What are the climate zones? Brief characteristics of the earth's climatic zones. Main natural areas

Each belt of the earth has its own characteristics. Temperature and precipitation in each zone will be discussed in the article.

Our huge planet is shrouded in invisible stripes (solid or intermittent), which vary significantly temperature conditions, precipitation, pressure and wind elements. These stripes are located symmetrically with respect to the equator and were called the climate zones of the planet.

What are the different climate zones?

Since these stripes are very uniform in their climate indicators, scientists clearly classify them into seven main and six transitional ones with clearly defined boundaries. They arise due to the constant circulation of water, solar heat And atmospheric fronts, which ultimately shapes the creation of certain climatic conditions in different zones.

So, on the territory of the main zones - equatorial, tropical (two), temperate (two), polar (Arctic and Antarctic) - an air front of the same name is observed throughout the year.

Since there is no sharp change in climatic conditions in certain areas - the junctions of belts, it was decided to designate transition areas with the addition of “sub”:

• subequatorial (2)
• subtropical (2)
• subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic).

Air flows in them change seasonally: in summer months they come from the zone that is located to the south, in winter - from that to the north.

Features of the main climatic zones

Located around the Earth according to the law of geographic zonation, the belts received names based on the latitudes where they are formed. And boundaries are easily established by the location of climate fronts in summer and winter.

Equatorial

Unique of its kind because it does not have a symmetrical pair. It passes along the equator intermittently, with a predominance of equatorial air fronts. Here all year round There is a very favorable temperature background: from + 26 to + 28 °C.

This territory on the planet is most provided with moisture, which falls in the form of rain up to 3000 mm - and evenly throughout the year. Here either continental or oceanic climate types are observed.

Tropical

On both sides of the tropics. Their distinguishing feature– trade winds (steady winds). Thanks to tropical air masses, high temperatures are maintained here: in the warmest periods - up to +35 °C, in the coldest periods - the thermometer does not drop below +10 °C.

• These areas contain the largest number of deserts (African, Arabian and Australian), since with the desert climate there is little rain - up to 250 mm.
• And in the east of the continents, located close to warm ocean currents, under the influence of trade winds from the ocean and summer monsoons, a humid temperature background is created from +22 to + 26 ° C and rains of up to 1500 mm throughout the year.

Stripes in the same latitudes up to the polar circles. Here, under the rule of the moderates air masses, both Arctic and tropical “neighbors” can sometimes arrive.

If we talk about the Northern Hemisphere, here in western parts continents there is cyclone activity, westerly winds are blowing, and in eastern parts- monsoons. The further you move across the mainland, the greater the temperature changes: from +4 to -48 °C in the cold and from +12 to +30 °C in the summer.

There are five climate types here:

• sea ​​(winds from the ocean, temperature from + 5 °C in winter to +17 °C in summer, precipitation - up to 2000 mm throughout the year);
• moderate continental (in January from -5 in the west to -10 °C in the east, up to 600 mm of precipitation falls);
• continental (on the continents - in July from +10 °C to the south to +24 °C to the north);
• sharply continental (in January from -35 °C in the west to -40 °C in the east, up to 400 mm of precipitation);
• monsoon (in Eurasia: summer temperatures up to + 22 °C, winter temperatures up to -25 °C, there are typhoons with the arrival of autumn; winter is dry here, and summer is rainy - up to 1200 mm of precipitation).

The Southern Hemisphere has an oceanic climate, where it is generally warm, winters are mild, there is a lot of precipitation, strong winds and changeable weather.

Polar (Arctic and Antarctic)

They surround both poles of the Earth. Bearers of a continental climate with year-round weather below zero Celsius. And only in the Arctic with an oceanic climate does the thermometer sometimes rise to +2 °C. There is very little precipitation - up to 150 mm.

Features of transitional climate zones

Subequatorial

Encircle equatorial zone from the north and south. Here, equatorial air masses predominate in summer, and tropical ones in winter). There is a clear division into two periods - summer with big amount rains and winter with droughts. The temperature all year round is quite favorable - from +20 to +30 °C, precipitation - up to 2000 mm per year.

Subtropical

Tropical air masses influence them in summer time, and moderate - in winter.

• In the continental west, conditions are also called Mediterranean (dry and hot in summer up to +30 °C, in winter - wet and warm up to +10 °C with very rare frosts).
• In the continental east, the conditions are different - monsoonal (in summer up to +28 °C, a lot of rain, and in winter - dry, up to +28 °C, rain per year - up to 1500 mm, but snow is very rare).
• The continental centers are characterized by a continental subtropical climate (in summer - dry and hot up to +30 °C, in winter also dry but cool - up to +8 °C).

Subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic)

They are located north and south of temperate climate zones. In summer there are more moderate air currents, in winter - Arctic and Antarctic.

• The northern continental ends are characterized by a continental subarctic climate (up to +10 °C in summer, but this is very short period, but in winter - up to -50 °C, in some places - even down to -75 °C).
• You've probably heard about permafrost– this phenomenon can be seen right here, because at extremely low temperatures large expanses were swamped with very high moisture, although there was little precipitation - up to 200 mm per year.

It is much more favorable in the oceanic climate (Greenland and Norwegian seas, the area near Antarctica) - with an abundance of cyclones, summer with temperatures up to +5 °C and winter with temperatures up to -15 °C. It is here that you can see floating sea ice, and fog is also characteristic of these places. In winter, up to 500 mm of precipitation falls.

Video: Main climate zones

Definition 1

Climate zone is a latitudinal strip on the Earth’s surface with a relatively uniform climate.

Climate zones differ from each other air temperature And dominant air masses. In accordance with their properties, the main features of the climate are determined. Climate zones on the planet are changing zonally, i.e. from equator to poles. The classification of climate zones, which is used in Russia and in most countries of the world, was created by a Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov in $1956$ He highlights basic and transitional climatic zones.

There are seven main climatic zones:

• Equatorial belt;
• Two tropical zones;
• Two temperate zones;
• Two polar belts - Arctic and Antarctic.

In these climatic zones, only air masses with the same names dominate throughout the year.

Equatorial climate zone located on both sides of the equator. The territory and water area of ​​the belt receives throughout the year a large number of warm, and average monthly temperatures are $24$-$28$ degrees. On land, the radiation balance reaches $90$ kcal/cm2. in year. Annual precipitation is up to $3000$ mm per year, and on the windward slopes - up to $10,000$ mm. There is excessive moisture here because the amount of precipitation is much greater than evaporation.

Tropical climate zones. One tropical zone is located in Northern hemisphere of the planet, the second - in South hemispheres. Tropical zones cross all continents except Antarctica and are well expressed in the oceans between the $20$ and $30$ parallels of both hemispheres. The formation of the tropical climate is influenced by tropical air masses, with their characteristic high atmospheric pressure and anticyclonic circulation. There is very little cloud cover throughout the year, relative humidity and annual precipitation. The prevailing winds are trade winds. Summer average monthly air temperatures are +$30$-$35$ degrees, winter temperatures are not lower than +$10$ degrees. The daily and annual amplitudes are quite high. Annual precipitation ranges from $50$-$200$ mm. The exception is the eastern outskirts of the continents, and on the islands the windward slopes of the mountains receive up to $2000$ mm or more. For example, about $13,000 mm falls in the Hawaiian Islands. On the western coasts of the continents, the climate will be cooler, which is associated with cold ocean currents. There will be more high humidity air, an even temperature change and frequent fogs.

Temperate climate zones. One temperate zone is located in Northern hemisphere, between $40$ and $65$ parallel, the other - in South between $42$ and $58$ parallel. These are the largest climatic zones in terms of area. One of the differences between these belts is that in the Northern Hemisphere the belt occupies more than half sushi, while in Southern Hemisphere, vice versa. There $98\%$ comes from ocean. In temperate zones there is a clear seasonality of climate. It is expressed in the large difference between summer and winter temperatures. Moreover, in the Northern Hemisphere, the annual and daily amplitude is significantly higher than in the Southern Hemisphere. Western transport of air masses dominates here temperate latitudes, intense cyclonic activity is observed. Towards the outskirts of the continents, the amount of precipitation increases, and the annual amount is $800$-$2000$mm. On windward oceanic slopes their number increases and reaches $5000$-$8000$ mm.

Polar climate zones(Arctic and Antarctic). In the Northern Hemisphere arctic the belt begins north of the $70$ parallel, and Antarctic south of the $65$ parallel. Both zones are characterized by polar nights and polar days. Eternal ice and snow emit enormous amounts of solar heat, causing the air to become very chilled. Atmosphere pressure all year round high and dominant easterly winds. Located in Antarctica pole of cold planets. In summer, the average air temperature is $30$ degrees, and in winter -$70$. At the Russian polar station " East"The temperature drops to -$88.3 degrees. On the Antarctic coast, average monthly summer temperatures range from -$1$ to -$5$ degrees, and winter temperatures from -$18$ to -$20$ degrees. Above the Greenland ice sheet in Arctic climatic conditions similar, but softer. In the Atlantic regions Arctic and to the pole, the summer temperature is about $0$ degrees, and with warm air invasion it rises to +$5$. Average winter temperatures are around -$20$ degrees. American The Arctic sector is more severe with temperatures of -$50$ degrees in winter and -$10$ degrees in summer. Largest quantity precipitation falls on European sector of the Arctic, where $300$-$350$ mm falls, and in Asian and American sector from $160$-$250$ mm.

Transitional climatic zones.

Between the main climatic zones there are zones transition zones. There are $6$ and they are characterized by seasonal changes in the prevailing air masses, i.e. In summer, one air mass dominates there, and in winter, another. The names of all transition zones are appended with the prefix “ sub", which translated from Latin means " under", i.e., a belt located under main.

Transitional belts include:

• Two subequatorial belts;
• Two subtropical zones;
• Subarctic belt;
• Subantarctic belt.

Subequatorial climate zone. These belts are located south and north of the equatorial one. As a result of the shift in climate zones according to the seasons of the year, humid equatorial air comes here in the summer, and dry tropical air comes here in the winter. Summer for subequatorial belts it will be wet, A winter is dry. Despite this, the average annual precipitation is excessive and reaches $1500$ mm per year. On the slopes of the mountains, precipitation falls even more - $6000$-$10000$ mm per year. The difference between summer and winter temperatures is small, but the difference with the equatorial belt is noticeable. Summer temperatures range from $22$-$30$ degrees. In addition to the oceans, the subequatorial belt passes through South America, Central Africa, Hindustan, Indochina, and Northern Australia.

Subtropical climate zones. They are located within $30$-$40$ degrees of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the south, the subtropics border on the tropical zone, and in the north on the temperate zone in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, there is a tropical zone to the north of the subtropics, and a temperate zone to the south. Thermal regimes alternate by half of the year - in winter there is a moderate regime, and in summer - tropical. For the subtropics, frosts are already possible. Within the ocean, the belts are characterized by high temperatures and high salinity of water.

Subarctic climate zone. This transitional belt is closest to North Pole Earth. Temperate and arctic air masses replace each other throughout the year. The belt occupies Northern Canada, Alaska, the southern tip of Greenland, northern Iceland and Scandinavian Peninsula. Within Russia it passes through the northern part of Western and Central Siberia, as well as the Far East.

Subantarctic climate zone. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this belt occupies a number of Antarctic islands and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The belt is characterized by short summers with temperatures below + $20$ degrees. Cold air masses in winter reduce temperatures to negative values. And it stays below zero for most of the year. The same is typical for the subarctic zone. There is little precipitation and it decreases from $500$-$250$ mm and below.

Climate-forming factors

On the formation of the planet's climate big influence provide external and internal factors. Most external factors influence the total amount of incoming solar radiation and its distribution across seasons, hemispheres and continents.

External factors include the parameters of the earth’s orbit and the earth’s axis:

• Distance between the Sun and Earth. It determines the amount of solar energy received;
• The inclination of the rotation of the earth's axis to the orbital plane, which determines seasonal changes;
• Earth's orbital eccentricity. Affects heat distribution and seasonal changes.

TO internal factors relate:

• Configuration of oceans and continents and their relative positions;
• The presence of active volcanoes that can change the climate until a volcanic winter;
• Albedo of the Earth's atmosphere and its surface;
• Air masses;
• The proximity of oceans and seas that moderate the climate, with the exception of cold currents;
• The nature of the underlying surface;
• Human economic activity;
• Heat flows of the planet.

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. The climate of this zone is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial climate type is formed over the northern regions; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, over the basin and headwaters, including the coast in Africa; above for the most part Indonesian archipelago and adjacent parts and 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 are 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. Along the Western Shores South America, Africa and cold currents pass through, 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. Observed significant influence western winds, bringing precipitation all year round. 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 the territories (from 40-45° northern to the polar circles). An area of ​​low pressure and active cyclonic activity is forming over these territories. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:

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 winter(from +5°С). 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 the central regions of the continents, differs from it. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, so summers here are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with a stable multi-month temperature. 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 steady winds(monsoons) by season, which affects the amount and pattern of precipitation. It blows here in winter cold wind from the continent, so winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer the 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. average temperature in summer it does not exceed 0°C, and in 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. , this is where many varieties originated cultivated plants. 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 a relatively cold winter with precipitation, a stable snow cover is not formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm. Inside the continents in the sub tropical latitudes There is little rainfall 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 expressed only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in east coast 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.

Equatorial climate zone occupies the region of the Congo River basin and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, the Amazon River basin in South America, the Sunda Islands off the coast South-East Asia. The rupture of the climate zone on the eastern shores of the continents is explained by the dominance of subtropical pressure maxima over the oceans. The greatest flow of air occurs along the equatorial peripheries of baric maxima; it covers the eastern shores of the continents. IN equatorial belt tropical air brought by trade winds is humidified. Equatorial air is formed at low pressure, weak winds and high temperatures. The amount of total radiation 580–670 kJ/cm2 per year is slightly reduced due to high cloudiness and humidity at equatorial latitudes. The radiation balance on the continent is 330 kJ/cm2 per year, on the ocean it is 420–500 kJ/cm2 per year.

At the equator, equatorial VMs dominate throughout the year. The average air temperature ranges from +25º to +28º C, high relative humidity remains, 70–90%. In the equatorial latitudes, on both sides of the equator, an intertropical convergence zone is distinguished, which is characterized by the convergence of the trade winds of the two hemispheres, causing powerful upward air currents. But convection develops not only for this reason. Heated air, saturated with water vapor, rises, condenses, and cumulonimbus clouds form, from which rainfall falls in the afternoon. In this belt, the annual precipitation exceeds 2000 mm. There are places where the amount of precipitation increases to 5000 mm. High temperatures throughout the year and large amounts of precipitation create conditions for the development of rich vegetation on land - wet equatorial forests– gili (in South America rain forests called selva, in Africa - jungle).

Continental and oceanic types equatorial climate differ slightly.

Climate subequatorial belt confined to the vast expanses of the Brazilian Highlands, Central Africa(north, east and south of the Congo River basin), Asia (on the Hindustan and Indochina peninsulas), Northern Australia.

Total solar radiation is about 750 kJ/cm2 per year, the radiation balance is 290 kJ/cm2 per year on land and up to 500 kJ/cm2 per year on the ocean.

The subequatorial climate zone is characterized by monsoon air circulation: air moves from the tropical latitudes of the winter hemisphere as the winter dry monsoon (trade wind), after crossing the equator it transforms into the summer wet monsoon. Feature In this belt, air masses change seasonally: equatorial air dominates in summer, tropical air dominates in winter. There are two seasons – wet (summer) and dry (winter). IN summer season The climate differs slightly from the equatorial one: high humidity, heavy precipitation caused by rising currents of equatorial air. The total amount of precipitation is 1500 mm; on the windward slopes of the mountains, their amount increases sharply (Cherrapunji - 12,660 mm). During the winter season, conditions change dramatically with the arrival of dry tropical air: hot, dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, trees shed their leaves. Within the continents and on their western shores, the vegetation cover of the subequatorial belt is represented by savannas, while moist equatorial forests dominate on the eastern shores.

Tropical climate zone in the Southern Hemisphere it spreads in a continuous strip, expanding over the oceans. The oceans are dominated throughout the year by constant baric maxima, in which tropical EMs are formed. In the Northern Hemisphere, the tropical belt breaks over Indochina and Hindustan; The gap in the belt is explained by the fact that the dominance of tropical VMs is not observed throughout the year. In summer, equatorial air penetrates into the South Asian minimum; in winter, moderate (polar) air forces invade from the Asian maximum far to the south.

The annual value of total radiation on the continents is 750–849 kJ/cm2 per year (in the Northern Hemisphere up to 920 kJ/cm2 per year), on the ocean 670 kJ/cm2 per year; radiation balance is 250 kJ/cm2 per year on the continent and 330–420 kJ/cm2 per year on the ocean.

In the tropical climate zone, tropical VMs dominate throughout the year, which differ high temperatures. Average temperature warm month exceeds +30º C, on some days the temperature rises to +50º C, and the Earth's surface heats up to +80º C (on the northern coast of Africa it was recorded Maximum temperature+58º C). In view of high blood pressure and downward air currents, condensation of water vapor almost does not occur, so there is very little precipitation in most of the tropical zone - less than 250 mm. It causes formation greatest deserts world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Australia.

IN tropical zone climate, not drying out everywhere. The climate of the eastern coasts (trade winds blow from the ocean) is characterized by a large amount of precipitation - 1500 mm (Greater Antilles, the eastern coast of the Brazilian Plateau, the eastern coast of Africa in the Southern Hemisphere). The climate features are also explained by the influence warm currents, approaching the eastern shores of the continents. The climate of the western coasts (called “garua” - drizzling fog) is developed on the western shores of North and South America and Africa. The peculiarity of the climate is that in the absence of precipitation (in Atacama 0 mm per year), the relative humidity is 85–90%. The formation of the climate of the western coasts is influenced by a constant pressure maximum over the ocean and cold currents off the coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climate developed in a continuous strip approximately between 25º and 40º latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This belt is characterized by a change in air masses by season: in summer, tropical air masses are formed in pressure maxima on the oceans and in thermal depressions on land; In winter, moderate VMs dominate. Therefore, in the subtropical zone there are two climate regimes - temperate and tropical.

The total solar radiation is 585–670 kJ/cm2 per year, the radiation balance is 200 kJ/cm2 per year on the continent and 290–330 kJ/cm2 per year on the ocean.

The climate of the western coasts is called Mediterranean (coast Mediterranean Sea in Europe, California in North America, Northern part Chile in South America, southwest Africa and Australia). Its peculiarity is that in summer a high-pressure area from the tropics moves here, where tropical dry air is formed, and in winter air from temperate latitudes comes here and, thanks to the activation of the polar front, precipitation falls (up to 1000 mm).

The climate of the eastern coasts is monsoonal in nature and is especially pronounced on the eastern coast of Asia and the southeastern part of North America. In summer, humid tropical air masses arrive here from the ocean (summer monsoon), bringing heavy clouds and precipitation (temperature is +25º C). Winter monsoons bring flows of continental air from temperate latitudes, the temperature of the coldest month is +8º C. The total precipitation is about 1000 mm.

Continental climate (arid) is developed in North America (Great Basin) and in the interior of Asia (Eastern Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan). Throughout the year, dry air masses predominate: in summer – tropical, in winter – continental air of temperate latitudes. Average monthly temperature in summer about +30º C, maximum temperature is more than +50º C; in winter – +6º – +8º C, minimum temperature falls below 0º C. The annual temperature range is 25º C. The total amount of precipitation is 300 mm. Deserts are located in the central regions of the continents.

Temperate climate zone distributed approximately between 40º north and south latitudes and the polar circles. In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic; in the Northern Hemisphere, there are four types of climate: continental, oceanic, western and eastern coasts.

The total radiation is 330–500 kJ/cm2 per year, the radiation balance is 85–170 kJ/cm2 per year. In summer, the value of the radiation balance is almost equal to the value of the radiation balance of tropical latitudes due to the long day length. In winter, the radiation balance is negative due to the low height of the Sun above the horizon, short day length and high albedo of snow cover.

In the temperate climate zone, temperate (polar) air masses dominate throughout the year, but their dominance is relative: very often arctic and tropical air masses invade temperate latitudes. Features of atmospheric circulation are westerly winds, the most stable in winter time, and cyclonic activity.

Continental climate is widespread in Eurasia ( central regions middle zone Russia, Ukraine, northern Kazakhstan) and North America (southern Canada). In summer, there is an intensive transformation of air masses coming from the ocean and the north over the continents. The air is heated and additionally humidified by moisture evaporating from the surface of the continent. The average monthly temperature in July increases from +10º C at the border with the subarctic zone to +24º C at the border with the subtropical zone. July isotherms are located sublatitudinally, deviating poleward on continents due to stronger heating. The maximum summer temperature reaches +46º C on the border with the subtropical zone. January temperatures decrease from –5 – –10º C to moderate continental climate to –35 – –40º C in a sharply continental climate. The annual temperature range increases to 60º.

The continental climate is characterized by a temperate continental type annual progress precipitation with a summer maximum. The total amount of precipitation decreases from west to east: in a temperate continental climate 800 mm, in a continental climate – 600 mm, in a sharply continental climate – about 300 mm. Winter is characterized by stable snow cover, the duration of which increases from 4 months in a moderate continental climate to 9 months in a sharply continental climate. A wide range of zones has been developed, from taiga forests to deserts.

The climate of the western coasts (marine) is formed under the influence of westerly winds coming from the ocean ( Western Europe, western North America, Canada, southern South America - Chile). The average monthly temperature in July is +12 – +15º C, the average monthly temperature in January is +5º C, the annual temperature range is 10º. There is a moderate marine type annual precipitation: precipitation falls almost evenly throughout the year with a slight winter maximum. The total precipitation is 1000 mm; on the western slope of the Cordillera in North America, its value increases to 3000 mm; broad-leaved oak and oak-hornbeam forests grow here.

The east coast climate is most widespread on the east coast of Asia (northeast China, Far East). The uniqueness of the climate lies in the monsoon air circulation. In summer, from constant pressure maxima on the oceans, the marine tropical air mass moves to the eastern shores, along the way it transforms and turns into a marine temperate (polar) air mass.

The average monthly temperature in July is
+18 – +20º C.

In winter, from seasonal pressure maxima on the continents, a cold moderate (polar) air mass approaches the coast. The temperature in winter is –25º C, the annual temperature range is 45º. There is a monsoon type of annual precipitation with a large summer maximum, total equal to 600–700 mm, coniferous and mixed forests grow.

The oceanic climate is developed in the Southern Hemisphere over a continuous ring of water in temperate latitudes. In the northern hemisphere, it is formed in the northern part of the quiet and Atlantic Oceans. Constant baric minimums remain over the ocean throughout the year: in the Northern Hemisphere - Icelandic, Aleutian, in the Southern - Antarctic belt low blood pressure. Summer temperature is +15º C, winter – +5º C, the annual temperature range is 10º. Cyclonic activity is observed throughout the year, intensifying in winter. Precipitation falls throughout the year with a small winter maximum, the total amount being about 1000 mm.

Subpolar climate located north of temperate zone in the Northern Hemisphere and to the south in the Southern Hemisphere. This transition belts– subarctic and subantarctic, which are characterized by changes in air masses by season: in summer – air of temperate latitudes, in winter – arctic (Antarctic).

The amount of total radiation is 330 kJ/cm 2 per year, the radiation balance is about 40 kJ/cm 2 per year. For most of the year the radiation balance is negative. There is a phenomenon in the belt polar night and polar day.

Continental subarctic climate is developed in the Northern Hemisphere in North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm, short, the average monthly temperature in July is +5 – +10º C. Winter is severe, the average monthly temperature in January decreases from –10º C on the western shores (the influence of warm currents and westerly winds) to –55º C inland. At the cold poles in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk, a minimum temperature of –71º C was noted. The annual temperature range is 60º. The continental climate is characterized by low precipitation with a maximum in summer, the total amount being 200 mm. In winter, a stable snow cover is established, permafrost is widespread, and tundra landscapes dominate.

The oceanic climate in the Northern Hemisphere is formed in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, in the Southern Hemisphere - around Antarctica. The average monthly temperature in summer (July in the Northern Hemisphere, January in the Southern Hemisphere) is +3 – +5º C, the average monthly temperature in winter is from –25º to –30º C, the annual temperature range is 30º. Cyclonic activity is widespread throughout the year; the amount of precipitation compared to the continental climate is greater - 400 mm. Fogs are typical due to high relative air humidity (about 80–90%).

Climate of the polar regions(Arctic and Antarctic) developed around the poles and is characterized by cold air masses under conditions of high pressure.

The amount of total radiation is 250 kJ/cm 2 per year, the radiation balance is about zero. For most of the year the radiation balance is negative. The duration of the polar day and polar night increases from one day at the Arctic Circle to six months at the pole. In the climate zone in the Northern Hemisphere, Arctic VMs dominate throughout the year; in the Southern Hemisphere, Antarctic VMs dominate over Antarctica.

The continental climate is formed in constant pressure maxima - Greenland in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctic in the Southern Hemisphere. A polar type of annual temperature variation is observed: one maximum per day summer solstice(in the Northern Hemisphere), the average monthly temperature in July is –8º C, in the Southern Hemisphere in January the temperature is –30 ○ C. In winter, temperatures drop to –50 – –55º C. An absolute minimum temperature of –89.2º C is recorded in Antarctica. temperature amplitude is 30º C. On the outskirts of Antarctica, winds with a speed of 100 m/s are observed. There is little precipitation, the total amount is about 100 mm. In Greenland and Antarctica there is frequent fog and relative humidity is about 80%. Modern sheet glaciation has developed here; the thickness of the ice sheet in Antarctica reaches 4–4.5 km.

Oceanic climate is formed over the surface of the North Arctic Ocean, covered with ice. The average monthly temperature in July is around zero; at noon temperatures can rise above zero. Winter temperatures are negative: –30 – –40 ○ C. Annual precipitation is 200 mm.

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