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The boundaries of climatic zones. "Climate. climatic zones. temperate climatic zones

It is very diverse on Earth for the reason that the planet heats up unevenly, and atmospheric precipitation also falls unevenly. 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. Let's look at the main characteristics and features of climatic zones.

Types of climatic zones:

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 the spring and autumn equinoxes, 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 of the equatorial belt is brought by 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 parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which are located in Asia and over the shores of Lake Victoria, which is located in Africa.

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. Daily temperature differences are quite large, so this contributes to the high destruction of rocks.

Due to the large disintegration 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 at the east coast, then warm currents flow here, 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 a bit similar to, 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 arid area in the summer is 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 the 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 one that prevails in Kamchatka, Korea, in 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. Due to the high humidity of 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. 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 the ice and snow that radiate heat 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 really 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

Here, in summer, equatorial masses come, and in winter, tropical masses dominate. 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, good blowing and drainage. 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, as in. 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 cultivated plants grow here, 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.

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 climatic 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, 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, while in the southern parts there is very little. 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 the summer), (cold winters and rainy summers), as well as the transitional climate from the maritime climatic zone to the continental climatic zone.

and 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: the monsoon, which brings rain from the ocean to land and on the coast, the Mediterranean, which is characterized by a large amount of precipitation, and the continental, in which there is much less precipitation and it is more arid and warm.

and climatic zones

The air temperature averages +28 degrees, and its differences from daytime temperature to nighttime are insignificant. Sufficiently high humidity and weak winds are typical for 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 climatic 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 the 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;
  • . Dominates in and semi-deserts. There are large fluctuations in the temperature of the day and night, and precipitation is practically absent and is a rare occurrence once every few years;
  • . Very humid climate. It forms in places where there is not enough sunlight, so moisture does not have time to evaporate;
  • Nival. This climate is inherent in the area where precipitation occurs mainly in solid form, they settle in the form of glaciers and snow blockages, and do not have time to evaporate;
  • Urban. The air temperature in the city is always higher than in the district. Solar radiation is received in a reduced amount, and therefore the daylight hours are shorter than at natural objects nearby. Clouds are more concentrated over cities, and precipitation is more frequent, although in some settlements the level of humidity is lower.

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, this or that climatic zone undergoes changes, climatic indicators change, which leads to changes in ecosystems on the planet.

Main climatic zones - video

On the climate (and, therefore, climate zone) have an impact and form it, depending on geographical conditions, climate-forming factors. These include: the amount of solar radiation reaching a certain surface of the Earth; atmospheric circulation processes; biomass volumes. These climate-determining factors can vary considerably depending on the geographic latitude of the area. It is latitude that determines at what angle sunlight falls on the surface of the globe and, accordingly, how intensely the surface located at different distances from the equator will warm up.

The thermal regime of a certain area depends to a large extent on its proximity to the oceans, which act as heat accumulators. On the land surfaces bordering the oceans, there is more mild climate climate zone compared to the climate in the depths of the continents. Daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations near large volumes of water are more gradual than in continental climates closer to the center of the continents. There is more rainfall here and the sky is often covered with clouds. On the contrary, the continental climate is characterized by sharp temperature changes and less rainfall.

Ocean-related phenomena such as sea currents are also a major factor in determining the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm the atmospheric air, bring cyclones with a large amount of precipitation. How dramatically the current can affect nature can be seen on the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall into his zone of influence, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.

It has no less influence on the climate and relief (which also affects the formation of the climatic zone). Everyone knows the shots of climbers climbing the mountains, who, starting from green meadows at the foot of the mountain, stand on snow-capped peaks a few days later. This happens due to the fact that with every kilometer above sea level, the ambient temperature drops by 5-6 °C. In addition, mountain systems prevent the movement of both warm and cold air masses. Often the climate on one and the other side of the mountain range can differ significantly. A vivid example of this is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, located on opposite sides of the Caucasus Mountains.

In order to properly define the term climate zone» You need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.

Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain time in a particular area. And the climate is considered to be the average well-established weather regime. What's happened climate zone What are its varieties?

Climatic zone and its properties.

climate zone It is customary to call the latitudinal band, which differs from other bands by the circulation of the atmosphere, as well as by the intensity of heating of the Sun.

In total, there are 7 varieties on the planet climatic zones c, which in turn are divided into main and transitional belts. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.

Permanent and transitional climatic zones.

The permanent (main) is called climate zone, in which one air mass dominates throughout the year. The main types of belts include: temperate, tropical, equatorial and arctic.

Transitional zones are characterized by a change in air masses, that is, it is hot in summer and colder in winter. Allocate subarctic, subtropical and subequatorial belts.

Equatorial climate zone.

This subtype of the main climate zone located at the equator. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. During the year it is under the influence of the equatorial air mass.

The main features of the equatorial belt:

  • high humidity;
  • high precipitation (up to 7 thousand mm per year);
  • high temperature (from 20 ° C and above).

The natural area of ​​this climate zone moist forests are considered to be filled with various poisonous plants and animals.

In this belt is the Amazonian lowland, equatorial Africa, as well as the Greater Sunda Islands.

Subequatorial climatic zone.

This subtype of transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, 2 air masses change on its territory during the year.

In the subequatorial zone there is Northern Australia, the north of South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones.

The tropical zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. Weather in the tropics depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. For tropical climate zone characterized by sharp temperature changes - from hot to cold.

This is considered the main reason why the world of flora and fauna is very poor. North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands are in this subspecies of permanent belts.

The subtropical zone is located in the middle of the temperate and tropical zones. It is customary to distinguish between the northern and southern subtropical belts. In summer, tropical heat prevails here, which is characterized by dryness, and cold air mass reigns in winter.

The climate zone characteristic of the Great China Plain, North Africa, North America and southern Japan.

temperate climate zone.

A distinctive feature of the temperate zone is the ability of temperature to change seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature.

A significant part of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the north of the USA are located in temperate latitudes.

The air temperature here is constant (+24° -26°C), at sea temperature fluctuations can be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is up to 3000 mm, and in the mountains of the equatorial belt, precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. More water falls from the sky than evaporates, so there are many wetlands and dense, moist forests - jungles. Remember the adventure films about Indiana Jones - how hard it is for the main characters to make their way through the dense vegetation of the jungle and escape from crocodiles who love the muddy waters of small forest streams. All this is the equatorial belt. Its climate is greatly influenced by the trade winds, which bring abundant rainfall from the ocean.

Northern: Africa (Sahara), Asia (Arabia, south of the Iranian Highlands), North America (Mexico, Western Cuba).

Southern: South America (Peru, Bolivia, Northern Chile, Paraguay), Africa (Angola, Kalahari Desert), Australia (central part of the mainland).

In the tropics, the state of the atmosphere over the mainland (land) and the ocean is different, therefore, a continental tropical climate and an oceanic tropical climate are distinguished.

The oceanic climate is similar to the equatorial one, but differs from it by less cloudiness and steady winds. Summers over the oceans are warm (+20-27°С), and winters are cool (+10-15°С).

Above the land-tropics (mainland tropical climate), a high-pressure area prevails, so rain is a rare visitor here (from 100 to 250 mm). This type of climate is characterized by very hot summers (up to +40°С) and cool winters (+15°С). The air temperature during the day can change dramatically - up to 40 ° C! That is, a person can languish from the heat during the day and shiver from the cold at night. Such drops lead to the destruction of rocks, the creation of a mass of sand and dust, so dust storms are frequent here.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

This type of climate, as well as tropical, forms two belts in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, which are formed over the territories of temperate latitudes (from 40-45 ° North and South latitude to the Arctic Circles).

In the temperate zone, there are many cyclones that make the weather capricious and give out either snow or rain. In addition, westerly winds blow here, which bring precipitation all year round. Summer in this climatic zone is warm (up to +25°-28°С), winter is cold (from +4°С to -50°С). The annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm, and in the center of the continents only up to 100 mm.

In the temperate climate zone, unlike the equatorial and tropical, the seasons are pronounced (that is, you can make snowmen in winter and swim in the river in summer).

The temperate climate is also divided into two subtypes - maritime and continental.

Marine dominates the western parts of North America, South America and Eurasia. It is formed by westerly winds blowing from the ocean to the mainland, so it has rather cool summers (+15 -20°С) and warm winters (from +5°С). Precipitation brought by western winds falls all year round (from 500 to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm).

Continental prevails in the central regions of the continents. Cyclones penetrate here less often, therefore, there are warmer and drier summers (up to + 26 ° C) and colder winters (up to -24 ° C), and the snow lasts a very long time and melts reluctantly.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

polar belt

It dominates the territory above 65°-70° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, therefore it forms two belts: the Arctic and the Antarctic. The Polar Belt has a unique feature - the Sun does not appear here at all for several months (polar night) and does not go below the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice reflect more heat than they receive, so the air is very cold, and the snow does not melt almost all year. Since an area of ​​high pressure is formed here, there are almost no clouds, the winds are weak, the air is saturated with small ice needles. The average summer temperature does not exceed 0°С, and in winter it is from -20° to -40°С. Rain falls only in the summer in the form of tiny droplets - drizzle.

Between the main climatic zones are transitional, having the prefix "sub" in the name (translated from Latin "under"). Here, the air masses change seasonally, coming from neighboring belts under the influence of the Earth's rotation.

a) Subequatorial climate. In summer, all climatic zones shift to the north, so equatorial air masses begin to dominate here. They shape the weather: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), the average air temperature is +30°C. The sun reaches its zenith in spring and scorches mercilessly. In winter, all climatic zones shift to the south, and tropical air masses begin to dominate in the subequatorial zone, winter is cooler than summer (+14 ° C). There is little rainfall. Soils dry out after summer rains, so in the subequatorial zone, unlike the equatorial zone, there are few swamps. The territory of this climatic zone is favorable for human life, therefore it is here that many centers of the emergence of civilization are located.

The subequatorial climate forms two belts. The northern ones include: the Isthmus of Panama (Latin America), Venezuela, Guinea, the Sahel desert belt in Africa, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, all of Indochina, South China, part of Asia. The southern zone includes: the Amazonian lowland, Brazil (South America), the center and east of Africa and the northern coast of Australia.

b) Subtropical climate. Tropical air masses prevail here in summer, and air masses of temperate latitudes prevail in winter, which determines the weather: hot, dry summers (from + 30 ° C to + 50 ° C) and relatively cold winters with precipitation, and stable snow cover is not formed.

c) Subpolar climate. This climatic zone is located only on the northern outskirts of Eurasia and North America. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool here (from + 5 ° C to + 10 ° C). Despite the small amount of precipitation, evaporation is low, since the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is small and the earth warms up poorly. Therefore, in the subpolar climate in the north of Eurasia and North America, there are many lakes and swamps. In winter, cold arctic air masses come here, so the winters are long and cold, the temperature can drop to -50°C.

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

Climate classification

The climates of the Earth, having similarities, are combined into certain types, which replace each other in the direction from the equator to the poles. In each hemisphere, 7 climatic zones are distinguished, of which 4 are main and 3 are transitional. Such a division is based on the distribution of air masses around the globe with different properties and features of air movement in them.

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

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

Hot ones include and. These areas constantly receive a significant amount of heat due to the large angle of incidence of sunlight.

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

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

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

temperate climatic zones

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

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

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

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

Air from temperate latitudes enters the subtropical transitional zones in winter, and tropical air in summer. The mainland subtropical climate is characterized by hot (up to +30 °С) dry summers and cool (from 0 to +5 °С) and somewhat wetter winters. There is less precipitation in a year than it can evaporate, therefore deserts and prevail. There is a lot of precipitation on the coasts of the continents, and on the western coasts it is rainy in winter due to the western winds from the oceans, and on the eastern coasts in the summer due to the monsoons.

Cold climate zones

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

In the subarctic and subantarctic belts, the arctic (antarctic) air mass dominates in winter, and the air of temperate latitudes dominates in summer. Summers are cool, short and wet, winters are long, harsh and with little snow.

Climate- the long-term weather regime characteristic of the area. The climate, unlike the weather, is characterized by stability. It is characterized not only by meteorological elements, but also by the frequency of phenomena, the deadlines for their onset, and the values ​​of all characteristics.

It is possible to identify the main groups of climate-forming factors :

  1. geographical latitude of a place , since the angle of inclination of the sun's rays depends on it, which means the amount of heat;
  2. atmospheric circulation - prevailing winds bring certain air masses;
  3. ocean currents ;
  4. absolute altitude of the place (temperature decreases with altitude)
  5. distance from the ocean - on the coasts, as a rule, less sharp temperature changes (day and night, seasons of the year); more precipitation;
  6. relief(mountain ranges can trap air masses: if a moist air mass meets mountains on its way, it rises, cools, moisture condenses and precipitation falls);
  7. solar radiation (the main source of energy for all processes).

The climate, like all meteorological elements, is zonal. Allocate:

  • 7 major climatic zones - equatorial, two tropical, temperate, polar,
  • 6 transitional - by two subequatorial, subtropical, subpolar.

The classification of climatic zones is based on types of air masses and their movement . In the main belts, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year; in transitional belts, the types of air masses change depending on the season and the displacement of atmospheric pressure zones.

air masses

air masses- large volumes of air in the troposphere, which have more or less the same properties (temperature, humidity, dust content, etc.). The properties of air masses are determined by the territory or water area over which they form.

Characteristics zonal air masses: equatorial– warm and humid; tropical- warm, dry; moderate- less warm, more humid than tropical, seasonal differences are characteristic; arctic And Antarctic- cold and dry.

Within the main (zonal) types of VMs, there are subtypes - continental(forming over the mainland) and oceanic(forming over the ocean). An air mass is characterized by a general direction of movement, but within this volume of air there can be different winds. The properties of air masses change. Thus, temperate marine air masses, carried by western winds to the territory of Eurasia, gradually warm up (or cool down) when moving to the east, lose moisture and turn into temperate continental air.

Climatic zones

equatorial belt characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high air temperatures, a large amount of precipitation.

tropical belts characterize high atmospheric pressure, dry and warm air, low precipitation; winter is colder than summer, trade winds.

temperate zones characterized by moderate air temperatures, western transfers, uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year, pronounced seasons.

Arctic (Antarctic) belt characterized by low average annual temperature and humidity, constant snow cover.

IN subequatorial belt in summer equatorial air masses come, summer is hot and dry. In winter, tropical air masses come, so it is warm and dry.

IN subtropical zone tropical air in summer (hot and dry) and temperate in winter (cool and humid).

IN subarctic belt in summer temperate air dominates (warmth, a lot of precipitation), in winter - arctic air, making it harsh and dry.

climatic regions

Climatic zones change from the equator to the poles, as the angle of incidence of the sun's rays changes. This, in turn, determines the law of zoning, i.e., the change in the components of nature from the equator to the poles. Within the climatic zones there are climatic regions- a part of the climatic zone with a certain type of climate. Climatic regions arise as a result of the influence of various climate-forming factors (peculiarities of atmospheric circulation, the influence of ocean currents, etc.). For example, in temperate climate zone The northern hemisphere is divided into areas of continental, temperate continental, maritime and monsoon climates.

Nautical The climate has high humidity, a large amount of annual precipitation, and small temperature amplitudes. Continental- little precipitation, significant temperature range, pronounced seasons. monsoonal characterizes the influence of monsoons, wet summers, dry winters.

The role of climate.

The climate has a great influence on many important branches of economic activity and human life. It is especially important to take into account the climatic features of the territory when organizing agricultural production . Agricultural crops can produce high sustainable yields only if they are placed in accordance with the climatic conditions of the territory.

All types modern transport are highly dependent on climatic conditions. Storms, hurricanes and fogs, drifting ice make navigation difficult. Thunderstorms and fogs make it difficult, and sometimes even become an insurmountable obstacle for aviation. Therefore, the safety of the movement of sea and air ships is largely ensured by weather forecasts. For the uninterrupted movement of railway trains in winter, one has to deal with snow drifts. For this, forest belts have been planted along all the country's railways. The movement of vehicles is hindered by fog and ice on the roads.