What are the features of the location of natural zones in Khakassia? Features of natural zones of continents. Formation of natural areas

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Natural zones of the Earth or natural-living zones are large areas of land with the same characteristics: relief, soil, climate and special flora and fauna. The formation of a natural zone depends on the relationship between the level of heat and moisture, that is, as the climate changes, the natural zone also changes.

Types of Natural Areas of the World

• Geographers identify the following natural zones:
• Arctic desert
• Tundra
• Taiga
• Mixed forest
• broadleaf forest
• Steppe
• Deserts
• Subtropics

Tropics

Rice. 1. Mixed forest

• In addition to the main zones, there are also transitional zones:
• Forest-tundra
• Forest-steppe

Semi-desert.

They share the features of two neighboring main zones. This is the complete official list of zones.

Some experts also identify such natural areas as:TOP 4 articles

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• Savannah;
• Monsoon forests;
• Equatorial forests;

Highlands or altitudinal zones.

High belt zones have their own internal divisions.

• Here are the following areas:
• Broad-leaved forest;
• Mixed forest;
• Taiga;
• Subalpine belt;
• Alpine belt;
• Tundra;

Zone of snow and glaciers. Location of zones

- strictly vertically, from the foot to the top: the higher, the more severe the climatic conditions, lower the temperature, lower the humidity, higher the pressure. Titles natural areas

not random. They reflect their main characteristics. For example, the term "tundra" means "plain without forest." Indeed, only a few dwarf trees can be found in the tundra, for example, polar willow or dwarf birch.

Zone placement What are the patterns of location of natural climatic zones? It's simple - there is a strict movement of the belts along latitudes from the North (North Pole) to the South ( South Pole

). Their placement corresponds to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface.

You can observe a change in natural zones from the coast inland, that is, relief and distance from the ocean also affect the location of natural zones and their width.

• There is also a correspondence between natural zones and climatic zones. So, within what climatic zones are the above natural zones located: Equatorial belt - wet equatorial forests with areas of wet evergreen forest
• and rain forest, where short dry periods are observed;- monsoon forests and savannas with areas of oceanic rain forests and monsoon deciduous forests;
• Tropical zone- savannas, rainforests, tropical desert and semi-deserts;

Rice. 2. Savannahs

• Subtropical zone- zone of evergreen forest, steppe and desert;
• Temperate zone- deserts, semi-deserts, steppe zone, mixed, deciduous and coniferous forest zone;
• Subtropical zone- forest-tundra and tundra;
• Arctic belt- tundra and arctic desert.

Based on this relationship, differences in climate, soil type and landscape can be observed in the same natural area.

Geographical position

Knowing where a particular natural area is located, you can indicate its geographical location. For example, the Arctic desert zone occupies the territories of Antarctica, Greenland and the entire northern tip of Eurasia. The tundra occupies large areas of countries such as Russia, Canada, and Alaska. The desert zone is located on continents such as South America, Africa, Australia and Eurasia.

Characteristics of the main natural areas of the planet

All natural areas differ in:

• relief and soil composition;
• climate;
• animal and plant world.

Adjacent zones may have similar characteristics, especially where there is a gradual transition from one to another. Thus, the answer to the question of how to define a natural area is very simple: note the climate features, as well as the features of flora and fauna.

The largest natural zones are: forest zone and taiga (trees grow everywhere except Antarctica). These two zones have both similar characteristics and differences inherent only to the taiga, mixed forest, broad-leaved forest, monsoon and equatorial forests.

Typical characteristics for a forest zone:

• warm and hot summers;
• a large number of precipitation (up to 1000 mm per year);
• Availability deep rivers, lakes and swamps;
• predominance of woody vegetation;
• diversity of the animal world.

The largest areas are equatorial forests; they occupy 6% of all land. The greatest diversity of flora and fauna is characteristic of these forests. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live here, many of which are unique.

Rice. 3. Equatorial forests

The role of natural areas

Each natural zone plays its own special role in the life of the planet. If we consider natural zones in order, we can give the following examples:

• arctic desert, despite the fact that it is almost completely icy desert, it is a kind of “pantry” where multi-ton reserves are stored fresh water, and also, being the polar region of the planet, it plays a key role in shaping the climate;
• climate tundra keeps the soils of the natural area frozen most years and this plays an important role in the carbon cycle of the planet;
• taiga, as well as equatorial forests are a kind of “lungs” of the Earth; It is they who produce the oxygen necessary for the life of all living things and absorb carbon dioxide.

What is the main role of all natural areas? They store large quantities natural resources, which are necessary for human life and activity.

The global geographical community has long come up with both color symbols for natural areas and emblems that define them. So arctic deserts are designated blue waves, but simply deserts and semi-deserts are red. The taiga zone has symbol in the form of a coniferous tree, and the mixed forest zone in the form of coniferous and deciduous trees.

What have we learned?

We learned what a natural area is, defined this term and identified the main features of the concept. We learned what the main zones of the Earth are called and what intermediate zones exist. We also found out the reasons for such zoning geographic envelope Earth. All this information will help you prepare for a geography lesson in 5th grade: write a report on the topic “Natural zones of the Earth”, prepare a message.

Test on the topic

Evaluation of the report

average rating: 4.3. Total ratings received: 144.

1. What are the features of the geographical location southern continents?

A feature of the geographical position of the southern continents can be considered their partial or complete location in Southern Hemisphere. This situation determines the climate, the combination of natural zones, the nature human activity on the territory of each continent.

2. Name common features relief of the southern continents. What explains them?

In the location of the main forms of relief, the following pattern can be distinguished: the central, relatively stable parts of the continents - platforms - occupy plains; mountains are located on the outskirts of continents. This is explained by the structure earth's crust and the location of lithospheric plates.

3. In which climatic zones are most of the southern continents located, in which are the smaller ones?

Most of Africa's territory South America and Australia is located in the subequatorial and tropical climatic zones. Most of Antarctica lies within the Antarctic and subantarctic belts.

4. What are the features of the rivers of the southern continents?

Using the example of any river, show the dependence of rivers on topography and climate.

The dependence of rivers on climate can be illustrated by the example of the Amazon and Congo, which are full of water throughout the year.

The flow of these rivers depends on the topography of the territory through which they flow: the Amazon - along the lowland of the same name, the Congo - along the highlands.

5. Which natural areas occupy the largest area and why?

Depending on the amount of heat and moisture received in tropical latitudes, the southern continents are characterized by natural zones of moist equatorial forests, tropical deserts, savannas and woodlands. Australia and Africa are dominated by savannas and deserts; South America has a large area of ​​forests.

6. On which continents is latitudinal zonation most pronounced, and on which altitudinal zonation? Why?

Latitudinal zoning is most pronounced in Africa, and altitudinal zoning is most pronounced in the Andes, which occupy the western coast of South America. This is mainly due to the relatively flat surface of Africa and the height of the Andes mountain range, stretching from north to south. Material from the site

7. Using the text of the textbook, climate maps of Africa, Australia and South America,identify the main features of each natural zone.

To determine the main features of the natural zones of the southern continents, it is necessary to give brief description each natural zone (indicate the features of the geographical location, relief, minerals, climate, inland waters, natural zones, economic activity population).

1. What is unique about the location of natural areas on the mainland?
In the north of the continent, according to the law of latitudinal zonation, natural zones change in the direction from north to south, and in the central region - from east to west. The reason for this is that, due to the peculiarities of the relief, the ratio of heat and moisture on the continent changes noticeably not only in the latitudinal direction, but also in the meridional direction.

2. Find in the text definitions of the concepts “tundra”, “taiga”, “steppe”, name their essential features.
Tundra is the name given to treeless spaces of the subarctic zone, covered with moss-lichen and shrub vegetation on poor tundra-marsh soils.
Taiga is a zone temperate zone, whose vegetation is dominated by coniferous trees with an admixture of small-leaved species on podzolic soils.
Steppes are treeless spaces of temperate and subtropical zones, covered with herbaceous vegetation on chernozem and chestnut soils.
The main features of natural zones are the climatic conditions of formation, soil, vegetation and animal world.

3. Name the representatives of the animal world of each natural zone. Use the text and the atlas map to answer.

4. Find on the atlas map National parks and nature reserves in North America. In what natural areas are they located?

1. How does a natural complex differ from a geographic envelope?

You can answer this question yourself by studying the text and pictures in the textbook (13, 14).

2. Natural complexes are very diverse. Which of them are called natural areas? The natural complex of the land, as well as the complex of the geographical shell as a whole, is a heterogeneous formation and includes natural complexes of lower ranks, differing in the quality of the components of the complex natural ingredients. These lower-ranking natural areas are natural areas. After studying the map of natural zones, you will be able to independently name these natural zones and trace the patterns of their location.

3. Highlight the main features of the concept “natural area”.

Each natural zone differs from others in the quality of its constituent soils, flora and fauna. And the quality of these components, in turn, depends on the climate, the combination of light, heat and moisture received.

4. What are the features of the location of natural areas on continents and in the ocean?

The boundaries of natural zones on land are most clearly visible by the nature of vegetation. It is no coincidence that vegetation is taken as the basis for the name of natural land areas.

Natural zones are also distinguished in the World Ocean, but the boundaries of these zones are less clear, and the division into zones in the ocean is based on qualitative characteristics water masses(salinity, temperature, transparency, etc.).

5. What is latitudinal zonation and altitudinal zonation?

The pattern with which natural zones are located on the Earth's surface is called latitudinal zonation. Changes in the quality of the components that make up a natural zone occur depending on their geographical location, especially on latitude, on which the amount of heat and moisture received depends.

In the mountains, unlike flat areas, natural areas change with altitude. The change in natural zones from the foot of the mountains to their peaks is similar to the change in natural zones from the equator to the poles. The pattern of changes in natural zones with altitude in the mountains is called altitudinal zone or altitudinal zonation.

6. Which mountains have greatest number altitudinal zones, in which - the smallest? Why?

The number of natural zones in the mountains depends on the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator and on their height. On the southern slopes of the Himalayas, almost all natural zones alternate: from wet equatorial zones at the foot to the arctic deserts at the peaks. In mountains located at higher latitudes, there will be fewer natural areas. Thus, it is possible to trace the relationship that exists between the number of natural zones in the mountains and the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator. The reason for this pattern is the amount of heat and moisture received.

The warmth of the sun, clean air and water are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones led to the division of the territory of all continents and waters into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by huge distances, are very similar, others are unique.

Natural areas of the world: what are they?

This definition should be understood as very large in area natural complexes(in other words, parts of the Earth’s geographic zone) that have similar, homogeneous climatic conditions. The main characteristic of natural areas is animals and vegetable world, which inhabits this territory. They are formed as a result of the uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.

Table “Natural areas of the world”

This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only for informational purposes, because you can talk about each of them for a very long time, and all the information will not fit into the framework of one table.

Natural zones of the temperate climate zone

1. Taiga. It surpasses all other natural zones of the world in terms of land area (27% of the territory of all forests on the planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees they cannot be maintained, so the taiga is coniferous dense forests(mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large areas Taigas in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.

2. Mixed forests. Characteristic to a greater extent for the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between the taiga and deciduous forest. They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Tree species: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as rowan, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table “Natural Zones of the World” shows, the soils in the mixed forest zone are gray and not highly fertile, but are still suitable for growing plants.

3. Broad-leaved forests. They are not adapted to harsh winters, are deciduous. Occupy most of Western Europe, south Far East, northern China and Japan. Suitable for them is a maritime or temperate continental climate with hot summers and sufficient warm winter. As the table “Natural zones of the world” shows, the temperature in them does not fall below -8°C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. Characteristic the following types trees: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. The forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including game birds.

4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinctive feature- almost complete absence of vegetation and sparse fauna. There are quite a lot of natural areas of this nature; they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp changes in temperature across the seasons. Animals are represented mainly by reptiles.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

They are huge areas of land covered with snow and ice. A map of the world’s natural zones clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and only along the coast are polar bears, walruses and seals, arctic foxes and lemmings, and penguins (in Antarctica). Where the ground is free of ice, lichens and mosses can be seen.

Equatorial rainforests

Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and hot climate(20°C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle, which has become home to more than 2/3 of all types of creatures now living on our planet. These rain forests are superior to all other natural areas in the world. The trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soil rain forests contain little humus.

Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climate zone

1. Variably humid forests, they differ from rain forests in that precipitation falls there only during the rainy season, and during the period of drought that follows, the trees are forced to shed their leaves. The flora and fauna are also very diverse and rich in species.

2. Savannas and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is no longer sufficient for the growth of variable-humid forests. Their development occurs in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial climates predominate. air masses, and the rainy season lasts less than six months. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. More detailed information about the location is reflected in the map of natural areas of the world (photo).

Hardleaf forests

This climate zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Hard-leaved and evergreen forests are located along sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so abundant, but the leaves retain moisture due to their dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling. In some trees and plants they are modernized into spines.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are characterized by an almost complete absence of woody vegetation, due to the poor level of precipitation. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore are actively used by humans for farming. The steppes occupy large areas in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants are reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to the lack of moisture and most often manage to complete their life cycle during the short spring period, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.

Tundra and forest-tundra

In this zone the breath of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even coniferous trees cannot withstand it. There is an abundance of moisture, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very large areas. There are no trees at all in the tundra; the flora is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is considered to be the most unstable and fragile ecosystem. Due to the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.

All natural areas of the world are very interesting, be it the seemingly absolutely lifeless desert, the endless arctic ice or thousand-year-old rain forests with boiling life inside.