How many climatic zones on earth. Climatic zones and types of climates of the Earth. Intermediate types of climates

Main questions. What is a climate zone? What features of the climate are characteristic of each of the climatic zones? What effect does climatic conditions have on population distribution?

climatic (gr. klimatos - tilt) differences on Earth are directly related to the inclination of the sun's rays to the earth's surface. Climatic zoning is manifested in the placement of climatic zones (Fig. 1) Climatic zones are territories that are continuous or interruptedstopband encircle the earth. They are differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses, prevailing winds, amount and mode of precipitation. They stretch from west to east and replace each other from the equator to the poles. stand out main And transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year. In transitional climatic zones - 2 types of air masses. They change with the seasons. Other factors also influence the distribution of temperatures and precipitation within the belts: the proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, and relief. Therefore, within the climatic zones, there are big differences and stand out climatic regions. Each of them has a certain type of climate.

Main climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four main types of air masses: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic climatic zones (think about their names).

Between the main belts are located transitional climatic zones: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic. Their name depends on the prevailing types of air masses, and the prefix "sub" (lat. sub - under) indicates a secondary role in the general circulation of the atmosphere. For example, subequatorial means located next to the equatorial. Air masses in transitional zones change seasonally: in winter air masses the main belt, adjacent from the side of the pole, in summer - from the side of the equator. (rice.).

equatorial belt formed in the region of the equator between 5 ° S. latitude - 10 ° N sh. During the year, equatorial air masses prevail here. Temperatures are always high here a large number of precipitation. Average monthly temperatures are from –+25 to +28 °С. Precipitation falls 1500-3000 mm per year. This belt is the wettest part of the earth's surface. This is due to the high position of the Sun above the horizon throughout the year and the ascending air currents characteristic of the low pressure zone.

For subequatorial belts(up to about 20 ° N and S) two seasons are characteristic: in summer it dominates equatorial air and very humid, and in winter - tropical air and very dry. In winter, the rays of the Sun fall at right angles in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore, tropical the air mass in this belt comes from the north and dry weather is established. Winter is not much colder than summer. The average air temperature in all months fluctuates between +20 - +30°С. The annual amount of precipitation on the plains is up to 1000-2000 mm, and on the slopes of the mountains - up to 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. (Remember how the trade winds influence climate formation).

tropical belts stretched from 20 to 30 ° north latitude. and y.sh. on both sides of the tropics. Remember why in tropical latitudes the air descends and high pressure prevails? Continental tropical air dominates here throughout the year. Therefore, the climate in the central regions of the continents is hot and dry. Trade winds prevail. average temperature the warmest month +30 - +35°C, the coldest - not lower than +10°C. Cloudiness is negligible, there is little precipitation far from the oceans, no more than 50-150 mm per year. Their number increases in the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean. In the west and in the center of the continents, the climate is dry, desert. (Determine by climate map differences in the climate of the marginal and central regions of the tropical zone in Africa).

subtropical belts(30-40 ° N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate in winter. Summers are dry and hot, with an average temperature of the warmest month of about 30°C. Winter is wet, warm, but short-term temperature drops are possible. Snow falls very rarely. This Mediterranean climate. (Explain why on east coasts mainland climate subtropical monsoon, with hot rainy summer and cool dry winters?). IN central parts mainland climate subtropical continental, with hot and dry summers and relatively cold winters with low rainfall.

temperate zones stretched in temperate latitudes from 40 to 60 ° N. latitude. and y.sh. They get much less solar heat compared to previous climates. Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, but arctic and tropical air penetrates. Western winds prevail in the west, in the east of the continents - monsoons. Climate temperate zone diverse due to the influence of various climatic factors on its territory. A large annual amplitude of air temperature (+22 - 28°С in summer and -22 - 33°С in winter) is typical for the territories of the central part of the mainland. It increases as you move deeper into the continents. Similarly, depending on the position of the territory in relation to the ocean and the relief, different amounts of precipitation fall. Snow falls in winter. On the western coasts of the continents, the climate nautical, with relatively warm and humid winters, cool and overcast summers, and high rainfall. On the east coasts monsoonal climate with cold dry winters and not hot rainy summers, and in the interior - continental climate.

IN subarctic (subantarctic) arctic (antarctic) air dominates in winter, and air masses of temperate latitudes dominate in summer (Determine the geographical position of the belts on the map). The winter is long, with an average winter temperature of up to -40 °C. Summer (in southern hemisphere- winter) is short and cold, with an average temperature not higher than + 10 ° С. Annual rainfall is low (300-400 mm) and evaporation is even less. The air is damp, very cloudy.

Approximately a quarter of the world's population lives in the temperate climate zone.Only 5% of the world's population lives in a tropical desert climate.

1. Show on physical map world climatic zones. 2.Fill in the table " Climatic zones Earth ": the name of the climatic zone, geographical location, prevailing air masses, climate features (temperature, precipitation). *3. What climate zone is Belarus in? Name the main features of the climate, drawing on knowledge about your area. **4. In which climatic zone (region) are the most favorable conditions for recreation and health improvement of people? Justify your answer.

Quantity solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses are formed along thermal zones, i.e. depending on latitude. The latitude also determines the climatic zone - vast territories within which the main climate indicators practically do not change. Climatic zones were determined by the Russian climatologist B.P. Alisov. Their definition is based on the dominant types of air masses, from which the climatic zones got their name.

Climatic zones are divided into basic and transitional. Where the influence of one type of air masses prevails throughout the year, the main climatic zones have formed. There are only seven of them: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, arctic and antarctic. The seven main climatic zones correspond to four types of air masses.

The equatorial climatic zone is dominated by low Atmosphere pressure and equatorial air masses. The sun here is high above the horizon, which contributes to high air temperatures, and due to the predominance of rising air currents and due to the influence of moist oceanic air masses that come with the trade winds, a lot (1000-3500 mm) of precipitation falls in this belt.

In tropical zones dominated by tropical air masses, high pressure and low air masses. Tropical air masses are always dry, because the air that comes from the equator in the tropics at an altitude of 10-12 km already contains little moisture. As it descends, it heats up and becomes even drier. Therefore, it does not rain often here. The air temperature is high. Such climatic conditions contributed to the creation of zones here tropical deserts and semi-deserts.

The temperate climate zone is influenced by westerly winds and moderate air masses. There are clearly defined four seasons. The amount of precipitation depends on the remoteness of the territories from the ocean. Thus, most precipitation falls in the western part of Eurasia. They are brought by the western winds from Atlantic Ocean. The farther to the east, the less precipitation, i.e., the continentality of the climate increases. In the far east, under the influence of the ocean, the amount of precipitation increases again.

The Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones are areas high pressure, which are influenced by katabatic winds. The air temperature rarely rises above 0⁰С. Climatic conditions in both belts are very similar - it is always cold and dry here. Precipitation is less than 200 mm for the whole year.

Territories where air masses change seasonally twice a year are classified as transitional climatic zones. In titles transitional belts the prefix “sub” appears, which means “under”, i.e. under the main belt. Transitional climatic zones are located between the main zones. There are only six of them: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic.

So, the subarctic zone is located between the arctic and temperate, the subtropical - between the temperate and tropical, the subequatorial - between the tropical and equatorial zones. In transitional zones, the weather is determined by air masses that come from neighboring main belts and change with the seasons. So, for example, the climate of the subtropical zone in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical zone, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zone. And the climate of the subequatorial belt in summer has signs of equatorial, and in winter - tropical climate. IN subarctic belt in summer the weather is determined by moderate air masses, and in summer by arctic ones.

Thus, climatic zones are located in zones and this is due to the influence of solar radiation. Thus, the type of climate on Earth varies zonal. The type of climate is understood as a constant set climate indicators characteristic of a certain period of time and a certain territory. But earth's surface heterogeneous, therefore, within the climatic zones can be formed different types climate.

The boundaries of climatic zones do not always coincide with the direction of the parallels. And in separate places they deviate substantially to the north or south. This is primarily due to the nature of the underlying surface. Therefore, within the same climatic zone, different types of climate can form. They differ from each other in the amount of precipitation, the seasonality of their distribution, and the annual amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. For example, in the temperate zone of Eurasia, marine, continental and monsoon climate s. Therefore, individual climatic zones are also subdivided into climatic regions.

Thus, 13 climatic zones are conditionally distinguished on Earth: 7 of them are main and 6 are transitional. The definition of climatic zones is based on the air masses prevailing in the region throughout the year. Separate climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical) are also divided into climatic regions. Climatic regions are formed under the influence of the underlying surface within the boundaries of one climatic zone.

Climatic zones and regions The lands stretch in the latitudinal direction in accordance with the zoning of the climate. The main climatic zones are distinguished on the basis of the predominance of air masses of a certain type. In each hemisphere - Northern and Southern - there is one tropical, one temperate and one polar (Arctic or Antarctic) zone. The equatorial belt is one for both hemispheres.

Between the main climatic zones are transitional zones - three in each hemisphere - subequatorial, subtropical And subarctic (subantarctic).

In transitional climatic zones, air masses change according to the seasons of the year.

Together with the Sun, air masses move north and south in summer and winter. Transitional belts do not have their own air masses. In summer, masses come here from the neighboring main belt, closer to the equator (Fig. 34, A), and in winter, from the more "polar" neighboring belt (Fig. 34, B).

In the Northern Hemisphere in subequatorial belt in summer, equatorial air masses come, and hot weather with rains sets in. In winter, tropical air comes from the north, it becomes hot and dry.

In sub tropical zone tropical air "hosts" in the summer (hot and dry), and in winter the air of temperate latitudes comes - the temperature drops, it rains. For example, a type of climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters is called mediterranean. There are other varieties of subtropical climate.

In the subarctic zone in summer - the air of temperate latitudes, and in winter, long and severe - arctic.

When talking about the climate of any territory, they most often use the words: warm, cold, wet, dry. Indeed, the conditions for providing heat and moisture are very diverse and depend on combinations of climate-forming factors. The boundaries of climatic zones do not run strictly along parallels. In addition, within the belts, there are areas from different types climate (Fig. 33). This is the result of different remoteness of territories from the oceans and seas, as well as, to some extent, the action of atmospheric circulation and ocean currents. material from the site

In the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones there are areas maritime And continental climate. Climate areas are also distinguished Western And east coasts of the continents. For example, on the eastern coast of Eurasia, in the subtropical zone, there is a monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. And on the western coast of Eurasia in the subtropics, the Mediterranean climate. Despite its name, it exists on other continents, including the Southern Hemisphere.

It should also be noted that along the western coasts of high latitudes cold currents pass into the low ones. They cool and dry the climate. Along the eastern coasts, on the contrary, from low latitudes to high latitudes go warm currents, contributing to an increase in temperature and humidity in the surrounding areas.

Total for the globe seven main and six transitional climatic zones. Different combinations of climate-forming factors determine the presence of regions within climatic zones. The main one is remoteness (proximity) from the ocean.


CLIMATE ZONES

climatic zones.

The climate, like all meteorological quantities, is zonal. There are 7 main and 6 transitional climatic zones.

The main ones include:

equatorial,

two subequatorial (in the northern and southern hemispheres),

two tropical,

two moderate

two polar.

The names of the transitional zones are closely linked with the names of the main climatic zones and characterize their location on Earth: two subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). The classification of climatic zones is based on thermal belts and dominant types of air masses and their movement.

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

equatorial belt. Equatorial air prevails throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures are 25-28 ° C, their amplitudes are small, calm or light winds prevail in the belt, humidity is high, cloudiness is significant, more often represented by cumulus and cumulus-thunderstorm (vertically developed) clouds. Precipitation 1000-2000 mm/year. equatorial belt two rainy periods are characteristic in transitional seasons, more often after the equinoxes, separated by less rainy or short rainless periods, excessive moisture. The equatorial climate is characteristic of the river basin. Amazon (Amazon lowland, South America), the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the Congo river basin (West Africa, the Congo lowland), the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands and New Guinea (the borders of the Indian and Pacific oceans).

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. Equatorial air dominates in summer, the summer is humid; in winter - tropical, dry winter. Rainy (summer) and dry (winter) periods are clearly expressed. Winter is just a little cooler than summer, average temperatures vary from 22 to 30 ° C, temperature amplitudes increase. The annual amount of precipitation fluctuates significantly: if on average they fall 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. Sat equatorial climate observed in the Brazilian and Guinean highlands (South America), in Central Africa adjacent to the Congo River basin from all sides, in Hindustan and Indochina ( South Asia) and Northern Australia.

Tropical climate zones located on both sides of the tropics, approximately between 18 and 30 ° N. and y.sh. Tropical air dominates here throughout the year (dry air with high temperatures), dominated by trade winds (northeast and southeast). The weather is mostly clear, winters are warm, but noticeably colder than summers. The average temperatures of the warmest month are + 30-35 ° С, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ° С. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° С, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° С. Few areas fall: 50-150 mm/year (with the exception of the eastern parts of the continents, which are under the influence of oceanic trade winds). In the tropics, there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of the continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climatic zones follow the tropical and are roughly between 30 and 40° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Tropical air prevails here in summer, temperate in winter. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these belts, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoon regions). Summers are dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. Cyclonic weather prevails in winter, associated with a polar (moderate) front. Winters are wet and warm, but temperatures below 0°C are possible. Snow rarely falls, so snow cover does not form. The amount of precipitation is from 200 to 500 mm per year, but on the windward slopes of the mountains it is much more (Tskvice - 8000 mm, Balkan Peninsula). In subtropical zones, there are climatic regions : 1) mediterranean I - on the western coasts of the continents - the Mediterranean, Central Chile (South America), southwest Australia, California (S. America), South coast Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy warm winter; 2) monsoonal subtropical - Florida (S. America), Uruguay (S. America), Eastern China, Japan Islands ( East Asia). In this area, summers are hot but rainy, winters are relatively cold and dry; 3) subtropical continental climatic region located in the central parts of the continents. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cold with little precipitation (southern Australia, Turkmenistan, Iran, the Takla-Makan desert, western China, dry western United States). Separate areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: the southeast of Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

temperate climatic zones occupy a space between 40 ° C. and y.sh. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). During the whole year, moderate air masses dominate here, arctic and tropical air often invades. The belt is dominated westerly winds and on the east coasts monsoons. plays an important role throughout the year cyclonic activity on the polar (moderate) and arctic (antarctic) fronts. Precipitation is frequent, mostly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental regions in winter. The mode and amount of precipitation in the temperate zone vary and depend on two main factors: proximity to the sea and the nature of the relief. The following pattern can be traced: when moving deeper into the continents, the amount of precipitation and days with precipitation becomes less. In the northern and western parts of the continents, moisture is excessive (i.e. K > 1.0), and in the southern and central parts it is insufficient (K< 1,0). Наблюдаются существенные температурные различия между летом и зимой, между сушей и морем. Годовая amplitude air temperature in winter over the mainland reaches 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed, which lasts for several months. The variety of temperature and circulation conditions of the temperate zone predetermines its division into 4 climatic regions:

1)maritime temperate climate(western coasts of the continents) with relatively warm winters, cool and cloudy summers with maximum precipitation. This is a big part Western Europe, coastal strip s.-z. North America, south of Chile (South America);

2) transitional from maritime to continental- most of Europe, Patagonia (South America);

3) continental climate with varying degrees of continentality and maximum precipitation in warm time of the year(inland US, south and southeast of Eastern Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.);

4) monsoonal temperate climate(n on the eastern coasts of the continents) with cold and dry winters, cool and rainy summers (the Far East, Northeast China, northern Korea, the Japanese Islands, etc.).

Subpolar climatic zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change of air masses: in winter, arctic (antarctic) air dominates, in summer - air masses of temperate latitudes. Cyclones and anticyclones are frequent, the frequency of which is approximately the same. There is a polar day and a polar night. The winter is long and severe, the average temperature in January (July) is down to -40 ° C and lower, but in the oceanic parts it is down to -5-10 ° C. The summer is short and cool, with the temperature of the warmest month not exceeding 10 ° C. There is little precipitation, their annual amount is up to 200 mm and below, in oceanic regions up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excessive moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, the temperature can drop below 0 ° C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. Tundra is located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the islands of Antarctica (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these belts throughout the year. It is atypical for the belts that intense cyclonic activity is noted above the sea surface in the western part of the Arctic and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates Antarctica. Characteristic is the absence of solar radiation in winter (polar night) and round-the-clock lighting in summer. However, snow and ice surfaces strongly reflect Sun rays, which here fall at an angle close to 180° and radiate a lot of heat. The air temperature and humidity are very low, the average temperatures are negative, only in places in summer months rise to +5 ° C. There are maritime arctic and continental antarctic climates. The latter is particularly harsh. Here, the average temperature of December (summer) is -32 ° C, and August (winter) -71 ° C, the maximum temperature rarely rises above -20 ° C. There is little precipitation, the air is dry, strong winds periodically occur, especially in transitional seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. The fact that it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere for almost 200 years. Information about weather and climate is available in chronicles, in the works of scientists ancient world. The climate of the prehistoric past can be judged by some rocks(coral limestones, coal, salts, ribbon clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, plant pollen. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. Nowadays big influence climate is affected by human activity: it changes the state of the atmosphere (increase in CO 2 content, dust content, heat emissions, etc.), the underlying surface (deforestation, creation of reservoirs, irrigation and drainage of territories). The influence of people on the climate can be considered as natural and unfavorable.

Climatic zones are continuous or discontinuous areas that are parallel to the latitudes of the planet. Between themselves, they differ in the circulation of air currents and the amount of solar energy. The terrain, proximity to or are also important climate-forming factors.

According to the classification of the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov, there are seven main types of Earth's climate: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (one each in the hemispheres). In addition, Alisov singled out six intermediate belts, three in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical, as well as subarctic and subantarctic.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone on the world map

The polar region adjacent to North Pole called the Arctic. It includes the North Arctic Ocean, outskirts and Eurasia. The belt is represented by icy and , which are characterized by protracted harsh winters. The maximum summer temperature is +5°C. arctic ice affect the climate of the Earth as a whole, preventing it from overheating.

The Antarctic belt is located in the very south of the planet. Nearby islands are also under his influence. The cold pole is located on the mainland, so winter temperatures average -60°C. Summer figures do not rise above -20°C. The territory is located in the Arctic desert zone. The mainland is almost completely covered with ice. Land areas are found only in the coastal zone.

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone on the world map

The subarctic zone includes northern Canada, southern Greenland, Alaska, northern Scandinavia, northern regions of Siberia and Far East. Average winter temperature is -30°C. With coming short summer the mark rises to +20°C. In the north of this climatic zone dominates, which is characterized by high humidity, swampiness and frequent winds. The south is located in the forest-tundra zone. The soil has time to warm up during the summer, so bushes and woodlands grow here.

Within the subantarctic belt are the islands of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The zone is subject to the seasonal influence of air masses. In winter, arctic air dominates here, and in summer masses come from the temperate zone. The average temperature in winter is -15°C. Storms, fogs and snowfalls often occur on the islands. In the cold season, the entire water area is occupied by ice, but with the onset of summer, they melt. Indicators warm months the average is -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. Vegetable world represented by algae, lichens, mosses and herbs.

temperate climate zone

Temperate climate zone on the world map

In the temperate zone lies a quarter of the entire surface of the planet: North America, and. Its main feature is a clear expression of the seasons of the year. The prevailing air masses give high humidity and low pressure. The average winter temperature is 0°C. In summer, the mark rises above fifteen degrees. Cyclones prevailing in the northern part of the zone provoke snow and rain. Most of precipitation falls in the form of summer rain.

Territories deep into the continents are prone to droughts. represented by an alternation of forests and arid regions. In the north grows, the flora of which is adapted to low temperatures and high humidity. Gradually it is replaced by a zone of mixed deciduous forests. The strip of steppes in the south encircles all the continents. The zone of semi-deserts and deserts covers the western part of North America and Asia.

Temperate climates are subdivided into the following subtypes:

  • nautical;
  • temperate continental;
  • sharply continental;
  • monsoon.

Subtropical climate zone

Subtropical climate zone on the world map

Part of the subtropical zone is Black Sea coast, southwest and , south North and . In winter, the territories are influenced by air moving from the temperate zone. The thermometer rarely drops below zero. In summer, the climate zone is influenced by subtropical cyclones, which warm the earth well. Humid air prevails in the eastern part of the continents. Here long summer and mild winters without frost. West coasts characterized by dry summers and warm winters.

Temperatures are much higher in the interior regions of the climate zone. The weather is almost always clear. Most of the precipitation falls during the cold period, when the air masses shift to the side. On the coasts, hard-leaved forests grow with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. In the northern hemisphere, they are replaced by a zone of subtropical steppes, smoothly flowing into the desert. In the southern hemisphere, the steppes turn into broad-leaved and deciduous forests. Mountain areas are represented by forest-meadow zones.

In the subtropical climate zone, the following climate subtypes are distinguished:

  • subtropical oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate;
  • subtropical inland climate;
  • subtropical monsoon climate;
  • climate of high subtropical highlands.

Tropical climate zone

Tropical climate zone on the world map

The tropical climate zone covers separate territories in all but Antarctica. All year round region dominates the oceans high blood pressure. Because of this, there is little rainfall in the climate zone. Summer temperatures in both hemispheres exceed +35°C. Average winter temperatures are +10°C. The average daily temperature fluctuation is felt in the interior of the continents.

Most of the time the weather is clear and dry. The bulk of the precipitation falls on winter months. Significant temperature fluctuations cause dust storms. On the coasts, the climate is much milder: winters are warm, and summers are mild and humid. Strong winds practically absent, precipitation falls in the calendar summer. dominant natural areas are rainforests, deserts and semi-deserts.

The tropical climate zone includes the following climate subtypes:

  • trade wind climate;
  • tropical dry climate;
  • tropical monsoon climate;
  • monsoon climate on tropical plateaus.

Subequatorial climate zone

Subequatorial climatic zone on the world map

The subequatorial climatic zone affects both hemispheres of the Earth. In summer, the zone is influenced by equatorial wet winds. In winter, the trade winds dominate. Average annual temperature is +28°C. Daily temperature fluctuations are insignificant. Most of the precipitation falls during the warm season under the influence of the summer monsoons. The closer to the equator, the more abundant it rains. In summer, most rivers overflow their banks, and in winter they dry up completely.

The flora is represented by monsoon mixed forests, and woodlands. The foliage on the trees turns yellow and falls during the drought period. With the arrival of rains, it is restored. In the open spaces of the savannas, cereals and herbs grow. The plant world adapted to periods of rain and drought. Some remote forest areas have not yet been studied by man.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial climate zone on the world map

The belt is located on both sides of the equator. The constant flow of solar radiation forms hot climate. On the weather air masses coming from the equator. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is only 3°C. Unlike other climatic zones, the equatorial climate remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Temperatures do not fall below +27°C. Due to heavy rainfall, high humidity, fogs and clouds. Strong winds are practically absent, which favorably affects the flora.

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