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

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

A few common words

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

Main natural areas

For the first time, geographers identified the main climatic zones of the planet in the middle of the 19th century, and then they were mostly descriptive. From then until today there were 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 - the Arctic and the Antarctic. The fact is that the poles of the Earth 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 subpolar regions, as the snow cover melts in summer. In the south, you will not find such phenomena, and seasonal temperature fluctuations there go off scale for 60 degrees. Below is the belts of the world, looking at which you can quickly navigate in their location.

Equatorial climate over land

Location of this natural area - Northern part South America; the countries of Central Africa and the Congo 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 into 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 full 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 downpours, the effects 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 within 28-35 above zero.

Maritime equatorial climate

The band 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 dense 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, thanks to which the water evaporates very quickly and its natural natural circulation occurs constantly. Temperature regime keeps within +24 - +28 degrees without interseasonal fluctuations.

Tropical zone over land

We note right away 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 prime example this is served by the tropics, which, in fact, are not so far from the equator. This natural area 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) 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 mainland Australia. A dry and hot climate reigns here with very sharp temperature changes. The amount of precipitation per year is 300 mm, clouds, fogs and rains 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 the 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 formed in this zone.

Tropics over the oceans

The table of climatic zones of the world gives us the opportunity to understand that over the ocean, the tropics have slightly different characteristics. Here it is more humid, but also cooler, it rains more often and the winds blow more strongly. The amount of precipitation falling 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 pass along the western coasts of America, Africa and Australia, therefore 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.

The largest natural zone: the climate is temperate. Features over land

The main climatic zones of the planet cannot be imagined without temperate zone that dominates for the most part Eurasia and This region is characterized by changes in the seasons - winter, spring, summer, autumn, during which humidity and temperature fluctuate to a large extent. Conditionally continental zone divided into two subtypes:

Polar Regions of the Earth

Zones high pressure located in the Far North and the Far South of our planet. In the first case, this is the water area Arctic Ocean and all the islands there. The second is Antarctica. A map of the climatic zones of the world 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 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 below the horizon for several months, and in winter, accordingly, it does not appear at all.

Transitional climatic zones of the planet

These natural areas located between the main ones. Despite this, they have their own characteristics that distinguish them from the general background. As a rule, such transition zones are places where milder weather, normal humidity and moderate winds prevail. Transitional climatic 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

• Sat equatorial climate. Characterized by seasonal change of weather. In winter, the direction of the wind brings tropical air masses here. Therefore, there is very little precipitation, the air becomes cooler, the clouds dissipate. In summer, the direction of the wind changes, equatorial cyclones fall here. Due to this, a huge amount of precipitation falls - 3000 mm, it becomes very hot.
• Subtropical. Located between the tropics and temperate latitudes. Here the situation is similar. In summer, winds blow from the tropics, due to which it becomes very hot and sunny. In winter, cyclones come from 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 region of Antarctica.

What are the climatic 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 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 conditionally divided into four types: moderate and monsoonal. Humidity levels and temperature fluctuations 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 features of a particular climate on the planet largely depend on the relief over which it is located. The north of the Earth is mostly covered by land, therefore a zone of the so-called dynamic maximum has formed here. There is always a small amount of 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 drops are less. Most of the countries here are located in subequatorial latitudes, tropics and subtropics. The temperate zone covers only a small piece 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 circulation of heat, moisture and the general circulation of the atmosphere form the weather and climate in the geographical envelope. The types of air masses, the peculiarities of their circulation in different latitudes create the conditions for the formation of the Earth's climates. The dominance of one air mass during the year determines the boundaries of climatic zones.

Climatic zones- these are territories that encircle the Earth with a continuous or intermittent strip; they differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount and mode of precipitation, prevailing air masses and winds. The symmetrical placement of climatic zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law geographic zoning. Allocate the main and transitional climatic zones. The names of the main climatic zones are given according to the prevailing air masses and the latitudes in which they are formed.

There are 13 climatic zones: seven main and six transitional. The boundaries of each belt are determined by the summer and winter positions of the climatic 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 - respectively equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (antarctic).

Between the main belts in each hemisphere, transitional climatic zones are formed: two subequatorial, two subtropical and two subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). In transitional zones there is a seasonal change of air masses. They come from neighboring main belts: in summer, the air mass of the southern main belt, and in winter, the northern one. The proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, relief affect climatic differences within the belts: climatic regions with different types climate.

Characteristics of climatic zones

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

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

The subequatorial belts encircling 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. Equatorial air dominates in summer, tropical air dominates in winter. There are two seasons: summer wet and winter dry. In summer, the climate differs slightly from the equatorial one: high humidity, abundance precipitation. In the winter season, hot dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, trees shed their leaves. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to +30 °С. The annual rainfall is 1000-2000 mm, with maximum precipitation in summer.

Tropical zones are between 20 and 30 s. and yu. sh. on both sides of the tropics, where trade winds prevail. (Remember why tropical latitudes the air descends and high pressure prevails.) During the year, tropical air masses with high temperatures dominate here. The average temperature of the warm month+ 30 ... + 35 C, the coldest - not lower than +10 C. In the center of the continents, the climate is tropical continental (desert). Cloudiness is negligible, precipitation in most parts is less than 250 mm per year. A small amount of precipitation causes the formation of the greatest deserts in the world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Australia. In the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, intensified by 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 rainfall is 1500 mm.

Subtropical belts (25-40 N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate air masses in winter. AT western parts continents Mediterranean climate: dry, hot summers, average temperature the warmest month is +30 C, and the 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 little precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by a more uniform course of temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 C, in winter +12 C, precipitation is 800-1000 mm. (Determine the differences in the climates of the subtropical zones on the climate map.)

Temperate belts stretch in temperate latitudes from 40 s. and yu. sh. almost to the polar circles. Moderate air masses dominate here throughout the year, but arctic and tropical air masses can penetrate. In the Northern Hemisphere, in the west of the continents, westerly winds and cyclonic activity prevail; in the east - monsoons. With advancement inland, the annual amplitude of air temperature increases (the coldest month - from +4 ... +6 °С to -48 °С, and the warmest - from +12 °С to +30 °С).

The climate in the Southern Hemisphere is mostly oceanic. There are 5 types of climate in the Northern Hemisphere: maritime, temperate continental, continental, sharply continental, monsoon.

The maritime climate is influenced by westerly winds blowing from the ocean (Northern and Central Europe, west North America, Patagonian Andes of South America). In summer the temperature is about +15…+17 °С, in winter - +5 °С. Precipitation falls throughout the year and reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. In the southern hemisphere, in the temperate zone, an oceanic climate dominates with cool summers, mild winters, heavy rainfall, westerly winds, unstable weather("roaring" fortieth latitudes).

The continental climate is characteristic of the interior regions of large continents. In Eurasia, a temperate continental, continental, sharply continental climate is formed, in North America - temperate continental and continental. On average, the temperature in July varies from +10 °С in the north to +24 °С 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 amount of precipitation in the temperate continental climate is about 500-600 mm, in the sharply continental climate - about 300-400 mm. In winter, with the advance to the east, the duration of sustainable snow cover increases from 4 to 9 months, the annual temperature amplitude also increases.

The monsoon climate is best expressed in Eurasia. Summer prevails steady monsoon from the ocean, temperature + 18 ... + 22 ° С, in winter - -25 ° С. In late summer - early autumn, typhoons from the sea are frequent with gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Winters are relatively dry as the winter monsoon blows in from the land. Precipitation in the form of rains prevails in summer (800-1200 mm).

Subpolar belts (subarctic and subantarctic) are located north and south of temperate zone. They are characterized by a change in air masses by season: moderate air masses dominate in summer, arctic (antarctic) in winter. The continental subarctic climate is characteristic of the northern outskirts of North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm (+5…+10 °С), short. Winter is severe (up to -55 °С). Here is the pole of cold in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk (-71 °C).

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

The polar belts (Arctic and Antarctic) are located around the poles. The continental climate prevails in Antarctica, in Greenland, on the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Freezing temperatures throughout the year.

The 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 temperate continental, continental, sharply continental, monsoon.

There are several climatic 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 currents, solar heat on the certain territory. Division general climate Earth to different climatic zones is due to 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 are significantly different from each other. different types plants needed different amount moisture and solar heat. Therefore, it is often possible to determine from one vegetation 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 derived climatic zones. Let's list these belts: tropical, subtropical, temperate, arctic, or antarctic, and, finally, alpine.

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

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

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

Temperate climate The ical belt is located from 40" to 60" north and south latitude, and even it is far from homogeneous. Here one can single out a maritime climate (the western coast of North America), a cool steppe or humid continental climate. At the same time, all zones differ from each other both in the average annual rainfall and in the characteristic vegetation.

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

The high-altitude climatic zone covers regions located at high altitudes above sea level, that is, high-altitude regions the 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 transitional belts are closely linked with the names of the main climatic zones and characterize their location on Earth: two subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). The classification of climatic zones is based on thermal belts and dominant types of air masses and their movement.

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

equatorial belt. Equatorial air prevails throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures are 25-28 ° C, their amplitudes are small, calm or light winds prevail in the belt, humidity is high, cloudiness is significant, more 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 transitional seasons, more often after the equinoxes, separated by less rainy or short rainless periods, excessive moisture. The equatorial climate is characteristic of the river basin. Amazon (Amazon lowland, South America), the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the basin of the Congo River ( West Africa, lowland of the Congo), the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands and New Guinea (the borders of the Indian and Pacific Oceans).

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. Equatorial air dominates in summer, the summer is humid; in winter - tropical, dry winter. Rainy (summer) and dry (winter) periods are clearly expressed. Winter is only slightly cooler than summer, average temperatures vary from 22 to 30 ° C, and temperature amplitudes increase. The annual amount of precipitation fluctuates significantly: if on average they fall 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. The subequatorial climate is observed in the Brazilian and Guinean highlands (South America), in Central Africa adjoins the Congo basin from 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 y.sh. Here, during the year, tropical air dominates (dry air with high temperatures), trade winds (northeast and southeast) prevail. The weather is mostly clear, winter is warm, but noticeably colder than summer. The average temperatures of the warmest month are + 30-35 ° С, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ° С. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° С, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° С. Few areas fall: 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 tropics, there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of the continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climatic zones follow the tropical and are roughly between 30 and 40° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Tropical air prevails here in summer, temperate in winter. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these belts, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoonal regions). Summers are dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. Cyclonic weather prevails in winter, associated with a polar (moderate) front. Winters are wet and warm, but temperatures below 0°C are 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 more (Tskvice - 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 (S. America), the southern coast of Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy warm winter; 2) monsoonal subtropical - Florida (S. America), Uruguay (S. America), East China, Japanese Islands (East Asia). In this area, summers are hot but rainy, winters are relatively cold and dry; 3) subtropical continental climatic 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, the Takla-Makan desert, western China, dry western United States). Separate areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: the southeast of Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

temperate climatic zones occupy a space between 40 ° C. and y.sh. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). During the whole year, moderate air masses dominate here, arctic and tropical air often invades. The belt is dominated winds western directions and on the east coasts monsoons. plays an important role throughout the year cyclonic activity on the polar (moderate) and arctic (antarctic) fronts. Precipitation is frequent, mostly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental regions in winter. The mode 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 deeper into the continents, 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 temperature in winter over the mainland reaches 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed, which lasts for several months. The variety of temperature and circulation conditions 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 a big part Western Europe, coastal strip s.-z. North America, south of 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) monsoonal temperate climate (n on 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 climatic zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change of 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. The winter is long and severe, the average temperature in January (July) is down to -40 ° C and lower, but in the oceanic parts it is down to -5-10 ° C. The 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 below, in oceanic regions up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excessive moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, the temperature can drop below 0 ° C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. Tundra is located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the islands of Antarctica (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these belts throughout the year. It is atypical for the belts that intense cyclonic activity is noted above the sea surface in the western part of the Arctic and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates 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 radiate 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. Here, the average temperature of December (summer) is -32 ° С, and August (winter) -71 ° С, the maximum temperature rarely rises above -20 ° С. strong winds especially during transitional seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. The fact that it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere for almost 200 years. Information about weather and climate is available in chronicles, in the works of scientists ancient world. Some rocks (coral limestones, coal, salts, ribbon clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, plant pollen make it possible to judge the climate of the prehistoric past. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. Nowadays big influence climate is affected by human activity: it changes the state of the atmosphere (increase in CO 2 content, dust content, 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 as natural and unfavorable.

The Earth has a very diverse climate for the reason that the planet heats up unevenly, as well as uneven precipitation. precipitation. Climate classification began to be proposed as early as the 19th century, around the 70s. Professor of Moscow State University B.P. Alisova spoke about 7 types of climate that make up their own climatic zone. In her opinion, only four climatic zones can be called the main ones, and three zones are transitional.

Types of climatic zones:

equatorial belt

Equatorial air masses prevail here throughout the year. At a time when the sun is directly above the belt, and these are the days of spring and autumn equinox, the equatorial belt is hot, the temperature reaches approximately 28 degrees above zero. The water temperature is not much different from the air temperature, about 1 degree. There is a lot of precipitation here, about 3000 mm. Evaporation is low here, so there are many wetlands in this belt, as well as many dense wet forests, due to the waterlogged soil. Precipitation in these areas equatorial belt bring trade winds, 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 belt

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 climate. The mainland is located over a larger area of ​​the high pressure area, therefore, there is little precipitation in this belt, approximately 250 mm. It is a hot summer here, so the air temperature rises to 40 degrees above zero. In winter, the temperature never drops below 10 degrees above zero. There are no clouds in the sky, so this climate is characterized by cold nights. The diurnal temperature differences are quite large, so this contributes to high destruction rocks. Due to the large decay of rocks, a huge amount of dust and sand is formed, which subsequently forms sandstorms. These storms pose a potential danger to humans. The western and eastern parts of the mainland climate differ a lot. Since cold currents flow along the western coast of Africa, Australia, and therefore the air temperature here is much lower, there is little precipitation, about 100 mm. If you look East Coast, then here flow 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 is that there is less cloud cover and strong, steady 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 predominantly summer, but there are very few of them, about 50 mm. This dry area summer time filled with tourists and guests of coastal cities.

Precipitation here is frequent and occurs throughout the year. This happens under the influence of westerly winds. In summer, the air temperature does not rise above 28 degrees, and in winter it reaches -50 degrees. There is a lot of precipitation on the coasts - 3000 mm, and in central regions- 1000 mm. Vivid changes occur when the seasons change. The temperate climate is formed in two hemispheres - northern and southern and is located above the temperate latitude. The area of ​​low pressure prevails here.

This type of climate is divided into sub-climates: maritime and continental.

The maritime subclimate prevails in the western part of North America, Eurasia and South America. The wind is brought from the ocean to the mainland. From this we can conclude that the summer here is cool (+20 degrees), but the winter is relatively warm and mild (+5 degrees). There is a lot of precipitation - up to 6000 mm in the mountains.
Continental subclimate - prevails in the central regions. There is less precipitation here, since cyclones practically do not pass here. In summer, the temperature is about +26 degrees, and in winter it is quite cold -24 degrees with a large snow cover. In Eurasia, the continental subclimate is pronounced only in Yakutia. Winters are cold with little rainfall. This is because in the interior of Eurasia, areas are least affected by the ocean and ocean winds. On the coast, under the influence of a large amount of precipitation, frost softens in winter, and heat softens in summer.

There is also a monsoon subclimate that prevails in Kamchatka, Korea, northern Japan, and part of China. This subtype is expressed by the frequent change of monsoons. Monsoons are winds that, as a rule, bring rain to the mainland and always blow from the ocean to land. Winters are cold due to cold winds, and summers are rainy. Rains or monsoons bring winds from the Pacific Ocean here. On the island of Sakhalin and Kamchatka, precipitation is not small, about 2000 mm. Air masses in all temperate climates are only moderate. In connection with high humidity 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 belts: Antarctic and Arctic. Polar air masses dominate here all year round. During the polar night in this type of climate there is no sun 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, and 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. Precipitation here is a maximum of 100 mm. In summer, the air temperature does not exceed 0 degrees, and in winter it reaches -40 degrees. In summer, periodic drizzle prevails in the air. When traveling to this area, you may notice that the face is a little prickly with frost, so the temperature seems to be 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 carry the prefix "sub" in their name. In such types of climate, air masses are replaced by the characteristic of the coming seasons. They move from nearby belts. Scientists explain this by the fact that when the Earth moves around its axis, the climatic zones shift alternately, then to the south, then to the north.

Intermediate types of climates

Subequatorial type of climate

Here in the summer equatorial masses come, and in winter time dominated by tropical masses. There is a lot of precipitation only in summer - about 3000 mm, but despite this, the sun is merciless here and the air temperature reaches +30 degrees all summer. Winter is cool. In this climatic zone, there is good airflow and drainage of the soil. The air temperature here reaches +14 degrees and in terms of precipitation, there are very few of them in winter. Good drainage of the soil does not allow water to stagnate and form swamps, as in the equatorial type of climate. This type of climate makes it possible to settle. Here are states that are populated by people to the limit, 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 type of climate

Tropical air masses predominate here in summer, and in winter they come here from temperate latitudes and carry a large amount of precipitation. Summer is dry and hot, and the temperature reaches +50 degrees. Winter is very mild with a maximum temperature of -20 degrees. Low rainfall, about 120 mm. The Mediterranean climate prevails in the west, 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 annually. This area is favorable for resorts and people's lives in general. Among the crops grown here are grapes, citrus fruits and olives. Monsoon winds prevail here. In winter it is dry and cold, and in summer it is hot and humid. Precipitation here is approximately 800 mm per year. In the forest, monsoons blow from the sea to land and carry precipitation, while in winter the winds blow from land to sea. This type of climate is pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere and in the east of Asia. Vegetation here grows well thanks to abundant rains. Also, thanks to abundant rains, agriculture is well developed here, which gives life to the local population.

Subpolar type of climate

Summers here are cool and humid. The temperature rises to the limits of +10, and the precipitation is about 300 mm. On the mountain slopes, the amount of precipitation is greater than on the plains. The swampiness of the territory indicates a low weathering of the territory, and there are also a large number of lakes. Winters here are quite long and cold, and the temperature reaches -50 degrees. The boundaries of the poles are not even, this is 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, the temperature can rise only to -20 degrees. There are very few rainfalls here.
In these climatic zones, the air masses change from arctic, which prevail in winter, to moderate air masses, which dominate in summer. Winter here lasts 9 months, and it is quite cold, as the average air temperature drops to -40 degrees. In summer, on average, the temperature is around 0 degrees. For this type of climate, there is a high humidity, which is approximately 200 mm, and a rather low evaporation of moisture. The winds here are strong and blow frequently in the 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 such a climatic zone, winds from the west prevail over the rest, and monsoons blow from the east. If the monsoons blow, then the precipitation depends on how far the area is from the sea, as well as on the terrain. 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, 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 climatic zone (quite warm winters and rainy summers), the continental climatic zone (a lot of precipitation falls in summer), the monsoonal climatic zone ( Cold winter and rainy summer), as well as a transitional climate from the maritime climate zone to the continental climate zone.

Subtropical and tropical climatic zones

The tropics are usually dominated by hot and dry air. Between winter and summer periods, the difference in temperature is large and even very significant. In summer, the average temperature is +35 degrees, and in winter +10 degrees. Large temperature differences here are manifested between day and night temperatures. In the tropical type of climate, there is little rainfall, 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, the air is drier in summer than in 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 is rarely 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. There are several climatic zones in the subtropics: monsoon, which brings rain from the ocean to land and on the coast, the Mediterranean, which is different large quantity rainfall and continental, where precipitation is much less and it is more arid and warm.

Subequatorial and equatorial climatic zones

The air temperature averages +28 degrees, and its differences from daytime temperature to nighttime are insignificant. Enough high humidity and light winds are characteristic of this type of climate. Precipitation here falls every year 2000 mm. A couple of rainy periods are followed by less rainy periods. The equatorial climatic zone is located in the Amazon, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, on the Malay Peninsula, on the islands of New Guinea.

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

Climate types

To date, there are three criteria for climate classification:

• according to the features of the circulation of air masses;
• by the nature of the geographical relief;
• on climatic grounds.

Based on certain indicators, the following types of climate 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 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 the temperature of the day and night, and precipitation is practically absent and occurs a rare occurrence every few years
• Humid. Very humid climate. It forms in places where there is not enough sunlight so the moisture can't evaporate
• Nival. This climate is inherent in areas where precipitation occurs mainly in solid form, they settle in the form of glaciers and snow blockages, do not have time to melt and evaporate.
• Urban. The air temperature in the city is always higher than in the district. Solar radiation comes in a reduced amount, so the daylight hours are shorter than natural objects nearby. Clouds are more concentrated over cities, and precipitation falls more often, although in some settlements humidity levels are low

In general, on earth, climatic zones naturally alternate, but they are not always pronounced. In addition, the features of the climate depend on the relief and terrain. In the zone where the 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 is undergoing change climate indicators, which leads to changes in ecosystems on the planet.

Main climatic zones - video