The alternation of natural zones in the mountains. Natural zones of mountainous regions (Grade 4). Why does temperature decrease with altitude?
The geographic envelope is not tripled in the same way everywhere, it has a "mosaic" structure and consists of separate natural complexes (landscapes). Natural complex - it is a part of the earth's surface with relatively homogeneous natural conditions: climate, topography, soils, waters, flora and fauna.
Each natural complex consists of components between which there are close, historically established relationships, while a change in one of the components sooner or later leads to a change in others.
The largest, planetary natural complex is the geographic shell; it is subdivided into natural complexes of a smaller rank. The division of the geographic shell into natural complexes is due to two reasons: on the one hand, differences in the structure of the earth's crust and the heterogeneity of the earth's surface, and on the other hand, the unequal amount of solar heat received by its various parts. In accordance with this, zonal and azonal natural complexes are distinguished.
The largest azonal natural complexes are continents and oceans. Smaller - mountainous and flat areas within the continents (West Siberian Plain, Caucasus, Andes, Amazonian lowland). The latter are subdivided into even smaller natural complexes (Northern, Central, Southern Andes). Natural complexes of the lowest rank include individual hills, river valleys, their slopes, etc.
The largest of the zonal natural complexes - geographic zones. They coincide with climatic zones and have the same names (equatorial, tropical, etc.). In turn, geographical zones consist of natural zones, which are distinguished by the ratio of heat and moisture.
natural area called a large land area with similar natural components - soils, vegetation, wildlife, which are formed depending on the combination of heat and moisture.
The main component of the natural zone is the climate, because all other components depend on it. Vegetation has a great influence on the formation of soils and wildlife and is itself dependent on soils. Natural zones are named according to the nature of the vegetation, since it most obviously reflects other features of nature.
The climate naturally changes as you move from the equator to the poles. Soil, vegetation and wildlife are determined by climate. This means that these components should change latitudinally, following climate change. The regular change of natural zones when moving from the equator to the poles is called latitudinal zoning. Moist equatorial forests are located near the equator, and icy Arctic deserts are located near the poles. Between them are other types of forests, savannas, deserts, tundra. Forest zones, as a rule, are located in areas where the ratio of heat and moisture is balanced (equatorial and most of the temperate zone, the eastern coasts of the continents in the tropical and subtropical zone). Treeless zones are formed where there is a lack of heat (tundra) or moisture (steppes, deserts). These are the continental regions of the tropical and temperate zones, as well as the subarctic climatic zone.
The climate changes not only latitudinally, but also due to changes in altitude. As you climb up the mountains, the temperature drops. Up to a height of 2000-3000 m, the amount of precipitation increases. A change in the ratio of heat and moisture causes a change in the soil and vegetation cover. Thus, unequal natural zones are located in the mountains at different heights. This pattern is called altitudinal zonation.
The change of altitudinal belts in the mountains occurs approximately in the same sequence as on the plains, when moving from the equator to the poles. At the foot of the mountains there is a natural zone in which they are located. The number of altitudinal belts is determined by the height of the mountains and their geographical position. The higher the mountains, and the closer they are to the equator, the more diverse the set of altitudinal zones. The most complete vertical zonality is expressed in the Northern Andes. Moist equatorial forests grow in the foothills, then there is a belt of mountain forests, and even higher - thickets of bamboos and tree-like ferns. With an increase in altitude and a decrease in average annual temperatures, coniferous forests appear, which are replaced by mountain meadows, often turning, in turn, into stony placers covered with moss and lichens. The tops of the mountains are crowned with snow and glaciers.
Do you have any questions? Want to know more about natural areas?
To get the help of a tutor - register.
The first lesson is free!
site, with full or partial copying of the material, a link to the source is required.
The structure of the altitudinal zonality of the Caucasus is the most complete in comparison with other mountains of the Russian Federation. According to UNESCO World Heritage experts, the region is distinguished by a remarkable diversity of geology, ecosystems and species, contains vast tracts of undisturbed mountain forests, unique on a European scale. Let's look at the example of this majestic mountain system, on which the set of altitudinal belts depends. Let us find out how the population uses the resources of each of the vertical zones.
Altitude belts in the mountains
Vertical zonality - or altitudinal zonality - is a geographical pattern that manifests itself in the change of plant communities from the foothills to the peaks. It differs from the latitudinal alternation of natural zones on the plains, which is caused by a decrease in the amount of solar radiation from the equator to the poles. A complete set of altitudinal zones is presented in which are located in the equatorial and tropical zones. We list all possible vertical (from the bottom to the top):
- (up to a height of 1200 m).
- Alpine forests (up to 3000 m).
- Low-growing, twisted trees, shrubs (up to 3800 m).
- Alpine meadows (up to 4500 m).
- Rocky wastelands, bare rocks.
- Snow, mountain glaciers.
What determines the set of altitudinal belts?
The existence of altitudinal belts is explained by a decrease in temperature, pressure and humidity with increasing altitude. The air is cooled by an average of 6 °C when ascending 1 km. For every 12 m of altitude, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressure by 1 mmHg.
In the mountains, which are located at different distances from the equator, the vertical zonality is significantly different. At the same time, different natural complexes arise.
We list what the set of altitudinal belts depends on, what conditions affect their formation:
- The geographical position of the mountains. The closer to the equator, the more vertical zones.
- The low mountains are usually occupied by the natural community that dominates the adjacent plain.
- Mountain height. The higher they are, the richer the set of belts. The farther from warm latitudes and the lower the mountains, the fewer zones (there are only 1-2 in the Northern Urals).
- The proximity of the seas and oceans, over which warm and humid air is formed.
- Influence of dry cold or warm air masses coming from the continent.
Vertical change of natural zones in the mountains of the Western Caucasus
There are altitudinal belts of the Caucasus related to two types of vertical zonality: continental and coastal (coastal). The second one is represented in the mountains of the Western Caucasus, which are influenced by the Atlantic, humid sea air.
We list the main altitudinal belts from the foothills to the peaks:
1. Meadow steppes, interrupted by curtains of oak, hornbeam, ash (up to 100 m).
2. Forest belt.
3. Subalpine crooked forests and tall grass meadows (at an altitude of 2000 m).
4. Low herbs rich in bluebells, cereals and umbrella plants.
5. Nival zone (at an altitude of 2800-3200 m).
The Latin word nivalis means "cold". In this belt, in addition to bare rocks, snow and glaciers, there are alpine plants: buttercups, primroses, plantain and others.
Altitudinal zonality of the Eastern Caucasus
In the east, somewhat different altitudinal belts of the Caucasus are observed, which are often called the continental, or Dagestan type of vertical zonality. Semi-deserts are widespread in the foothills, which are replaced by dry steppes with a predominance of cereals and wormwood. Above are thickets of xerophytic shrubs, rare forest vegetation. The next alpine is represented by mountain steppe, cereal meadows. On the slopes, which receive part of the Atlantic humid air, there are forests of broad-leaved species (oak, hornbeam and beech). In the Eastern Caucasus, the forest belt is replaced by subalpine and alpine meadows with a predominance of xerophytic plants at an altitude of about 2800 m (in the Alps, the boundary of this belt is at an altitude of 2200 m). The nival zone extends at an altitude of 3600-4000 m.
Comparison of altitudinal zonality of the Eastern and Western Caucasus
The number of altitudinal belts in the Eastern Caucasus is less than in the Western one, which is due to the influence of air masses, relief and other factors on the formation of natural zones in the mountains. For example, warm and humid Atlantic air almost does not penetrate to the east, it is delayed by the main ridge. At the same time, cold temperate air does not penetrate into the western part of the Caucasus.
The main differences in the structure of the altitudinal belts of the Eastern Caucasus from the Western:
- the presence of semi-deserts in the foothills;
- the lower belt of dry steppes;
- narrow forest zone;
- thickets of xerophytic shrubs near the lower border of the forest belt;
- no belt of coniferous forests
- steppes in the middle and high parts of the mountains;
- expansion of the mountain-meadow belt;
- higher location of snows and glaciers.
- forest vegetation only in valleys;
- there are almost no dark coniferous tree species.
Economic activity of the population
The composition of the natural zones of the Caucasus is due to a change in climatic indicators within the mountain system from the foot to the peaks, as well as from west to east. Having found out what the set of altitudinal belts depends on, it should be noted that the region has a high population density, especially on the Black Sea coast. The fertile steppe plains of Ciscaucasia are almost completely plowed up and occupied by crops of grain, industrial and melon crops, orchards, vineyards. Subtropical agriculture is developed, including the cultivation of tea, citrus fruits, peaches and walnuts. Mountain rivers have a large supply of hydropower and are used to irrigate low-water areas. Steppes, semi-deserts and meadows serve as pastures. Timber harvesting is carried out in the mountain-forest belt.
All altitudinal belts in the Caucasus Mountains have ample opportunities for tourism. The system of medium and high mountain ranges covered with forests, glaciers and snow attracts fans of skiing and snowboarding. The routes involve overcoming rocks, snow-covered slopes, mountain rivers. The clean air of mixed forests, picturesque landscapes, the sea coast are the main recreational resources of the Caucasus.
181. The cycle of matter is characteristic of:
A) hydrospheres.
C) hydrospheres and lithospheres,
C) all geospheres.
D) the upper layer of the atmosphere.
E) the inner layer of the earth.
182. Which sea has more water: the Black Sea or the Baltic Sea?
A) in black.
B) in the Baltic.
C) the same.
D) It's hard to say.
E) In the spring - in the Black, in the fall - in the Baltic.
183. Temperature of rocks with depth:
A) is increasing.
B) is decreasing.
C) does not change.
D) Changes in a certain depth.
E) It depends on the season.
184. White buoys on the river show:
A) left side.
B) right side.
D) the turn of the river.
E) the depth of the river.
185. More than 80% of all swamps in Russia are located:
A) in the tundra.
B) in the forest tundra
C) in the taiga.
D) in the steppe.
E) in the mountains.
186. Do the average levels of the oceans and seas coincide?
A) match.
B) do not match.
C) The level is low.
D) The level is high.
E) All answers are correct.
187. The largest natural complex:
A) continents.
B) oceans.
C) geographical area.
E) Taiga and zone of mixed forests.
E) A ravine, a lake, a sea bay.
188. Small natural complex is -
C) continents and oceans.
C) sea bay.
E) ravine.
189. A large natural complex with a common temperature and moisture conditions, soils, flora and fauna is called:
A) geographic envelope.
B) natural area.
C) climate zone.
D) continents.
190. The anthropogenic natural complex is
A) lakes and swamps.
C) river valleys.
C) Ponds and parks.
E) deserts.
191. The names of the natural areas of the land were received by:
A) the nature of vegetation.
B) geographic location.
C) Separation of land from the ocean.
D) The nature of the relief.
E) The spread of swamps.
192. The alternation of natural zones on the plains is called:
A) Altitudinal zoning.
C) latitudinal zoning.
C) landscape.
D) geographic envelope.
E) Anthropogenic complex.
193. The alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called:
A) altitudinal zonality.
C) latitudinal zoning.
C) natural complex.
D) climate zone.
E) plant community.
194. Which cape is to the south?
A) the southern cape of Africa - Agulhas.
B) South Cape of Australia - South East.
C) the southern cape of Eurasia - Piai.
E) The southern cape of South America - Froward.
E) The southern cape of Hindustan - Kumari.
195. What natural area is described here? The temperature is uniform, at night it is above + 10 °, precipitation falls regularly, and fever is common.
A) tundra.
C) mixed forest.
C) equatorial forest.
E) altitudinal zonality.
196. Which area has fertile soil?
A) Steppe.
B) tundra.
D) tropical forest.
E) semi-desert.
197. The main causes of soil pollution.
A) industrial waste.
B) urban garbage dumps .
C) Fertilizers and pesticides, radioactive substances.
D) Construction.
E) Gardens, orchards.
198. What causes affect human health?
A) Purity of air, water, soil.
C) The intensity of traffic flows.
C) Development of hazardous industries.
E) Presence of forests and parks
E) All answers are correct.
199. Is the world ocean a natural complex?
C) Only its individual parts.
D) Only inland seas.
E) Only the islands.
200. Which of the spheres of the Earth includes parts of all other shells?
A) the hydrosphere.
B) atmosphere
C) the biosphere.
D) Lithosphere.
E) Troposphere.
201. Which area has the most fertile soils?
A) In the equatorial forests
C) in the steppes.
C) in the desert.
D) in the tundra.
E) In the forest tundra.
202. "Complex" in Latin means "plexus". What is the meaning of the phrase "natural complex of the area"?
A) The relationship of soil with flora and fauna
C) The relationship of all natural components of the area.
C) The relationship of climatic features of the area with its relief,
E) The connection of all natural components of the area with human activities.
E) The relationship between rocks with relief.
203. In what natural area is the height of the forest less than 50 cm?
A) in the Arctic deserts.
C) in the rainforest.
C) in the tundra.
D) In the forest tundra.
E) in the savannah.
204. Where do trees grow that do not have annual rings?
A) Forest zones of the temperate zone.
B) in the taiga.
C) in the tundra.
D) In the equatorial forest.
E) In the forest tundra.
205. Why is a flower that grows on the top of a volcano up to 3,000 meters high called the "flower of death" by the people of Java?
A) The appearance of this flower at such a height is a sure sign of an imminent volcanic eruption.
C) The flower contains poisonous substances.
C) Venomous snakes like to hide in thickets of these flowers.
D) negatively affects the human body.
E) All answers are correct.
206. What is the name of this pattern, when natural zones are distributed depending on the amount of solar heat and moisture?
A) latitudinal zonation.
B) altitudinal zonality.
C) Polar zonality.
D) Azonality.
E) Oceanic zonality.
207. What is the most complete version of the components of natural complexes?
A) Rocks, temperature, moisture.
C) soil, forest, forests .
C) Rocks, moisture, soil, biocomponents.
D) swamps, mountains, rivers.
E) Only flora and fauna.
208. Which of the scientists established the law on geographical zoning:
A) L.S. Berg.
B) G.D. Richter.
C) N.N. Przhevalsky
D) V.V. Dokuchaev.
E) B.B. Polynov.
209. The largest natural area in terms of area:
B) tundra.
C) desert.
210. How is the Arctic desert different from other natural areas?
A) The amount of ice and snow in all seasons of the year.
B) geological structure,
C) severe climatic conditions.
D) Frequently blowing strong winds.
How do air temperature and atmospheric pressure change with altitude?
As the altitude decreases, the air temperature decreases and the atmospheric pressure decreases.
How does the sequence of zones change in the mountains?
The sequence of natural zones in the mountains is the same as in the plains. The first (lower) altitudinal belt of mountains always corresponds to the natural zone in which the mountain is located. So, if the mountain is located in the taiga zone, then when climbing to its top you will find the following altitudinal belts: taiga, mountain tundra, eternal snow. If you have to climb into the Andes near the equator, then you will start your journey from the belt (zone) of equatorial forests. The pattern is as follows: the higher the mountains and the closer they are to the equator, the more altitudinal zones and the more diverse they are. In contrast to zonality on the plains, the alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality.
Where do mountainous desert and forest landscapes predominate?
The mountain-desert landscape is typical for the Taimyr Peninsula and the Arctic islands.
Mountain-forest landscapes are typical for Transbaikalia, Southern Siberia, Altai, Sikhote-Alin.
Where are the altitudinal belts most fully represented in Russia?
In the mountains located near the sea coasts, mountain-forest landscapes predominate. For mountains in the central regions of the mainland, treeless landscapes are typical. The most complete mountain belts are represented in the North Caucasus.
questions and tasks
1. What is altitudinal zonality?
Altitudinal zonality is a natural change in natural conditions, natural zones, landscapes in the mountains.
2. Do you think altitudinal zonality is a deviation from the norm or confirmation of the law of latitudinal zonality?
The altitudinal zonality rather confirms the laws of latitudinal zonality, since in the mountains the change of natural zones is also the result of changes in climatic conditions.
3. Why does the change in natural conditions in the mountains occur vertically and manifest itself more sharply than on the plains?
The change of natural zones in the mountains occurs more abruptly, since pressure, temperature, and humidity change more sharply with height.
4. What altitudinal zones prevail in the mountains of Russia? With what areas of the world can they be compared?
In the northern regions, high-altitude zones of coniferous forests and tundra, mountain deserts predominate. They are similar to the mountains of Alaska and the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
In the southern and central regions of the country, mountain-steppe and mountain-desert landscapes are expressed, which are also characteristic of other mountains of Central Asia.
5. What determines the set of altitudinal belts?
The set of altitudinal belts depends on the latitude of the area in which the mountains are located, and the height of the mountains.
6. If mountains above the Caucasus were located in the north of the Russian Plain, would they be richer in terms of the number of altitudinal belts?
The mountains in the north of the Russian Plain would not have been richer in terms of the number of altitudinal belts of the Caucasus. The Caucasus is to the south. And the further south the mountains, the greater the number of high-altitude zones.
7. How do mountains affect human life and health?
Life in the mountains affects human health. In mountainous conditions, with less oxygen, many body systems change. The work of the chest and lungs intensifies, the person begins to breathe more often, respectively, the ventilation of the lungs and the delivery of oxygen to the blood improve. There is an increase in heart rate, which increases blood circulation, and oxygen reaches the tissues faster. This is facilitated by the release of new red blood cells into the blood, and, consequently, the hemoglobin contained in them. This explains the beneficial effect of mountain air on a person's vitality. Coming to the mountain resorts, many notice that their mood improves, their vitality is activated. Especially if a vacation in the mountains is combined with a vacation at sea. However, it should be noted that the inhabitant of the plains will be ill with a rapid rise already at an altitude of 3000 m. He will be tormented by mountain sickness.
Life in the mountains has its downsides. First, the inhabitants of the mountains will receive more ultraviolet radiation, which negatively affects health. In the mountains there are difficulties in doing business, building housing and roads. Often, transport communication may be absent for one reason or another. In the mountains, the probability of occurrence of natural phenomena is higher.