Why is the earth's territory divided into climatic zones? Climates of the Earth – Knowledge Hypermarket
Remember
What do you know from your 6th grade geography course about the conditions that determine climate?
The climate is determined by the latitude of the area (angle of incidence sun rays), the nature of the underlying surface, the general circulation of the atmosphere.
This I know
1. List the main climate-forming factors. What is the most important factor?
The main climate-forming factors are geographic latitude, general atmospheric circulation and the nature of the underlying surface. The most important factor is the geographic latitude of the area.
2. Explain how the underlying surface affects the climate of the territory?
First of all, different temperature regime and humidity form over the surface of the oceans and land. Above the oceans there is greater humidity and less temperature fluctuations. On land, the climate changes as you move further inland from the coasts. At the same time, temperature fluctuations are increasing, cloudiness and precipitation are decreasing. Climate is influenced by currents. Cold currents off the coast make the climate of the coasts cool and very dry. Warm currents make the climate milder. Relief and absolute altitude play a major role in climate formation.
3. Give examples of the influence of distance from the oceans on the climate of the territory.
A striking example of the influence of distance from the oceans on climate is the difference between the climate of the coasts and interior regions of Eurasia. The coasts of the continents have a mild climate with warm summers and mild winters with frequent thaws. Up to 800 mm of precipitation falls here. Inland areas are characterized by dry, hot summers and very frosty winters with little snow.
4. How does the main climate zone differ from the transition zone?
In the main climate zone, one air mass dominates throughout the year. In transition zones, two air masses replace each other.
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5. Using the map “Climatic zones and regions of the Earth,” name the main and transitional climatic zones.
Transitional belts have the prefix “sub-” in their name.
6. Determine the climate type based on a set of characteristics: January temperature -10...-150C, July +20...+250C. precipitation occurs throughout the year, but with a summer maximum. The annual precipitation is 250-300 mm. Which continents have this type of climate?
This is a temperate continental climate type. It is represented in Eurasia and North America.
7. Using the climate diagram (see Figure 35), determine the type of climate.
The climate is characterized by small temperature fluctuations. The air temperature does not drop below 10 0C in winter, summer temperatures are +20...+250C. Precipitation has a winter maximum. The subtropical Mediterranean type of climate may have these characteristics.
8. Fill out the table
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9. Which climate zone would you like to go on vacation in the summer? What clothes will you especially need while traveling?
For a summer vacation, I would go to the subtropical Mediterranean climate zone. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.
When traveling you will need Lightweight clothing from natural fabrics that would not leave exposed skin, beachwear and hats.
In latitudinal space - from the equator to the poles - there are climatic zones. Each zone has constant climatic indicators throughout the year.
Climate zones - latitudinal strips of the globe with a relatively uniform climate.
Highlight seven main climate zones: equatorial, two tropical, two moderate, two polar (arctic And Antarctic).
Between the main climatic zones There is six transitional: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic And subantarctic(the prefix “sub” means “between”). Transition zones are significantly influenced by adjacent main climate zones.
Let's consider what indicators determine the characteristics of the main climatic zones.
- Region atmospheric pressure: R V — high pressure; R N- low pressure.
- Ascending and descending air currents ↓↓.
- Prevailing air masses. (EVM - equatorial, UVM - temperate, AVM - Arctic and Antarctic air masses.)
- Average January temperatures ( t I) and July ( t Il.).
- The amplitude of temperature fluctuations throughout the year is At.
- Precipitation amount - ABOUT.
- Constant winds - trade winds ( <п ); westerly winds of temperate latitudes ( → sound); northeastern ( /s-v) and southeastern ( \yu-v).
Using the climate map of the world from the atlas and symbols of the main climate indicators, we characterize the climate zones.
Equatorial climate zone: R N, COMPUTER, t I =+24 °С, t Il.= + 24 °C, At = 0 °C, ABOUT= 2000-3000 mm, <п .
In the equatorial climate zone, low atmospheric pressure and equatorial air masses predominate throughout the year. Temperatures in January and July reach +24 °C. The amplitude of temperature fluctuations is about 0°C, i.e. in the equatorial climate zone there is no division into seasons. Precipitation is 2000-3000 mm per year. Accordingly, the climate is hot and humid. Trade winds blow from the northeast (Northern Hemisphere) and southeast (Southern Hemisphere).
Tropical climate zones of both hemispheres — R V, TVM, t I= +20 °С, t Il.= +30 °С, At= 10 °C, ABOUT= 100-250 mm, <пф (trade winds are forming). Material from the site
Temperate climate zones. Low atmospheric pressure and moderate air masses prevail in both hemispheres. There is a large temperature difference between the coldest and warmest months. The seasons are clearly defined. The amount of precipitation depends on the distance of the seas and oceans. Thus, under the influence of the westerly winds of temperate latitudes, the largest amount of precipitation falls in the western regions of the continents, the smallest in the central regions, and in the eastern part it increases again on the ocean coasts.
Polar climate zones (arctic And Antarctic). High pressure. Arctic (Antarctic) cold and dry air masses predominate. Annual air temperatures usually do not exceed 0°C. There is very little precipitation (up to 200 mm per year). This is where katabatic winds form.
On this page there is material on the following topics:
Essay on what climatology studies
Climatic zones with symbols
Arctic and Antarctic belts of high or low pressure
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CLIMATE ZONES OF THE EARTH
Due to the uneven heating of our planet by the Sun and the distribution of atmospheric precipitation over the earth's surface, the Earth's climates are very diverse. The first climate classifications appeared in the 70s of the 19th century and were of a descriptive nature. According to the classification of Moscow State University professor B. P7 Alisov, there are 7 types of climates on Earth that make up climate zones. 4 of them are basic, and 3 are transitional. The main types include:
Equatorial. This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of equatorial air masses throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinox, the Sun is at its zenith above the equator and greatly heats the Earth. The air temperature in this climate zone is constant (+24-28°C). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm); on the windward slopes of the mountains, precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. The amount of precipitation here exceeds evaporation, so the soils in the equatorial climate are swampy, and dense and tall humid forests grow on them. The climate of this zone is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial climate type is formed over the northern regions of South America; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, over the Congo River basin and the upper Nile, including the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa; over most of the Indonesian archipelago and the adjacent Indian and Pacific Oceans in Asia.
Tropical. This type of climate forms two tropical climate zones (in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere) over the following areas.
In this type of climate, the state of the atmosphere over the continent and the ocean is different, therefore a continental tropical climate and an oceanic tropical climate are distinguished.
Continental: a large area is dominated by a high pressure area, so very little precipitation falls here (from 100-250 mm). The mainland tropical climate is characterized by very hot summers (+35-40°C). In winter, the temperature is much lower (+10-15°C). There are large daily temperature fluctuations (up to 40 °C). The absence of clouds in the sky leads to the formation of clear and cold nights (clouds could trap heat coming from the Earth). Sharp daily and seasonal temperature changes contribute to the destruction of rocks, which produces a mass of sand and dust. They are picked up by winds and can be transported over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger to a traveler in the desert.
The mainland tropical climates of the western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Cold currents pass along the western coasts of South America, Africa and Australia, so the climate here is characterized by relatively low air temperatures (+18-20°C) and low precipitation (less than 100 mm). Warm currents pass along the eastern coasts of these continents, so temperatures here are higher and there is more precipitation.
The oceanic tropical climate is similar to the equatorial climate, but differs from it in less cloudiness and stable winds. Summer over the oceans is not so hot (+20-27°C), and winter is cool (+10-15°C). Precipitation falls mainly in summer (up to 50 mm).
Moderate. There is a significant influence of westerly winds, bringing precipitation throughout the year. Summer in this climate zone is moderately warm (from +10°C to +25-28°C). Winter is cold (from +4°C to -50°C). Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm to 3000 mm on the outskirts of the continent and up to 100 mm in the interior. The differences between the seasons of the year are clearly visible. This type of climate also forms two zones in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is formed over areas of temperate latitudes (from 40-45° northern and southern latitudes to the polar circles). An area of low pressure and active cyclonic activity is forming over these territories. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:
- marine, which dominates in the western parts of North America, South America, Eurasia, is formed under the direct influence of westerly winds from the ocean to the mainland, therefore it is characterized by cool summers (+ 15-20 ° C) and warm winters (from + 5 ° C). Precipitation brought by westerly winds falls all year round (from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm);
- continental, dominant in the central regions of the continents, differs from it. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, so summers here are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with stable snow cover for many months. Due to the significant extent of Eurasia from west to east, the most pronounced continental climate is observed in Yakutia, where average January temperatures can drop to -40°C and there is little precipitation. This happens because the interior of the continent is not exposed to the same influence of the oceans as the coasts, where moist winds not only bring precipitation, but also mitigate the heat in summer and frost in winter. The monsoon subtype of temperate climate, dominant in the east of Eurasia from Kamchatka to Korea and in the north of Japan, in northeast China, is characterized by a change in stable winds (monsoons) over the seasons, which affects the amount and regime of precipitation. In winter, a cold wind blows from the continent, so the winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer, winds from the Pacific Ocean bring warm, rainy weather. In Kamchatka and Sakhalin, precipitation falls from 1600 to 2000 mm.
In all subtypes of temperate climates, only moderate air masses dominate.
Polar climate type. Above 70° north and 65° south latitudes, a polar climate prevails, forming two zones: Arctic and Antarctic. Polar air masses prevail here all year round. The sun does not appear at all for several months (polar night) and does not go below the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice emit more heat than they receive, so the air is very cool and the snow cover does not melt all year. Throughout the year, a high pressure area dominates over these areas, so the winds are weak and there are almost no clouds. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. As they settle, they provide a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature does not exceed 0°C, and winter -20-40°C. Long drizzle is typical for summer.
Equatorial, tropical, temperate, polar climate types are considered the main ones, since within their zones the air masses characteristic of them dominate throughout the year. Between the main climatic zones there are transitional ones, which have the prefix “sub” (Latin for “under”) in their names. In transitional climate zones, air masses change seasonally. They come here from neighboring belts. This is explained by the fact that as a result of the movement of the Earth around its axis, climatic zones shift either to the north or to the south.
There are three additional climate types:
Subequatorial climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter by tropical ones.
Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average air temperature +30°C. Even in the spring the sun reaches its zenith and burns mercilessly.
Winter is cooler than summer (+14°C). There is little precipitation. Soils dry out after summer rains, so in the subequatorial climate, unlike the equatorial climate, swamps are rarely found. The territory is favorable for human settlement, which is why many centers of civilization are located here - India, Indochina, Ethiopia. According to N.I. Vavilov, many varieties of cultivated plants originated from here. The northern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Isthmus of Panama, Venezuela, Guinea); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, all of Indochina, South China, Philippines). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Amazonian lowland, Brazil); Africa (centre and east of the continent); Australia (northern coast of the mainland).
Subtropical climate. Here in summer tropical air masses dominate, and in winter air masses of temperate latitudes invade here, carrying precipitation. This circulation of air masses determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summers (from +30 to +50°C) and relatively cold winters with precipitation, no stable snow cover is formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm. Inside the continents in subtropical latitudes there is little precipitation even in winter. The climate here is dominated by dry subtropics with hot summers (up to +50°C) and unstable winters, when frosts down to -20°C are possible. Precipitation in these areas is 120 mm or less. The western parts of the continents are dominated by a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, partly cloudy summers without precipitation and cool, windy and rainy winters. The Mediterranean climate receives more precipitation than the dry subtropics. The annual precipitation here is 450-600 mm. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.
The subtropical climate of the eastern coasts of the continents is monsoon. Winter here, compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, is cold and dry, and summer is hot (+25°C) and humid (800 mm). This is explained by the influence of the monsoons, which blow from land to sea in winter, and from sea to land in summer, bringing precipitation in summer. The monsoon subtropical climate is well defined only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially on the east coast of Asia. Heavy rainfall in summer allows lush vegetation to develop. Agriculture is developed here on fertile soils, supporting the lives of more than a billion people.
Subpolar climate. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so summers are cool (from +5 to +10°C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). As elsewhere, precipitation increases on windward slopes. Despite the small amount of precipitation, the moisture does not have time to evaporate completely, therefore, in the north of Eurasia and North America, small lakes are scattered in the subpolar zone, and large areas are swampy. In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by Arctic and Antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach -50°C. Subpolar climate zones are located only on the northern edges of Eurasia and North America and in the Antarctic waters.
If you look at the map, you will notice that the boundaries of climatic zones do not run strictly along parallels, but deviate either to the north or to the south. This is explained by the fact that the formation of climate zones is influenced not only by the uneven heating of the Earth and the geography of precipitation, but also by other climate-forming factors: relief, ocean currents, glaciers and others.
Occurs under the influence of many factors. All their diversity can be reduced to three groups: 1) the amount of solar heat entering the earth's surface (geographical latitude); 2) atmospheric circulation; 3) the nature of the underlying surface and relief.
The main climatic indicators are air temperature, annual amount and regime of precipitation, prevailing wind direction and others. They are shown on climate maps.
Depending on temperature conditions, prevailing air masses and winds, the earth's surface is divided into climatic zones.
The main climatic zones include: equatorial, tropical, temperate, Arctic, Antarctic. Between them there are transitional ones: subequatorial, subtropical, subarctic, subantarctic. In transitional zones, air masses change with the seasons: they come here from neighboring belts.
Therefore, the climate of the subequatorial zones 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 tropical climate, and in winter - to the temperate climate. This is due to the seasonal movement of belts over the globe atmospheric pressure, shifting after the Sun: in summer - to the north, in winter - to the south.
Climatic zones are divided into regions - parts of climatic zones. For example, the tropical zone of Africa is divided into areas of tropical dry and tropical humid climates, and in Eurasia the subtropical zone is divided into areas of Mediterranean, continental and monsoon climates.
In mountainous areas, an altitudinal climatic zone is formed due to the fact that with altitude temperature air decreases.
Characteristics of the characteristics of climatic zones and climate types are given in Table 10 on p. 114-115.
Dependence of climate on geographic latitude.
The distribution of sunlight and heat on Earth is uneven. The areas on both sides of the equator receive the most heat. These are the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical zones.
IN equatorial belt Equatorial air masses predominate throughout the year. There are always high air temperatures and large amounts of precipitation. This is explained by the high position of the Sun above the horizon throughout the year and the rising air currents characteristic of the low pressure belt.
IN tropical climate zones Tropical air masses predominate. They have a fairly high temperature, but are less humid than equatorial ones.
Climates
Climate type Climate zone Average t, ° January July Equatorial Equatorial +26 +26 Tropical monsoon Subequatorial +20 +30 tropical dry Tropical + 12 +35 Mediterranean Subtropical + 7 +22 Subtropical dry Subtropical 0 +40 Temperate marine Moderate +2 + 17 Temperate continental Moderate -15 +20 Moderate monsoon Moderate -20 +23 Subarctic Subarctic -25 +8 Arctic (Antarctic) -40 0 Table 10
Earth
Regime and amount of precipitation Atmospheric circulation
Examples of territories 2000 mm throughout the year In the region of low atm. pressure forms warm and humid equatorial air masses Equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania 2000 mm during summer monsoon Monsoons North Africa, Central Australia 200 mm throughout the year Trade winds South and South-East. Asia, West and Center. Africa, North Australia 500 mm mainly in winter In summer - anticyclones at high atmospheric pressure; in winter - cyclones Mediterranean, Southern coast of Crimea, South Africa, South-West. Australia 120 mm throughout the year Dry continental air masses Interiors of continents 1000 mm during the year Western winds Western parts of Eurasia and Northern. America 400 mm throughout the year Western winds Interiors of continents 560 mm mainly during the summer monsoon Monsoons Eastern edge of Eurasia 200 mm throughout the year Cyclones predominate Northern outskirts of Eurasia and Northern. America 100 mm during the year Anticyclones predominate Water area Northern Arctic Ocean and Antarctica In temperate climate zones where moderate air masses dominate, it is much colder than in tropical zones. The seasons are clearly expressed. Prevailing westerly winds bring air masses from the ocean, which cause precipitation in the western parts of the continents. In the inner parts of the continents there is little precipitation, but in the east, when the summer monsoon blows, it again becomes more.
In the Arctic and Antarctic zones Arctic and Antarctic air masses with very low temperatures and low humidity predominate.
The influence of the oceans on climate. A climate characterized by warm winters and cool summers, a small annual temperature range and a large amount of precipitation is called maritime. In Great Britain, for example, the climate is maritime. In places far from the oceans, there is less precipitation, winters are cold, summers are warm, and the annual amplitude is large. This climate is called continental, as it is typical for places located in the interior of the continent. In Moscow the climate is moderate continental, in Chelyabinsk - continental, in Irkutsk - sharply continental.
Influence of sea currents on climate. Warm sea currents keep you warm atmosphere in the areas where they flow, for example, the warm North Atlantic Current in the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula creates favorable conditions for coniferous and deciduous forests, while most of the island of Greenland, which lies at approximately the same latitudes as the Scandinavian peninsula, covered with a thick layer of ice all year round.
Dependence of climate on relief. You already know that with every kilometer the terrain rises, the air temperature drops by 5-6°. Therefore, on the slopes of the Pamirs the average annual temperature is -1 °C, although it is located just north of the tropics.
The location of mountain ranges greatly influences the climate. For example, the Caucasus Mountains block moist sea winds, and on the mountain slopes facing the Black Sea, much more precipitation falls than behind the Caucasus Mountains. At the same time, they serve as an obstacle to cold northern winds.
Dependence of climate on prevailing winds. On the territory of the East European Plain, westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean prevail throughout almost the entire year. Therefore, winters in this area are relatively mild.
Regions of the Far East are under the influence of monsoons. In winter, winds from the interior of the mainland constantly blow here. They are cold and very dry, so they do not produce precipitation. In summer, on the contrary, winds carry 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 here.
The influence of climate on human life and economic activity. A person living in a certain area gets used to (adapts from the Latin adaptatio - adaptation) to the conditions of his environment, primarily to the climatic features of the area. His clothes, shoes, food, homes, activities are the result of this adaptation.
Adaptation is necessary for a person when climate conditions change. The famous Russian traveler N. N. Miklouho-Maclay vividly described human adaptation to a tropical climate in his diaries.
Atmospheric protection. The main sources of air pollution are industrial enterprises and cars. In large cities, the problem of gas pollution on main transport routes is very acute. That is why many large cities around the world, including our country, have introduced environmental control of the toxicity of vehicle exhaust gases. According to experts, smoke and dust in the air can reduce the flow of solar radiation to the Earth's surface by half.
Questions and tasks to prepare for the exam1. What layers does the atmosphere of planet Earth consist of?
2. What is the percentage of the air we breathe?
3. What is the name of the layer of the atmosphere that absorbs the ultraviolet part of solar radiation?
4. Why does the air temperature decrease with increasing altitude?
5. How does atmospheric pressure change as altitude increases?
6. What explains the shift of air masses in winter - to the south, and in summer - to the north?
7. Describe the mechanism of formation of the Earth's constant winds.
8. What is the name of the atmospheric vortex in which the air in the Northern Hemisphere moves counterclockwise?
9. In what direction does air move vertically in a cyclone: up or down? How does smoke coming out of chimneys spread during cyclonic weather conditions?
10. What is an atmospheric front?
11. What is included in the concept of “atmospheric circulation”?
12. Where is the lowest temperature recorded at the earth's surface?
13. What will happen to the barometer column if you rise with it from the seashore uphill?
14. Which air can contain more moisture: warm or cold?
15. How does relative humidity differ from absolute humidity?
16. List the types of precipitation. How is precipitation formed?
17. What are the names of the winds associated with seasonal differences in temperature and pressure between continents and oceans?
18. Name the climate-forming factors.
19. Which of the following cities experiences the coldest winters: Moscow, Belgorod, Murmansk, Ulaanbaatar?
20. What explains the abundance of rainfall on the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range in Australia?Maksakovsky V.P., Petrova N.N., Physical and economic geography of the world. - M.: Iris-press, 2010. - 368 pp.: ill.
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Remember that air masses are distinguished depending on the area of their formation.
Climatic zones. Climatic zones are latitudinal strips of the earth's surface that have a relatively uniform climate. The belts differ from each other in air temperature and superior air masses, which, according to their properties, determine the main features of the climate of the belt. Climatic zones change from the equator to the poles, i.e. zonally. There are 7 main climatic zones: equatorial, Two tropical, Two moderate and two polar (arctic And Antarctic) - One in each hemisphere. In each of them, one air mass dominates throughout the year - equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (Antarctic), respectively.
Between the main belts in each hemisphere there are formed transitional climate zones: subequatorial, subtropical And subarctic (subantarctic) . They are called sub-belts - From the Latin “sub” means “under”, that is, under the main ( pidequatorial, pidtropical, etc.). In transitional zones, air masses change seasonally. They come from neighboring main belts: in summer the air mass to the south of the main belt reigns, and in winter - to the north. For example, in the subequatorial zone, equatorial air reigns in the summer - the wet season of the year begins, in the winter tropical air enters - the dry season begins. Therefore, the climate of the subequatorial zone in summer is similar to the climate of the equatorial zone, and in winter it is similar to the tropical climate.
The map of climatic zones clearly shows that their boundaries do not run strictly along parallels, but deviate either north or south. This is explained by the influence of the third Climate-forming factor - the underlying surface: oceans, land, relief, currents, ice cover.
Within climatic zones, climatic regions with different types of climates are distinguished: Continental and maritime, the peculiar climate of the western and eastern coasts of the continents.
Rice. Climate zones
Main types of climate. In different territories under the same influence Climate-forming factors form a certain type of climate. The name of the climate type is determined by the name of the climate zone (equatorial, subtropical, tropical, temperate climate, etc.), the subtype of air masses (Marine, continental climate), and the characteristics of temperature and humidity.
U equatorial belt humid equatorial air masses predominate. Air temperatures are high (24 ... 28 0 C). Rising air currents generate powerful cumulonimbus clouds, which bring showers and thunderstorms every day. The occurrence of large amounts of precipitation per year (over 2000 mm) is also facilitated by the trade winds, bringing humid oceanic air. The temperature and amount of precipitation remain almost unchanged throughout the year.
For subequatorial belts characterized by seasonal changes in air masses. The summer monsoon brings equatorial air, the winter monsoon brings continental tropical air. Therefore, in summer it is hot and humid, like in the equatorial zone. And in winter the temperature drops slightly (20 0 C, low humidity, no precipitation. Such a climate with wet summers and dry winters is called monsoon. Deciduous forests are growing.
U tropical zones Dry tropical air masses dominate. There is high atmospheric pressure and downward air movement. The temperature in summer is very high (35 0 C), in winter it drops slightly (20 0 C). Very large daily amplitude of fluctuations (30-40 0 C). The tropical air is too dry, so there is generally little precipitation. Based on the amount of precipitation in this belt, climatic regions with different types of climate have been formed. tropical desert climate (precipitation is almost absent, only heavy dew and dense fog are formed) formed on the western coasts of continents, which are washed by cold currents. tropical wet climate (a lot of precipitation - over 1000 mm per year) dominates on the eastern coasts of continents, which are washed by warm currents.
U subtropical zones climate is formed under the influence seasonal change of air masses: tropical in summer, temperate in winter. Continental subtropical The climate is dry, with hot summers and cool winters. On the western coasts of the continents the climate subtropical Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the eastern coasts the climate monsoon(Summer is hot, humid, winter is cool, dry). Inland climate sharply continental(Cool summers, harsh winters, little precipitation).
U temperate zones moderate air masses and westerly winds, cyclones and anticyclones prevail. There are well-defined seasons with positive temperatures in summer and negative temperatures in winter. There is a lot of precipitation, but it is unevenly distributed: much in the west of the continents, little in the interior regions, and enough in the east. Various climatic regions have formed in the belt. Continental temperate The type of climate (from moderate continental to sharply continental) is common in the interior regions of the continents. On the western coasts of the continents is formed marine temperate climate, in the east - monsoon.
Subarcticі subantarctic belts Seasonal changes in air masses are also characteristic: moderate ones dominate in summer, arctic ones dominate in winter. Summer is cool (10 0 C) and damp, winter is harsh (-40 0 C), long and with little snow. There is little precipitation - 200 mm per year. Permafrost is widespread - freezing of rocks to great depths (up to 500 m). Maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters observed around the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica.
U Arctic (Antarctic) belt Cold and dry Arctic (Antarctic) air masses predominate. Air temperatures are negative throughout the year. There is very little precipitation - 100 mm per year.
Climate plays an important role in the living and nonliving nature of the Earth. It determines the distribution of soils, vegetation and fauna, the condition of rivers, lakes, seas, and glaciers.
Rice. Arctic belt
Rice. Tropical zone
Rice. Subequatorial belt
Climate map. Climate maps can help you understand the complex formation and distribution of climates on Earth. They contain data on the main elements of climate: the temperature of the warm and cold months (January and July), wind direction, and amount of precipitation. Average air temperature is shown by isotherms. Separate numbers indicate low and high temperatures. To show on the map how much precipitation falls and where, places with different annual amounts are painted in different colors. Prevailing wind directions are shown by arrows. Using a climate map, you can characterize the climate of any territory.
He poured the climate on the person. Weather and climate affect people's living conditions. People have learned to adapt to different types of climate. Their home, clothing, shoes, food are the result of such an adaptation. Everyone knows that the housing, clothing, and shoes of the inhabitants of the Far North are different from where the inhabitants of the equatorial belt live and what they wear and wear. Climate determines not only the need for warmth or coolness, but even mood.
The harvest and the daily work of builders, pilots, and sailors are related to climate. Without knowledge about the climate, it is impossible to choose the right location for dams, reservoirs and airfields, or determine the directions of airlines and sea routes. Weather and climate affect people's health and well-being. For example, people who come to work in polar regions are sometimes forced to return back, because not everyone’s body can adapt to harsh climate conditions with strong winds and frosts. In areas with a warm maritime climate, resorts for recreation and treatment have been created.
Climate change. If the weather is characterized by variability, then the climate, on the contrary, is persistent. If it changes, it does so slowly and over a very long time - tens of thousands and millions of years. In the distant geological past, climate change occurred in waves: warming and cooling occurred. Such climate fluctuations are confirmed by the fossilized remains of plants and animals that existed under certain conditions, as well as various rocks. For example, coal could be formed in warm and humid climates. So its deposits in Antarctica indicate that the climate there was once completely different. Due to climate cooling that took place about a million years ago, an ice age began on Earth. Then large areas of land were covered with glaciers. This period ended only 10-12 thousand years ago.
Questions and tasks
1. What distinguishes the main and transitional climatic zones on Earth?
2. What air masses “transition” in winter and summer to the subtropical and subarctic zones?
3. How does the type of climate in the temperate zone change with distance from the Atlantic Ocean?
4. What climate indicators can be learned from climate maps?
5. What is the influence of climate on human living conditions?
6. Can climate change over geological time?
