Boundaries of climate zones. How many climate zones are there on earth? Average temperature, °C

There are several climate zones on the globe. Let's remember what we mean by the word “climate”. Climate is a long-term interaction and mutual influence of temperature, humidity, air flows, solar heat on certain territory. Division general climate Earth into different climatic zones is determined by the position of one or another part of the Earth relative to the equator and is largely based on the fact that vegetable world climatic zones differ significantly from each other. Different types plants needed different quantities moisture and solar heat. Therefore, it is often possible to determine from vegetation alone how much solar heat this part of the Earth receives and how much precipitation falls here.

Conventionally, there are five main climatic zones, which are divided into several derivatives climatic zones. Let's list these zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, Arctic or Antarctic, and finally, highland.

Tropical climate zones range from 20" to 30" northern latitude and from 20" to 30" south latitude. In lush evergreens tropical forests(located closest to the equator) all year round warm and humid. There is a lot of rainfall here. In the tropics there are zones of dry and humid climate: dry tropical savannas, where due to lack of moisture the vegetation is noticeably scarce, even drier tropical steppes and, finally, hot and devoid of vegetation tropical deserts.

From 30" to 40" northern and southern latitudes, a subtropical climate prevails. This zone has either a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters, or a subtropical climate with hot summers and warm

in winter. There is a lot of rainfall here almost throughout the year, so the flora is especially rich and diverse.

The temperate climate zone is located from 40" to 60" northern and southern latitudes, and it is far from uniform. Here we can highlight maritime climate(West Coast North America), cool steppe or humid continental climate. Moreover, all zones differ from each other in both average annual precipitation and characteristic vegetation.

The Antarctic, or Arctic, climate zone extends from 60" northern and southern latitudes to the Earth's poles. Winters here are very cold and summers are cool. Let's list several climatic zones of the Antarctic zone. This is primarily the taiga zone with very harsh, cold winters; zone the tundra, where only moss, low-growing shrubs and dwarf trees grow; and the polar climate zone, where winter lasts almost all year round.

The alpine climate zone covers regions located at high altitudes above sea level, that is, high mountain areas globe, regardless of their location relative to the equator.

The climate within the Earth's surface varies zonally. Most modern classification, which explains the reasons for the formation of one or another type of climate, was developed by B.P. Alisov. It is based on the types of air masses and their movement.

Air masses– these are significant volumes of air with certain properties, the main ones being temperature and moisture content. The properties of air masses are determined by the properties of the surface over which they form. Air masses form the troposphere like the lithospheric plates that make up the earth's crust.

Depending on the area of ​​formation, there are four main types of air masses: equatorial, tropical, temperate (polar) and arctic (Antarctic). In addition to the area of ​​formation, the nature of the surface (land or sea) over which the air accumulates also matters. In accordance with this, the main zonal types of air masses are divided into marine and continental.

Arctic air masses are formed in high latitudes, above the icy surface of the polar countries. Arctic air is characterized low temperatures and low moisture content.

Moderate air masses clearly divided into marine and continental. Continental temperate air is characterized by low moisture content, high summer and low winter temperatures. Maritime temperate air forms over the oceans. It is cool in summer, moderate cold in winter and constantly wet.

Continental tropical air forms over tropical deserts. It's hot and dry. Sea air is characterized by lower temperatures and significantly higher humidity.

equatorial air, forming in the zone at the equator both over the sea and over land, it has high temperature and humidity.

Air masses constantly move after the sun: in June - to the north, in January - to the south. As a result, territories are formed on the surface of the earth where one type of air mass dominates throughout the year and where air masses replace each other according to the seasons of the year.

The main feature of the climate zone is the dominance of certain types of air masses. are divided into basic(one zonal type of air mass dominates throughout the year) and transitional(air masses change each other seasonally). The main climatic zones are designated in accordance with the names of the main zonal types of air masses. In transition zones, the prefix “sub” is added to the name of the air masses.

Main climatic zones: equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (Antarctic); transitional: subequatorial, subtropical, subarctic.

All climatic zones except the equatorial one are paired, that is, they exist in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

In the equatorial climate zone Equatorial air masses dominate all year round and low pressure prevails. It is humid and hot throughout the year. Seasons of the year are not expressed.

Tropical air masses (hot and dry) dominate throughout the year tropical zones. Due to the downward movement of air that predominates throughout the year, very little precipitation falls. Summer temperatures here are higher than in the equatorial zone. The winds are trade winds.

For temperate zones characterized by the dominance of moderate air masses throughout the year. Western air transport predominates. Temperatures are positive in summer and negative in winter. Due to the predominance low blood pressure There is a lot of precipitation, especially on the ocean coasts. In winter, precipitation falls in solid form (snow, hail).

In the Arctic (Antarctic) belt Cold and dry arctic air masses dominate all year round. Characterized by downward air movement, north- and south-easterly winds, the predominance of negative temperatures throughout the year, and constant snow cover.

In the subequatorial belt There is a seasonal change in air masses, the seasons of the year are expressed. Due to the arrival of equatorial air masses, summer is hot and humid. In winter, tropical air masses dominate, making it warm but dry.

In the subtropical zone temperate (summer) and arctic (winter) air masses change. Winter is not only harsh, but also dry. Summer is significantly warmer than winter, with big amount precipitation.

Climatic regions are distinguished within climatic zones With different types climates – maritime, continental, monsoon. Marine type climate formed under the influence of marine air masses. It is characterized by a small amplitude of air temperature across the seasons, high cloudiness, relatively a large number of precipitation. Continental climate type forms far from the ocean coast. It is distinguished by a significant annual amplitude of air temperatures, a small amount of precipitation, and distinct seasons. Monsoon climate characterized by changing winds according to the seasons of the year. At the same time, with the change of season, the wind changes direction to the opposite, which affects the precipitation regime. Rainy summer gives way to dry winter.

The largest number of climatic regions is found within the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere.

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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. The names of transition zones are 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 rain forests, in which many poisonous animals and plants live.

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 the north 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, Caribbean Islands, for southern Brazil and central Australia.

The subtropical zone is located between the temperate and tropical zones. They 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.

Our planet is extremely unique. Only on Earth temperature and weather suitable for human life. The climate map of the world is divided into 4 main and 3 additional climate zones, each of which is unique due to its temperature conditions, precipitation rate and wind direction. It is thanks to this diversity of climate that a huge number of plants can grow on our planet: tiny daisies and giant sequoias and eucalyptus trees. Let's see what is remarkable about these climatic zones.

Basic belts

Within these climatic zones, the same air masses prevail throughout the year. The equatorial belt extends along the equator. Further, other belts adjoin it from the north and south. Closes climate map the world's Arctic and Antarctic belts. Now a little more about each of them.

Equatorial climate zone

The smallest of all. It reigns in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula, some islands of Indonesia, in the center of Africa and in a small part of South America. It rains most often here. They are so frequent and abundant that the moisture does not have time to evaporate. Therefore, these areas are often swampy. The temperature stays at 24-28 degrees all year round.

Impenetrable multi-tiered jungles are an integral part of this climate. They are home to a huge number of species of animals, many of which live only here, and some of which have not even been studied. It is in this belt that the tallest and most powerful trees in the world grow - 100-meter eucalyptus trees.

Tropical zone

This type of climate is varied. Thus, on land, high Atmosphere pressure, and precipitation is extremely rare. average temperature in summer it rises to 40 degrees, and in winter it drops to +10. During the day the fluctuation can be 35-40 degrees. Such temperature changes destroy rocks, turning them into sand. That is why the majority of the continental tropical zone lies sandy deserts. Sahara - bright that example. It occupies almost half of the African continent. At sea, the tropical climate is very similar to the equatorial one. Only clear skies and slight seasonal temperature variations distinguish it.

Temperate zone

This type of climate can also be divided into marine and continental. Morskaya has cool summers and mild winters, thanks to the westerly winds that blow all year round. This belt extends along the western coast of America and Eurasia. The temperate continental climate is not so mild, since cyclones rarely pass deep into the continent. That's why summer is hot here and Cold winter. For example, in some areas of Siberia, in summer the air warms up to +30, and in winter it cools down to -40 degrees.

Polar belt

It dominates in the Arctic and Antarctic regions of the globe, forming zones of the same name, where there is frost all year round. This is where phenomena such as the northern lights, polar day, polar night And permafrost. Clear sky, weak winds, ice fields and terrible cold - this is what makes this uninhabitable climate remarkable. Only penguins can live here.

Quantity solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses are formed along thermal zones, i.e. depending on latitude. Latitude also determines the climatic zone - huge territories within which the main climate indicators practically do not change. Climate zones was determined by the Russian climatologist B.P. Alisov. Their definition is based on the dominant types of air masses, from which the climatic zones received their name.

Climatic zones are divided into main and transitional. Where the influence of one type of air mass predominates throughout the year, the main climatic zones have formed. There are only seven of them: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, Arctic and Antarctic. Four types of air masses correspond to the seven main climatic zones.

In the equatorial climate zone, low atmospheric pressure and equatorial air masses predominate. The sun here is high above the horizon, which contributes to high air temperatures, and due to the predominance of rising air currents and the influence of moist oceanic air masses that come with the trade winds, a lot of precipitation (1000-3500 mm) falls in this belt.

Tropical zones are dominated by tropical air masses, high pressure and low air masses. Tropical air masses are always dry, because the air that comes from the equator in the tropics at an altitude of 10-12 km already contains little moisture. As it descends, it heats up and becomes even drier. Therefore, it does not rain here often. The air temperature is high. Such climatic conditions contributed to the creation of zones here tropical deserts and semi-deserts.

The temperate climate zone is influenced by western winds and moderate air masses. There are clearly defined four seasons here. The amount of precipitation depends on the distance of the territory from the ocean. Thus, the most precipitation falls in the western part of Eurasia. They are brought westerly winds from Atlantic Ocean. The further you go to the east, the less precipitation, i.e. the continental climate increases. In the far east, under the influence of the ocean, the amount of precipitation increases again.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zones are areas high pressure, which are influenced by katabatic winds. The air temperature rarely rises above 0⁰C. Climatic conditions in both zones they are very similar - it is always cold and dry here. Precipitation falls less than 200 mm for the whole year.

Territories where air masses change seasonally twice a year belong to transitional climatic zones. In the names of transitional zones the prefix “sub” appears, which means “under”, i.e. under the main belt. Transitional climatic zones are located between the main zones. There are only six of them: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic.

Thus, the subarctic zone is located between the Arctic and temperate, the subtropical - between temperate and tropical, the subequatorial - between tropical and equatorial belts. IN transitional belts The weather is determined by air masses that come from neighboring main belts and change with the seasons. For example, the climate of the subtropical zone in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical zone, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zone. And the climate subequatorial belt In summer it has signs of an equatorial climate, and in winter - a tropical climate. In the subarctic zone, the weather in summer is determined by moderate air masses, and in summer by arctic ones.

Thus, climate zones are located zonally and this is due to the influence of solar radiation. Thus, the type of climate on Earth varies zonally. Climate type is understood as a constant set of climate indicators, characteristic of a certain period of time and a certain territory. But earth's surface is heterogeneous, therefore, different types of climate can form within climatic zones.

The boundaries of climate zones do not always coincide with the direction of the parallels. And in some places they deviate significantly to the north or south. This is primarily due to the nature of the underlying surface. Therefore, within the same climate zone, different types of climate can form. They differ from each other in the amount of precipitation, the seasonality of its distribution and the annual amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. For example, in temperate zone Eurasia has maritime, continental and monsoon climates. Therefore, individual climatic zones are also divided into climatic regions.

Thus, 13 climatic zones are conventionally distinguished on Earth: 7 of them are main and 6 are transitional. The determination of climate zones is based on the air masses that dominate the region throughout the year. Individual climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical) are also divided into climatic regions. Climatic regions are formed under the influence of the underlying surface within the boundaries of one climate zone.