What are transitional climate zones definition. Basic and transitional climatic zones of the earth. Intermediate types of climates

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Characteristics of climatic zones (the table below) is the topic of this article. We will talk about what types of climate exist on our planet, and also consider each of them in detail. To do this, let us recall that climate is the weather regime established over the years, which depends on a specific territory and its geographical location.

Equatorial belt This climate zone is characterized by low pressure, as well as the year-round presence of air masses. There are no separate climatic regions within the belt. Concerning temperature regime

, then it's hot here. There is a lot of precipitation throughout the year and there is plenty of moisture. The weather here changes very dramatically during the day. The first half is sultry, and the second half begins with heavy rains.

The names of climate zones are associated with their characteristics. The equatorial belt is located near the equator, which is why it has this name. The subequatorial belt is characterized by changes in air masses that occur seasonally. In summer, equatorial air masses predominate, and in winter, more tropical ones. in summer they fully correspond to the equatorial type of climate, while the weather in winter resembles the conditions of the tropical zone. Winter is dry and a little.

colder than summer

Tropical zone As we already know, the names of climate zones are associated with their location. This type of climate is characterized by tropical air masses all year round. The air is continental. Real weather tropical zone - high pressure and temperature, a big difference

temperatures not only throughout the year, but also during the day. Water is very scarce in this climate. It is very hot and dry here, and dry winds often occur. There is almost no rain. The weather is usually dry and sunny.

Subtropical zones are characterized by changes in air masses. The climate is tropical in summer and temperate in winter. Pressure surges in summer and winter are quite high. In winter the pressure is low and in summer it is high. Despite the strong differences in temperature and precipitation throughout the year, the thermometer is above zero the entire year. Sometimes the temperature can even drop to negative values. During such periods snow falls. In flat areas it melts quickly, but in the mountains it can remain for several months. As for the winds, the trade winds rule in winter and the trade winds in summer.

Temperate zone

The temperature of climatic zones largely depends on the air masses that prevail over the territory. The temperate zone, as the name suggests, has a temperate climate. But not always. Sometimes tropical or arctic air masses invade. Temperate climates are characterized by large temperature differences. Summers are hot, and winters are cold and long. Relatively low pressure, cyclonicity, instability weather conditions in winter. Westerly winds blow throughout the year, with occasional trade winds in summer and north-easterly winds in winter. Massive snow cover every winter.

Arctic and Antarctic belts

In the characteristics of climate zones in the table, you can see what temperatures prevail in these zones. The features of these belts are: low temperatures oh all year round, strong winds and cold summers. There is very little precipitation.

Subarctic and subantarctic belts

These zones are distinguished by the fact that in summer a temperate climate prevails here. Because of this, a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations occurs. There is a lot of permafrost in these belts. In winter, north-eastern and south-eastern easterly winds, and in summer - western ones. The belts have 2 climatic regions, about them below.

Territories of climate zones

Each belt is characteristic of a specific territory. Natural climatic zones have been formed on the planet for a long time, so we can confidently identify certain areas in which the climate of the zone is pronounced.

The equatorial climate is characteristic of Oceania, South America and Africa. Subequatorial climate is typical for Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The central part of Australia and North Africa is a tropical zone. Subtropics are characteristic of the interior regions of continents. A temperate climate prevails in the western part and eastern outskirts of Eurasia. the belt predominates in North America and northern Eurasia. The Arctic and Antarctic belts are characteristic of Australia and the Arctic Ocean.

Table of climate zones

The table shows the characteristics of the zones.

Belt

Average temperature in January

Average temperature in July

Atmosphere

Equatorial

Moist warm air masses

Subequatorial

Monsoons prevail

Tropical

Subtropical

Cyclonicity, high Atmosphere pressure

Moderate

Western winds and monsoons

Subarctic

Arctic (Antarctic)

Anticyclones

Climatic regions of the belts

Subtropical zones have three climatic regions:

  1. Mediterranean climate. Prevails in the northern hemisphere, on the southern and western shores of continents. In summer there is a continental climate, and in winter there are continental and maritime air masses. Summers are dry and warm, and winters are relatively cool and wet. Insufficient hydration.
  2. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern shores of continents. The summer monsoons produce intense heat and heavy rainfall, while the winter monsoons produce cool, dry conditions. Humidity in this area is moderate. Precipitation is typical for the winter season.
  3. Marine climate. Distributed on the continents of the southern hemisphere. Marine air masses are characteristic. Summer and winter are warm. There is enough moisture, it is distributed evenly throughout the year.

The temperate zone consists of 5 climatic regions:

  1. Moderate Prevails on the western shores of continents. The weather is formed under the influence of warm currents and westerly winds. Winters are quite mild and summers are warm. There will be a lot of precipitation throughout the year. Winter is characterized by heavy and frequent snowfalls. There is more than enough moisture. The geography of the climate zone contributes to weather instability.
  2. Continental temperate climate. Characterized by warm summers and cold winter. Arctic air masses sometimes provoke a sharp cooling, and tropical air masses - warming. There is little precipitation, it is uniform (cyclonic and frontal).
  3. Continental climate. Applies only to the northern hemisphere. Moderate air masses prevail here throughout the year. Sometimes arctic air masses appear (in this area their invasion is possible even in summer). In the warm season there is more precipitation, but in general it is insignificant. A small amount of snow and the predominance of low temperatures contribute to the existence of permafrost.
  4. Sharply continental climate. Typical for internal areas North America and Eurasia. The territory is practically isolated from the influence of seas and oceans and is located in the center of high pressure. Sometimes summer is hot, winter is always frosty. There is a lot of permafrost. Weather type - anticyclonic. There is little precipitation and little moisture.
  5. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern side of continents. Characterized by the seasonality of air masses. Summers are humid and warm, while winters are dry and cool. Summer precipitation is more numerous and there is excess moisture.

The subarctic and subantarctic belts have two regions:

  • continental climate (severe but short winters, little precipitation, swampy areas);
  • oceanic climate (fog, high rainfall, mild winters and cool summers).

The characteristics of climatic zones in the table do not include two areas of the Arctic and Antarctic zones:

  • continental (little precipitation, temperatures below zero all year);
  • oceanic climate (cyclones, little precipitation, negative temperatures).

Temperatures in oceanic climates can rise to +5 during the polar day.

To summarize, let's say that the characteristics of climatic zones (in the table) are necessary for every educated person.


CLIMATE ZONES

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

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

Equatorial belt. Equatorial air predominates throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures are 25-28 ° C, their amplitudes are small, calm or weak winds prevail in the belt, humidity is high, cloudiness is significant, most 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 transition seasons, often after the equinoxes, separated by less rainy or short rainless periods, with 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, Congo Lowland), the Malacca Peninsula, the Sunda Islands and New Guinea (borders of the Indian and Pacific oceans).

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. In summer, equatorial air dominates, summer is humid; in winter - tropical, winter is dry. 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. Annual quantity precipitation varies significantly: if on average it falls 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. A subequatorial climate is observed in the Brazilian and Guinean highlands (South America), in Central Africa adjacent to the Congo River basin on 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 S. Tropical air (dry air with high temperatures) dominates here throughout the year, and trade winds (northeast and southeast) predominate. The weather is mostly clear, winter is warm, but noticeably colder than summer. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30-35 ° C, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ° C. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° C, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° C. Cloudiness is insignificant, precipitation in the majority There is little precipitation in areas: 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 tropical zone there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on eastern coasts continents.

Subtropical climate zones follow the tropical ones and are located approximately between 30 and 40° latitude in Northern and Southern Hemisphere. In summer, tropical air dominates here, in winter - temperate. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these zones, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoon areas). Summers are dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. In winter, cyclonic weather associated with the polar (temperate) front prevails. Winters are humid and warm, but temperatures below 0 °C are also 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 higher (Crkvice - 8000 mm, Balkan Peninsula). On Saturday tropical zones allocate climatic regions : 1) Mediterranean I - on the western coasts of the continents - the Mediterranean, Central Chile (South America), southwest Australia, California (N. America), the southern coast of Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy, warm winters; 2) monsoon subtropical - Florida (N.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 climate region located in central parts continents. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cold with little precipitation (southern Australia, Turkmenistan, Iran, Taklimakan Desert, western China, dry western USA). Certain areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: southeast Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

Temperate climate zones occupy the space between 40°N. and S. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, with arctic and tropical air often invading. The belt is dominated westerly winds , and on the eastern coasts - monsoons. Plays an important role throughout the year cyclonic activity on the polar (temperate) and Arctic (Antarctic) fronts. Precipitation often occurs, mainly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental areas in winter. The regime 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 inland, the amount of precipitation and days with precipitation becomes less. In the northern and western parts continents have excessive moisture (i.e. K > 1.0), while in the southern and central regions it is insufficient (K< 1,0). Наблюдаются существенные температурные различия между летом и зимой, между сушей и морем. Годовая amplitude air temperatures in winter over the continent reach 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed that lasts for several months. The diversity of temperature and circulation regimes of the temperate zone predetermines its division into 4 climatic regions:

1)maritime temperate climate(western coasts of the continents) with relatively warm winter, cool and cloudy summers with maximum precipitation. This is the big part Western Europe, coastal strip north-west North America, southern 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(inland US, south and southeast of Eastern Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.);

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

Subpolar climate zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change in 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 harsh, average temperature January (July) to -40 ° C and below, but in the oceanic parts up to -5-10 ° C. 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 lower, in oceanic areas up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excess moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, temperatures can drop below 0°C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. The tundras are located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the Antarctic islands (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these zones throughout the year. What is atypical for the belts is that in the western part of the Arctic there is intense cyclonic activity over the sea surface and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates over Antarctica. Characteristic is the absence of solar radiation in winter (polar night) and round-the-clock lighting in summer. However, snow and ice surfaces strongly reflect the sun's rays, which here fall at an angle close to 180°, and emit a lot of heat. Air temperature and humidity are very low, average temperatures are negative, only in some places summer months rise to +5 ° C. There are maritime Arctic and continental Antarctic climates. The latter is particularly harsh. The average temperature recorded here in December (summer) is -32 ° C, and in August (winter) -71 ° C, the maximum temperature rarely rises above - 20 ° C. There is little precipitation, the air is dry, and occasional precipitation occurs. strong winds, especially during transition seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. That it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere over almost 200 years. Information about weather and climate is available in chronicles and in the works of scientists ancient world. The climate of the prehistoric past can be judged by some rocks(coral limestones, coal, salts, band clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, plant pollen. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. In our time big influence The climate is affected by human activity: changes the state of the atmosphere (increased CO 2 content, dust, 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 spontaneous and unfavorable.

On the climate (and, therefore, climate zone) have an impact and shape it, depending on geographical conditions, climate-forming factors. These include: the amount of radiation from the sun reaching a certain surface of the Earth; atmospheric circulation processes; volumes of biomass. These factors that determine climate can vary significantly depending on geographical latitude terrain. 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 particular area depends to a large extent on its proximity to the oceans, which act as heat accumulators. On land surfaces bordering the oceans, more mild climate climate zone, compared to the climate in the interior of the continents. Daily and seasonal temperature changes near large volumes of water are more gradual than in a continental climate closer to the center of the continents. There is more rainfall here and the sky is often covered with clouds. In contrast, continental climates are characterized by sharp temperature changes and less rainfall.

A phenomenon associated with the oceans, sea currents are also the most important factor determining the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm atmospheric air, bring cyclones with big amount precipitation. How radically a current can influence nature can be seen using the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall within the zone of its influence, they grow dense forests. 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 topography (which also affects the formation of the climate zone). Everyone knows the footage of climbers climbing mountains, who, starting from green meadows at the foot of the mountain, a few days later stand on snow-capped peaks. 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 side and the other of a mountain range can differ significantly. A striking example This is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, located on opposite sides of the Caucasus Mountains.

To correctly define the concept " climate zone“We need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.

Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain period of time in a specific area. Climate is considered to be the average established weather pattern. What's happened climate zone, what are its varieties?

Climatic zone and its properties.

Climatic zone It is customary to call the latitudinal band, which differs from other bands in the circulation of the atmosphere, as well as the intensity of heating of the Sun.

There are a total of 7 species on the planet climatic zone c, which in turn are divided into main and transition zones. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.

Permanent and transitional climatic zones.

Constant (basic) is called climate zone, in which one air mass dominates throughout the whole year. The main types of zones include: temperate, tropical, equatorial and arctic.

Transition zones are characterized by a change in air masses, that is, it becomes hot in the summer and colder in the winter. There are subarctic, subtropical and subequatorial zones.

Equatorial climate zone.

This subspecies of the main climate zone located in the equator region. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. Throughout the year it is influenced by the equatorial air mass.

Main features equatorial belt:

  • high humidity;
  • high precipitation (up to 7 thousand mm per year);
  • high temperature (from 20°C and above).

Natural area of ​​this climate zone are considered rain forests, which are filled with various poisonous plants and animals.

The Amazonian lowland is located in this belt, equatorial Africa, as well as the Greater Sunda Islands.

Subequatorial climate zone.

This subspecies is transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, 2 air masses change on its territory during the year.

In the subequatorial belt there are Northern Australia, northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, and 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 the tropical climate zone characterized by sharp temperature changes - from hot to cold.

This counts main reason, according to which the world of flora and fauna is very poor. This subtype of permanent belts includes North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

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 zones. IN summer period tropical heat prevails here, which is characterized by dryness, and in winter there is a cold air mass.

The climate zone characteristic of the Great Chinese Plain, North Africa, North America and southern Japan.

Temperate climate zone.

A distinctive feature of the temperate zone is the ability of temperatures to vary seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature is typical.

Temperate latitudes contain large parts of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the northern United States.

Climatic zones. The cycle of heat, moisture and general atmospheric circulation shape the weather and climate in geographical envelope. The types of air masses and the characteristics of their circulation at different latitudes create the conditions for the formation of the Earth's climate. The dominance of one air mass throughout the year determines the boundaries of climate zones.

Climate zones- these are territories that encircle the Earth in a continuous or intermittent strip; They differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount and regime of precipitation, prevailing air masses and winds. The symmetrical distribution of climatic zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law of geographic zonation. Highlight basic And transitional climatic zones. The names of the main climatic zones are given according to the dominant air masses and the latitudes in which they are formed.

There are 13 climatic zones: seven main and six transitional. The boundaries of each zone are determined by the summer and winter positions of climate fronts.

There are seven main climatic zones: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (Arctic and Antarctic).

In each of the climatic zones, one air mass dominates throughout the year - equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (Antarctic), respectively. Between the main zones in each hemisphere, transitional climate zones are formed: two subequatorial, two subtropical and two subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). In transition zones, seasonal changes in air masses occur. They come from neighboring main belts: in summer the air mass is from the southern main belt, and in winter from the northern one. The proximity of oceans, warm and cold currents, and topography influence climatic differences within zones: climatic regions with

different types climate. Characteristics of climatic zones. Equatorial belt formed in the region of the equator in an intermittent strip, where equatorial air masses predominate. Average monthly temperatures range from +26 to +28 sC. Precipitation falls 1500-3000 mm evenly throughout the year. The equatorial belt is the most humidified part

earth's surface (Congo River basin, coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, Amazon River basin in South America, Sunda Islands). There are continental and oceanic climate types, but the difference between them is small. For subequatorial belts, encircling the equatorial belt from the north and south, is characterized by monsoon air circulation. A feature of the belts is the seasonal change of air masses. In summer, equatorial air dominates, in winter - tropical. There are two seasons: wet summer and dry winter. In summer, the climate differs slightly from the equatorial one: high humidity, abundance

atmospheric precipitation . During the winter season, hot, dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, and trees shed their leaves. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to +30 °C. The annual precipitation is 1000-2000 mm, with maximum precipitation falling in summer. Tropical zones Throughout the year, tropical air masses with high temperatures dominate here. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30...+35 ¨C, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ¨C. In the center of the continents the climate is tropical continental (desert). Cloud cover is insignificant, precipitation in most parts is less than 250 mm per year. Low precipitation causes the formation greatest deserts world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Australia.

IN eastern parts continents, which are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, intensified by monsoons in summer season, tropical is forming humid climate. The average monthly temperature in summer is +26 ¨C, in winter +22 ¨C. Average annual precipitation is 1500 mm.

Subtropical zones (25-40¨ N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate ones in winter. The western parts of the continents have a Mediterranean climate: summers are dry, hot, the average temperature of the warmest month is +30 ¨C, and winters are wet and warm (up to +5...+10 ¨C), but short-term frosts are possible. On the eastern coasts of the continents, a subtropical monsoon climate is formed with hot (+25 ¨C) rainy summers and cool (+8 ¨C) dry winters. Precipitation amount is 1000-1500 mm. Snow rarely falls. In the central parts of the continents, the climate is subtropical continental, with hot (+30 ¨C) and dry summers and relatively cold winters (+6...+8 ¨C) with little precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by more uniform temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 ¨C, in winter +12 ¨C, precipitation is 800-1000 mm. (Use the climate map to determine the differences in the climates of the subtropical zones.)

Temperate zones stretched in temperate latitudes from 40¨ n. and Yu. w. almost to the polar circles. Temperate air masses dominate here throughout the year, but arctic and tropical air masses can penetrate. In the Northern Hemisphere in the western continents, westerly winds and cyclonic activity predominate; in the east there are monsoons. As you move deeper into the territory, the annual amplitude of air temperature increases (the coldest month is from +4...+6 °C to –48 °C, and the warmest month is from +12 °C to +30 °C). In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic. There are 5 types of climate in the Northern Hemisphere: maritime, moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, and monsoon.

The maritime climate is formed under the influence of westerly winds blowing from the ocean (Northern and Central Europe, western North America, Patagonian Andes of South America). In summer temperatures are about +15…+17 °C, in winter - +5 °C. Precipitation falls throughout the year and reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. In the Southern Hemisphere, the temperate zone is dominated by an oceanic climate with mild summers, mild winters, heavy rainfall, westerly winds, and unstable weather (“roaring” forties latitudes).

Continental climate is characteristic of the interior regions of large continents. In Eurasia, a moderate continental, continental, sharply continental climate is formed, in North America - moderate continental and continental. On average, the July temperature varies from +10 °C in the north to +24 °C in the south. In a temperate continental climate, the January temperature drops from west to east from –5° to –10 °C, in a sharply continental climate - to –35…–40 °C, and in Yakutia below –40 °C. The annual precipitation in a temperate continental climate is approximately 500-600 mm, in a sharply continental climate - about 300-400 mm. In winter, as you move eastward, the duration of stable snow cover increases from 4 to 9 months, and the annual temperature range also increases.

The monsoon climate is best expressed in Eurasia. In summer, a stable monsoon from the ocean prevails, the temperature is +18...+22 °C, in winter - –25 °C. At the end of summer - beginning of autumn, typhoons from the sea with gusty winds and heavy precipitation are frequent. Winters are relatively dry as the winter monsoon blows inland. Precipitation in the form of rain predominates in summer (800-1200 mm).

Subpolar belts (subarctic and subantarctic) located north and south of the temperate zone. They are characterized by seasonal changes in air masses: moderate air masses dominate in summer, and arctic (Antarctic) air masses dominate in winter. Continental subarctic climate is characteristic of the northern margins of North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm (+5…+10 °C) and short. Winter is severe (up to –55 °C). Here is the pole of cold in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk (–71 °C). Not a large number of precipitation - 200 mm. Distributed permafrost, excessive moisture, large areas are swampy. The oceanic climate in the Northern Hemisphere is formed in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, in the Southern Hemisphere - around Antarctica. Cyclonic activity is widespread throughout the year. Cool summers (+3…+5 °C), floating sea and continental ice, relatively mild winters (–10…–15 °C). Winter precipitation is up to 500 mm, fog is constant.

Rice. 16. Characteristic types annual

Polar belts (Arctic and course of air temperatures of different Antarctic) located around the climatic zones of the poles. Continental climate prevails in Antarctica, Greenland, and the islands of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. There are negative temperatures all year round.

Oceanic climate is observed mainly in the Arctic. Temperatures here are negative, but during the polar day they can reach +2 °C. Precipitation - 100-150 mm (Fig. 16).

Bibliography

1. Geography 8th grade. Tutorial for 8th grade institutions of general secondary education with Russian as the language of instruction / Edited by Professor P. S. Lopukh - Minsk “People's Asveta” 2014

Climatic (geographic) belt - a vast strip of the Earth’s surface, having a latitudinal direction and similar climatic conditions throughout the entire territory.

The difference between climate zones is expressed in the prevailing air masses and air temperature. The main climate characteristics are determined based on these parameters. Climatic zones change in the direction from the equator to the poles. The climatic zones were classified by the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov. This was done in 1956, and now this classification is used in the Russian Federation and other countries. B.P. Alisov identified 2 types of belts - basic and transitional.

Main belts:

  • arctic;
  • northern temperate;
  • northern tropical;
  • equatorial;
  • southern tropical;
  • southern temperate;
  • Antarctic;

These geographical zones are dominated by air masses of the same name.

The equatorial belt is located between the two tropical ones. It receives a lot of heat and rainfall throughout the year. The average monthly temperature is +23...+28 °C. The radiation balance reaches 90 kcal/sq. cm per year. Precipitation up to 3000 mm per year; on windward slopes this figure reaches 10,000 mm per year. The equatorial belt receives excess moisture due to the fact that the evaporation rate is lower than the monthly precipitation amount.

Tropical zones are located north and south of the equatorial zone. They cross every continent except Antarctica. Tropical zones are most pronounced between the 20th and 32nd parallels of both hemispheres. The tropical climate is formed by air masses of the same name, with anticyclonic circulation and high atmospheric pressure. In tropical zones there is low cloudiness and humidity throughout the year, with little precipitation. Trade winds predominate among the winds. During the summer average monthly temperature in the tropics it is +30...+35 °C. In winter, the average monthly temperature is above +10 °C. Annual precipitation is 40-200 mm. However, in island regions, windward slopes can receive 2000 mm per year or more. In Hawaii, up to 13,000 mm falls per year. Cold currents make the western coasts of continents cooler compared to the eastern and southern ones. On the western outskirts the air humidity is higher.

The northern temperate zone is located within the 42nd and 64th parallels, and the southern one - between the 41st and 58th. These are the largest geographical zones by area. The land occupies only a few percent of the southern temperate zone. In the northern part of the planet, the temperate zone has a large area. The climate in temperate zones is characterized by significant differences in average monthly temperature. In temperate latitudes, winter is much colder than in the equatorial zone or the tropics. Here, daily temperature changes are more pronounced. Air masses are transported predominantly in a westerly direction. Cyclones are more active than anticyclones. On the outskirts of continents, humidity and precipitation are higher. 650-2000 mm of precipitation falls annually. The windward oceanic slopes receive 5000-8000 mm of precipitation per year.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the polar climate zone is called the Arctic, and in the southern hemisphere, the Antarctic. The Arctic belt occupies the territory north of the 70th parallel. sh., Antarctic - south of the 65th parallel south. w. Both zones have a polar night and a polar day. Permafrost and snow covers reflect a large amount sunlight. This is one of the reasons for the low air temperature. In the polar zones there is high atmospheric pressure. Eastern winds of the same name predominate. The Pole of Cold is located in Antarctica. In summer the average temperature is -30...-35 °C, and in winter -70 °C. At the Antarctic station "Vostok" it drops to -87...-90 °C, and on the coast of Antarctica the average monthly temperature is in the range of -1...-5 °C in summer time and within -18...-22 °C in winter. Similar climatic conditions are observed over the Greenland ice sheet, but are warmer by an average of 15 °C. The Atlantic regions of the Arctic are warmer - up to +5 °C in summer, with the invasion of warm air masses. In the summer season at the North Pole, temperatures reach 0...+2 °C, and the absolute maximum temperature is +5 °C. In winter, the air temperature in the ocean area averages about -20 °C. The American Arctic sector is characterized by a colder climate. In the European part of the Arctic, less than 350 mm of precipitation falls per year, and in the American and Asian sectors it is 160-250 mm.

Transition belts

Between the main belts there are six transition belts. It is typical for them seasonal change prevailing air masses. They alternate between summer and winter. The names of these belts have the prefix “sub”. This means location under the main climate zone.

Transition belts:

  • subarctic belt;
  • northern subtropical;
  • northern subequatorial;
  • southern subequatorial;
  • southern subtropical;
  • subantarctic.

Subequatorial climate zones are located north and south of the main equatorial zone. As a result of the seasonal movement of the belts, dry air from the tropics comes in in winter, and in the summer season there is more humid equatorial air. Accordingly, summers in subequatorial climates are humid and winters are dry. At the same time, the amount of precipitation per year reaches 1400-1500 mm. Mountain slopes receive significantly more - 6000-10000 mm. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is small, but unlike the equatorial zone, it exists. In summer, the air temperature is within +22...+30 °C. Subequatorial belts pass through Northern Australia, Central and South America, Hindustan, Indochina, Central Africa.

Subtropical zones are located in both hemispheres, within the 30th and 40th parallels. In the Northern Hemisphere, the subtropics are bordered on the south by the tropics, and on the north by temperate zone, and in the South these belts are located in the reverse order. The thermal regime changes twice a year. The climate here is temperate in winter and tropical in summer. Frosts are possible in subtropical zones. In the subtropics ocean waters characterized by high salinity and high temperature(in summer).

The subarctic zone is located between the northern temperate and arctic zones. Arctic and temperate air masses displace each other throughout the year. The belt is located in Northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, the southern edge of Greenland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Within the borders of Russia it stretches from the north Western Siberia to the east coast.

The Subantarctic Belt is located in the Southern Hemisphere, and passes through some of the Antarctic islands and the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The warm period here is short, and the temperature never rises above +20 °C. With the end of summer, cold air masses reduce temperatures below 0 °C. Most of the year she has negative values, which is also typical for the subarctic zone. 250-550 mm of precipitation falls here annually.

Climate-forming factors

The planet's climate is influenced by various factors - both external and internal. External factors mainly affect the amount of incoming radiation and its distribution over the seasons, across hemispheres and continents.

These factors include the position of the earth's axis and the parameters of the earth's orbit:

    Current distance to the Sun. Thanks to this indicator, the amount of solar energy received is determined.
  • Earth's orbital eccentricity. This characteristic influences seasonal changes.
  • The tilt of the earth's axis.

Internal factors:

  • The presence of active volcanoes that can provoke the onset of a volcanic winter or other climate changes.
  • Configuration of oceans and continents.
  • Air masses.
  • Albedo of the atmosphere and surface of the Earth.
  • Proximity of seas and oceans.
  • Human life activity.
  • The nature of the underlying surface.
  • Heat flows.


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