How many climate zones are there on earth? Climatic zones and climatic regions of the Earth. Description, map and characteristics Features of the location of the main climatic zones

The weather in certain parts of our planet is always determined by the climatic zone. There are few of them, but in each hemisphere one or another natural area has its own characteristics. Now we will look at the main climatic zones of our planet and transitional ones, and note their main features and position.

A few general words

Our planet, as you know, consists of land and water. In addition, these two components have different structures (on land there may be mountains, lowlands, hills or deserts, the ocean can have a cold or warm current). That is why the impact that the Sun has on the Earth with the same intensity is displayed completely differently in various areas. Such interaction caused the formation of the main climatic zones of the world and the transitional ones that lie between them. The former have a large area and are characterized by stable weather conditions. The latter stretch in narrow stripes parallel to the equator, and the temperature in their different areas can be very diverse.

Main natural areas

For the first time, geographers identified the main climatic zones of the planet in the mid-19th century, and then they were predominantly descriptive. From then until today there have been four of them: polar, temperate, tropical and equatorial. In addition, it is important to highlight that scientists now divide the polar climate into two different zones - Arctic and Antarctic. The fact is that the Earth's poles are not symmetrical, and therefore the weather in each of these areas is different. In the north, oddly enough, the climate is milder; vegetation is even found in the polar regions, as the snow cover melts in the summer. You won’t find such phenomena in the south, and seasonal temperature fluctuations there exceed 60 degrees. Below is a list of the world belts, by looking at which you can quickly navigate to their location.

Equatorial climate over land

Location of this natural area - Northern part South America; the countries of Central Africa and the Congo River basin, as well as the upper Nile; most of the Indonesian archipelago. Each of these places has a very humid climate. The annual rainfall here is 3000 mm or more. For this reason, many areas that fall within the zone of equatorial cyclones are covered with swamps. Comparing all other climatic zones and regions of our world with the equator, we can say with complete confidence that this is the most wet zone. It is worth noting that in summer it rains here much more often than in winter. They fall in the form of short-term and very heavy showers, the consequences of which dry up in minutes, and the sun warms the earth again. There are no seasonal temperature fluctuations here - throughout the year the thermometer stays between 28-35 above zero.

Marine equatorial climate

The strip that stretches along the equator across the ocean is called the dynamic minimum zone. The pressure here is as low as over land, which provokes a huge amount of precipitation - over 3500 mm per year. Among other things, such humid climatic zones and areas above the waters are characterized by clouds and fogs. Very thick air masses due to the fact that both the air and, in fact, the water surface are filled with moisture. The currents are warm everywhere, due to which the water evaporates very quickly and its natural circulation occurs constantly. Temperature stays within +24 - +28 degrees without interseasonal fluctuations.

Tropical zone over land

Let us immediately note that the main climatic zones of our world are very different from each other, and this does not depend on how close they are to each other. A striking example This is done by the tropics, which, in fact, are not so far from the equator. This natural zone is divided into two parts - North and South. In the first case, it occupies a significant part of Eurasia (Arabia, southern Iran, extreme points Europe in the Mediterranean Sea), North Africa, as well as Central America (mainly Mexico). In the second, these are the territories of some states of South America, the Kalahari Desert in Africa and the central part of the Australian mainland. There is a dry and hot climate with very sharp temperature changes. The amount of precipitation per year is 300 mm, cloudiness, fog and rain are extremely rare. Summer is always very hot - over +35 degrees, and in winter the temperature drops to +18. The temperature fluctuates just as sharply within a day - during the day it can be as much as +40, and at night it will be only +20. Very often, monsoons fly over the tropics - strong winds that destroy rocks. That is why so many deserts have formed in this zone.

Tropics over the oceans

The table of climate zones of the world gives us the opportunity to understand that over the ocean the tropics have slightly different characteristics. It is more humid here, but also cooler, it rains more often and the winds blow more strongly. The amount of precipitation per year is 500 mm. The average summer temperature is +25 degrees, and the average winter temperature is +15. Currents are also considered a feature of the oceanic tropical climate. Cold waters run along the western coasts of America, Africa and Australia, which is why it is always cooler and drier here. And the eastern shores are washed by warm waters, and here there is more rain and the air temperature is much higher.

Largest natural area: temperate climate. Features over land

The main climatic zones of the planet cannot be imagined without temperate zone which dominates for the most part Eurasia and this region are characterized by seasonal changes - winter, spring, summer, autumn, during which humidity and temperature fluctuate significantly. Conditionally continental zone divided into two subtypes:

Polar regions of the Earth

Zones high pressure located in the Far North and Far South of our planet. In the first case, this is a water area Arctic Ocean and all the islands there. In the second case, this is Antarctica. A map of the world's climate zones often shows us both zones as identical in their weather conditions areas. In fact, there is a difference between them. In the North, annual temperature fluctuations are approximately 40 degrees. In winter, the temperature drops to -50, and in summer it warms up to +5. In Antarctica, the temperature difference is as much as 60 degrees, in winter the frosts here are extremely severe -70 or more, and in summer the thermometer does not rise above zero. A characteristic phenomenon for both poles is polar day and night. In summer, the sun does not go beyond the horizon for several months, and in winter, accordingly, does not appear at all.

Transitional climate zones of the planet

These natural areas located between the main ones. Despite this, they have their own characteristics that make them stand out from the general background. Typically, such transition zones are places where milder weather, normal humidity and moderate winds reign. Transitional climate zones were discovered at the end of the 19th century, their classification remains unchanged to this day. Every schoolchild knows their names - subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar. Now we will look at each of them.

Brief overview of transitional natural zones

• Sub equatorial climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in weather. In winter, the wind direction brings tropical air masses here. Therefore, there is very little precipitation, the air becomes cooler, and the clouds dissipate. In summer, the wind direction changes and equatorial cyclones come here. Due to this, a huge amount of precipitation falls - 3000 mm, and it becomes very hot.
• Subtropical. It is located between the tropics and temperate latitudes. The situation is similar here. In summer, winds blow from the tropics, making it very hot and sunny. In winter, cyclones arrive with temperate latitudes, it gets cold sometimes snowing, but no permanent cover is formed.
• Subpolar climate. Dynamic minimum zone, with high humidity and very low temperatures- more than -50. It is noteworthy that in the subpolar zone it occupies mainly land, and in the South it is a continuous water area in the Antarctic region.

What are the climate zones in Russia?

Our country is located in the Northern Hemisphere and at the same time in the Eastern. The climate here begins to form in the waters of the Arctic Ocean and ends on the shores of the Black Sea, in the Caucasus. Now we will list all the names of the main climatic zones that are found in Russia: Arctic, subarctic, temperate, subtropical. Most of the country's territory is occupied by a temperate zone. It is conventionally divided into four types: moderate and monsoon. Humidity levels and temperature changes depend on how deep the continent is. geographical feature. In general, the state is characterized by the presence of all four seasons, hot and dry summers and cold winter, with permanent snow cover.

Conclusion

The characteristics of a particular climate on the planet largely depend on the relief over which it is located. The north of the Earth is largely covered by land, which is why a zone of the so-called dynamic maximum has formed here. There is always low precipitation, strong winds and large seasonal temperature fluctuations. The main climatic zones of the northern hemisphere are the polar zone, temperate, and tropical. In the south of the planet, most of the territory is occupied by water. The climate here is always more humid, temperature changes are less. Most of the countries here are located in subequatorial latitudes, tropics and subtropics. The temperate zone covers only a small area of ​​land in South America. Also, a significant part of the land is occupied by the Antarctic zone, which is located above the continent of the same name.

The cycle of heat, moisture and general circulation of the atmosphere form the weather and climate in the geographic envelope. The types of air masses and the characteristics of their circulation at different latitudes create the conditions for the formation of the Earth's climate. The dominance of one air mass throughout the year determines the boundaries of climate zones.

Climate zones- these are territories that encircle the Earth in a continuous or intermittent strip; they differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount and regime of precipitation, prevailing air masses and winds. The symmetrical distribution of climate zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law geographical zonation. There are main and transitional climatic zones. The names of the main climatic zones are given according to the dominant air masses and the latitudes in which they are formed.

There are 13 climatic zones: seven main and six transitional. The boundaries of each zone are determined by the summer and winter positions of climate fronts.

There are seven main climatic zones: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (Arctic and Antarctic). In each of the climatic zones, one air mass dominates throughout the year - equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (Antarctic), respectively.

Between the main zones in each hemisphere, transitional climate zones are formed: two subequatorial, two subtropical and two subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). In transition zones, seasonal changes in air masses occur. They come from neighboring main belts: in summer the air mass is from the southern main belt, and in winter from the northern one. The proximity of oceans, warm and cold currents, and topography influence climatic differences within zones: stand out climatic regions With different types climate.

Characteristics of climate zones

The equatorial belt formed in the region of the equator as an intermittent strip, where equatorial air masses predominate. Average monthly temperatures range from +26 to +28 C. Precipitation falls 1500-3000 mm evenly throughout the year. The equatorial belt is the most humidified part earth's surface(Congo River basin, coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, Amazon River basin in South America, Sunda Islands).

There are continental and oceanic climate types, but the difference between them is small.

The subequatorial belts, which encircle the equatorial belt from the north and south, are characterized by monsoon air circulation. A feature of the belts is the seasonal change of air masses. In summer, equatorial air dominates, in winter - tropical. There are two seasons: wet summer and dry winter. In summer, the climate differs slightly from the equatorial one: high humidity, abundance atmospheric precipitation. During the winter season, hot, dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, and trees shed their leaves. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to +30 °C. The annual precipitation is 1000-2000 mm, with maximum precipitation falling in summer.

Tropical zones are between 20 and 30 C. and Yu. w. on both sides of the tropics, where trade winds prevail. (Remember why in tropical latitudes the air descends and high pressure prevails.) Throughout the year, tropical air masses with high temperatures dominate here. Average temperature warm month+30…+35 C, the coldest - not lower than +10 C. In the center of the continents the climate is tropical continental (desert). Cloud cover is insignificant, precipitation in most parts is less than 250 mm per year. Low rainfall causes the formation of the greatest deserts in the world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, and Australia. In the eastern parts of the continents, which are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, intensified by the monsoons in summer season, a tropical humid climate is formed. The average monthly temperature in summer is +26 C, in winter +22 C. The average annual precipitation is 1500 mm.

Subtropical zones (25-40 N and S latitude) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and temperate air masses in winter. IN western parts continents Mediterranean climate: summers are dry, hot, average temperature the warmest month is +30 C, and winter is humid and warm (up to +5...+10 C), but short-term frosts are possible. On the eastern coasts of the continents, a subtropical monsoon climate with hot (+25 C) rainy summers and cool (+8 C) dry winters. The amount of precipitation is 1000-1500 mm. Snow rarely falls.

In the central parts of the continents, the climate is subtropical continental, with hot (+30 C) and dry summers and relatively cold winters (+6...+8 C) with low precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by more uniform temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 C, in winter +12 C, precipitation is 800-1000 mm. (Use the climate map to determine the differences in the climates of the subtropical zones.)

Temperate zones stretch in temperate latitudes from 40 s. and Yu. w. almost to the polar circles. Temperate air masses dominate here throughout the year, but arctic and tropical air masses can penetrate. In the Northern Hemisphere in the western continents, westerly winds and cyclonic activity predominate; in the east there are monsoons. As you move deeper into the territory, the annual amplitude of air temperature increases (the coldest month is from +4...+6 °C to –48 °C, and the warmest month is from +12 °C to +30 °C).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic. There are 5 types of climate in the Northern Hemisphere: maritime, moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, and monsoon.

The maritime climate is formed under the influence western winds blowing from the ocean (Northern and Central Europe, west North America, Patagonian Andes of South America). In summer temperatures are about +15…+17 °C, in winter - +5 °C. Precipitation falls throughout the year and reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. In the Southern Hemisphere, the temperate zone is dominated by an oceanic climate with mild summers, mild winters, heavy rainfall, westerly winds, unstable weather(“roaring” forties latitudes).

Continental climate is characteristic of the interior regions of large continents. In Eurasia, a moderate continental, continental, sharply continental climate is formed, in North America - moderate continental and continental. On average, July temperatures vary from +10 °C in the north to +24 °C in the south. In a temperate continental climate, the January temperature drops from west to east from –5° to –10 °C, in a sharply continental climate - to –35…–40 °C, and in Yakutia below –40 °C. The annual precipitation in a temperate continental climate is approximately 500-600 mm, in a sharply continental climate - about 300-400 mm. In winter, with movement to the east, the duration of the stable snow cover increases from 4 to 9 months, and the annual temperature amplitude also increases.

The monsoon climate is best expressed in Eurasia. Prevails in summer steady monsoon from the ocean, temperature +18…+22 °С, in winter - –25 °С. At the end of summer - beginning of autumn, typhoons from the sea with gusty winds and heavy precipitation are frequent. Winters are relatively dry as the winter monsoon blows inland. Precipitation in the form of rain predominates in summer (800-1200 mm).

Subpolar belts (subarctic and subantarctic) are located north and south of temperate zone. They are characterized by seasonal changes in air masses: moderate air masses dominate in summer, and arctic (Antarctic) air masses dominate in winter. Continental subarctic climate is characteristic of the northern margins of North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm (+5…+10 °C) and short. Winter is harsh (up to –55 °C). Here is the pole of cold in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk (–71 °C).

Not a large number of precipitation - 200 mm. Permafrost and excessive moisture are widespread, and large areas are swamped. The oceanic climate in the Northern Hemisphere is formed in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, in the Southern Hemisphere - around Antarctica. Cyclonic activity is widespread throughout the year. Cool summer (+3…+5 °C), floating sea and continental ice, relatively mild winter (–10…–15 °C). Winter precipitation is up to 500 mm, fog is constant.

The polar zones (Arctic and Antarctic) are located around the poles. Continental climate prevails in Antarctica, Greenland, and the islands of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. There are negative temperatures all year round.

Oceanic climate is observed mainly in the Arctic. The temperatures here are negative, but during polar day can reach +2 °C. Precipitation - 100-150 mm (Fig. 16).

Climatic zones differ from each other in air temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses and precipitation. The climate of the temperate zone from west to east changes from maritime to moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, and monsoon.

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

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

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

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

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

Temperate climate The ic belt is located from 40" to 60" northern and southern latitudes, and it is far from homogeneous. Here you can distinguish a maritime climate (west coast of North America), cool steppe or humid continental climate. Moreover, all zones differ from each other in both average annual precipitation and characteristic vegetation.

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

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

CLIMATE ZONES

Climatic zones.

The climate, like all meteorological quantities, is zonal. There are 7 main and 6 transitional climatic zones.

The main ones include:

equatorial,

two subequatorial (in the northern and southern hemispheres),

two tropical

two moderate

two polar.

Titles transition zones are closely linked to the names of the main climatic zones and characterize their location on Earth: two each subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). The basis for identifying climatic zones is thermal belts and dominant types of air masses and their movement.

In the main zones, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year, and in transitional zones, the types of air masses change in winter and summer due to the change of seasons and shifts in atmospheric pressure zones.

Equatorial belt. Equatorial air predominates throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures are 25-28 ° C, their amplitudes are small, calm or weak winds prevail in the belt, humidity is high, cloudiness is significant, often represented by cumulus and cumulus-thunderstorm (vertically developed) clouds. Precipitation 1000-2000 mm/year. The equatorial belt is characterized by two rainy periods in transition seasons, often after the equinoxes, separated by less rainy or short rainless periods, with excessive moisture. The equatorial climate is characteristic of the river basin. Amazon (Amazonian Lowland, South America), the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the Congo River basin ( West Africa, lowland of the Congo), the Malacca Peninsula, the Sunda Islands and New Guinea (borders of the Indian and Pacific oceans).

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. In summer, equatorial air dominates, summer is humid; in winter - tropical, winter is dry. Rainy (summer) and dry (winter) periods are clearly defined. Winter is only slightly cooler than summer, average temperatures vary from 22 to 30 ° C, and temperature amplitudes increase. The annual amount of precipitation varies significantly: if on average it falls 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. A subequatorial climate is observed in the Brazilian and Guinean highlands (South America), in Central Africa adjacent to the Congo River basin on all sides, in Hindustan and Indochina (South Asia) and Northern Australia.

Tropical climate zones located on both sides of the tropics, approximately between 18 and 30 ° N. and S. Tropical air (dry air with high temperatures) dominates here throughout the year, and trade winds (northeast and southeast) predominate. The weather is mostly clear, winter is warm, but noticeably colder than summer. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30-35 ° C, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ° C. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° C, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° C. Cloudiness is insignificant, precipitation in the majority There is little precipitation in areas: 50-150 mm/year (with the exception of the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of oceanic trade winds). In the tropical zone there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climate zones follow the tropical ones and are found approximately between 30 and 40° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In summer, tropical air dominates here, in winter - temperate. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these zones, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoon areas). Summer is dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. In winter, cyclonic weather associated with the polar (temperate) front prevails. Winters are humid and warm, but temperatures below 0 °C are also possible. Snow rarely falls, so snow cover does not form. The amount of precipitation is from 200 to 500 mm per year, but on the windward slopes of the mountains it is much higher (Crkvice - 8000 mm, Balkan Peninsula). In subtropical zones there are climatic regions : 1) Mediterranean I - on the western coasts of the continents - the Mediterranean, Central Chile (South America), southwest Australia, California (N. America), the southern coast of Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy warm winter; 2) monsoon subtropical - Florida (N.America), Uruguay (South America), Eastern China, Japanese Islands (East Asia). In this area, summers are hot but rainy, winters are relatively cold and dry; 3) subtropical continental climate region, located in the central parts of the continents. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cold with little precipitation (southern Australia, Turkmenistan, Iran, Taklimakan Desert, western China, dry western USA). Certain areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: southeast Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

Temperate climate zones occupy the space between 40°N. and S. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, with arctic and tropical air often invading. The belt is dominated winds western directions , and on the eastern coasts - monsoons. Plays an important role throughout the year cyclonic activity on the polar (temperate) and Arctic (Antarctic) fronts. Precipitation often occurs, mainly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental areas in winter. The regime and amount of precipitation in the temperate zone vary and depend on two main factors: proximity to the sea and the nature of the relief. The following pattern can be traced: when moving inland, the amount of precipitation and days with precipitation becomes less. In the northern and western parts of the continents, moisture is excessive (i.e. K > 1.0), and in the southern and central parts it is insufficient (K< 1,0). Наблюдаются существенные температурные различия между летом и зимой, между сушей и морем. Годовая amplitude air temperatures in winter over the continent reach 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed that lasts for several months. The diversity of temperature and circulation regimes of the temperate zone predetermines its division into 4 climatic regions:

1)maritime temperate climate(western coasts of the continents) with relatively warm winter, cool and cloudy summers with maximum precipitation. This is the big part Western Europe, coastal strip north-west North America, southern Chile (South America);

2) transitional from maritime to continental- most of Europe, Patagonia (South America);

3) continental climate with varying degrees of continentality and maximum precipitation in the warm season(inland US, south and southeast of Eastern Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.);

4) monsoon temperate climate (n and the eastern coasts of the continents) with cold and dry winters, cool and rainy summers ( Far East, Northeast China, North Korea, Japanese Islands and etc.).

Subpolar climate zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change in air masses: in winter Arctic (Antarctic) air dominates, in summer - air masses of temperate latitudes. Cyclones and anticyclones are frequent, the frequency of which is approximately the same. There is a polar day and a polar night. Winter is long and severe, the average temperature in January (July) is -40 ° C and lower, but in the oceanic parts up to -5-10 ° C. Summer is short and cool, with the temperature of the warmest month not exceeding 10 ° C. There is little precipitation, their annual amount is up to 200 mm and lower, in oceanic areas up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excess moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, temperatures can drop below 0°C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. The tundras are located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the Antarctic islands (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these zones throughout the year. What is atypical for the belts is that in the western part of the Arctic there is intense cyclonic activity over the sea surface and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates over Antarctica. Characteristic is the absence of solar radiation in winter (polar night) and round-the-clock lighting in summer. However, snow and ice surfaces strongly reflect Sun rays, which here fall at an angle close to 180° and emit a lot of heat. The air temperature and humidity are very low, the average temperatures are negative, only in some places in the summer months they rise to +5 ° C. There are maritime Arctic and continental Antarctic climates. The latter is particularly harsh. The average temperature recorded here in December (summer) is -32 ° C, and in August (winter) -71 ° C, the maximum temperature rarely rises above - 20 ° C. There is little precipitation, the air is dry, and occasional precipitation occurs. strong winds, especially during transition seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. That it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere over almost 200 years. Information about weather and climate is available in chronicles and in the works of scientists ancient world. The climate of the prehistoric past can be judged by certain rocks (coral limestones, coal, salts, ribbon clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, and pollen. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. In our time big influence The climate is affected by human activity: changes the state of the atmosphere (increased CO 2 content, dust, heat emissions, etc.), the underlying surface (deforestation, creation of reservoirs, irrigation and drainage of territories). The influence of people on the climate can be considered spontaneous and unfavorable.

The Earth has a very diverse climate due to the fact that the planet heats unevenly and also falls unevenly. precipitation. Climate classification began to be proposed back in the 19th century, around the 70s. Moscow State University professor B.P. Alisova spoke about 7 climate types that make up their own climate zone. In her opinion, only four climatic zones can be called basic, and three zones are transitional.

Types of climate zones:

Equatorial belt

Here, equatorial air masses predominate throughout the year. At a time when the sun is directly above the belt, and these are the days of spring and autumn equinox, it is hot in the equatorial belt, the temperature reaches approximately 28 degrees above zero. The water temperature does not differ much from the air temperature, about 1 degree. There is a lot of precipitation here, about 3000 mm. Evaporation is low here, so this belt has a lot of wetlands, as well as a lot of dense rain forests, due to the marshy soil. Precipitation in these areas equatorial belt trade winds bring, that is, rainy winds. This type of climate is located over the north of South America, over the Gulf of Guinea, over the Congo River and the upper Nile, as well as over almost the entire Indonesian archipelago, over part of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which are located in Asia and over the shores of Lake Victoria, which is located in Africa.

Tropical zone

This type of climate zone is located simultaneously in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. This type of climate is divided into continental and oceanic tropical climates. The mainland is located over a larger area of ​​high pressure area, therefore, there is little precipitation in this belt, approximately 250 mm. Summers are hot here, so the air temperature rises to 40 degrees above zero. In winter, the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees above zero. There are no clouds in the sky, so this climate is characterized by cold nights. Daily temperature changes are quite large, so this contributes to high destruction rocks. Due to the great decay of rocks, a huge amount of dust and sand is formed, which further forms sandstorms. These storms pose a potential danger to humans. The western and eastern parts of the continental climate differ greatly. Since cold currents flow along the western coast of Africa and Australia, and therefore the air temperature here is much lower, there is little precipitation, approximately 100 mm. If you look East Coast, then they flow here warm currents Therefore, the air temperature is higher and there is more precipitation. This area is quite suitable for tourism.

Oceanic climate

This type of climate is somewhat similar to the equatorial climate, the only difference being that there is less cloud cover and strong, stable winds. The summer air temperature here does not rise above 27 degrees, and in winter it does not fall below 15 degrees. The period for precipitation here is mainly summer, but there is very little of it, approximately 50 mm. This arid area is summer time filled with tourists and guests of coastal cities.

Precipitation here occurs frequently and occurs throughout the year. This occurs under the influence of western winds. In summer, the air temperature does not rise above 28 degrees, and in winter it reaches –50 degrees. On the coasts there is a lot of precipitation - 3000 mm, and in central regions– 1000 mm. Vivid changes appear with the changing seasons of the year. The temperate climate is formed in two hemispheres - northern and southern and is located above a moderate latitude. The area of ​​low pressure prevails here.

This type of climate is divided into subclimates: marine and continental.

Marine subclimates predominate in western North America, Eurasia and South America. The wind is brought from the ocean to the mainland. From this we can conclude that summers here are cool (+20 degrees), but winters are relatively warm and mild (+5 degrees). There is a lot of precipitation - up to 6000 mm in the mountains.
Continental subclimate - predominates in the central regions. There is less precipitation here, since cyclones practically do not pass here. In summer the temperature is approximately +26 degrees, and in winter it is quite cold -24 degrees with heavy snow cover. In Eurasia, a continental subclimate is clearly expressed only in Yakutia. Winters here are cold with little rainfall. This is because in the interior of Eurasia, the areas are least exposed to the influence of the ocean and oceanic winds. On the coast, under the influence of large amounts of precipitation, the frost is softened in winter, and the heat is moderated in summer.

There is also a monsoon subclimate, which prevails in Kamchatka, Korea, northern Japan, and part of China. This subtype is expressed by frequent changes in monsoons. Monsoons are winds that, as a rule, bring rain to the mainland and always blow from the ocean to land. Winters here are cold due to cold winds, and summers are rainy. Rains or monsoons are brought here by winds from the Pacific Ocean. On Sakhalin Island and Kamchatka there is quite a bit of precipitation, approximately 2000 mm. Air masses throughout the temperate climate are only moderate. Due to high humidity On these islands, with 2000 mm of precipitation per year for an unaccustomed person, acclimatization in this area is necessary.

Polar climate

This type of climate forms two zones: Antarctic and Arctic. Polar air masses dominate here all year round. During the polar night, in this type of climate, the sun is absent for several months, and during the polar day, it does not go away at all, but shines for several months. The snow cover here never melts, but radiating heat ice and snow carry constant cold air into the air. Here the strength of the winds is weakened and there are no clouds at all. There is catastrophically little precipitation here, but particles resembling needles are constantly flying in the air. The maximum precipitation here is 100 mm. In summer the air temperature does not exceed 0 degrees, and in winter it reaches –40 degrees. In summer, periodic drizzle predominates in the air. When traveling to this area, you may notice that your face tingles a little with frost, so the temperature seems higher than it actually is.

All the types of climates discussed above are considered basic, because here the air masses correspond to these belts. There are also intermediate types of climates, which have the prefix “sub” in their names. In these types of climates, air masses change characteristically during the coming seasons. They move from nearby belts. Scientists explain this by the fact that when the Earth moves around its axis, climate zones shift alternately, now to the south, now to the north.

Intermediate types of climates

Subequatorial climate type

Here, in the summer, equatorial masses arrive, and in winter time tropical masses dominate. There is a lot of precipitation only in the summer - about 3000 mm, but despite this, the sun here is merciless and the air temperature reaches +30 degrees all summer. Winter is cool. This climate zone has good ventilation and drying of the soil. The air temperature here reaches +14 degrees and in terms of precipitation, there is very little in winter. Good soil drainage prevents water from stagnating and forming swamps, as in the equatorial climate. This type of climate makes it possible to settle. Here are states that are populated to the limit by people, for example, India, Ethiopia, Indochina. Many grow here cultivated plants which are exported to various countries. In the north of this belt are Venezuela, Guinea, India, Indochina, Africa, Australia, South America, Bangladesh and other states. In the south are the Amazon, Brazil, northern Australia and the center of Africa.

Subtropical climate type

Tropical air masses predominate here in summer, and in winter they come here from temperate latitudes and carry large amounts of precipitation. Summers are dry and hot, and temperatures reach +50 degrees. Winters are very mild with a maximum temperature of -20 degrees. Low precipitation, approximately 120 mm. The west has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and rainy winters. This area is different in that it receives slightly more rainfall. Approximately 600 mm of precipitation falls here per year. This area is favorable for resorts and people's lives in general. Crops grown here include grapes, citrus fruits and olives. Monsoon winds prevail here. In winter it is dry and cold, and in summer it is hot and humid. The precipitation here is approximately 800 mm per year. Through the forest, monsoons blow from the sea to the land and carry precipitation with them, and in winter the winds blow from the land to the sea. This type of climate is pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere and eastern Asia. Vegetation grows well here thanks to the abundant rainfall. Also, thanks to the abundant rains, agriculture is well developed here, which gives life to the local population.

Subpolar climate type

Summers here are cool and humid. The temperature rises to +10, and precipitation is approximately 300 mm. There is more precipitation on mountain slopes than on plains. The swampiness of the territory indicates that the territory is poorly weathered, and there are also a large number of lakes. Winters here are quite long and cold, with temperatures reaching -50 degrees. The boundaries of the poles do not run smoothly, which is precisely what indicates the uneven heating of the Earth and the diversity of the relief.

Antarctic and Arctic climate zones

Arctic air dominates here, and the snow crust does not melt. In winter, the air temperature reaches -71 degrees below zero. In summer, temperatures can only rise to -20 degrees. There is very little precipitation here.
In these climatic zones, air masses change from arctic, which predominate in winter, to moderate air masses, which predominate in summer. Winter here lasts 9 months, and it is quite cold, since on average the air temperature drops to -40 degrees. In summer, on average, the temperature is around 0 degrees. For this type of climate there is high humidity, which is approximately 200 mm, and fairly low moisture evaporation. The winds here are strong and blow frequently in this area. This type of climate is located on the northern coast of North America and Eurasia, as well as Antarctica and the Aleutian Islands.

In this climate zone, winds from the west prevail over the rest, and monsoons blow from the east. If the monsoons blow, the precipitation that falls depends on how far the area is from the sea, as well as on the topography of the area. The closer to the sea, the more precipitation falls. The northern and western parts of the continents carry a lot of precipitation, and in southern parts there are very few of them. Winter and summer are very different here, and there are also differences in the climate on land and at sea. The snow cover here lasts only a couple of months; in winter the temperature differs significantly from the summer air temperature.

The temperate zone consists of four climatic zones: the maritime climate zone (fairly warm winters and rainy summers), the continental climate zone (a lot of precipitation falls in the summer), and the monsoon climate zone ( Cold winter and rainy summers), as well as a climate transitional from the maritime climate zone to the continental climate zone.

Subtropical and tropical climate zones

In the tropics, hot and dry air usually prevails. Between the winter and summer periods the difference in temperature is large and even very significant. In summer the temperature averages +35 degrees, and in winter +10 degrees. Large temperature differences here occur between day and night temperatures. In the tropical climate there is little precipitation, a maximum of 150 mm per year. On the coasts, there is more precipitation, but not much, since moisture comes to land from the ocean.

In the subtropics, summer air is drier than winter. In winter it is more humid. Summer here is very hot, as the air temperature rises to +30 degrees. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below zero degrees, so even in winter it is not particularly cold here. When snow falls, it melts very quickly and leaves no snow cover. There is little precipitation here - about 500 mm. In the subtropics there are several climatic zones: the monsoon, which brings rain from the ocean to the land and the coast, the Mediterranean, which differs big amount precipitation and continental, where there is much less precipitation and it is drier and warmer.

Subequatorial and equatorial climate zones

The average air temperature is +28 degrees, and its differences from day to night temperatures are insignificant. Enough high humidity and weak winds are typical for this type of climate. The precipitation here is 2000 mm every year. A couple of rainy periods are followed by less rainy periods. The equatorial climate zone is located in the Amazon, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, on the Malacca Peninsula, and on the islands of New Guinea.

On both sides of the equatorial climate zone are subequatorial belts. In summer, the equatorial climate prevails here, and in winter it is tropical and dry. This is why there is more precipitation in summer than in winter. On the slopes of the mountains, precipitation even goes off scale and reaches 10,000 mm per year, and this is all thanks to heavy rains, which dominate here all year round. On average, the temperature is approximately +30 degrees. The difference between winter and summer is greater than in the equatorial climate. The subequatorial climate is located in the highlands of Brazil, New Guinea and South America, as well as in Northern Australia.

Climate types

Today there are three criteria for climate classification:

• according to the characteristics of air mass circulation;
• by the nature of the geographical relief;
• according to climatic characteristics.

Based on certain indicators, the following climate types can be distinguished:

• Solar. It determines the amount of receipt and distribution of ultraviolet radiation over the earth's surface. The determination of the solar climate is influenced by astronomical indicators, season and latitude
• Mountain. Climatic conditions at altitude in the mountains they are characterized by low atmospheric pressure and clean air, increased solar radiation and increased precipitation
• Arid. Dominates in deserts and semi-deserts. There are large fluctuations in temperature between day and night, and there is practically no precipitation and there is a rare occurrence once every few years
• Humid. Very humid climate. It forms in places where there is not enough sunlight, so the moisture does not have time to evaporate
• Nivalny. This climate is characteristic of areas where precipitation falls mainly in solid form, it settles in the form of glaciers and snow debris, and does not have time to melt and evaporate.
• Urban. The air temperature in the city is always higher than in the surrounding area. Solar radiation comes in reduced quantities, therefore daylight hours are shorter than on natural objects nearby. There are more clouds concentrated over cities and precipitation occurs more often, although in some populated areas humidity level is low

In general, on earth, climatic zones regularly alternate, but they are not always pronounced. In addition, climate features depend on the relief and terrain. In the zone where anthropogenic influence is most pronounced, the climate will differ from the conditions of natural objects. It should be noted that over time, one or another climate zone undergoes changes, changes climate indicators, which leads to changes in ecosystems on the planet.

Main climate zones - video