarctic continental climate is formed in the north of the continents (see the climate map of the atlas). In winter, arctic air prevails here, which is formed in areas of high pressure. In the eastern regions of Canada, Arctic air is distributed from the Arctic.

Continental subarctic climate in Asia, it is characterized by the largest annual amplitude of air temperature on the globe (60-65 ° С). The continentality of the climate here reaches its limit.

The average temperature in January varies across the territory from -28 to -50 °C, and in lowlands and hollows, due to air stagnation, its temperature is even lower. In Oymyakon (Yakutia), a record negative air temperature for the Northern Hemisphere (-71 °C) was registered. The air is very dry.

Summer in subarctic belt although short, but quite warm. The average monthly temperature in July ranges from 12 to 18 °C (daily maximum is 20-25 °C). Over the summer, more than half of the annual amount of precipitation falls, amounting to 200-300 mm on the flat territory, and up to 500 mm per year on the windward slopes of the hills.

The climate of the subarctic zone of North America is less continental than the corresponding climate of Asia. It has less cold winters and colder summers.

temperate climate zone

The temperate climate of the western coasts of the continents has pronounced features of the maritime climate and is characterized by the predominance of sea air masses throughout the year. It is observed on the Atlantic coast of Europe and the Pacific coast of North America. The Cordilleras are a natural boundary separating the coast with a maritime type of climate from the inland regions. The European coast, except for Scandinavia, is open to the free access of temperate maritime air.

The constant transfer of sea air is accompanied by high cloudiness and causes protracted springs, in contrast to the interior of the continental regions of Eurasia.

winter in temperate zone warm on the western coasts. The warming effect of the oceans is enhanced by warm sea currents washing the western shores of the continents. The average temperature in January is positive and varies across the territory from north to south from 0 to 6 °C. Intrusions of arctic air can lower it (on the Scandinavian coast down to -25°C, and on the French coast down to -17°C). With the spread of tropical air to the north, the temperature rises sharply (for example, it often reaches 10 ° C). In winter, on the western coast of Scandinavia, there are large positive temperature deviations from the average latitude (by 20 ° C). The temperature anomaly on the Pacific coast of North America is smaller and does not exceed 12 °С.

Summer is rarely hot. The average temperature in July is 15-16°C.

Even during the day, the air temperature rarely exceeds 30 °C. Cloudy and rainy weather is typical for all seasons due to frequent cyclones. There are especially many cloudy days on the western coast of North America, where cyclones are forced to slow down in front of the Cordillera mountain systems. In connection with this, the weather regime in the south of Alaska is characterized by great uniformity, where there are no seasons in our understanding. Eternal autumn reigns there, and only plants remind of the onset of winter or summer. Annual rainfall ranges from 600 to 1000 mm, and on the slopes of mountain ranges - from 2000 to 6000 mm.

In conditions of sufficient moisture, broad-leaved forests are developed on the coasts, and in conditions of excessive moisture, coniferous forests. The lack of summer heat reduces the upper limit of the forest in the mountains to 500-700 m above sea level.

The temperate climate of the eastern coasts of the continents It has monsoonal features and is accompanied by a seasonal change of winds: in winter, northwestern flows predominate, in summer - southeast. It is well expressed on the eastern coast of Eurasia.

In winter, with a northwest wind, cold continental temperate air spreads to the coast of the mainland, which is the reason for the low average temperature of the winter months (from -20 to -25 ° C). Clear, dry, windy weather prevails. In the southern regions of the coast, there is little rainfall. The north of the Amur region, Sakhalin and Kamchatka often fall under the influence of cyclones moving over the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, in winter there is a thick snow cover, especially in Kamchatka, where its maximum height reaches 2 m.

In summer, with a southeasterly wind, temperate sea air spreads on the coast of Eurasia. Summers are warm, with an average July temperature of 14 to 18 °C. Precipitation is frequent due to cyclonic activity. Their annual amount is 600-1000 mm, and most of it falls in the summer. Fog is frequent at this time of the year.

Unlike Eurasia, the eastern coast of North America is characterized by maritime climate features, which are expressed in the predominance of winter precipitation and the maritime type of annual air temperature variation: the minimum occurs in February, and the maximum occurs in August, when the ocean is at its warmest.

The Canadian anticyclone, unlike the Asian one, is unstable. It forms far from the coast and is often interrupted by cyclones. Winter here is mild, snowy, wet and windy. In snowy winters, the height of snowdrifts reaches 2.5 m. With a southerly wind, icy conditions often occur. Therefore, some streets in some cities in eastern Canada have iron railings for pedestrians. Summers are cool and rainy. The annual rainfall is 1000 mm.

temperate continental climate it is most clearly expressed on the Eurasian continent, especially in the regions of Siberia, Transbaikalia, northern Mongolia, and also on the territory of the Great Plains in North America.

A feature of the temperate continental climate is the large annual amplitude of air temperature, which can reach 50-60 °C. In the winter months, with a negative radiation balance, the earth's surface cools down. The cooling effect of the land surface on the surface layers of air is especially great in Asia, where a powerful Asian anticyclone forms in winter and cloudy, calm weather prevails. The temperate continental air formed in the area of ​​the anticyclone has a low temperature (-0°...-40°C). In valleys and basins, due to radiation cooling, the air temperature can drop to -60 °C.

In the middle of winter, the continental air in the lower layers becomes even colder than the Arctic. This very cold air of the Asian anticyclone spreads to Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, southeastern regions of Europe.

The winter Canadian anticyclone is less stable than the Asian anticyclone due to the smaller size of the North American continent. Winters here are less severe, and their severity does not increase towards the center of the mainland, as in Asia, but, on the contrary, decreases somewhat due to the frequent passage of cyclones. Continental temperate air in North America is warmer than continental temperate air in Asia.

The formation of a continental temperate climate is significantly influenced by the geographical features of the territory of the continents. In North America, the Cordillera mountain ranges are a natural boundary separating the coast with a maritime climate from the inland regions with a continental climate. In Eurasia, a temperate continental climate is formed over a vast expanse of land, approximately from 20 to 120 ° E. e. Unlike North America, Europe is open to free penetration of sea air from the Atlantic deep into the interior. This is facilitated not only by the western transport of air masses, which prevails in temperate latitudes, but also by the flat nature of the relief, the strong indentation of the coasts and the deep penetration into the land of the Baltic and North Seas. Therefore, a temperate climate of a lesser degree of continentality is formed over Europe compared to Asia.

In winter, the Atlantic sea air moving over the cold land surface of the temperate latitudes of Europe retains its physical properties for a long time, and its influence extends to the whole of Europe. In winter, as the Atlantic influence weakens, the air temperature decreases from west to east. In Berlin it is 0 °С in January, -3 °С in Warsaw, -11 °С in Moscow. At the same time, the isotherms over Europe have a meridional orientation.

The orientation of Eurasia and North America with a wide front towards the Arctic basin contributes to the deep penetration of cold air masses onto the continents throughout the year. Intense meridional transport of air masses is especially characteristic of North America, where arctic and tropical air often replace each other.

Tropical air entering the plains of North America with southern cyclones is also slowly transformed due to its high speed of movement, high moisture content and continuous low cloudiness.

In winter, the result of intense meridional circulation of air masses are the so-called “jumps” of temperatures, their large daily amplitude, especially in areas where cyclones are frequent: in the north of Europe and Western Siberia, the Great Plains of North America.

In the cold period, they fall in the form of snow, a snow cover forms, which protects the soil from deep freezing and creates a supply of moisture in the spring. The height of the snow cover depends on the duration of its occurrence and the amount of precipitation. In Europe, a stable snow cover on the flat territory is formed east of Warsaw, its maximum height reaches 90 cm in the northeastern regions of Europe and Western Siberia. In the center of the Russian Plain, the height of the snow cover is 30–35 cm, and in Transbaikalia it is less than 20 cm. On the plains of Mongolia, in the center of the anticyclonic region, snow cover forms only in some years. The absence of snow, along with the low winter air temperature, causes the presence of permafrost, which is no longer observed anywhere on the globe under these latitudes.

In North America, the Great Plains have little snow cover. To the east of the plains, tropical air begins to take part in the frontal processes more and more, it intensifies the frontal processes, which causes heavy snowfalls. In the Montreal area, the snow cover lasts up to four months, and its height reaches 90 cm.

Summer in the continental regions of Eurasia is warm. The average July temperature is 18-22°C. In arid regions of southeastern Europe and Central Asia, the average air temperature in July reaches 24-28 °C.

In North America, continental air is somewhat colder in summer than in Asia and Europe. This is due to the smaller extent of the mainland in latitude, the large indentation of its northern part with bays and fjords, the abundance of large lakes, and the more intense development of cyclonic activity compared to the interior regions of Eurasia.

In the temperate zone, the annual amount of precipitation on the flat territory of the continents varies from 300 to 800 mm; on the windward slopes of the Alps, more than 2000 mm falls. Most of the precipitation falls in the summer, which is primarily due to an increase in the moisture content of the air. In Eurasia, there is a decrease in precipitation across the territory from west to east. In addition, the amount of precipitation also decreases from north to south due to a decrease in the frequency of cyclones and an increase in air dryness in this direction. In North America, a decrease in precipitation across the territory is noted, on the contrary, in the direction to the west. Why do you think?

Most of the land in the continental temperate zone is occupied by mountain systems. These are the Alps, the Carpathians, the Altai, the Sayans, the Cordillera, the Rocky Mountains, and others. In the mountainous regions, the climatic conditions differ significantly from the climate of the plains. In summer, the air temperature in the mountains drops rapidly with altitude. In winter, when cold air masses invade, the air temperature in the plains often turns out to be lower than in the mountains.

The influence of mountains on precipitation is great. Precipitation increases on the windward slopes and at some distance in front of them, and weakens on the leeward slopes. For example, differences in annual precipitation between the western and eastern slopes of the Ural Mountains in places reach 300 mm. In mountains with height, precipitation increases to a certain critical level. In the Alps, the level of the greatest amount of precipitation occurs at an altitude of about 2000 m, in the Caucasus - 2500 m.

Subtropical climate zone

Continental subtropical climate determined by the seasonal change of temperate and tropical air. The average temperature of the coldest month in Central Asia is below zero in places, in the northeast of China -5...-10°С. The average temperature of the warmest month is in the range of 25-30°C, while daily highs can exceed 40-45°C.

The most strongly continental climate in the air temperature regime is manifested in the southern regions of Mongolia and in the north of China, where the center of the Asian anticyclone is located in the winter season. Here, the annual amplitude of air temperature is 35-40 °С.

Sharply continental climate in the subtropical zone for the high-mountainous regions of the Pamirs and Tibet, whose height is 3.5-4 km. The climate of the Pamirs and Tibet is characterized by cold winters, cool summers and low rainfall.

In North America, a continental arid subtropical climate is formed in closed plateaus and in intermountain basins located between the Coastal and Rocky Ranges. Summers are hot and dry, especially in the south, where the average July temperature is above 30°C. The absolute maximum temperature can reach 50 °C and above. In Death Valley, a temperature of +56.7 °C was recorded!

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 °С, and the maximum temperature is +38 °С. 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 is 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 Mediterranean coasts, which was the reason to call this climate also mediterranean. A similar 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 air currents mix towards the equator. The influence of anticyclones and downward air currents over 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, mal i, macchia and fynbosh.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial type of climate distributed 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. Usually the average annual temperature is about +26 °C. Due to the high noon position of the Sun above the horizon and the same length of the day throughout the year, seasonal temperature fluctuations are small. Humid air, cloudiness and dense vegetation prevent night 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 3000 mm and is usually evenly distributed over the seasons. 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.

Climatic zones

Climatic zones

(climatic zones), the largest units of climatic zoning are vast areas of the Earth, elongated in the main. along parallels and selected according to climatic indicators (equatorial belt, subtropical belt, etc.). They are called belts due to the location of the main. climatic zones around the globe, although some of them have gaps or limited spatial distribution. Climatic zones are subdivided into climatic regions and even smaller units. In the mountains, vertical climatic zones are also distinguished, located one above the other within a given mountain range.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

See what "climatic zones" are in other dictionaries:

Climatic zones and regions - … Geographic atlas

1. Annual rainfall. 2. Climatic zones and regions of the USSR - … Geographic atlas

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Books

• Planet Earth. Tropical and subtropical belts, N. B. Kryazhimskaya. Series `Planet Earth` is conceived as an encyclopedic publication that would contain almost all the most interesting information about our planet. The most extensive climatic zones in terms of area ...
• Climatic zones and regions of the world. Poster, . Scale 1:25 000 000. Colored backgrounds on the map show the average annual rainfall, lines of equal rainfall, July and January isotherms, absolute maximums, minimum temperatures,…