Climatic zones of plant frost resistance. Climatic zones and belts of Russia
References to maps of climatic zones (more precisely, winter hardiness zones, or plant frost resistance zones) are often found in international horticultural reference books. Winter hardiness zones, or frost resistance zones, are a handy tool for a gardener that will help you navigate when choosing plants and, if necessary, find a suitable way to winter shelter
Climatic zones - zones of winter hardiness or frost resistance of plants
Definition 13 climatic zones (zones of winter hardiness / frost resistance of plants) was developed by the US Department of Agriculture ( USDA) based minimum winter temperatures by region. Initially climate zone system used for the needs Agriculture, and later it began to be actively used by gardeners. This system is primarily suitable for such big countries, like Russia, the USA and Canada, whose territories lie in several climatic zones.
Minimum winter temperatures, on the basis of which are determined climatic zones (frost resistance zones) depend both on the geographic latitude of the region and on its proximity to the ocean, as well as on the presence of mountains, lowlands, water bodies and other features of the relief. So, for example, the south of England and Kyiv are approximately on the same geographical latitude. At the same time, the south of England belongs to hardiness zone 9 due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the warm current of the Gulf Stream, and Kyiv is located on the territory of the continent, far from the ocean and belongs to climate zone 5.
When deciding on the purchase of a particular plant, it should be borne in mind that a suitable winter hardiness / frost hardiness zone does not guarantee that the plant will grow well in your garden. Gardeners should take into account factors such as soil type, rainfall, difference between day and night temperatures, duration daylight hours, heat and humidity. Many regions with completely different types climate fall into the same climatic zone (frost resistance zone / winter hardiness zone) due to the coincidence of the maximum low temperatures. However, not all plants will grow and develop equally well in any of these regions.
Table 13 climate zones (plant hardiness zones) USDA
| USDA climate zone | Lowest temperatures (°C) |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | -45 and below |
| Zone 2 | -45 to -40 |
| Zone 3 | -40 to -34 |
| Zone 4 | from -34 to -29 |
| Zone 5 | from -29 to -23 |
| Zone 6 | from -23 to -18 |
| Zone 7 | from -18 to -12 |
| Zone 8 | -12 to -7 |
| Zone 9 | -7 to -1 |
| Zone 10 | -1 to +4 |
| Zone 11 | +4 to +10 |
| Zone 12 | +10 to +16 |
| Zone 13 | from +16 to +21 |
Climatic zones of Russia and the former USSR, map (USDA frost resistance zones)
Unfortunately, detailed zones of frost resistance / winter hardiness of plants have not been developed either in the USSR or in Russia. Based on the USDA map of world climate zones and the map of European climate zones (see below), it is possible to determine the climatic zones (zones of winter hardiness / cold hardiness of plants) of Russia and the former USSR. Here is a map I collected using graphic materials from the Internet:
The territory of Russia is huge, and therefore the climatic conditions in its various regions are quite different. Each belt has some common features: temperature regime and precipitation regime depending on the time of year. But at the same time, depending on various factors (for example, the proximity of the ocean), they can vary slightly within the same climatic zone. These differences are especially characteristic for, which is divided into four climatic zones. This is the result of the large extent of the territory of Russia from west to east.
Arctic climate of Russia
In this climatic region zones and are located. Here earth's surface warms up rather weakly, which is the reason for such harsh conditions and, as a result, vegetable and animal world this area is quite scarce. In addition to the fact that throughout the year it dominates cold air, severity climatic conditions also enhance the long polar nights. in winter time can drop to -60°C. Winter in this climate zone is extremely long (it lasts about 10 months). The number of seasons here is reduced to two: spring and autumn are absent. Summers are also quite cold (temperatures usually do not rise above 5°C).
Arkhangelsk region, summer
Climate of the temperate zone of Russia
It is the largest in terms of area in Russia. That is why it is customary to divide it into four zones: temperate continental, continental climate, sharply continental, monsoonal climate. Characteristic for the entire temperate climate zone is the presence of clearly defined four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. And temperature conditions summers and winters are quite different from each other.
Moderate continental climate of Russia
The main features of this species temperate climate is a hot summer (in its middle the temperature rises to 30 ° C) and a frosty winter (the temperature drops to -30 ° C). Rainfall varies depending on proximity to the Atlantic. The climate is formed under the influence of the transfer of air masses. Humidification in the temperate continental climate zone varies from excessive in the north, northwest, to insufficient in the south, southeast. This is the reason for the change in natural zones (from to). The Atlantic, moving inland, acquire more and more continental properties.
Voronezh region, (photo by Anastasia Chernikova)
Continental climate of Russia
It is formed under the influence of air masses of temperate latitudes coming from the west. At the same time, colder arctic air masses, and to the north continental tropical air. As a result, 3 times more precipitation falls in the north than in the south. Here the difference between the temperatures of summer and winter increases even more. average temperature in July it reaches 26°С, and in January -25°С. The natural zones of the continental climate also change in the direction from north to south from the taiga to the steppe.
Sharply continental climate of Russia
Magadan region, environs of the village. Atargan
This climatic zone is dominated by continental air of temperate latitudes. A characteristic feature of the sharply continental climate is low cloudiness and a small amount of rain, which fall mainly in warm time of the year. In addition, due to the small earth's surface, it quickly warms up in summer and cools down in winter. The result is hot summers and cold winters. Low rainfall in winter period promotes strong freezing and preservation. Within this climate zone there is only one natural area- taiga. This is explained by the fact that within the sharply continental climate there are practically no temperature differences between north and south.
Monsoon climate in Russia
(photo by Vadim Rumyantsev)
When the continent cools in winter, it increases, and cold and dry air masses move towards the ocean, where the air is warmer (water cools more slowly). In summer, the mainland warms up better than the ocean, and cold air from the ocean tends to the continent. In this case, strong winds arise, called monsoons, hence the name of the climate. Sometimes they even form here. Precipitation in this regard also falls for the most part in summer and in fairly in large numbers. If they begin during the melting of snow, then they usually occur in these places. Humidification throughout this climatic zone is excessive. Since this territory receives rather cold air from the north in summer, it is quite cool here (the average temperature in July is 15-20°C). In winter, the temperature sometimes drops to 40°C (average about 25°C).
subtropical climate has a very limited distribution in our country. It is represented on a narrow strip of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Caucasian mountains cover the coast of the warm Black Sea from cold air masses from the East European Plain. This is the only territory in Russia where the average temperatures of the coldest month are positive.
Summer though not too hot for sub tropical climate but long enough. In any of the seasons, moist sea air comes here, which, rising along the slopes of the mountains and cooling, gives precipitation. The annual amount of precipitation in the region of Tuapse and Sochi exceeds 1000 mm with a relatively even distribution throughout the year.
Sochi. Subtropical climate of Russia.
On the Black Sea coast The following types of climates are distinguished in the Caucasus: in the section from Novorossiysk to Tuapse - subtropical Mediterranean type, from Tuapse to Adler and further beyond Russia - subtropical humid. The reason for the formation of these two various types climate is the relief, more precisely - the height of the mountains. Before Tuapse, their height does not rise above 1000 m, and they are not a serious barrier to moisture-carrying air mass flows from the southwest, after Tuapse the height of the mountains reaches 3000 meters or more, on their western windward slopes a large annual amount of precipitation falls all year round.
Other climatic zones( , ) are absent on the territory of Russia.
And in this article I want to tell you about what are the climatic zones of the Earth and how they differ.
Climate zones Earth. From the work of the Russian meteorologist Vladimir Koeppen (1846 - 1940) most climate classifications follow. He divided the whole world into main climate zones: A, B, C, D, E, H.
A - humid tropical climate, B - dry climate, D - cold temperate, E - polar, H - high mountains.
Taking into account the intensity of precipitation and seasonal temperature fluctuations, climates A, B, C, D, E were divided by Koeppen into subgroups. He took into account the distribution and natural vegetation when he distributed the boundaries of climatic zones.
Often, these signs are more accurate indicators than the statistics of climatic conditions.
According to Köppen, zone A includes areas with a humid tropical climate and a dry period, as well as tropical areas with year-round rainfall.
Areas with a humid tropical climate.
In zones with such a climate, it rains every month and wild flowers grow. rainforests. They occupy the largest areas in the basins of the rivers Zaire (southern Africa), Amazon ( South America), and also cover a significant part of Southeast Asia.
These areas are characterized high humidity and the scorching sun, plentiful precipitation (average 1800 - 2500 mm per year) and high temperature all year round (about 25 - 27 ° C).
The sun is almost at its zenith at noon, and the length of daylight hours varies slightly throughout the year. For the growth of tropical forests, such conditions are ideal.
Most rains in monsoon climate zones fall during a certain period. In some tropical regions, such a climate is found, including the northern part of Australia, as well as the southeast and south.
Throughout the year, these areas are subject to sharp climate change. In India, which is known for its monsoon climate, in winter, winds blow from the depths of the Asian continent, and the weather is dry.
In spring, the weather is dry, the earth warms up, there is a lot of dust. Hot air, rising, forms a cyclone (a vast area low pressure), which draws moist winds from the southwest. These winds bring downpours necessary for local forests.
Grassy plains with sparse trees - savannahs, which are also characterized by dry winters, border on tropical forests. In the South and tropical Africa they take up a lot of space.
As you move away from the center to the north or south, the climate in African savannas becomes drier. Shrubs and dry thorny growths are replaced by thickets of grass, as in the Sahel in North Africa.
Severe droughts and the destruction of vegetation have turned most of the Sahel into a desert and semi-desert.
Hot tropical desert, including the Sahara, Kalahari and Namib in Africa, are classified as dry climate zones. Annually less than 25 mm of precipitation falls in the deserts.
Suddenly years of drought can give way to downpours that flood. The air temperature is high with a large difference during the day.
In Mediterranean areas average monthly temperature rarely exceeds 27 ° C, although more high temperatures were also registered. Winter is colder here.
The temperature during the coldest months of winter drops to -10°C. The amount of precipitation per year is small - from 350 to 900 mm. It rains most of the time in winter. Olive and similar trees, which are able to endure summer drought and shrubs, are mainly represented by flora.
Both in the Mediterranean climate zones and in the humid subtropics, the temperature is the same, but mainly due to the influence of unstable tropical masses, more precipitation falls in the year.
The heat is on summer days and the humidity is high. As a rule, winters with rare frosty days are mild. The exception is the eastern part of China, where a sharp decline temperatures cause cold winds blowing from the depths of the continent.
At mid-latitudes, on the western coasts of the continents, there are zones of a cold temperate climate. These include New Zealand, southern Chile, West Coast Canada, Western Europe including the British Isles.
Polar climate zones.
The desert tundra lies north of the strip coniferous forests northern hemisphere, where in winter the average temperature is about -5 ° C, and up to + 5 ° C - rises in a short summer period. The total amount does not exceed 350 mm per year, mainly precipitation in the form of snow.
For the entire period short summer The tundra turns into a swampy area that teems with insects, which in turn attract many migratory birds. Migratory animals such as caribou feed on summer vegetation.
The ice sheets around the poles and the polar ice caps are the coldest places on earth. There, the average monthly temperature in winter is less than -50°C, and in summer it usually does not rise above +5°C.
Much moisture cannot be contained in the cold air, and therefore, there is little precipitation. But the frantic wind, during a storm, drives loose snow over the ice at a speed of more than 160 km / h.
High mountains, depending on the height above sea level, represent different climatic zones. At the equator, climbing a mountain is like traveling from the equator to the poles: you have to come through a series of climatic zones - at the foot of the mountain from the zone of a humid tropical climate to the tundra zone at the top.
Now you can safely understand the climate on different continents, apply knowledge with benefit 🙂
The map of plant frost resistance zones was developed on the basis of a study by W. Heinze and D. Shreibera. In practice, the zone number placed on each plant indicates the degree of winter hardiness, the larger the number, the less frost resistance, and thus the greater the sensitivity to frost. For example, in the 7th zone, plants from the 6th zone overwinter better than plants from the 8th. For example, on the northern coast of the Black Sea, zone 6 is mainly located. This means that in this zone all plants from zones 1 to 6 can survive in winter, and for plants of zones 7 and 8 it will be too cold here. Moscow region is located in the 4th zone. This means that plants from zones 1 to 4 will be able to survive the winter here.
The information included in the description of plants determines the zone in which this plant will grow in optimal conditions. Snow may provide additional cover, but despite this, this factor was not taken into account when determining winter hardiness.
Local deviations may occur in each zone, so it is worth considering that all zones are approximate and are given for general guidance. Thus, in urban conditions, the climate will be half the zone south, compared to countryside; proximity to large bodies of water, slopes, ridges can also have a beneficial effect on the climate, while location in valleys, lowlands and areas open to cold winds has the opposite effect.
Frost susceptibility and consequent damage to buds, foliage, and bark due to low temperatures and expansion of plant fluids depends on many factors, including topography. In addition, it is worth considering soil conditions, the availability of water and nutrients, weather during summer and autumn and, accordingly, the growth of shoots, temperature changes during winter, spring and early summer.
With a good knowledge of the microclimate, one can choose such a protected place, for example, in a forest, on the southern slopes or in cities, where one can plant a plant that is not frost-resistant in this zone.
The distribution of plants into zones that are optimal for their growth will certainly help you in planning and choosing planting material. But besides this, it must be taken into account that more favorable microclimatic conditions for plants can be created by providing protection from the wind and improving soil conditions.
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It must be remembered that plants are more frost-resistant at the beginning of winter (December, early January), with the approach of spring, their frost resistance decreases, and the process of "unhardening" occurs. At the same time, even very frost-resistant plants, hardened well, at the beginning of the vegetative season and leaf blooming, can be damaged even with slight frosts. Frost losses of plants most often occur in February, March, during the sunniest months, when, after a frosty night, the plants heat up and cannot withstand a sharp temperature drop. This is especially dangerous for evergreens. Covering these plants with shade cloth or spruce branches coniferous plants can provide the necessary protection.
Young plants are always more sensitive, because the more "older" ones are already quite deeply rooted. Plants that are more sensitive to frost may need special protection and shelter for the first 2-4 years after planting. You can also cover with straw, forming "stacks".
Between different parts plants also have a significant difference in frost resistance. For example, plant roots are several times more sensitive to frost than lignified shoots. In areas where there may be very coldy without a thick layer of snow, you need to create an insulating layer by mulching the soil around the plants, such as bark. It is also necessary to sprinkle the base of the plants to a height of 10-15 cm, which will ensure the preservation of buds from which plants can grow, even when its entire above-ground part freezes. Mulching is also necessary in summer, because it will retain moisture in the soil and reduce the growth of weeds.
| USDA zone | minimum temperature |
| 2a | down to -45.5 °C (-50 °F) |
| 2b | down to -42.7 °C (-45 °F) |
| 3a | down to -39.9 °C (-40 °F) |
| 3b | down to -37.2 °C (-35 °F) |
| 4a | down to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) |
| 4b | down to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) |
| 5a | down to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) |
| 5b | down to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) |
| 6a | down to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) |
| 6b | down to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) |
| 7a | down to -17.7 °C (0 °F) |
| 7b | down to -14.9 °C (5 °F) |
| 8a | down to -12.2 °C (10 °F) |
| 8b | down to -9.4 °C (15 °F) |
| 9a | down to -6.6 °C (20 °F) |
| 9b | down to -3.8 °C (25 °F) |
Russia has spread its expanses over vast territories. It occupies Eurasia, its shores are washed by the seas of the three world oceans. The climatic zones of Russia include almost all zones of the continental climate. Depending on the territory, the climate, flora and fauna change.
Climate zone - what is it
A wide part of the Earth's surface, on the territory of which uniform climatic conditions are created throughout its entire length, is a climatic zone. The division of the Earth into zones occurs along the meridians. Zoning into natural and climatic regions occurs depending on the level of heating of the surface by the sun.
Number and geography of zones in Russia
The special differentiation of Russia's climate has no analogues in any country in the world. The main part of the climatic zones of Russia is occupied by middle and high latitudes. Hence - severe weather conditions, a clear change from one season to another, frosty and long winters.
The country's climate is greatly influenced by Atlantic Ocean. Due to the absence of high mountain ranges in the west, air masses can move freely up to the Verkhoyansk Range itself. In winter, the streams soften the frost, and make the summer cool and with precipitation.
Russia is divided into the following climatic zones:
Climatic zones of Russia
- tropical;
- subtropical;
- moderate;
- polar.
The first zone is southern part country; the second includes western regions, northwestern and Primorye; located in the third zone Far East and Siberia; the fourth - the northern parts of Siberia, Yakutia, the north of the Far East and the Urals.
These zones are the main ones. Is there some more special zone, which includes regions beyond the Arctic Circle, including Chukotka.
Description of the climatic conditions of the country
When we are talking about the climatic zones of Russia, it is necessary to take into account the climatic zones in which this or that part of the country is located. The largest area is within the Arctic and subarctic belts. The middle part of the country is located in moderate climatic conditions. The subtropical climate occupies a small area of southern Russia.
arctic belt
All northern territories and regions are under the influence of the Arctic climate. This zone occupies a place between 82 ° and 71 ° N. Lat. Here Siberia, Northern Arctic Ocean, its northern part with the coast, islands, archipelagos (excluding New Zealand, islands of Koluguev, Vaygacha). For this belt, the characteristic relief changes are arctic desert and tundra.
For this climatic zone, summers are common with a lack of heat, which lasts only a few weeks, and long frosty winters. The thickness of the ice cover does not melt all year round. There is very little rainfall in this area, only about three meters per year. Only on Novaya Zemlya, in some areas Chukchi highlands and the mountainous regions of Byrranga, precipitation is twice as high.
The air temperature depends on the distance to the sea - the closer it is, the more temperate the climate becomes. Over the past few decades, temperature indicators in the Arctic climatic zone have shown an upward trend.
Living conditions in such a climate are harsh, which affects the number and density of the population. Beyond the 78th parallel there are no permanent settlements. Scientific expeditions operate here, camps and research stations are located. The zone has big cities- Norilsk, Murmansk and Vorkuta.
There are several ethnic groups in the Arctic. The Pomors are the most numerous, followed by the Dolgans, Yakuts and Evenks. natural processes This climate zone is constantly changing. Stations of scientists work for their control. Specialists monitor the aerological, hydrological, meteorological, actinometric and geophysical characteristics of the territory.
subarctic belt
The subarctic zone is characterized by severe weather conditions, which are explained by the proximity arctic belt. The region occupies an area between 60 ° and 70 ° N. W. Winters here are very cold and long, strong wind, the area is swampy, warming occurs in summer up to + 15 ° С.
This climatic zone of Russia differs from the previous one in slightly higher average annual temperatures, more frequent precipitation and a smaller area occupied by permafrost.
The subarctic belt is distinguished by a large number of swamps formed under the influence of heavy rainfall. The weak rays of the sun do not provide enough heat for the moisture to fully evaporate. In such conditions, it is impossible to carry out construction, hence the minimum population of the territory.
Air currents set climate indicators. In summer, air masses move from temperate latitudes, in winter, from the Arctic. In the part of the zone occupied by Siberia, there is a characteristic continental climate - in clear, calm weather, the temperature drops sharply.
This climatic zone includes the Far East, the northeastern part of Siberia, some islands in the south in the Barents Sea. There is a settlement here, which is the northernmost locality on Earth - the village of Oymyakon. Winter temperatures reach -70.5°C.
Temperate zone
The largest part of the country is located within the temperate continental climate zone. The seasons are clearly marked, the activity of the sun depends on the change of months. The temperature of summer and winter is exactly the opposite. This zone is divided into four conditional sections: 
- continental;
- temperate continental;
- sharply continental;
- monsoon.
Main characteristic- a clear, pronounced division into alternating seasons. Moderate air masses operate in the region, which carry high humidity and low air pressure. The average temperature in winter is 7-12°C frost, in summer the average is 15-20°C warm.
Continental. The climate of continental latitudes is widespread in the west of Siberia. The weather is formed by air currents from the continent - cold ones move from north to south, and masses from tropical temperatures deep into the forest belt in the north. As a result, 6 m of precipitation is noted in the northern regions, and 4 m in the southern regions.
Moderate continental. This type of climatic conditions is the most stable. He's taking over European part Russia. The climatic zone is distinguished by a significant remoteness from the ocean and seas, low clouds, and fast winds.
Sharply continental. This climatic area is located at a considerable distance from the ocean. Occupies Eastern Siberia. In summer, the air does not warm up sufficiently, and there is a lot of precipitation. The winter is long, with frequent frosts.
Monsoon. Monsoon climate captures the Far East. characteristic feature this section is the dependence of the weather on seasonal (monsoon) winds. In winter, the mainland cools, air pressure rises, and cool air begins to move towards the ocean.
Subtropical
The conditions of this climate are ideal for crop production, animal husbandry and living. The Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains have a softening effect on the climate, preventing cold air currents from the Arctic from penetrating. The relief is heterogeneous, which affects the air temperature in the flat and mountainous areas. It's soft here Cold winter and moderate, hot summers.
Road-climatic separation
A separate road-climatic zone is characterized by a certain principle of building roads for vehicular traffic. Here, the same type of weather conditions, the relative uniformity of the relief and similar parameters of soil freezing.
Video: Main climatic zones