Earth's climates. Climate general information Cold climate zones

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 reaching 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 is the best time of year in the area.

Climatic characteristics are statistical inferences from long-term weather observation series (25-50 year series are used in temperate latitudes; 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 reservoirs, 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, blizzards, 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 climates are distinguished, and in Eurasia, the subtropical zone is divided into areas of Mediterranean, continental and monsoon climates. In mountainous areas, an altitudinal zone is formed due to the fact that the air temperature decreases with height.

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 O °C. During the dark winter season, these regions receive absolutely no solar radiation, although there are twilights and auroras. Even in summer, the sun's rays hit 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 large in size and altitude, 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 by strong winds that 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.

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 zone 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 of 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 the 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 eastern coast of North America is characterized by maritime climate, which is expressed in the predominance of winter precipitation and the maritime type of annual variation in air temperature: 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.

The formation of a continental temperate climate is significantly 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 the temperate latitudes of Europe retains its physical properties for a long time, 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 southeastern 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 highest 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 in the 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 of 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 of the Mediterranean Sea, which is the reason for calling 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 are often the same as in tropical deserts. In general, clear weather prevails. In summer, there are often fogs on the coasts near which ocean currents pass. 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. The average annual precipitation in a subtropical climate 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 basin in South America and the 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. Moist air, cloud cover and dense vegetation prevent night cooling and keep maximum daytime temperatures below 37°C, lower than at higher 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.

We present to your attention a video lesson on the topic “Climate”. First, we will define what is included in the concept of “climate”. Let's look at examples of various weather regimes for different areas. We will also discuss what climatic characteristics exist and what role climate plays in human life and the planet as a whole.

There is a division into five climate types, which, in turn, are divided into many subtypes. Climate types: tropical, subtropical, alpine, mid-latitude and high-latitude. Tropical climate exists between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south latitude. Tropical rainforests (near the equator) are warm and humid all year round. In the tropical zone there are: tropical savannas, where the climate is very dry for forests, tropical steppes (even drier there), tropical humid continental and tropical desert climates.

Subtropical climate occurs mainly between 30 and 40 degrees north and south latitude. It is divided into a Mediterranean climate, the characteristics of which are hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, with abundant rainfall, which has a beneficial effect on the growth of forests.

Mid-latitude climate characteristic of the zone between 40 and 60 degrees north and south latitude. These include cool steppe and desert climates, maritime climates of the North American coast, and humid continental climates, each with different vegetation and varying amounts of precipitation.

High latitude climate typical for the zone from 60 degrees north and south latitude to the poles. The winters are fierce here, and the summers are quite cool. This territory has a taiga climate (cold winter); tundra climate, on the territory of which only grasses, mosses and lichens grow; and a polar climate where there are only huge glaciers.

High mountain climate characteristic of areas high in the mountains throughout the Earth, including the equator.

Climate has an impact on various layers of the Earth, on humans, their way of life and their economic activities. Climate affects the topography, soil, flora and fauna. Climatic conditions are taken into account when laying various types of roads, building houses, reservoirs, and various enterprises. The climate must be taken into account when vacationing and traveling.

Rice. 3. Nature of hot humid climate ()

Homework

Paragraph 43.

1. What is climate?

Bibliography

Main

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2. Geography. 6th grade: atlas. - 3rd ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard; DIK, 2011. - 32 p.

3. Geography. 6th grade: atlas. - 4th ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, DIK, 2013. - 32 p.

4. Geography. 6th grade: cont. maps: M.: DIK, Bustard, 2012. - 16 p.

Encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books and statistical collections

1. Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia / A.P. Gorkin. - M.: Rosman-Press, 2006. - 624 p.

Literature for preparing for the State Exam and the Unified State Exam

1. Geography: Beginning course: Tests. Textbook manual for 6th grade students. - M.: Humanite. ed. VLADOS center, 2011. - 144 p.

2. Tests. Geography. 6-10 grades: Educational and methodological manual / A.A. Letyagin. - M.: LLC "Agency "KRPA "Olympus": "Astrel", "AST", 2001. - 284 p.

1.Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements ().

2. Russian Geographical Society ().

3.Geografia.ru ().

Climate is the long-term weather pattern in a particular territory. That is, climate and weather are related as general and specific. In our case we will talk about climate. What types of climate exist on planet Earth?

The following types of climate are distinguished:

• equatorial;
• subequatorial;
• tropical;
• subtropical;
• moderate;
• subarctic and subantarctic;
• Arctic and Antarctic;
• mountain climate.

Equatorial climate

This type of climate is typical for areas of the globe that are directly adjacent to the equator. The equatorial climate is characterized by year-round dominance of equatorial air masses (that is, air masses that form above the equator), weak winds, and hot and humid weather all year round. In areas with an equatorial climate, there are heavy rains every day, which causes unbearable stuffiness. The average monthly temperature ranges from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius. Areas with an equatorial climate are characterized by a natural zone of tropical rainforests.

Subequatorial climate

This type of climate is also typical for areas that are adjacent to the equator, or located slightly north/south of the zero parallel.

In areas with a subequatorial climate, there are two seasons:

• hot and humid (conditional summer);
• relatively cold and dry (conditional winter).

In summer, equatorial air masses dominate, and in winter, tropical air masses dominate. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans. The average monthly temperature is generally between 25 and 29 degrees, but in some areas with a subequatorial climate the average winter temperatures (for example, India) are much lower than the average summer temperatures. The subequatorial climate is characterized by zones of variable humid forests and savannas.

Tropical climate

Characteristic of latitudes adjacent to the North or South Tropics. Tropical air masses dominate all year round. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans. Significant differences in temperature and humidity are already noticeable, especially on the continents.

There are the following subtypes of tropical climate:

• Humid tropical climate. Characteristic of regions adjacent to the ocean. Tropical marine air masses dominate throughout the year. Average monthly air temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Classic examples of such a climate are Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Miami (Florida, USA), and the Hawaiian Islands. Tropical rainforests.

• Tropical desert climate. Mainly characteristic of inland regions, as well as coastal areas that are washed by cold currents. Dry tropical air masses dominate. There are large daily differences in air temperature. Frosts are very rare in winter. Summers are usually very hot with average temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (though not always). Winter is much colder, usually no higher than 20 degrees. This type of climate is typical for the Sahara, Kalahari, Namib and Atacama deserts.

• Tropical trade wind climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in winds (trade winds). Summer is hot, winter is much colder than summer. Average temperatures in winter months are 17-19 degrees Celsius, in summer 27-29 degrees. This type of climate is typical for Paraguay.

Subtropical climate

Characteristic of areas that lie between tropical and temperate climate zones. Tropical air masses dominate in summer and moderate air masses in winter. Significant seasonal differences in air temperature and humidity, especially on continents. As a rule, there is no climatic winter, but spring, summer and autumn are clearly distinguished. Snow showers are possible. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans.

There are the following subtypes of subtropical climate:

• Subtropical Mediterranean climate. Characterized by warm, humid winters and dry, hot summers. The average temperature of the coldest month is about 4 to 12 degrees Celsius, the warmest is about 22-25 degrees. This type of climate is typical for all Mediterranean countries, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in the Tuapse-Sochi region, the southern coast of Crimea, as well as cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Santiago, etc. Favorable climate for growing tea, citrus fruits and other subtropical crops.

• Marine subtropical climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, and moderate marine air masses dominate in winter. Winters are warm and humid, and summers are not hot. An example of a marine subtropical climate is New Zealand.

• Subtropical desert climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, and moderate continental air masses dominate in winter. There is very little precipitation. Summer is very hot, the average temperature of the warmest month sometimes exceeds 30 degrees. Winters are quite warm, but sometimes frosts occur. This type of climate is typical for the southwestern United States, northern regions of Mexico, and some countries of Central Asia (for example, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan).

• Subtropical monsoon climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in winds. In winter, the wind blows from land to sea, and in summer - from sea to land. Summers are hot and humid, winters are dry and cool, and sometimes the average temperature of the coldest month drops below zero. Examples of such a climate: Seoul, Beijing, Washington, Buenos Aires.

• Temperate climate. Characteristic of temperate latitudes, approximately from 40 to 65 parallels. Moderate air masses prevail all year round. Intrusions of arctic and tropical air are frequent. Snow cover forms on the continents in winter. As a rule, winter, spring, summer and autumn are clearly defined.

The following subspecies of temperate climates are distinguished:

• Temperate maritime climate. Moderate sea air masses reign all year round. Winters are mild and humid, summers are not hot. For example, in London the average temperature in January is 5 degrees Celsius, in July - 18 degrees above zero. This type of climate is typical for the British Isles, most countries of Western Europe, the extreme south of South America, New Zealand, and the island of Tasmania. The area is characterized by mixed forests.

• Temperate continental climate. Both maritime and continental temperate air masses dominate. All seasons are clearly expressed. Winter is quite cool and long, the average temperature of the coldest month is almost always below zero (can drop to 16 degrees below zero). Summer is long and warm, even hot. The average temperature of the warmest month ranges from 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. Characterized by natural zones of mixed and deciduous forests, forest-steppes and steppes. This type of climate is typical mainly for the countries of Eastern Europe and most of the European territory of Russia.

• Sharply continental climate. Characteristic of most of the territory of Siberia. In winter, areas with a sharply continental climate are dominated by the so-called Siberian anticyclone or Asian maximum. This is a stable field of high pressure that prevents the penetration of cyclones and contributes to a strong cooling of the air. Therefore, winter in Siberia is long (five to eight months) and very cold; in Yakutia the temperature can drop to 60 degrees below zero. Summer is short, but warm, even hot, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. Spring and autumn are short. The natural taiga zone is typical.

• Monsoon climate. Characteristic of the Russian Far East, North Korea and the northern part of Japan (Hokkaido Island), as well as China. It is characterized by the fact that in winter the wind blows from land to sea, and in summer - from sea to land. Due to the fact that the above-mentioned Asian High forms over the continent in winter, the winter is clear and quite cold. Summers are quite warm, but humid, and typhoons are frequent. Moreover, summer begins quite late - only at the end of June and ends in September. Spring is characterized by muddy roads, and autumn brings joy with clear and fine days.

Subarctic and subantarctic climate

This type of climate is typical for areas that are directly adjacent to the Arctic and Southern Polar Circles. There is no summer as such, because the average monthly temperature of the warmest month does not reach 15 degrees Celsius. Arctic and Antarctic air masses dominate in winter, and moderate ones in summer.

There are two subtypes of subarctic and subantarctic climate:

• Subarctic (subantarctic) marine climate. It is characterized by fairly mild and wet winters and cold summers. Marine air masses dominate all year round. For example, in Reykjavik (Iceland) the average temperature in January is 0 degrees, in July 11 degrees;

• Subarctic (subantarctic) continental climate. Characterized by very cold winters and cool summers. There is little precipitation. Continental air masses dominate. For example, in Verkhoyansk (Yakutia) the average temperature in January is 38 degrees below zero, in July - 13 degrees below zero.

The subarctic and subantarctic climate is characterized by the natural zone of tundra and forest-tundra. (dwarf willow, birch, moss - moss).

Arctic (Antarctic) climate

Characteristic of areas that lie beyond the Arctic Circle. Arctic air masses dominate all year round. The weather is frosty all year round, and frosts are especially severe in Antarctica. In the Arctic, periods with temperatures above zero are possible. Characterized by a zone of arctic deserts, Antarctica is almost completely covered with ice. There are Arctic (Antarctic) maritime and Arctic (Antarctic) continental climates. It is no coincidence that the pole of cold on Earth is located in Antarctica - Vostok station, where a temperature of minus 89 (!) degrees below zero was recorded!

Mountain climate

Characteristic of areas with high altitude zones (mountainous areas). As altitude increases, air temperature drops, atmospheric pressure decreases, and natural zones alternately replace each other. Alpine meadows predominate in the high mountain regions, and the mountain peaks are often covered with glaciers.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the main types of climate are equatorial, tropical, temperate and Arctic (Antarctic). Transitional climate types include subequatorial, subtropical and subarctic (subantarctic) climate types.

What is changing the Earth's climate - video

Climate (Old Greekκλίμα (n. κλίματος) - tilt) - long-term mode weather, characteristic of a given area due to its geographical provisions.

Climate is a statistical ensemble of states through which a system passes: hydrosphere → lithosphere → atmosphere for several decades. Climate is usually understood as an average value weather over a long period of time (on the order of several decades), that is, climate is the average weather. Thus, weather is an instantaneous state of some characteristics ( temperature, humidity, Atmosphere pressure). Deviation of weather from the climate norm cannot be considered as climate change, for example, very cold winter does not indicate a cooling of the climate. To detect climate change, significant trend characteristics atmosphere over a long period of time of the order of ten years. The main global geophysical cyclic processes that shape climate conditions in Earth, are heat turnover, moisture circulation and general atmospheric circulation.

In addition to the general concept of “climate”, there are the following concepts:

The climate of the free atmosphere is studied by aeroclimatology.

Microclimate

Macroclimate- climate of territories on a planetary scale.

Ground air climate

local climate

Soil climate

phytoclimate- plant climate

urban climate

Climate is studied by science climatology. Studies climate change in the past paleoclimatology.

In addition to the Earth, the concept of “climate” can refer to other celestial bodies ( planets, their satellites And asteroids), having an atmosphere.

Climatic zones and climate types vary significantly by latitude, from the equatorial zone to the polar, but climate zones are not the only factor, the proximity of the sea, the atmospheric circulation system and altitude also have an important influence. The concepts of “climate zone” and “climate zone” should not be confused natural area».

IN Russia and on the territory of the former USSR used classification of climate types, created in 1956 famous Soviet climatologist B. P. Alisov. This classification takes into account the characteristics of atmospheric circulation. According to this classification, there are four main climatic zones for each hemisphere of the Earth: equatorial, tropical, temperate and polar (in the northern hemisphere - Arctic, in the southern hemisphere - Antarctic). Between the main zones there are transitional zones - subequatorial belt, subtropical, subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). In these climatic zones, in accordance with the prevailing circulation of air masses, four types of climate can be distinguished: continental, oceanic, western climate and eastern coastal climate.

Köppen climate classification

Equatorial belt

• Equatorial climate- a climate where the winds are weak, temperature fluctuations are small (24-28 °C at sea level), and precipitation is very abundant (from 1.5 thousand to 5 thousand mm per year) and falls evenly throughout the year.

Subequatorial belt

• Tropical monsoon climate- here in summer, instead of the eastern trade wind transport between the tropics and the equator, a western air transport occurs (summer monsoon), bringing most of the precipitation. On average, they fall almost as much as in the equatorial climate. On the mountain slopes facing the summer monsoon, precipitation is greatest for the corresponding areas; the warmest month usually occurs immediately before the onset of the summer monsoon. Characteristic of some areas of the tropics (Equatorial Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Northern Australia). East Africa and Southwest Asia also have the highest average annual temperatures on Earth (30-32 °C).

  Monsoon climate on tropical plateaus

Tropical zone

• Tropical dry climate

  Tropical humid climate

Subtropical zone

• Mediterranean climate

  Subtropical continental climate

  Subtropical monsoon climate

  High subtropical highlands climate

  Subtropical ocean climate

Temperate zone

• Temperate maritime climate

  Temperate continental climate

  Temperate continental climate

  Moderate continental climate

  Temperate monsoon climate

Subpolar belt

• Subarctic climate

  Subantarctic climate

Polar belt: Polar climate

• Arctic climate

  Antarctic climate

Widely distributed in the world climate classification, proposed by a Russian scientist W. Köppen(1846-1940). It is based on the regime temperature and degree of moisture. According to this classification, there are eight climatic zones with eleven climate types. Each type has precise value parameters temperature, number of winter and summer precipitation.. Many types of climates according to the Köppen climate classification are known by names associated with the vegetation characteristic of this type.

also in climatology The following concepts related to climate characteristics are used:

Continental climate- “climate, which is formed under the influence of large land masses on the atmosphere; distributed in the interior regions of continents. It is characterized by large daily and annual air temperature amplitudes.”

Maritime climate- “a climate that is formed under the influence of the atmosphere of oceanic spaces. It is most pronounced over the oceans, but also extends to areas of continents exposed to frequent influences of marine air masses.”

Mountain climates- “climatic conditions in mountainous areas.” The main reason for the differences between the climate of the mountains and the climate of the plains is the increase in altitude above sea level. In addition, important features are created by the nature of the terrain (the degree of dissection, the relative height and direction of mountain ranges, the exposure of slopes, the width and orientation of valleys), and glaciers and firn fields have their influence. There is a proper mountain climate at altitudes less than 3000-4000 m and an alpine climate at high altitudes.

Arid climate- “climate of deserts and semi-deserts.” Large daily and annual air temperature amplitudes are observed here; almost complete absence or insignificant amount of precipitation (100-150 mm per year). The resulting moisture evaporates very quickly."

Humid climate- a climate with excessive moisture, in which solar heat arrives in quantities insufficient to evaporate all the moisture arriving in the form of precipitation

Nival climate- “a climate where more solid precipitation falls than can melt and evaporate.” As a result, glaciers are formed and snowfields are preserved.

Solar climate(radiation climate) - theoretically calculated intake and distribution of solar radiation around the globe (without taking into account local climate-forming factors

Monsoon climate- a climate in which the change in seasons is caused by a change in direction monsoon. Typically, monsoon climates have high rainfall summers and very dry winters. Only in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, where the summer monsoon direction is from the land and the winter monsoon is from the sea, does the bulk of precipitation fall in winter.

Trade wind climate

Brief description of Russian climates:

Arctic: January t −24…-30, summer t +2…+5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.

Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t +4…+12. Precipitation - 200-400 mm.

On Earth, it determines the nature of many features of nature. Climatic conditions also greatly influence people’s lives, economic activities, their health and even their biological characteristics. At the same time, the climates of individual territories do not exist in isolation. They are parts of a single atmospheric process for the entire planet.

Climate classification

Earth's climates, which have similar features, are combined into certain types, which replace each other in the direction from the equator to the poles. In each hemisphere there are 7 climatic zones, of which 4 are main and 3 are transitional. This division is based on the distribution of air masses around the globe with different properties and characteristics of air movement in them.

In the main belts, one air mass is formed throughout the year. In the equatorial zone - equatorial, in the tropical - tropical, in the temperate - air of temperate latitudes, in the Arctic (Antarctic) - arctic (Antarctic). The transitional zones located between the main ones are alternately entered in different seasons of the year from the adjacent main belts. Here, conditions change seasonally: in summer they are the same as in the neighboring warmer zone, in winter they are the same as in the neighboring colder zone. Along with the change in air masses in the transition zones, the weather also changes. For example, in the subequatorial zone, hot and rainy weather prevails in summer, and cooler and drier weather in winter.

The climate within the belts is heterogeneous. Therefore, the belts are divided into climatic regions. Above the oceans, where sea air masses are formed, there are areas of oceanic climates, and above the continents - continental climates. In many climatic zones on the western and eastern coasts of the continents, special types of climate are formed, differing from both continental and oceanic. The reason for this is the interaction of marine and continental air masses, as well as the presence of ocean currents.

Hot ones include and. These areas constantly receive a significant amount of heat due to the high angle of incidence of the sun's rays.

In the equatorial belt, the equatorial air mass dominates throughout the year. The heated air constantly rises in conditions, which leads to the formation of rain clouds. There is heavy rainfall here every day, often with . The amount of precipitation is 1000-3000 mm per year. This is more than the amount of moisture that can evaporate. The equatorial zone has one season of the year: always hot and humid.

In tropical zones, a tropical air mass dominates throughout the year. In it, air descends from the upper layers of the troposphere to the earth's surface. As it descends, it heats up, and even over the oceans no clouds form. Clear weather prevails, in which the sun's rays strongly heat the surface. Therefore, on land the average in summer is higher than in the equatorial zone (up to +35 ° WITH). Winter temperatures are lower than summer temperatures due to a decrease in the angle of incidence of sunlight. Due to the lack of clouds, there is very little rainfall throughout the year, so tropical deserts are common on land. These are the hottest areas of the Earth, where temperature records are recorded. The exception is the eastern shores of the continents, which are washed by warm currents and are influenced by trade winds blowing from the oceans. Therefore, there is a lot of rainfall here.

The territory of subequatorial (transitional) belts is occupied by a humid equatorial air mass in summer, and dry tropical air in winter. Therefore, there are hot and rainy summers and dry and also hot - due to the high position of the Sun - winter.

Temperate climate zones

They occupy about 1/4 of the Earth's surface. They have sharper seasonal differences in temperature and precipitation than hot zones. This is due to a significant decrease in the angle of incidence of sunlight and increased complexity of circulation. They contain air of temperate latitudes all year round, but there are frequent intrusions of arctic and tropical air.

The Southern Hemisphere is dominated by an oceanic temperate climate with cool summers (from +12 to +14 °C), mild winters (from +4 to +6 °C) and heavy precipitation (about 1000 mm per year). In the Northern Hemisphere, large areas are occupied by continental temperate and. Its main feature is pronounced temperature changes across the seasons.

The western shores of the continents receive moist air from the oceans all year round, brought from the western temperate latitudes; there is a lot of precipitation here (1000 mm per year). Summers are cool (up to + 16 °C) and humid, and winters are wet and warm (from 0 to +5 °C). Moving from west to east into the interior of the continents, the climate becomes more continental: the amount of precipitation decreases, summer temperatures increase, and winter temperatures decrease.

A monsoon climate is formed on the eastern shores of the continents: summer monsoons bring heavy precipitation from the oceans, and winter monsoons, blowing from the continents to the oceans, are associated with frosty and drier weather.

The subtropical transition zones receive air from temperate latitudes in winter, and tropical air in summer. The continental subtropical climate is characterized by hot (up to +30 °C) dry summers and cool (0 to +5 °C) and somewhat wetter winters. There is less precipitation per year than can evaporate, so deserts and deserts predominate. There is a lot of precipitation on the coasts of the continents, and on the western shores it is rainy in winter due to westerly winds from the oceans, and on the eastern shores it is rainy in summer due to the monsoons.

Cold climate zones

During the polar day, the earth's surface receives little solar heat, and during the polar night it does not heat up at all. Therefore, the Arctic and Antarctic air masses are very cold and contain little. The Antarctic continental climate is the most severe: exceptionally frosty winters and cold summers with sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, it is covered by a powerful glacier. In the Northern Hemisphere, the climate is similar, and above it is Arctic. It is warmer than Antarctic waters, since ocean waters, even covered with ice, provide additional heat.

In the subarctic and subantarctic zones, the Arctic (Antarctic) air mass dominates in winter, and air of temperate latitudes in summer. Summers are cool, short and humid, winters are long, harsh and with little snow.