Table on the characteristics of natural areas. Natural zones of the hot zone. Evergreen tropical and equatorial forests

"" Photo: Aziz J.Hayat Belt zoning

The Sun heats the spherical surface of the Earth unequally: the areas above which it stands high receive the most heat. The farther from the equator, the greater the angle at which the rays reach the earth's surface and, therefore, the less thermal energy per unit area. Above the poles, the rays of the Sun only glide over the Earth. The climate depends on this: hot at the equator, harsh and cold at the poles. The main features of the distribution of vegetation and fauna are also associated with this. Based on the characteristics of heat distribution, seven thermal zones are distinguished. In each hemisphere there are zones of eternal frost (around the poles), cold, temperate. The hot zone at the equator is one for both hemispheres. Thermal zones are the basis for dividing the earth's surface into geographical zones: areas that are similar in the prevailing types of landscapes - natural-territorial complexes that have common climate, soil, vegetation and wildlife.

On the equator and near it there is a belt of humid equatorial and subequatorial forests (from the Latin sub - under), to the north and south of it, replacing each other, there are belts of tropics and subtropics with forests, deserts and savannas, a temperate zone with steppes, forest-steppes and forests, then the treeless spaces of the tundra extend, and finally, the polar deserts are located at the poles.

But the Earth's land surface in different places not only receives different amounts of solar energy, but also has many additional dissimilar conditions - for example, distance from the oceans, uneven terrain (mountain systems or plains) and, finally, unequal height above sea level. Each of these conditions greatly affects the natural features of the Earth.

Hot belt. The equator itself has virtually no seasons; it is humid and hot here all year round. Moving away from the equator, in subequatorial zones, the year is divided into drier and wetter seasons. There are savannas, woodlands and mixed evergreen deciduous tropical forests.

Near the tropics, the climate becomes drier; deserts and semi-deserts are located here. The most famous of them are the Sahara, Namib and Kalahari in Africa, the Arabian Desert and Thar in Eurasia, Atacama in South America, Victoria in Australia.

There are two temperate zones on Earth (in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres). There is a clear change of seasons here, which differ greatly from each other. In the Northern Hemisphere, the northern border of the belt is bordered by coniferous forests - taiga, which are replaced to the south by mixed and broad-leaved forests, and then by forest-steppes and steppes. In the interior regions of continents, where the influence of seas and oceans is almost not felt, there may even be deserts (for example, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, the Karakum Desert in Central Asia).

Polar belts. The lack of heat leads to the fact that in these zones there are practically no forests, the soil is swampy, and permafrost is found in places. At the poles, where the climate is the harshest, continental ice (as in Antarctica) or sea ice (as in the Arctic) appears. Vegetation is absent or represented by mosses and lichens.

Vertical zonality is also related to the amount of heat, but it only depends on the altitude above sea level. As you climb the mountains, the climate, soil type, vegetation and wildlife change. Interestingly, even in hot countries you can find tundra landscapes and even icy deserts. But in order to see it, you have to climb high into the mountains. Thus, in the tropical and equatorial zones of the Andes of South America and in the Himalayas, landscapes successively change from wet rain forests to alpine meadows and zones of eternal glaciers and snow. It cannot be said that the altitudinal zone completely repeats the latitudinal geographical zones, because in the mountains and on the plains many conditions are not repeated. The most diverse range of altitudinal zones is near the equator, for example on the highest peaks of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Margherita Peak, and in South America on the slopes of the Andes.

Natural areas

Among the natural zones there are those confined to a specific zone. For example, the zone of Arctic and Antarctic ice deserts and the tundra zone are located in the Arctic and Antarctic belts; the forest-tundra zone corresponds to the subarctic and subantarctic zones, and the taiga, mixed and deciduous forests correspond to the temperate zone. And such natural zones as prairies, forest-steppes and steppes and semi-deserts are common in both temperate, tropical and subtropical zones, having, of course, their own characteristics.

Natural zones, their climatic features, soils, vegetation and fauna of each continent are described in Chapter 10 and in the table “Continents (reference information)”. Here we will dwell only on the general features of natural zones as the largest natural-territorial complexes.

Arctic and Antarctic desert zone

Air temperatures are constantly very low and there is little precipitation. On rare ice-free areas of land - rocky deserts (in Antarctica they are called oases), sparse vegetation is represented by lichens and mosses, flowering plants are rare (only two species have been found in Antarctica), soils are practically absent.

Tundra zone

The tundra zone is widespread in the Arctic and subarctic zones, forming a strip 300-500 km wide, stretching along the northern coasts of Eurasia and North America and the islands of the Arctic Ocean. In the Southern Hemisphere, areas of tundra vegetation are found on some islands near Antarctica.
The climate is harsh with strong winds, snow cover lasts up to 7-9 months, the long polar night gives way to short and humid summers (summer temperatures do not exceed 10 °C). Precipitation falls a little - 200-400 mm, mostly in solid form, but it does not have time to evaporate, and the tundra is characterized by excessive moisture, an abundance of lakes and swamps, which is facilitated by widespread permafrost. The main distinctive feature of the tundra is treelessness, the predominance of sparse moss-lichen, and sometimes grass, cover; in the southern parts with dwarf and creeping shrubs and shrubs. The soils are tundra-gley.

Forest-tundra and woodland zone

Zone of forest-tundra and woodlands. This is a transition zone, which is characterized by alternation of treeless tundra areas and forests (open woodlands), and combines the characteristics of the zones bordering it. Tundra natural complexes are characteristic of watershed areas; open forests climb north along river valleys. To the south, the areas occupied by forests increase.
In the Southern Hemisphere (subantarctic belt), the forest-tundra on islands (for example, South Georgia) is replaced by oceanic meadows. For more information about the tundra zone, see characteristics of the tundra.

Forest zone

The forest zone in the Northern Hemisphere includes the subzones of taiga, mixed and deciduous forests and the subzone of temperate forests; in the Southern Hemisphere only the subzone of mixed and deciduous forests is represented. Some scientists consider these subzones to be independent zones.
In the taiga subzone of the Northern Hemisphere, the climate varies from maritime to sharply continental. Summers are warm (10-20 °C, the severity of winter increases with distance from the ocean (in Eastern Siberia up to -50 °C), and the amount of precipitation decreases (from 600 to 200 mm). The amount of precipitation exceeds evaporation, and watersheds are often swampy, rivers are rich in water. Dark coniferous (spruce and fir) and light coniferous (larch in Siberia, where permafrost soils are common) forests predominate, poor in species composition, with an admixture of small-leaved species (birch, aspen) and pine, in the east of Eurasia - cedar. The soils are podzolic and permafrost. -taiga.
The subzone of mixed and deciduous forests (sometimes two independent subzones are distinguished) is distributed mainly in the oceanic and transitional zones of the continents. In the Southern Hemisphere it occupies small areas, winters here are much warmer and snow cover does not form everywhere. Coniferous-deciduous forests on soddy-podzolic soils are replaced in the interior parts of the continents by coniferous-small-leaved and small-leaved forests, and to the south (in North America) or to the west (in Europe) by broad-leaved forests of oak, maple, linden, ash, beech and hornbeam on gray forests soils.

Forest-steppe

Forest-steppe is a transitional natural zone of the Northern Hemisphere, with alternating forest and steppe natural complexes. Based on the nature of natural vegetation, forest-steppes with broad-leaved and coniferous-small-leaved forests and prairies are distinguished.

Prairies are a subzone of forest-steppe (sometimes considered a subzone of steppe) with abundant moisture, stretching along the eastern coasts of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada with tall grasses on chernozem-like soils. Almost no natural vegetation has been preserved here. Similar landscapes are characteristic of the subtropics of eastern South America and East Asia.

Steppe

This natural zone is distributed in the northern temperate or both subtropical geographical zones and is a treeless area with herbaceous vegetation. Unlike the tundra, the growth of woody vegetation here is hampered not by low temperatures, but by a lack of moisture. Trees can grow only along river valleys (so-called gallery forests), in large erosive forms, such as ravines, collecting water from the surrounding interfluve spaces. Now most of the zone is plowed, irrigated agriculture and grazing livestock are developing in the subtropical zone. Soil erosion is highly developed on arable lands. Natural vegetation is represented by drought- and frost-resistant herbaceous plants with a predominance of turf grasses (feather grass, fescue, tonkonogo). The soils are fertile - chernozems, dark chestnut and chestnut in the temperate zone; brown, gray-brown, in places saline in the subtropical).
The subtropical steppe in South America (Argentina, Uruguay) is called pampa (i.e. plain, steppe in the language of the Quechua Indians). See vegetation and animals of the steppe.

Deserts and semi-deserts

These natural zones are distributed in six geographical zones - temperate, subtropical and tropical on both sides of the equator, where precipitation falls so little (10-30 times less evaporation) that the existence of living organisms is extremely difficult. Therefore, the grass cover is sparse and the soils are poorly developed. In such conditions, the rocks that make up the territory become of great importance, and depending on them, clay deserts (takyrs in Asia), rocky deserts (hamads of the Sahara, Central Asia, Australia), sandy deserts (Thar desert in India and Pakistan, North American deserts) are distinguished. ). In the temperate zone, deserts are formed in areas with a sharply continental climate; subtropical and tropical deserts owe their existence to constant pressure maxima of 20-30° latitudes. Rare areas of increased moisture (high groundwater levels, spring outlets, irrigation from nearby rivers, lakes, wells, etc.) - centers of population concentration, growth of trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation are called oases. Sometimes such oases occupy vast areas (for example, the Nile Valley stretches over tens of thousands of hectares). For more details, see: natural desert area.

Savannah

Savanna is a natural zone, distributed mainly in subequatorial zones, but also found in tropical and even subtropical zones. The main feature of the savannah climate is the clear alternation of dry and rainy periods. The duration of the rainy season decreases when moving from equatorial regions (here it can last 8-9 months) to tropical deserts (here the rainy season is 2-3 months). Savannas are characterized by dense and tall grass cover, trees standing alone or in small groups (acacia, baobab, eucalyptus) and so-called gallery forests along rivers. The soils of typical tropical savannas are red soils. In deserted savannas, the grass cover is sparse and the soils are red-brown. Tall grass savannas in South America, on the left bank of the river. Orinoco is called llanos (from Spanish “plain”). See also: vegetation and animals of the savanna.

Forest subtropics

Forest subtropics. The monsoon subtropical subzone is characteristic of the eastern margins of the continents, where seasonally changing circulation of air masses is formed at the contact between the ocean and the continent and there is a dry winter period and a wet summer with heavy monsoon rains, often with typhoons.

Thermal zones and natural areas

Evergreen and deciduous (those that lose their leaves in winter due to lack of moisture) with a wide variety of tree species grow here on red and yellow earth soils.
The Mediterranean subzone is characteristic of the western regions of the continents (Mediterranean, California, Chile, southern Australia and Africa). Precipitation occurs mainly in winter; summer is dry. Evergreen and broad-leaved forests on brown and brown soils and hard-leaved shrubs are well adapted to summer drought, the plants of which have adapted to hot and dry conditions: they have a waxy coating or pubescence on the leaves, thick or dense leathery bark, and secrete fragrant essential oils. See: animals of the subtropics.

Rainforests

More on the topic:
Taiga zone, plants and animals
Savannah
Characteristics of forest-tundra
Characteristics of the tundra
equatorial forest

Equatorial rainforests. Equatorial climate. Warm all year round (around 25°C), slight temperature fluctuations throughout the year, high rainfall all year round. Low pressure.

Savannah. Subequatorial climate. It's hot all year round. Precipitation falls unevenly throughout the year; there are dry and wet seasons. The main vegetation is grasses.

Deserts. In tropical deserts, precipitation is very rare. There is very little vegetation. Temperate deserts have a wet spring period (March-April).

Steppes. Continental climate with cold winters with little snow and hot, dry summers.

Broad-leaved and mixed forests. Favorable climatic conditions - enough moisture, many sunny days, a frost-free period of about or more than six months.

Taiga. There is enough moisture, but the cold period is significant. Summers are quite warm (up to 20 °C), winters are severely frosty (average temperature –30 °C).

Tundra. The soil is permafrost. The climate is subarctic.

Natural areas

Strong winds. Long cold winter, polar night in many parts. In summer the temperature is about +5 °C.

Arctic desert. The dominance of ice, the absence of plants, the animal world is quite poor. In winter, the average temperature is -30 °C and strong winds; in summer it can be slightly above 0, with frequent rain and fog. Polar night and day.

Antarctic desert. In winter up to –70 °C, in summer no higher than –20 °C (on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula it rises to 10 °C). Strong winds blowing towards the coast and central regions of Antarctica.

News and society

Natural zones of Russia and their features

Nature is a complex of interconnected components that are in constant relationship with each other and depend on each other. Changes in one natural chain will necessarily lead to disturbances in related components. There is a constant exchange of resources and energy between individual participants in the natural community. The presence of certain relationships is characteristic of each specific territory. This is how natural areas are formed. They, in turn, influence human economic activity and its characteristics.

The natural areas of Russia are very diverse. This is due to the vast territory, differences in relief and climatic conditions.

Among the main natural zones of our country are steppes, semi-deserts, taiga, forests, forest-steppes, tundra, arctic desert, forest-tundra. Natural areas of Russia have a fairly large area, which stretches for thousands of kilometers. Each of them is characterized by a specific climate, soil types, flora and fauna, as well as the degree of moisture in the area.

The Arctic desert zone is characterized by the presence of large amounts of snow and ice all year round. The air temperature here varies between 4-2 degrees. Glaciers arise from the fall of solid precipitation. The soil is poorly developed and is at an elementary level. Salt stains are observed to form in dry, windy weather. The climatic conditions of this zone also affect the nature of vegetation. Low mosses and lichens predominate here. Less common are polar poppy, saxifrage and some other plants. The fauna is also not very rich. Arctic fox, deer, owl, partridge and lemming are practically the only inhabitants of the Arctic desert.

Natural zones of Russia include the tundra zone. This is a less cold zone than the Arctic deserts. But, nevertheless, it is characterized by cold and strong winds, which is due to the proximity of the Arctic Ocean. Frosts and snow are possible all year round. The climate of the tundra zone is humid. The soil is also very poorly developed, which affects the vegetation cover. Mostly low shrubs and trees, mosses and lichens predominate.

Natural zones of Russia are gradually replacing each other. Next comes the forest-tundra. It already experiences warmer weather in the summer, but the winter is cold with lots of snow. Among the plants, spruce, birch and larch predominate. During the warm period, the forest-tundra serves as a pasture for deer.

The forest-tundra is replaced by taiga. It is characterized by warmer weather and less severe winters. The relief is characterized by the presence of a large number of reservoirs (rivers, lakes and swamps). The soil here is more favorable for flora, which is why the fauna here is numerous. The taiga is home to sable, hazel grouse, wood grouse, hare, squirrel, bear and many other species.

The semi-desert zone is the smallest in area. It typically has hot summers and harsh winters with little rainfall. It is mainly used for pasture.

The division of territory into zones also affects human activities. Russia's numerous natural and economic zones also determine its extensive economic activities.

Each zone is subdivided into smaller species.

Natural areas of the world: brief description. Table "Natural areas of the world"

There are also transition zones, which are characterized by the climatic characteristics of each adjacent region. Therefore, each natural area is inextricably linked with the neighboring one. Disturbances occurring in a certain region of the country lead to changes not only in the climate, but also in the animal and plant world of another zone.

The characteristics of Russian natural zones imply the characteristics of each of them, but they do not have clear boundaries and the division is conditional. In addition, human activities can affect the nature and climate of the environment.

This is the largest natural complex, the surface of the globe, with the nature characteristic of the planet.
It is possible to identify a huge number of smaller natural complexes - territories that have a similar nature, different from other complexes. Oceans, seas, continents, rivers, lakes, swamps and much more are all separate.

Natural areas- very large natural complexes with similar landscapes, flora and fauna. Natural zones are formed as a result of the distribution of heat and moisture on the planet: high temperature and low humidity are characteristic of equatorial deserts, high temperature and high humidity are characteristic of equatorial and tropical forests, etc.
Natural zones are located predominantly sublatitudinal, but the relief and distance from the ocean affect the location of the zones and their width. In the mountains there is also a change of natural zones, depending on the height; the change of zones occurs in the same order as the change of land zones from the equator to the poles. The lower natural zone corresponds to the natural zone of the territory, the upper depends on the height of the mountain range.

Natural land areas

Equatorial and tropical forests

Deserts and semi-deserts

This zone is formed in a temperate zone with an average amount of precipitation; it is characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers. Forests usually have two or three tiers, the lower ones being formed by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Forest ungulates, predators, rodents, and insectivorous birds are common here. The soils in this zone are brown and gray forest.

This zone is formed in the northern hemisphere in the temperate zone with cold winters, short warm summers and fairly high precipitation. Multi-tiered forests, many coniferous trees. The fauna is represented by a variety of predators, including some that hibernate. The soils are poor in nutrients and podzolic.

This natural area is located in the subpolar and polar zones, where it is quite low. The flora is represented mainly by low-growing plants with poorly developed root systems: mosses, lichens, shrubs, and dwarf trees. Hoofed animals, small predators, and many migratory birds live here. The soils in the tundra are peat-gley, a large area is located in the zone.

Arctic deserts

Arctic deserts are found on islands close to the poles. Vegetation includes mosses, lichens, or no vegetation at all. Animals found in this area live most of the time in the water, with birds visiting for several months.

The warmth of the sun, clean air and water are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones have led to the division of the territory of all continents and waters into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by huge distances, are very similar, others are unique.

Natural areas of the world: what are they?

This definition should be understood as very large natural complexes (in other words, parts of the Earth’s geographic zone), which have similar, homogeneous climatic conditions. The main characteristic of natural areas is the flora and fauna that inhabit the given territory. They are formed as a result of the uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.

Table “Natural areas of the world”

This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only for informational purposes, because you can talk about each of them for a very long time, and all the information will not fit into the framework of one table.

Natural zones of the temperate climate zone

1. Taiga. It surpasses all other natural zones of the world in terms of land area (27% of the territory of all forests on the planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees cannot withstand them, so the taiga is dense coniferous forests (mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large areas of the taiga in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.

2. Mixed forests. Characteristic to a greater extent for the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between taiga and deciduous forest. They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Tree species: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as rowan, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table “Natural Zones of the World” shows, the soils in the mixed forest zone are gray and not highly fertile, but are still suitable for growing plants.

3. Broad-leaved forests. They are not adapted to harsh winters and are deciduous. They occupy most of Western Europe, the south of the Far East, northern China and Japan. The climate suitable for them is maritime or temperate continental with hot summers and fairly warm winters. As the table “Natural zones of the world” shows, the temperature in them does not fall below -8°C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. The following types of trees are typical: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. The forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including game birds.

4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinguishing feature is the almost complete absence of vegetation and sparse fauna. There are quite a lot of natural areas of this nature; they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp changes in temperature across the seasons. Animals are represented mainly by reptiles.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

They are huge areas of land covered with snow and ice. A map of the world’s natural zones clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and only along the coast are polar bears, walruses and seals, arctic foxes and lemmings, and penguins (in Antarctica). Where the ground is free of ice, lichens and mosses can be seen.

Equatorial rainforests

Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and a hot climate (20°C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle, which has become home to more than 2/3 of all types of creatures now living on our planet. These rain forests are superior to all other natural areas in the world. The trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soils of humid forests contain little humus.

Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climate zone

1. Variably humid forests, they differ from rain forests in that precipitation falls there only during the rainy season, and during the period of drought that follows, the trees are forced to shed their leaves. The flora and fauna are also very diverse and rich in species.

2. Savannas and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is no longer sufficient for the growth of variable-humid forests. Their development occurs in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial air masses dominate, and the rainy season lasts less than six months. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. More detailed information about the location is reflected in the map of natural areas of the world (photo).

Hardleaf forests

This climate zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Hard-leaved and evergreen forests are located along sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so abundant, but the leaves retain moisture due to their dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling. In some trees and plants they are modernized into spines.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are characterized by an almost complete absence of woody vegetation, due to the poor level of precipitation. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore are actively used by humans for farming. The steppes occupy large areas in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants are reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to the lack of moisture and most often manage to complete their life cycle in a short spring period, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.

Tundra and forest-tundra

In this zone the breath of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even coniferous trees cannot withstand it. There is an abundance of moisture, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very large areas. There are no trees at all in the tundra; the flora is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is considered to be the most unstable and fragile ecosystem. Due to the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.

All natural areas of the world are very interesting, be it a desert that seems at first glance absolutely lifeless, endless Arctic ice or thousand-year-old rain forests with boiling life inside.

A natural zone is a part of the earth's surface with the same type of relief, soil, flora and fauna. The main forming factor of a natural zone is climate. Eight natural complexes have formed on the territory of Russia. They replace each other from north to south. The largest territory is occupied by the taiga zone, and the smallest by semi-deserts and deserts. Below is a distribution map and geographical description of all natural zones in Russia, as well as a table with a brief description of each natural zone.

Read also:

Map of Natural Areas of Russia

Arctic desert

The upper boundary of the region runs along the Franz Josef Land archipelago, the lower boundary - on Wrangel Island. The main feature is the presence of ice and snow throughout the year. The average temperature in winter is about -50º C. During this period, a lot of snow falls and strong winds blow. The polar night lasts 4 months. Summer temperatures average +4º C. August is considered the warmest month of the year.

There are no lakes or swamps. The flora is represented mainly by lichens. Here you can count several endemics: arctic willow, cotton grass, forget-me-not and chickweed. few due to sparse flora. Polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer and lemmings thrive in the cold desert. The rocky coasts are favored by eiders, guillemots and other birds. The shores of some islands are complete bird colonies.

Tundra

The natural complex stretches from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka. Its area is an eighth of the entire area of ​​Russia. characterized by plains, only mountains and hills appear near the Urals. This region is characterized by harsh winters with average temperatures around -32º C and lasting more than six months. During the winter season, strong winds blow, which remove layers of snow from the soil. Because of this, the soil freezes and becomes waterlogged during the thaw. The polar night lasts from December to February.

The sun has not set since mid-summer. It does not rise high above the horizon, therefore, most of the rays are scattered in the atmosphere. The so-called polar day is coming. Average summer temperatures in the tundra do not exceed +5º C. Among the vegetation, lichens of all kinds and mosses are especially widespread. Perennial crops are represented by saxifrage, lingonberry, wild rosemary, cassandra and cloudberry. are a food source for reindeer and hares. In addition to them, wolves, arctic foxes and partridges. During the short summer you can observe loons, waders and geese.

Forest-tundra

The region stretches from the tundra to the taiga. The climate in this transition zone is much milder than in the neighboring northern one. In January, the thermometer does not rise above -40º C, and cold winds constantly blow. However, there is constant snow cover. Winter lasts up to eight months. The average summer temperature is 15º C. Due to high humidity and relatively low summer temperatures, the soil is very swampy.

Forest-tundra is characterized by forests consisting of deciduous trees, birch and spruce. Another feature of the plant world is meadows. In late spring, medicinal herbs bloom on them. The marshy area is rich in peat and mosses. In this natural area, reindeer moss grows, which is a source of food for deer. The world of mammals is more diverse than in the tundra. You can observe wolverines, bears, wolves and arctic foxes. Swamps, lakes and rivers are inhabited by waterfowl: ducks, swans and loons. The forest-tundra is home to unique birds: peregrine falcons, Siberian Cranes and geese. Some birds, such as the snowy owl and partridge, live in this natural area all year round without flying anywhere.

Taiga

Stretches from the western borders to the Pacific coast. The area of ​​the biome is about 15 million km². Most of the territory is occupied by forests. For the most part, the area is virtually untouched by humans. Taiga winter is cold, the average temperature is -29° C. The snow cover does not melt for more than three months. Summer temperatures average +18º C. Precipitation comes in the form of heavy rains, which increases the humidity level.

The natural zone is represented by numerous rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. The soil layer consists of humus and a large amount of minerals. and unique. Coniferous and deciduous forests are widely represented in the taiga zone. In addition to them there are wetlands and meadows. Thanks to the stable climate and the absence of extreme temperatures, most animals do not change their habitat all year round. The hazel grouse, nutcracker, and capercaillie do not fly away, but constantly nest in the taiga.

The climate turned out to be harsh. A few frogs and lizards go into suspended animation with the onset of persistent frosts. The world is represented by wolverine, lynx, elk, brown bear, and sable. The taiga is full of blood-sucking insects that swarm in huge numbers. Frequently, midges are carriers of infectious diseases.

Broad-leaved and mixed forests

The territory extends from the East European Plain to the Far East. The biome is characterized by a mild climate. Winter temperatures do not exceed -25° C. Numerous anticyclones form over the Far East during this period. Snow evenly covers the entire territory of the natural complex. Summers are mostly mild and humid. The July air warms up to +20º C. The warm period lasts 4 months. At this time the maximum amount of rain falls.

The area of ​​mixed and deciduous forests is known for its water potential. There are long flood rivers and lakes here. There are practically no swamps. The earth is saturated with nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and aluminum. Korean cedar, Manchurian walnut, Amur linden, and larch grow in the forests. A lot of bushes. Mosses and lichens cover the soil only in dark and damp places. The forests are rich in fruit and berry plants and mushrooms. This creates conditions for comfortable living for many species of animals. These forests are most used by humans in their activities. The greatest species diversity is found in lands untouched by humans.

Among the inhabitants, one can distinguish the viper, viviparous lizard, and snake. The forests are home to various birds: hazel grouse, black grouse, crossbill, eagle owl, and owl. The natural area is rich in predators - wolves, stoats, foxes, martens are its permanent inhabitants. Recently, the number of deer has decreased significantly. The forests remain home to hedgehogs, badgers, nutria, moles, hares and marsh turtles.

Forest-steppe zone

The territory that unites the East European Plain, the West Siberian Plain and the Southern Urals is transitional between forests and steppes. Winter in the western part of the natural area is very mild and snowy. Temperatures in the east drop to -20° C and little snow falls. Summer temperatures average +18º C, and there is little rainfall.

It is characterized by a combination of forests and grass cover. In the European part, maple, oak, and linden grow. In the Asian zone, aspen and birch trees predominate. The steppe regions are rich in bluegrass and clover. Almost the entire steppe is used for agriculture. People cultivate corn, rye, and wheat. Animals such as squirrel, marten, gopher, bustard, and elk live here.

The anthropogenic factor has led the forest-steppe zone to desertification; the land and water bodies are polluted with toxic substances and nitrates. Unsustainable flora cannot recover from human activity. The natural forest-steppe complex is gradually disappearing in Russia.

Steppe zone

The natural zone is located on the East European Plain and Western Siberia. In winter, the eastern part of the zone is colder than the west. In summer, the average temperature is +20° C. Maximum precipitation occurs in June. There is an alternation of wet and dry seasons. The soil is chernozem, well suited for growing cereals. Some areas are undergoing erosion.

The steppe is dominated by herbaceous vegetation: clover, bluegrass, and wild oats. Sometimes there are shrubs in the area: broom, spirea, wolfberry and blackthorn. All plants are excellent food sources for animals. In the steppes there are a large number of voles, marmots and pikas. The world is represented by ferrets, foxes and wolves. This natural complex is home to birds of prey: owls, hawks, harriers and buzzards.

Semi-deserts and deserts

The territory stretches from the Caspian lowland to the borders with Kazakhstan. In winter, the thermometer drops to -16º C, and gusty winds blow. There is practically no snow, so the soil freezes deeply. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs during the short spring period. The average temperature in summer is +25° C. The lands are saline, there is a lot of sand and salt marshes.

The flora is not diverse. Only here you can see remaria, malcomia, acacia, camel thorn, cacti and some cereals. During drought, some plants wither, preserving underground organs. The most recognizable desert tree is saxaul. There are practically no leaves on it, which significantly reduces moisture evaporation. Of the herbaceous plants, black wormwood is famous, which covers the ground, protecting it from drought.

Desert Dwellers Lead. Ground squirrels, jerboas and gerbils may hibernate when the weather gets hot. The amphibian world is represented by geckos, boas and monitor lizards. Predators include corsac, wolves and foxes. Saiga antelope and camel are considered large. Birds include lark, sajja and lapwing.

Table of natural zones of Russia

The warmth of the sun, clean air and water are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones have led to the division of the territory of all continents and waters into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by huge distances, are very similar, others are unique.

Natural areas of the world: what are they?

This definition should be understood as very large natural complexes (in other words, parts of the Earth’s geographic zone), which have similar, homogeneous climatic conditions. The main characteristic of natural areas is the flora and fauna that inhabit the given territory. They are formed as a result of the uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.

Table “Natural areas of the world”

This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only for informational purposes, because you can talk about each of them for a very long time, and all the information will not fit into the framework of one table.

Natural zones of the temperate climate zone

1. Taiga. It surpasses all other natural zones of the world in terms of land area (27% of the territory of all forests on the planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees cannot withstand them, so the taiga is dense coniferous forests (mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large areas of the taiga in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.

2. Mixed forests. Characteristic to a greater extent for the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between taiga and deciduous forest. They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Tree species: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as rowan, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table “Natural Zones of the World” shows, the soils in the mixed forest zone are gray and not highly fertile, but are still suitable for growing plants.

3. Broad-leaved forests. They are not adapted to harsh winters and are deciduous. They occupy most of Western Europe, the south of the Far East, northern China and Japan. The climate suitable for them is maritime or temperate continental with hot summers and fairly warm winters. As the table “Natural zones of the world” shows, the temperature in them does not fall below -8°C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. The following types of trees are typical: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. The forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including game birds.

4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinguishing feature is the almost complete absence of vegetation and sparse fauna. There are quite a lot of natural areas of this nature; they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp changes in temperature across the seasons. Animals are represented mainly by reptiles.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

They are huge areas of land covered with snow and ice. A map of the world’s natural zones clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and only along the coast are polar bears, walruses and seals, arctic foxes and lemmings, and penguins (in Antarctica). Where the ground is free of ice, lichens and mosses can be seen.

Equatorial rainforests

Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and a hot climate (20°C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle, which has become home to more than 2/3 of all types of creatures now living on our planet. These rain forests are superior to all other natural areas in the world. The trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soils of humid forests contain little humus.

Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climate zone

1. Variably humid forests, they differ from rain forests in that precipitation falls there only during the rainy season, and during the period of drought that follows, the trees are forced to shed their leaves. The flora and fauna are also very diverse and rich in species.

2. Savannas and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is no longer sufficient for the growth of variable-humid forests. Their development occurs in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial air masses dominate, and the rainy season lasts less than six months. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. More detailed information about the location is reflected in the map of natural areas of the world (photo).

Hardleaf forests

This climate zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Hard-leaved and evergreen forests are located along sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so abundant, but the leaves retain moisture due to their dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling. In some trees and plants they are modernized into spines.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are characterized by an almost complete absence of woody vegetation, due to the poor level of precipitation. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore are actively used by humans for farming. The steppes occupy large areas in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants are reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to the lack of moisture and most often manage to complete their life cycle in a short spring period, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.

Tundra and forest-tundra

In this zone the breath of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even coniferous trees cannot withstand it. There is an abundance of moisture, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very large areas. There are no trees at all in the tundra; the flora is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is considered to be the most unstable and fragile ecosystem. Due to the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.

All natural areas of the world are very interesting, be it a desert that seems at first glance absolutely lifeless, endless Arctic ice or thousand-year-old rain forests with boiling life inside.