Temperate zone. Characteristics of climatic zones

CLIMATE BELTS OF THE EARTH

Due to the uneven heating of our planet by the Sun and the distribution precipitation on earth's surface Earth's climates are very diverse. The first classifications of climates appeared as early as the 70s of the 19th century and were of a descriptive nature. According to the classification of professor of Moscow State University B. P7 Alisov, there are 7 types of climates on Earth that make up climatic zones. 4 of them are main, and 3 are transitional. The main types are:

Equatorial. This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of equatorial air masses throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinoxes, the Sun is at its zenith above the equator and heats the Earth strongly. The air temperature in this climatic zone is constant (+24-28°C). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm), on the windward slopes of the mountains precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. Precipitation here exceeds evaporation, so soils in equatorial climate are swamped, and thick and tall trees grow on them. moist forests. The climate of this belt is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial type of climate is formed over the northern regions of South America; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, over the basin of the Congo River and the upper reaches of the Nile, including the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa; above for the most part the Indonesian archipelago and the adjoining part of the Indian and Pacific Oceans in Asia.

Tropical. This type of climate forms two tropical climatic zones (in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere) over the following territories.

In this type of climate, the state of the atmosphere over the mainland and the ocean is different, therefore, the continental tropical climate and oceanic tropical climate.

Mainland: a large area dominated by the region high pressure, so there is very little precipitation here (from 100-250 mm). The mainland tropical climate is characterized by very hot summers (+35-40°C). In winter the temperature is much lower (+10-15°С). The daily fluctuations in temperature are great (up to 40 °C). The absence of clouds in the sky leads to the formation of clear and cold nights (clouds could trap the heat coming from the Earth). Sharp daily and seasonal temperature changes contribute to the destruction rocks, which gives a lot of sand and dust. They are picked up by the winds and can be carried over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger to the traveler in the wilderness.

The mainland tropical climates of the western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Cold currents pass along the western coasts of South America, Africa and Australia, so the climate here is characterized by relatively low air temperature (+18-20°C) and low rainfall (less than 100 mm). Warm currents pass along the eastern coasts of these continents, so the temperatures are higher here and there is more precipitation.

The oceanic tropical climate is similar to the equatorial one, but differs from it by less cloudiness and steady winds. Summer over the oceans is not so hot (+20-27°С), and winter is cool (+10-15°С). Precipitation falls mainly in summer (up to 50 mm).

Moderate. There is a significant impact westerly winds bringing rainfall all year round. Summer in this climatic zone is moderately warm (from +10°С to +25-28°С). Winter is cold (from +4°C to -50°C). Annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm along the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. There are clear differences between the seasons. This type of climate also forms two belts in the Northern and southern hemispheres and is formed over territories of temperate latitudes (from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles). An area is formed over these territories low pressure, active cyclonic activity. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:

- marine, which dominates the western parts North America, South America, Eurasia, is formed with the direct impact of westerly winds from the ocean to the mainland, therefore it is distinguished by cool summers (+ 15-20 ° С) and warm winters (from + 5 ° С). The precipitation brought westerly winds, fall out all year round(from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm);

- continental, dominating central regions continents is different from it. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, so summers are warm here (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with a stable snow cover for many months. Due to the considerable length of Eurasia from west to east, the most pronounced continental climate is observed in Yakutia, where average January temperatures can drop to -40 ° C and there is little precipitation. This is because the interior of the mainland is not as influenced by the oceans as the coasts, where moist winds not only bring precipitation, but also moderate the heat in summer and frost in winter. The monsoonal subtype of the temperate climate, which prevails in the east of Eurasia from Kamchatka to Korea and in the north of Japan, in the northeast of China, is characterized by a change in stable winds (monsoons) by season, which affects the amount and pattern of precipitation. It blows here in winter cold wind from the continent, so the winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer, winds from the Pacific Ocean bring warm rainy weather. On Kamchatka, Sakhalin falls from 1600 to 2000 mm of precipitation.

All subtypes of the temperate climate are dominated by only temperate air masses.

Polar type of climate. Above 70° north and 65° south latitudes, the polar climate dominates, forming two belts: arctic and antarctic. Polar air masses dominate here throughout the year. The sun does not appear at all for several months (polar night) and does not go below the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice radiate more heat than they receive, so the air is very cold, the snow cover does not melt all year. Throughout the year, these areas are dominated by a high pressure area, so the winds are weak, there are almost no clouds. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. Settling, they give a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. average temperature summer does not exceed 0°C, and winters -20-40°C. Long drizzle is typical for summer.

Equatorial, tropical, temperate, polar types of climate are considered the main ones, since within their zones the air masses characteristic of them dominate throughout the year. Between the main climatic zones are transitional, having the prefix "sub" in the name (Latin "under"). In transitional climatic zones, air masses change seasonally. They come here from neighboring belts. This is explained by the fact that as a result of the movement of the Earth around its axis, the climatic zones shift to the north, then to the south.

There are three additional types of climate:

Subequatorial climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - by tropical ones.

Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average air temperature +30°С. The sun reaches its zenith in spring and scorches mercilessly.

Winter is cooler than summer (+14°С). There is little rainfall. The soils dry out after the summer rains, so in the subequatorial climate, unlike the equatorial climate, swamps are rare. The territory is favorable for settlement by people, therefore it is here that many centers of the emergence of civilization are located - India, Indochina, Ethiopia. According to N. I. Vavilov, many varieties of cultivated plants originated from here. to the north subequatorial belt relate: South America(Isthmus of Panama, Venezuela, Guinea); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, all of Indochina, South China, Philippines). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Amazon lowland, Brazil); Africa (center and east of the mainland); Australia (northern coast of the mainland).

Subtropical climate. Tropical air masses dominate here in summer, while air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here in winter. This circulation of air masses determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summer(from +30 to +50°C) and relatively Cold winter with precipitation, stable snow cover is not formed. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm. Inside the continents in subtropical latitudes, there is little precipitation in winter. The climate of dry subtropics dominates here with hot summers (up to +50°C) and unstable winters, when frosts down to -20°C are possible. In these areas, precipitation is 120 mm or less. In the western parts of the continents, the Mediterranean climate dominates, which is characterized by hot, cloudy summers without precipitation and cool, windy and rainy winters. More precipitation falls in the Mediterranean climate than in the dry subtropics. The annual amount of precipitation here is 450-600 mm. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.

The subtropical climate of the eastern shores of the continents is monsoonal. The winter here is cold and dry compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, and the summer is hot (+25°С) and humid (800 mm). This is due to the influence of the monsoons, blowing from land to sea in winter, and from sea to land in summer, bringing precipitation in summer. monsoonal subtropical climate well expressed only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in east coast Asia. Abundant rainfall in the summer makes it possible to develop lush vegetation. On the fertile soils agriculture is developed here, supporting the lives of more than a billion people.

subpolar climate. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool (from +5 to +10 ° C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). As elsewhere, precipitation increases on windward slopes. Despite not a large number of precipitation, moisture does not have time to evaporate completely, therefore, in the north of Eurasia and North America, small lakes are scattered in the subpolar zone, significant territories swamped. In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by arctic and antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, the temperature can reach -50°C. Subpolar climatic zones are located only on the northern outskirts of Eurasia and North America and in Antarctic waters.

If you look at the map, you can see that the boundaries of climatic zones do not run strictly along parallels, but deviate either to the north or to the south. This is explained by the fact that the formation of climatic zones is influenced not only by the uneven heating of the Earth and the geography of precipitation, but also by other climate-forming factors: topography, ocean currents, glaciers, and others.

The tropical climatic zone covers the globe from the 20th to the 30th parallels in the northern and southern hemispheres. These areas generally have clear weather throughout the year, and the air temperature depends on how high the Sun rises above the horizon. In summer the air warms up to +30°C. Although sometimes it can rise to + 45-50 ° C. In winter, the air is very cold, often to negative readings on the thermometer.

The air temperature can vary greatly during the day, when the sultry heat during the day is replaced by evening coolness and severe cooling at night. In the tropics, little precipitation falls - no more than 50-150 mm per year. Most of them are in winter months. These latitudes are very affected by the trade winds.

Types of climate in tropical latitudes

The tropical climate is usually divided into two categories, depending on the proximity of the territory to the ocean.

Continental: In the depths of the continents, the climate in tropical latitudes is hot and arid, with a large temperature difference. The area is widespread here high blood pressure atmosphere. The weather is mostly clear and cloudless. And sudden changes in temperature give rise to strong winds and dust storms.

The areas of distribution of the continental tropical climate in the western and eastern regions differ significantly. The western shores of South America, Australia and Africa are washed predominantly by cold currents, therefore, in tropical latitudes, the climate in these areas is cooler, the air rarely warms up by more than 20-25 ° C.

The eastern coasts of the continents are dominated by warm currents, so the temperatures are higher here, and there is more rainfall.

Oceanic: In coastal areas and over the oceans, a milder climate is forming, with an abundance of rainfall, warm summer and mild winters. This type of climate is very similar to the equatorial one, but is characterized by less cloudiness and strong winds. Precipitation falls mainly in the summer months.

Temperature values

(averaged, approximate for the tropical climate zone)

~ July +25 °С,

~ January +15 °С +20 °С.

Natural zones of the tropical climate zone

The tropics are dominated by three natural zones: forests, semi-deserts and deserts.

Tropical rainforests- this natural zone covers the eastern coasts of the continents. Such forests are common in Indochina, Madagascar, the West Indies, Florida, Australia, the islands of Oceania and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.

In these forests, the world of flora and fauna is richly represented, a large number of endemics.

Variable wet or seasonal rainforests distributed north and south of the humid tropical. They differ from the latter in that they have fewer vines and ferns, and trees shed their leaves for the winter.

Tropical semi-deserts occupy vast territories, especially in Africa south of the Sahara. In South America, they are found in the north of the Atacama and Brazil, there is this natural zone also in Asia and Australia. Summer here is long and hot, the temperature often rises to +30°С, in winter it is not cold, as the temperature does not fall below +10°С. Due to the high evaporation, more precipitation falls, but in the winter months. Groundwater is very deep and often saline.

tropical desert cover most of the continents and western coasts of the tropics. They are at the mercy of the high pressure of the atmosphere, there is little precipitation, and the air here is so hot that the rain often evaporates before it reaches the ground. AT tropical deserts very high level solar radiation, strong winds dominate. Of the plants grow only those that are able to survive in conditions of extremely high temperatures and drought.

Tropical deserts are more common in Africa. The largest of them are the Sahara and the Namib.

Countries of the tropical climate zone

(Map of the Earth's climatic zones, click on the image to enlarge)

In Europe and Antarctica tropical belt not presented. But in Africa, it is found twice: both northern and southern.

Africa: from the north - Algeria, Mauritania, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Mali, Sudan, Niger. The southern tropical belt in Africa covers Angola, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

Asia: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, India.

North America: Mexico, western regions Cuba

South America: Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, northern Chile, Brazil.

Australia is the central region.

The temperate climate of the western coasts of the continents has pronounced features of the maritime climate and is characterized by the predominance of sea air masses throughout the year. It is observed on Atlantic coast Europe and the Pacific coast of North America. The Cordilleras are a natural boundary separating the coast with a maritime type of climate from the inland regions. The European coast, except for Scandinavia, is open to the free access of temperate maritime air.

The constant transfer of sea air is accompanied by high cloudiness and causes protracted springs, in contrast to the interior of the continental regions of Eurasia.

winter in temperate zone warm on the western coasts. The warming effect of the oceans is enhanced by warm sea currents washing the western shores of the continents. The average temperature in January is positive and varies across the territory from north to south from 0 to 6 °C. With the invasion of the Arctic air, it can drop (on the Scandinavian coast to -25 ° C, and on the French coast - to -17 ° C). With the spread of tropical air to the north, the temperature rises sharply (for example, it often reaches 10 ° C). In winter west coast Scandinavia shows large positive temperature deviations from the average latitude (by 20 °C). The temperature anomaly on the Pacific coast of North America is smaller and does not exceed 12 °С.

Summer is rarely hot. The average temperature in July is 15-16°C.

Even during the day, the air temperature rarely exceeds 30 °C. Cloudy and rainy weather is typical for all seasons due to frequent cyclones. Especially a lot cloudy days happens on the west coast of North America, where before mountain systems Cordillera cyclones are forced to slow down their movement. In connection with this, the weather regime in the south of Alaska is characterized by great uniformity, where there are no seasons in our understanding. Eternal autumn reigns there, and only plants remind of the onset of winter or summer. Annual rainfall ranges from 600 to 1000 mm, and on the slopes of mountain ranges - from 2000 to 6000 mm.

In conditions of sufficient moisture on the coasts developed broadleaf forests, and in conditions of excess - coniferous. Flaw summer heat reduces the upper limit of the forest in the mountains to 500-700 m above sea level.

The temperate climate of the eastern coasts of the continents has monsoonal features and is accompanied by a seasonal change of winds: in winter, northwestern flows predominate, in summer - southeast. It is well expressed on the eastern coast of Eurasia.

In winter, with a northwest wind, cold continental temperate air spreads to the coast of the mainland, which is the reason for the low average temperature of the winter months (from -20 to -25 ° C). Clear, dry, windy weather prevails. In the southern regions of the coast, there is little rainfall. The north of the Amur region, Sakhalin and Kamchatka often fall under the influence of cyclones moving over the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, in winter there is a powerful snow cover, especially in Kamchatka, where it maximum height reaches 2 m.

Summer with southeast wind temperate sea air spreads on the coast of Eurasia. Summers are warm, with an average July temperature of 14 to 18 °C. Precipitation is frequent due to cyclonic activity. Their annual amount is 600-1000 mm, and most of it falls in the summer. Fog is frequent at this time of the year.

Unlike Eurasia, the east coast of North America is characterized by sea features climate, which are expressed in the predominance of winter precipitation and marine type the annual course of air temperature: the minimum occurs in February, and the maximum occurs in August, when the ocean is at its warmest.

The Canadian anticyclone, unlike the Asian one, is unstable. It forms far from the coast and is often interrupted by cyclones. Winter here is mild, snowy, wet and windy. AT snowy winters the height of the snowdrifts reaches 2.5 m. When the south wind is often sleet. Therefore, some streets in some cities in eastern Canada have iron railings for pedestrians. Summers are cool and rainy. The annual rainfall is 1000 mm.

temperate continental climate it is most clearly expressed on the Eurasian continent, especially in the regions of Siberia, Transbaikalia, northern Mongolia, and also on the territory of the Great Plains in North America.

A feature of the temperate continental climate is the large annual amplitude of air temperature, which can reach 50-60 °C. In the winter months, with a negative radiation balance, the earth's surface cools down. The cooling effect of the land surface on the surface layers of air is especially great in Asia, where a powerful Asian anticyclone forms in winter and cloudy, calm weather prevails. The temperate continental air formed in the area of the anticyclone has low temperature(-0°...-40 °С). In valleys and basins, due to radiation cooling, the air temperature can drop to -60 °C.

In the middle of winter, the continental air in the lower layers becomes even colder than the Arctic. This one is very cold air The Asian anticyclone extends to Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, southeastern regions of Europe.

The winter Canadian anticyclone is less stable than the Asian anticyclone due to the smaller size of the North American continent. Winters here are less severe, and their severity does not increase towards the center of the mainland, as in Asia, but, on the contrary, decreases somewhat due to the frequent passage of cyclones. Continental temperate air in North America has more high temperature than continental temperate air in Asia.

The formation of a continental temperate climate is significantly influenced by geographical features continental territories. In North America, the Cordillera mountain ranges form a natural boundary separating the coast from maritime climate from inland areas with a continental climate. In Eurasia, a temperate continental climate is formed over a vast expanse of land, approximately from 20 to 120 ° E. e. Unlike North America, Europe is open to free penetration of sea air from the Atlantic deep into the interior. This is facilitated not only by the western transfer of air masses, which dominates in temperate latitudes, but also by the flat nature of the relief, the strong indentation of the coasts and the deep penetration into the land of the Baltic and North seas. Therefore, a temperate climate of a lesser degree of continentality is formed over Europe compared to Asia.

In winter, the Atlantic sea air, moving over the cold land surface of the temperate latitudes of Europe, retains its physical properties and its influence extends throughout Europe. In winter, as the Atlantic influence weakens, the air temperature decreases from west to east. In Berlin it is 0 °С in January, -3 °С in Warsaw, -11 °С in Moscow. At the same time, the isotherms over Europe have a meridional orientation.

The orientation of Eurasia and North America with a wide front to the Arctic basin contributes to the deep penetration of cold air masses onto the continents throughout the year. Intense meridional transport of air masses is especially characteristic of North America, where arctic and tropical air often replace each other.

Tropical air entering the plains of North America with southern cyclones is also slowly transforming due to high speed its movement, high moisture content and continuous low cloudiness.

In winter, the consequence of intense meridional circulation of air masses are the so-called “jumps” of temperatures, their large daily amplitude, especially in areas where cyclones are frequent: in the north of Europe and Western Siberia, Great Plains of North America.

During the cold period, precipitation falls in the form of snow, a snow cover forms, which protects the soil from deep freezing and creates a supply of moisture in the spring. The height of the snow cover depends on the duration of its occurrence and the amount of precipitation. In Europe, a stable snow cover on the flat territory is formed east of Warsaw, its maximum height reaches 90 cm in the northeastern regions of Europe and Western Siberia. In the center of the Russian Plain, the height of the snow cover is 30–35 cm, and in Transbaikalia it is less than 20 cm. On the plains of Mongolia, in the center of the anticyclonic region, snow cover forms only in some years. The absence of snow along with low winter air temperature causes the presence of permafrost, which is not observed anywhere else in the world. the globe under these latitudes.

In North America, the Great Plains have little snow cover. To the east of the plains, tropical air begins to take part in the frontal processes more and more, it intensifies the frontal processes, which causes heavy snowfalls. In the Montreal area, the snow cover lasts up to four months, and its height reaches 90 cm.

Summer in the continental regions of Eurasia is warm. The average July temperature is 18-22°C. In dry regions of southeastern Europe and Central Asia the average air temperature in July reaches 24-28 °C.

In North America, continental air is somewhat colder in summer than in Asia and Europe. This is due to the smaller extent of the mainland in latitude, the large indentation of its northern part with bays and fjords, the abundance of large lakes, and the more intense development of cyclonic activity compared to the inland regions of Eurasia.

In the temperate zone, the annual amount of precipitation on the flat territory of the continents varies from 300 to 800 mm; on the windward slopes of the Alps, more than 2000 mm falls. Most of the precipitation falls in the summer, which is primarily due to an increase in the moisture content of the air. In Eurasia, there is a decrease in precipitation across the territory from west to east. In addition, the amount of precipitation also decreases from north to south due to a decrease in the frequency of cyclones and an increase in air dryness in this direction. In North America, a decrease in precipitation across the territory is noted, on the contrary, in the direction to the west. Why do you think?

Most of the land in the continental temperate zone is occupied by mountain systems. These are the Alps, Carpathians, Altai, Sayans, Cordillera, Rocky Mountains, etc. mountainous areas climatic conditions significantly different from the climate of the plains. In summer, the air temperature in the mountains drops rapidly with altitude. In winter, when cold air masses invade, the air temperature in the plains often turns out to be lower than in the mountains.

The influence of mountains on precipitation is great. Precipitation increases on the windward slopes and at some distance in front of them, and weakens on the leeward slopes. For example, differences in annual rainfall between the western and eastern slopes Ural mountains sometimes reach 300 mm. In mountains with height, precipitation increases to a certain critical level. In the Alps level most precipitation falls at altitudes of about 2000 m, in the Caucasus - 2500 m.

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 the crocodiles that adore muddy waters small forest streams. All this - equatorial belt. On its climate big influence have trade winds, bringing here 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 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 that blow from the ocean to the mainland, so there is a rather cool summer here (+15 -20 ° С) and warm winter(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 unique feature- The sun here does not appear 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. To the north are: the Isthmus of Panama ( Latin America), Venezuela, Guinea, the Sahelian desert belt in Africa, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, all of Indochina, South China, part of Asia. TO southern belt include: 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.

Very varied. The first classifications of climates appeared as early as the 70s of the 19th century and were of a descriptive nature. According to the classification of professor of Moscow State University B.P. Alisov, there are 7 types of climates on Earth, which make up climatic zones. 4 of them are main, and 3 are transitional. The main types are:

Equatorial climate zone. This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of the equatorial throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinoxes, the Sun is at its zenith above the equator and heats the Earth strongly. The air temperature in this climatic zone is constant (+24-28°C). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm), on the windward slopes of the mountains precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. The amount of precipitation here exceeds evaporation, therefore, in the equatorial climate, they are swampy, and thick and high grow on them. The climate of this belt is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring an abundance of precipitation here. The equatorial type of climate is formed over the northern regions; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, above the basin and headwaters, including the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa; over most of the Indonesian archipelago and adjacent parts and the Pacific Oceans in Asia.
Tropical climate zone. This type of climate forms two tropical climatic zones (in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere) over the following territories.

In this type of climate, the state of the atmosphere over the mainland and the ocean is different, therefore, a continental tropical climate and an oceanic tropical climate are distinguished.

Continental climate zone: a large area is dominated by the region, so there is very little precipitation here (from 100-250 mm). The mainland tropical climate is characterized by very hot summers (+35-40°C). In winter the temperature is much lower (+10-15°С). The daily fluctuations in temperature are great (up to 40 °C). The absence of clouds in the sky leads to the formation of clear and cold nights (clouds could trap the heat coming from the Earth). Sharp daily and seasonal temperature changes contribute, which gives a lot of sand and dust. They are picked up by the winds and can be carried over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger to the traveler.

Mainland tropical climates The western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Cold currents pass along the western coasts of South America and Africa, so the climate here is characterized by relatively low air temperature (+ 18-20 ° C) and low rainfall (less than 100 mm). Warm currents pass along the eastern coasts of these continents, so the temperatures are higher here and there is more precipitation.

Oceanic tropical climate similar to the equatorial, but differs from it by smaller and more stable winds. Summer over the oceans is not so hot (+20-27°С), and winter is cool (+10-15°С). Precipitation falls mainly in summer (up to 50 mm). Moderate. There is a significant influence of westerly winds, bringing precipitation throughout the year. Summer in this climatic zone is moderately warm (from +10°С to +25-28°С). Winter is cold (from +4°С to -50°С). Annual precipitation is from 1000 mm to 3000 mm along the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. There are clear differences between the seasons. This type of climate also forms two belts in the northern and southern hemispheres and is formed over territories of temperate latitudes (from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles). Above these territories, an area of low pressure and active cyclonic activity is formed. Temperate climates are divided into two subtypes:

nautical, which dominates in the western parts of North America, South America, is formed with the direct impact of westerly winds from the ocean to the mainland, therefore it is characterized by cool summers (+ 15-20 ° С) and warm winters (from + 5 ° С). Precipitation brought by western winds falls all year round (from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm);
continental, dominating in the central regions of the continents, differs from it. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, so summers are warm here (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with a stable snow cover for many months. Due to the considerable length of Eurasia from west to east, the most pronounced continental climate is observed in Yakutia, where average January temperatures can drop to -40 ° C and there is little precipitation. This is because the interior of the mainland is not as influenced by the oceans as the coasts, where moist winds not only bring precipitation, but also moderate the heat in summer and frost in winter.

The monsoon subtype of the temperate climate, which prevails in the east of Eurasia to Korea and in the north, in the northeast, is characterized by a change in stable winds (monsoons) by season, which affects the amount and pattern of precipitation. In winter, a cold wind blows from the continent, so the winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C). In summer, winds bring warm, rainy weather. In Kamchatka, 1600 to 2000 mm of precipitation falls.

In all subtypes of the temperate climate, only moderate air masses dominate.

Polar type of climate. Above 70 ° north and 65 ° south latitudes, the polar climate dominates, forming two belts: and. Polar air masses dominate here throughout the year. The sun does not appear at all for several months (polar night) and does not go below the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice radiate more heat than they receive, so the air is very cold and does not melt all year round. Throughout the year, these areas are dominated by a high pressure area, so the winds are weak, there are almost no clouds. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. Settling, they give a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average temperature in summer does not exceed 0°С, and in winter -20-40°С. Long drizzle is typical for summer.

There are three additional types of climate:

subequatorial climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - by tropical ones.

Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average +30°С. The sun reaches its zenith in spring and scorches mercilessly.

Winter is cooler than summer (+14°С). There is little rainfall. The soils dry out after the summer rains, so in the subequatorial climate, unlike the equatorial climate, swamps are rare. The territory is favorable for human settlement, therefore it is here that many centers of the emergence of civilization are located -, Indochina,. According to N.I. , it is from here that many varieties of cultivated plants originated. The northern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Isthmus of Panama,); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, all of Indochina, South China,). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Amazon lowland,); Africa (center and east of the mainland); (northern coast of the mainland).

subtropical climate. Tropical air masses dominate here in summer, while air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation, invade here in winter. This determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summers (from +30 to +50°С) and relatively cold winters with precipitation, stable snow cover is not formed. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm. Inside the continents in subtropical latitudes, there is little precipitation in winter. The climate of dry subtropics dominates here with hot summers (up to +50°С) and unstable winters, when frosts down to -20°С are possible. In these areas, precipitation is 120 mm or less. In the western parts of the continents, it dominates, which is characterized by hot, cloudy summers without precipitation and cool, windy and rainy winters. More precipitation falls in the Mediterranean climate than in the dry subtropics. The annual amount of precipitation here is 450-600 mm. The Mediterranean climate is extremely favorable for human life, which is why the most famous summer resorts are located here. Valuable subtropical crops are grown here: citrus fruits, grapes, olives.

The subtropical climate of the eastern shores of the continents is monsoonal. The winter here is cold and dry compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, and the summer is hot (+25°С) and humid (800 mm). This is due to the influence of the monsoons, blowing from land to sea in winter, and from sea to land in summer, bringing precipitation in summer. The monsoonal subtropical climate is well expressed only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially on the east coast of Asia. Abundant rainfall in the summer makes it possible to develop lush. On fertile soils, it is developed here, supporting the life of more than a billion people.

subpolar climate. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so the summer is cool (from +5 to +10 ° C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). As elsewhere, precipitation increases on windward slopes. Despite the small amount of precipitation, the moisture does not have time to evaporate completely, therefore, in the north of Eurasia and North America, small lakes are scattered in the subpolar zone, and large areas are swamped. In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by arctic and antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach as low as -50°C. Subpolar climatic zones are located only on the northern outskirts of Eurasia and North America and in Antarctic waters.