The weather in every corner of the planet is determined by climatic zone. There are few climatic zones, but each natural area has its own characteristics. The planet consists of two components - water and land, which have different structures. Land is divided into lowlands, plains, hills and mountains, and water is divided into oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, bays and streams, which have warm and cold currents. Impact intensity sun rays affects differently different areas land. For this reason, climate zones were formed. They are divided into two groups - basic and transitional, differing natural conditions and occupied area.

Main natural areas

In the mid-nineteenth century, scientists gave a rough description of the main climate zones. There are four of them in total:

• equatorial;
• tropical;
• moderate;
• polar.

The polar zone is divided into Antarctic and Arctic. The weather in the two zones differs due to the asymmetry of the Earth's poles. The northern part has a milder climate: in summer the snow cover melts and vegetation appears. In the south there is almost snow all year round, and temperature fluctuations exceed fifty degrees.

Equatorial zones

North is located in the continental equatorial climate South America, Central and North Africa, Indonesian archipelago. This zone is characterized by a humid climate: more than 3,000 millimeters of precipitation falls annually. The areas that are located in the equatorial cyclone zone are rich in swamps and lakes. Precipitation occurs in the form of heavy downpours mainly in summer rather than winter. Throughout the year, the temperature practically does not fluctuate, staying within thirty-five degrees Celsius.

You should find out how the continental climate differs from the maritime one. In the zone of dynamic minimum, low pressure causes a large number of precipitation - more than 3500 millimeters per year. There is often fog and cloudiness over the waters. Since the air is saturated with moisture, thick air masses form over the ocean. The natural circulation of water constantly occurs, since warm currents predominate in this zone. The temperature stays around twenty-eight degrees throughout the year.

Although the tropical zone is located at a short distance from the equator, its characteristics differ from those of the equatorial belt. The zone is divided into two parts - South and North. The first includes the southern part of Eurasia, northern Africa and Central America. Part of South America, the center of Australia and Africa are included in the second subzone.

The tropical zone is characterized by a dry and hot climate, little precipitation, fog and rain. In July the air temperature reaches thirty-five degrees, and in January drops to eighteen degrees. Temperatures also fluctuate greatly throughout the day. There is a large amount of desert in this area due to frequent monsoons.

Wetter and cooler climates dominate the waters tropical zone. Up to five hundred millimeters of precipitation falls annually, and the temperature ranges from fifteen degrees in winter to twenty-five in summer. The western parts of Australia, Africa and America are washed by cold waters, so a cool, dry climate prevails. On the eastern shores the weather is warmer and wetter, as warm seas flow along these territories.

The main climate zone of the Earth is temperate. This zone contains most of the world's land and waters - most of Eurasia and North America. In this area, the weather varies depending on the seasons. The zone is divided into two types - maritime and continental.

The temperate marine climate is characterized by cool summers (no higher than twenty-three degrees) and warm winter(not lower than seven degrees Celsius). Precipitation falls moderately, evenly throughout the year, and nebula can often be seen above the water.

On land, precipitation decreases and temperatures become more severe. On the climate map of the world one can observe that in summer in this zone the air temperature reaches forty degrees, and the severe snowy winter on average it drops to -30. This area is the most populated.

Polar regions

The most high pressure observed in the North (water area and islands of the Arctic Ocean) and South Pole planets (Antarctica). There is a difference in temperature between the two subzones: at the North Pole in winter the temperature does not drop below fifty degrees, and in summer it does not rise above seven, and in the south of the planet the temperature in summer is about zero degrees, and in January it drops to seventy. Both poles have in common characteristic phenomenon- polar night and day. The sun does not set below the horizon for several months in the summer, and does not rise for two or three months in the winter.

Transition belts

Transition zones are located between the main belts. They have their own characteristics that stand out from the general background. Warm trade winds, moderate humidity and mild weather prevail here. Scientists discovered three classes of transition zones back in the nineteenth century, they have remained unchanged to this day:

• subequatorial;
• subtropical;
• subpolar.

In the territories of the subequatorial climate zone, the weather is changeable. In winter, due to the predominance of tropical air masses there is little rainfall, the sky clears of clouds, the air becomes cold. In summer, the weather is subject to equatorial cyclones: the air is hot and there is enough precipitation - more than 3000 millimeters per year.

Geographical position subtropical zones - between temperate and tropical latitudes. In summer the weather is hot and sunny, and in winter it gets cold, with a small amount of snow falling, but there is no constant snow cover.

Subpolar climates are characterized by high humidity and low temperature air. In the Southern Hemisphere, this zone contains the water area Antarctica, and in Northern - the main part of the land.

Many people do not know in which climate zones Russia is located. The climate of Russia is formed in the waters of the Arctic Ocean and ends in the Caucasus. It is characterized by a pattern of changes in clearly defined four seasons with dry, hot summers and snowy frosty winter. Most of the country is located in the temperate climate zone, which is divided into four subtypes: monsoon, sharply and moderately continental, continental. Arctic, subarctic and subtropical climates are also found.

The terrain influences the placement of different climate types. How many areas are there in total? Scientists distinguish 8 climatic zones, but since the Arctic and Antarctic zones are combined into the polar region, there are 7 in total. Geographical climatic zones studied at school, where students fill out special cards. At the same time, they must paint the areas with different shades of blue color and also fill out climate tables, which should contain indicators of temperature and precipitation in different areas.

Climate zones. The cycle of heat, moisture and general circulation of the atmosphere form the weather and climate in the geographic 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 climate zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law geographical 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: stand out 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 sС. 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 are between 20¨ and 30¨s. and Yu. w. on both sides of the tropics, where trade winds prevail. (Remember why in tropical latitudes the air sinks and high pressure prevails.) Throughout the year, tropical air masses with high temperatures dominate here. Average temperature warm month+30…+35 ¨С, the coldest - not lower than +10 ¨С. 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 rainfall causes the formation of the greatest deserts in the world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, and Australia.

In the eastern parts of the continents, which are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, intensified by the monsoons in summer season, tropical is forming humid climate. Average monthly temperature in summer +26 ¨С, in winter +22 ¨С. 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, average temperature the warmest month is +30 ¨C, and winter is humid and warm (up to +5...+10 ¨C), but short-term frosts are possible. On the eastern coasts of the continents, a subtropical monsoon climate with hot (+25 ¨C) rainy summers and cool (+8 ¨C) dry winters. The amount of precipitation is 1000-1500 mm. Snow rarely falls. IN central parts continental climate is subtropical continental, with hot (+30 ¨C) and dry summers and relatively cold winter(+6…+8 ¨С) with low precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by more uniform temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 ¨С, in winter +12 ¨С, precipitation falls 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, July temperatures vary 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). Small amount of precipitation - 200 mm. Permafrost and excessive moisture are widespread, and large areas are swamped. 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 of 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

In order to define such a concept as a climate zone, it is necessary to distinguish between such concepts as climate and weather.

Climate is usually called the average established weather regime, and the definition of weather sounds like the state of the troposphere at a certain time in a certain place. What is a climate zone, and what are its types?

The concept of a climate zone and its features

A latitudinal strip of the earth's surface, which differs from other strips in the intensity of solar heating and atmospheric circulation, is usually called a climate zone.

In total, there are 7 types of climate zones on planet Earth. But these types also have their own classification; they are divided into two types of climatic zones: main and transitional. The main belts are also called permanent belts.

Main and transition belts

The main or permanent type of climate zone is considered to be the zone in which one air mass predominates throughout the year. And transitional ones are characterized by a change in air masses - colder ones come in winter, and hotter ones come in summer. Titles transition zones written with the prefix “sub”.

The equatorial, temperate, arctic and tropical zones are considered to be permanent climatic zones. And among the variables, the subequatorial belt, subtropical and subarctic are distinguished.

Equatorial belt

This type of permanent belt is located in the equator region. It is considered to be the only belt that is torn into several parts. Throughout the year it is influenced by one air mass, which is also called equatorial.

The main characteristics of the belt: heat (temperature from 20°C), large amounts of precipitation - up to 7000 mm per year, high humidity. The natural zone of this belt is humid forests, which are home to many poisonous animals and plants.

The equatorial belt includes the Amazon Lowland, which is located in South America, the Greater Sunda Islands and equatorial Africa.

Subequatorial belt

This type of belt is located between tropical and equatorial. This means that throughout the year two air masses of these belts alternate on its territory.

The subequatorial belt is characteristic of northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, Northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones

The tropical type of climate zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. In the tropics, the weather will depend on the height of the sun above the horizon. The tropical zone is characterized by sharp changes in temperature - from cold to hot.

For this reason it natural area presented in the form of semi-deserts and deserts, plant and animal world of which is very scarce. The tropical zone is typical for Mexico, North Africa, the Caribbean islands, southern Brazil and Central Australia.

The subtropical zone is located between the temperate and tropical zones. Separate the southern and northern subtropical zones. In summer, tropical heat reigns here, which is characterized by dryness, and in winter a moderate cold air mass prevails.

The subtropical zone is located in North America (USA), it is characteristic of southern Japan, North Africa and the Great Chinese Plain. And in southern hemisphere The subtropical zone occupies the north of New Zealand, southern Australia and southern Africa.

Temperate zone

The main characteristic of this belt is that the temperature of one air mass varies by season: cold winter, hot summer, spring and autumn can be clearly distinguished. The temperate zone is characterized by negative temperatures.

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 (the angle of incidence of the sun's rays), the nature of the underlying surface, and 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?

Firstly, different temperature conditions and humidity are formed 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 summer 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.

I can do this

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

This is interesting to me

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 light clothing made from natural fabrics that does not leave the skin exposed, beachwear and hats.

On the climate (and, therefore, climate zone) influence 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 the latitude of the area. It is latitude that determines at what angle sunlight falls on the surface of the globe and, accordingly, how intensely the surface located at different distances from the equator will warm up.

The thermal regime of a 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 the atmospheric air and bring cyclones with large amounts of 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, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.

It has no less influence on the climate and 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 of this is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, which are located across different sides 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.

The main features of the equatorial belt:

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

Natural area of ​​this climate zone are considered to be moist forests that 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. In this subspecies permanent belts is located in 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, 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.