Climate zones represent continuous or discontinuous areas that are located parallel to the latitudes of the planet. They differ among themselves in the circulation of air flows and the amount of solar energy. The terrain, proximity to or are also important climate-forming factors.

According to the classification of the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov, there are seven main types of Earth’s climate: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (one each in the hemispheres). In addition, Alisov identified six intermediate zones, three in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical, as well as subarctic and subantarctic.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone on the world map

The polar region adjacent to North Pole, called the Arctic. It includes the territory of the Arctic Ocean, the outskirts and Eurasia. The belt is represented by icy and, which are characterized by long, harsh winters. The maximum summer temperature is +5°C. Arctic ice influence the Earth's climate as a whole, preventing it from overheating.

The Antarctic belt is located in the very south of the planet. The nearby islands are also under its influence. The pole of cold is located on the mainland, so winter temperatures average -60°C. Summer temperatures do not rise above -20°C. The territory is located in the arctic desert zone. The continent is almost completely covered with ice. Land areas are found only in the coastal zone.

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone on the world map

The subarctic zone includes northern Canada, southern Greenland, Alaska, northern Scandinavia, northern regions of Siberia and Far East. The average winter temperature is -30°C. With coming short summer the mark rises to +20°C. In the north of this climate zone it dominates, which is characterized by high air humidity, swampiness and frequent winds. The south is located in the forest-tundra zone. The soil has time to warm up during the summer, so shrubs and woodlands grow here.

Within the subantarctic belt are the islands of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The zone is subject to seasonal influence of air masses. In winter, arctic air dominates here, and in summer masses come from the temperate zone. average temperature in winter it is -15°C. Storms, fog and snowfalls often occur on the islands. During the cold season, the entire water area is occupied by ice, but with the onset of summer they melt. Indicators for warm months average -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. Vegetable world represented by algae, lichens, mosses and forbs.

Temperate climate zone

Temperate climate zone on the world map

A quarter of the entire surface of the planet lies in the temperate zone: North America, and. Its main feature is the clear expression of the seasons of the year. Predominant air masses give high humidity and low pressure. The average winter temperature is 0°C. In summer the mark rises above fifteen degrees. The prevailing cyclones in the northern part of the zone provoke snow and rain. Most of the precipitation falls as summer rain.

Areas inland of continents are prone to drought. represented by alternating forests and arid regions. In the north it grows, the flora of which is adapted to low temperatures and high humidity. It is gradually replaced by a zone of mixed broad-leaved forests. A strip of steppes in the south encircles all continents. The semi-desert and desert zone covers western North America and Asia.

Temperate climates are divided into the following subtypes:

• nautical;
• temperate continental;
• sharply continental;
• monsoon.

Subtropical climate zone

Subtropical climate zone on the world map

In the subtropical zone there is part Black Sea coast, southwest and , south northern and . In winter, areas are influenced by air moving from the temperate zone. The mark on the thermometer rarely drops below zero. In summer, the climate zone is affected by subtropical cyclones, which warm the earth well. In the eastern part of the continents, humid air prevails. There are long summers and mild winters without frost. The western coasts are characterized by dry summers and warm winter.

In the interior regions of the climate zone, temperatures are much higher. The weather is almost always clear. Most precipitation falls during the cold period, when air masses shift to the side. On the coasts there are hard-leaved forests with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. In the northern hemisphere, they are replaced by a zone of subtropical steppes, smoothly flowing into the desert. In the southern hemisphere, steppes give way to broad-leaved and deciduous forests. Mountainous areas are represented by forest-meadow zones.

In subtropical climatic zone The following climate subtypes are distinguished:

• subtropical oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate;
• subtropical inland climate;
• subtropical monsoon climate;
• climate of high subtropical highlands.

Tropical climate zone

Tropical climate zone on the world map

The tropical climate zone covers certain territories in all except Antarctica. The region dominates the oceans all year round high blood pressure. Because of this, there is little rainfall in the climate zone. Summer temperatures in both hemispheres exceed +35°C. Average winter temperatures are +10°C. Average daily temperature fluctuations are felt in the interior of the continents.

Most of the time the weather here is clear and dry. The bulk of precipitation occurs in the winter months. Significant temperature changes provoke dust storms. On the coasts the climate is much milder: winters are warm and summers are mild and humid. There are practically no strong winds, and precipitation occurs throughout the calendar summer. The dominant natural areas are tropical forests, deserts and semi-deserts.

The tropical climate zone includes the following climate subtypes:

• trade wind climate;
• tropical dry climate;
• tropical monsoon climate;
• monsoon climate on tropical plateaus.

Subequatorial climate zone

Subequatorial climate zone on the world map

The subequatorial climate zone affects both hemispheres of the Earth. In summer, the zone is influenced by equatorial humid winds. In winter, trade winds dominate. The average annual temperature is +28°C. Daily temperature changes are insignificant. Most of the precipitation falls in warm time years under the influence of the summer monsoons. The closer to the equator, the heavier the rains. In summer, most rivers overflow their banks, and in winter they dry up completely.

The flora is represented by monsoon mixed forests and woodlands. The foliage on trees turns yellow and falls off during drought. With the arrival of rains it is restored. Grasses and herbs grow in the open spaces of savannas. The flora has adapted to periods of rain and drought. Some remote forest areas have not yet been explored by humans.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial climate zone on the world map

The belt is located on both sides of the equator. A constant flow of solar radiation creates a hot climate. Weather conditions are affected by air masses coming from the equator. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is only 3°C. Unlike other climate zones, the equatorial climate remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Temperatures do not fall below +27°C. Due to heavy precipitation, high humidity, fog and cloudiness occur. There are practically no strong winds, which has a beneficial effect on the flora.

They appeared back in the 70s of the 19th century and were of a descriptive nature. According to the classification of Moscow State University professor B.P. Alisov, there are 7 types of climates on Earth, which make up climatic zones. 4 of them are basic, and 3 are transitional. The main types include:

Equatorial climate zone. This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of equatorial climates throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinox, the Sun is at its zenith 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 in the equatorial climate they are swampy, and dense and tall trees grow on them. On climate this belt The trade winds also have an influence, bringing an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial climate type is formed over the northern regions; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, over the basin and headwaters, including the coast in Africa; over most of the Indonesian archipelago and adjacent parts and the Pacific Oceans in Asia.
Tropical climate zone. 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 distinction is made between continental and oceanic tropical climates.

Continental climate zone: the region dominates over a significant territory, 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, which produces a lot of sand and dust. They are picked up and can be carried over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger for a traveler in.

Mainland tropical climates The western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Cold currents pass along the western coasts of South America and Africa, 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.

Oceanic tropical climate similar to the equatorial one, but differs from it in smaller and more 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°С to -50°С). 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 territories (from 40-45° northern to the polar circles). A region is formed above these territories low pressure, active cyclonic activity. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:

1. nautical, which dominates in the western parts of North America and South America, 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);
2. continental, dominant in central regions 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 multi-month temperatures. 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, dominant in the east of Eurasia to Korea and in the north, in the northeast, is characterized by a change in stable winds (monsoons) over the seasons, which affects the amount and regime of precipitation. It blows here in winter cold wind from the continent, so winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer, winds bring warm, rainy weather. In Kamchatka, precipitation falls from 1600 to 2000 mm.

In all subtypes temperate climate Only moderate air masses dominate.

Polar climate type. Above 70° north and 65° south latitudes, a polar climate prevails, forming two zones: and. 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 does not melt all year round. Throughout the year, these territories are dominated by the region high pressure, 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 belt is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter by tropical ones.

Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average +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. The soils dry out after the summer rains, so in the subequatorial climate, unlike in the subequatorial climate, swamps are rare. The territory is favorable for human settlement, which is why many centers of civilization are located here -,. According to N.I. , it is from here that many varieties of cultivated plants originated. The northern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Isthmus of Panama); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, all of Indochina, Southern China, ). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (lowland); Africa (centre and east of the continent); (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 determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summer (from +30 to +50°C) and relatively Cold winter 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. In the western parts of the continents it dominates, 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, 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 the summer makes it possible to develop lush. The fertile soils here support the life 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.

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

Climate influences living and inanimate nature. Water bodies, soil, vegetation, and animals are closely dependent on climate. Certain sectors of the economy, primarily Agriculture, are also very dependent on climate.

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

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

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

A major role in climate formation belongs to relief. You already know that with every kilometer the terrain rises, the air temperature drops by 5-6 °C. Therefore, on the high mountain 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 trap moist sea winds, and their windward slopes facing the Black Sea receive significantly more precipitation than their leeward slopes. At the same time, the mountains serve as an obstacle to cold northern winds.

There is a dependence of climate on prevailing winds. On the territory of the East European Plain, westerly winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean prevail throughout almost the entire year, so winters in this territory 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 there is little precipitation. In summer, on the contrary, winds bring a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. In autumn, when the wind from the ocean subsides, the weather is usually sunny and calm. This best time years in this area.

Climatic characteristics are statistical inferences from long-term weather observation series (in temperate latitudes 25-50-year series are used; in the tropics their duration may be shorter), primarily on the following basic meteorological elements: atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, temperature and air humidity, cloudiness and precipitation. They also take into account the duration of solar radiation, visibility range, temperature of the upper layers of soil and water bodies, evaporation of water from the earth’s surface into the atmosphere, height and condition of snow cover, various atmospheric phenomena and ground hydrometeors (dew, ice, fog, thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.). In the 20th century The climatic indicators included the characteristics of the elements of the heat balance of the earth's surface, such as total solar radiation, radiation balance, the amount of heat exchange between the earth's surface and the atmosphere, and heat consumption for evaporation. Complex indicators are also used, i.e. functions of several elements: various coefficients, factors, indices (for example, continentality, aridity, moisture), etc.

Climate zones

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

Maps with climate indicators are called climatic(temperature distribution map, pressure distribution map, etc.).

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

The main climatic zones are:

• equatorial;
• two tropical;
• two moderate;
• Arctic and Antarctic.

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

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

Diversity of Earth's climates

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

Arctic and Antarctic climate zones

Antarctic and Arctic climate dominates in Greenland and Antarctica, where average monthly temperatures are below 0 °C. Into the dark winter time During the year, these regions receive absolutely no solar radiation, although there are twilights and auroras. Even in summer Sun rays fall onto the earth's surface at a slight angle, which reduces the efficiency of heating. Most of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by the ice. In both summer and winter, the higher elevations of the Antarctic Ice Sheet experience low temperatures. The climate of the interior of Antarctica is much colder than the climate of the Arctic, since the southern continent is different large sizes and altitudes, and the Arctic Ocean moderates the climate, despite the widespread distribution of pack ice. During short periods of warming in summer, drifting ice sometimes melts. Precipitation on ice sheets falls in the form of snow or small particles of freezing fog. Inland areas receive only 50-125 mm of precipitation annually, but the coast can receive more than 500 mm. Sometimes cyclones bring clouds and snow to these areas. Snowfalls are often accompanied strong winds, which carry significant masses of snow, blowing it off the slope. Strong katabatic winds with snowstorms blow from the cold glacial sheet, carrying snow to the coast.

Table 1. Climates of the Earth

Climate type	Climate zone	Average temperature, °C		Mode and amount of atmospheric precipitation, mm	Atmospheric circulation	Territory
Equatorial	Equatorial			During a year. 2000	In areas of low atmospheric pressure, warm and humid equatorial air masses form	Equatorial regions of Africa, South America and Oceania
Tropical monsoon	Subequatorial			Mainly during the summer monsoon, 2000		South and Southeast Asia, Western and Central Africa, Northern Australia
tropical dry	Tropical			During the year, 200		North Africa, Central Australia
Mediterranean	Subtropical			Mainly in winter, 500	In summer there are anticyclones at high atmospheric pressure; in winter - cyclonic activity	Mediterranean, Southern coast of Crimea, South Africa, South Western Australia, Western California
Subtropical dry	Subtropical			During a year. 120	Dry continental air masses	Interiors of continents
Temperate marine	Moderate			During a year. 1000	Western winds	Western parts of Eurasia and North America
Temperate continental	Moderate			During a year. 400	Western winds	Interiors of continents
Moderate monsoon	Moderate			Mainly during the summer monsoon, 560		Eastern edge of Eurasia
Subarctic	Subarctic			During the year, 200	Cyclones predominate	Northern edges of Eurasia and North America
Arctic (Antarctic)	Arctic (Antarctic)			During the year, 100	Anticyclones predominate	The Arctic Ocean and mainland Australia

Subarctic continental climate is formed in the north of the continents (see climate map of the atlas). In winter, arctic air predominates here, which forms in areas of high pressure. Arctic air spreads to the eastern regions of Canada from the Arctic.

Continental subarctic climate in Asia is characterized by the largest annual amplitude of air temperature on the globe (60-65 °C). The continental climate here reaches its maximum value.

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

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

The climate of the subarctic zone of North America is less continental compared to the corresponding climate of Asia. There are less cold winters and colder summers.

Temperate climate zone

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

The constant transport of sea air is accompanied by large clouds and causes long springs, in contrast to the interior of the continental regions of Eurasia.

Winter in temperate zone It's warm on the western coasts. The warming influence of the oceans is enhanced by warm sea currents washing the western shores of the continents. The average temperature in January is positive and varies across the territory from north to south from 0 to 6 °C. When arctic air invades, it can drop (on the Scandinavian coast to -25 °C, and on the French coast - to -17 °C). As tropical air spreads northward, the temperature rises sharply (for example, it often reaches 10 °C). In winter, on the western coast of Scandinavia, large positive temperature deviations from the average latitude (by 20 °C) are observed. The temperature anomaly on the Pacific coast of North America is smaller and amounts to no more than 12 °C.

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

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

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

Temperate climate of the eastern coasts of the continents has monsoon features and is accompanied by a seasonal change in winds: in winter, northwestern currents predominate, in summer - southeastern ones. It is well expressed on the eastern coast of Eurasia.

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

In summer, temperate sea air spreads along the Eurasian coast with a southeast wind. Summers are warm, with an average July temperature of 14 to 18 °C. Frequent precipitation is caused by cyclonic activity. Their annual quantity is 600-1000 mm, with most of them falling in summer. Fogs are common at this time of year.

Unlike Eurasia, the east coast of North America is characterized by monkfish climate, which are expressed in the predominance of winter precipitation and marine type annual progress air temperatures: the minimum occurs in February, and the maximum in August, when the ocean is warmest.

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

Temperate continental climate most clearly expressed on the Eurasian continent, especially in the regions of Siberia, Transbaikalia, northern Mongolia, as well as in the Great Plains in North America.

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

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

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

On the formation of a continental temperate climate significant influence are influenced by the geographical features of the continents. In North America, the Cordillera mountain ranges are a natural boundary separating the maritime coastline from the continental inland areas. In Eurasia, a temperate continental climate is formed over a vast expanse of land, from approximately 20 to 120° E. d. Unlike North America, Europe is open to the free penetration of sea air from the Atlantic deep into its interior. This is facilitated not only by the westerly transport of air masses, which dominates in temperate latitudes, but also by the flat nature of the relief, highly rugged coastlines and deep penetration of the Baltic and North Seas into the land. Therefore, a temperate climate of a lesser degree of continentality is formed over Europe compared to Asia.

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

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

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

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

During the cold period, they fall in the form of snow, a snow cover is formed, which protects the soil from deep freezing and creates a supply of moisture in the spring. The depth of the snow cover depends on the duration of its occurrence and the amount of precipitation. In Europe, stable snow cover on flat areas forms east of Warsaw, its maximum height reaches 90 cm in the northeastern regions of Europe and Western Siberia. In the center of the Russian Plain, the height of snow cover is 30-35 cm, and in Transbaikalia - less than 20 cm. On the plains of Mongolia, in the center of the anticyclonic region, snow cover forms only in some years. The lack of snow, along with low winter air temperatures, causes the presence of permafrost, which is not observed anywhere else on the globe at these latitudes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtropical climate zone

Continental subtropical climate determined by the seasonal change of temperate and tropical air. The average temperature of the coldest month in Central Asia is below zero in some places, in the northeast of China -5...-10°C. The average temperature of the warmest month ranges from 25-30 °C, with daily maximums exceeding 40-45 °C.

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

Sharply continental climate V subtropical zone for the high mountain regions of the Pamirs and Tibet, the altitude of which is 3.5-4 km. The climate of the Pamirs and Tibet is characterized by cold winters, cool summers and low rainfall.

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

Humid subtropical climate characteristic of the eastern coasts of continents north and south of the tropics. The main areas of distribution are the southeastern United States, some southeastern parts of Europe, northern India and Myanmar, eastern China and southern Japan, northeastern Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil, the coast of Natal in South Africa and the eastern coast of Australia. Summer in the humid subtropics is long and hot, with temperatures similar to those in the tropics. The average temperature of the warmest month exceeds +27 °C, and the maximum is +38 °C. Winters are mild, with average monthly temperatures above 0 °C, but occasional frosts have a detrimental effect on vegetable and citrus plantations. In the humid subtropics, average annual precipitation amounts range from 750 to 2000 mm, and the distribution of precipitation across seasons is quite uniform. In winter, rain and rare snowfalls are brought mainly by cyclones. In summer, precipitation falls mainly in the form of thunderstorms associated with powerful inflows of warm and humid oceanic air, characteristic of the monsoon circulation East Asia. Hurricanes (or typhoons) occur in late summer and fall, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

Subtropical climate with dry summers, typical for the western coasts of continents north and south of the tropics. IN Southern Europe and North Africa, such climatic conditions are typical for the coasts Mediterranean Sea, which was the reason to call this climate also Mediterranean. The climate is similar in southern California, central Chile, extreme southern Africa and parts of southern Australia. All these areas have hot summers and mild winters. As in the humid subtropics, there are occasional frosts in winter. In inland areas, summer temperatures are significantly higher than on the coasts, and often the same as in tropical deserts. In general, clear weather prevails. In summer, on the coasts near which they pass ocean currents, there are often fogs. For example, in San Francisco, summers are cool and foggy, and the warmest month is September. The maximum precipitation is associated with the passage of cyclones in winter, when the prevailing air currents mix towards the equator. The influence of anticyclones and downdrafts of air over the oceans cause the dry summer season. Average annual precipitation in sub-conditions tropical climate a ranges from 380 to 900 mm and reaches maximum values ​​on the coasts and mountain slopes. In summer there is usually not enough rainfall for normal tree growth, and therefore a specific type of evergreen shrubby vegetation develops there, known as maquis, chaparral, mali, macchia and fynbos.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial climate type distributed in equatorial latitudes in the Amazon basins South America and Congo in Africa, on the Malacca Peninsula and on the islands of Southeast Asia. Usually the average annual temperature is about +26 °C. Due to the high midday position of the Sun above the horizon and the same length of day throughout the year, seasonal temperature fluctuations are small. Humid air, cloud cover and dense vegetation prevent night cooling and keep maximum daytime temperatures below +37 °C, lower than in more recent times. high latitudes. The average annual precipitation in the humid tropics ranges from 1500 to 3000 mm and is usually evenly distributed over the seasons. Precipitation is mainly associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which is located slightly north of the equator. Seasonal shifts of this zone to the north and south in some areas lead to the formation of two maximum precipitation during the year, separated by drier periods. Every day, thousands of thunderstorms roll over the humid tropics. In between, the sun shines in full force.

Outline of a lesson on the geography of continents and oceans

Topic of the lesson: “Climatic zones and regions of the Earth. Climate map".

Target: deepen and systematize students’ knowledge about climatic zones and regions; to form in students an understanding of the process of formation of climate zones; improve students’ practical skills in working with the “Climate Zones of the World” map

Equipment: physical map world, climate map, textbooks, reference notes, laptop, atlases, TV.

Form of conduct: learning new material

Progress of the lesson

ORGANIZING TIME

UPDATED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF STUDENTS

Conversation on issues.

What is climate? What climate-forming factors can you name?

What determines the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth's surface?

What is albedo?

What is air mass circulation? What main zonal circulation types do you know?

What is a cyclone? Anticyclone?

MOTIVATION OF LEARNING AND COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS

Teacher's story.

You already know what factors influence climate formation. It is the combined effect of these factors that determines the wide variety of climates on the planet. Areas with a relatively uniform climate are distributed zonally and form climatic zones. The patterns of distribution of climatic zones are reflected in the map “Climatic zones and regions of the world,” which you are already familiar with from the previous class. Today in the lesson we will remember how to work with this map, why it looks exactly like this, and this will help us determine after a certain time climatic features continents and oceans.

LEARNING NEW MATERIAL

Teacher's story.

Consider the map “Climatic zones and regions of the world.” You see that on the surface of our planet there are 7 main climatic zones (Arctic, 2 temperate, 2 tropical, equatorial, Antarctic) and 6 transitional (2 subequatorial, 2 subtropical, 2 polar). Each climate zone corresponds to certain air masses that have their own characteristics. Thus, the humidity and temperature of equatorial air masses are very high. Tropical air masses are characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. The temperate zone is characterized by the presence of four distinct seasons. Arctic and Antarctic belt characterized by low temperatures and little precipitation.

Climatic differences on the Earth's surface are primarily due to geographic location certain territories, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation and the nature of the surface. In mountainous regions, climate is greatly influenced by altitude above sea level.

There are marine (or oceanic) and continental (or continental) types of climates. Thus, the climate of Antarctica is continental, and the Arctic (with the exception of Greenland and other large islands) is oceanic.

At the border of continents and oceans, a monsoon climate prevails, that is, the winds change direction depending on the season: in winter they blow from the land, in summer - from the ocean. Such a climate can be observed in the east of Eurasia, where the mainland is washed by the Pacific Ocean.

Exercise.

Using the map “Climatic zones and regions of the world”, determine the name of the main and transition zones, Fill the table.

Climate zones of the Earth

Basic	Transitional

Question.

How do the air masses of the main climate zones differ from the air masses of transitional zones?

Teacher's story.

In each climate zone, several types of climate are formed, differing in the following indicators: the amount of solar radiation, the average temperatures of the warmest month and the coldest month of the year, the annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations, the predominance of a certain type of air masses, the average annual amount and mode of their precipitation. Differences in these indicators indicate the presence of climatic regions within the same climate zone. Thus, in the equatorial climate zone, these indicators are almost the same, so climatic regions are not distinguished, and there is only one climate type - equatorial. And already in the tropical climate zone they determine (follow the map!) areas of desert tropical and humid tropical climate types.

Exercise.

Using the “Climatic Zones and Regions of the World” map, identify the types of climate in the temperate climate zone. Within what climatic region is the territory located? Russian Federation?

Teacher's story.

The main types of Earth's climates vary zonally, but the heterogeneity of the earth's surface, especially at the border of land and ocean, significantly changes climates and determines their diversity. Let us once again consider a climate map containing data on the main elements of climate - temperatures, precipitation, pressure, wind, climate zones. Why are there several climate maps? Because there are quite a lot of climatic elements, and because of this, sometimes maps reflect only one element, for example, the annual distribution of temperatures or annual precipitation. To show the annual amount of precipitation on different parts of the earth's surface, isolines are used, temperatures are shown using isotherms, wind direction is marked with arrows, etc.

CONSOLIDATING NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF STUDENTS

Conversation on questions and assignments.

What is a climate zone?

Name the main and transitional climate zones of the Earth.

Why is it sometimes possible to define climatic regions within one climate zone?

What features are inherent in the temperate climate zone?

Tell us how to use the “Climate Zones and Regions of the World” map.

RESULT OF THE LESSON

Final words from the teacher:

There are seven main climatic zones on Earth and six transitional ones, the main differences of which are their geographical location, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation and the nature of the earth's surface;

The main climatic zones are characterized by the predominance of one zonal type of air masses throughout the year; in transitional climatic zones, different air masses predominate in different seasons;

The variety of climate-forming factors determines the formation of climatic regions with different types of climate.

7. HOMEWORK

1. Work through the corresponding text in the textbook.

2. Draw the Earth’s climatic zones on a contour map.

3. Prepare for the thematic assessment lesson.

Test work on the topic: “Relief of the Earth.”

I.Answer the questions.

What is the earth's crust? What types of earth's crust do you know?

Explain how ancient mountains are formed?

What geological processes occur during the collision of the continental crust and the oceanic crust?

What geological processes occur when lithospheric plates diverge?

How are platforms different from folded areas?

II. Complete the sentences.

Lithospheric plates are... There are 7 large plates. List these slabs.

In the zones of the Mid-Ocean Ridges, ..... occurs, there the mantle material rises along faults, solidifies and the earth's crust is formed ....

When plates, for example, ... and ... collide, the first one sinks and goes into the mantle, as a result, ... are often formed along the boundaries of continents. And island arcs.

When ... and ... collide, mountains are formed.

Explain why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur at the junctions of lithospheric plates.

1The area where the crystalline foundation of the platform reaches the earth’s surface is called: 1) shield 2) cover 3) horst 2. The oceanic crust is different from the continental crust 1) the absence of a granite layer 2) absence of a basalt layer 3) the presence of a granite layer 3.What is the earth's crust? 1) the middle part of the Earth 3) the interior of the Earth 4.Which rock is igneous? 1) clay 2) marble 3) granite 5.Which of these mountains is the highest? 1) Alps 2) Carpathians 3) Caucasus 6.Volcano Erebus is located on the mainland: 1) Antarctica 2) Eurasia 3) South America 7. Dunes refer to landforms created by: 8.Ravines refer to landforms created by: 1) flowing waters 2) wind processes 3) glacier activity 1) Aleutian Trench 2) Mariana Trench 3) Philippine Trench 10.Which are the longest landmass mountains in the world? 1) Andes 2) Himalayas 3) Cordillera 11.Reflects solar energy more strongly: 1) sand 2) forest 3) snow 12.What is the name of the long-term weather pattern that repeats in a given area from year to year? 1) weather 2) climate 3) isotherm 13.What winds prevail in tropical latitudes? 1) trade winds 2) monsoons 3) western 14.Indicate latitudes with constantly high atmospheric pressure. 1) temperate and tropical 2) arctic and temperate 3) arctic and tropical 15.What winds are considered constant? 1) trade winds and monsoons 2) trade winds and westerlies 3) monsoons and breezes 16. In which climate zone are tropical and temperate air masses dominant? 1) subequatorial 2) subtropical 3) subarctic 17.Cirrus clouds form in: 1) stratosphere 2) troposphere 3) mesosphere 18. An increase in precipitation contributes to: 1) flat terrain of the territory 2) the presence of cold ocean currents 3) the presence of warm ocean currents 19. When blood pressure rises, the weather becomes: 1) cloudy and rainy 2) clear and dry 3) windy and cold 20.Which layer of the atmosphere blocks harmful ultraviolet rays? 1) ozone 2) troposphere 3) stratosphere Answers to test No. 1 on the topics: “Lithosphere and atmosphere”

Climate is decisive for geographical location natural areas. Where deserts are dry and hot, where it rains and the sun shines all year round, there is lush vegetation. equatorial forests. But, in one climatic zone there may be boundaries of several natural zones.

Climatic zones and natural zones

First of all, let's look at the table.

Table “Natural zones of climatic zones”

Features of the climate of natural zones of the world

Equatorial forests

It is very hot here all year round and there are tropical rains. The average temperature in winter is +15°, in summer about 30°. More than 2000 mm of precipitation falls annually. There is no clear division into seasons; all months are warm and humid.

Savannah

Winter is tropical, summer is equatorial. There are two distinct periods: drought in winter and rainy season in summer. About 500 mm of precipitation falls annually. The average temperature in winter is +10°, in summer about 26°.

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Rice. 1. Drought in the savannah

Deserts

The climate is arid, with rapid temperature changes observed throughout the day. In winter, it can even be below zero at night. In summer, the sun warms the dry air by 40-45°.

Rice. 2. Frost in the desert

Steppes and forest-steppes

Winters are moderate, summers are dry. Even during the warm period of the year, at night the air temperature can drop to below zero. Precipitation falls mainly in winter - up to 500 mm per year. Feature steppe zone are cold, piercing winds blowing from the north.

Deciduous and mixed forests

They are characterized by pronounced winters (with snow) and hot summers. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

Rice. 3. Winter in a deciduous forest

Taiga

It is characterized by cold, dry winters, but hot summers, which last 4-5 months. Precipitation falls approximately 1000 mm. in year. The average temperature in January is 25°, in summer +16°.

Tundra and forest-tundra

The climate is harsh. Winter is long, cold, dry, about 9 months. Summer is short. Arctic winds often blow.

Arctic and Antarctic deserts

Eternal winter zone. Summer is very short and cold.

Record low temperature was recorded in Antarctica – 89.2° and -91.2°. In Russia, the lowest temperature was in the city of Verkhoyansk - 67.8°.

What have we learned?

Climatic zones define natural areas. Some zones may contain the boundaries of several natural zones. Vegetable and animal world largely depends on weather conditions region.

Test on the topic

Evaluation of the report

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