The alternation of natural zones in the mountains. Natural complexes and natural areas

What explains the alternation of zones at the same latitude? Yes, all the same reasons - a change in the ratio of heat and moisture, which is determined by the proximity or remoteness of the direction of the prevailing winds. There are changes at the same latitudes and in the ocean. They depend on the interaction of the ocean with land, the movement of air masses, currents.

The location of natural areas is closely related to

limatic zones. Like climatic zones, they naturally replace each other from the equator to the poles due to a decrease in solar heat entering the Earth's surface and uneven moistening. Such a change in natural zones - large natural complexes is called latitudinal zonality. Zoning is manifested in all natural complexes, regardless of their size, as well as in all components of the geographical envelope. Zoning is the main geographical pattern.

The change of natural zones, as you know, occurs not only on the plains, but also in the mountains - from the foot to their peaks. With altitude, temperature and pressure decrease, up to a certain height, the amount of precipitation increases, and lighting conditions change. In connection with the change in climatic conditions, there is also a change in natural zones. The zones replacing one another, as it were, encircle mountains at different heights, which is why they are called high-altitude belts. The change of altitudinal belts in the mountains occurs much faster than the change of zones on the plains. It is enough to climb 1 km to be convinced of this.

The first (lower) altitudinal belt of mountains always corresponds to the natural zone in which the mountain is located. So, if the mountain is located in the taiga zone, then when climbing to its top you will find the following altitudinal belts: taiga, mountain tundra, eternal snow. If you have to climb into the Andes near the equator, then you will start your journey from the belt (zone) of equatorial forests. The pattern is as follows: the higher the mountains and the closer they are to the equator, the more altitudinal zones and the more diverse they are. In contrast to zonality on the plains, the alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

The law of geographical zonality also manifests itself in mountainous areas. Some of them we have already considered. Also, the change of day and night, seasonal changes depend on the geographical latitude. If the mountain is near the pole, then there is a polar day and a polar night, a long winter and a short cold summer. In the mountains at the equator, day is always equal to night, there are no seasonal changes.

4. Earth exploration by man. Countries of the world

Most scientists believe that the ancient homeland of man is Africa and Southwestern Eurasia. Gradually, people settled on all continents of the globe, with the exception of Antarctica. It is assumed that at first they mastered the territories of Eurasia and Africa, convenient for life, and then other continents. On the site of the Bering Strait, there was land, which about 30 thousand years ago connected the northeastern part of Eurasia and North America. Through this land "bridge" ancient hunters penetrated into North and then into South America, up to the islands of Tierra del Fuego. Humans entered Australia from Southeast Asia.

Findings of fossil remains of people helped to draw conclusions about the ways of human settlement.

Ancient tribes moved from one place to another in search of better living conditions. The settlement of new lands accelerated the development of animal husbandry and agriculture. The population also gradually increased. If about 15 thousand years ago there were about 3 million people on Earth, then at present the population has reached 6 billion people. Most people live on the plains, where it is convenient to cultivate arable land, build factories and factories, and place settlements.

There are four areas of high population density on the globe - South and East Asia, Western Europe and the eastern part of North America. This can be explained by several reasons: favorable natural conditions, a well-developed economy, and the age of settlement. In South and East Asia, in a favorable climate, the population has long been engaged in agriculture on irrigated lands, which makes it possible to collect several crops a year and feed a large population.

In Western Europe and in the east of North America, industry is well developed, there are many factories and plants, and the urban population predominates. On the Atlantic coast of North America, the population settled here from the countries of Europe. The nature of the globe is the environment of life and activity of the population. Being engaged in farming, a person influences nature, changes it. At the same time, different types of economic activity affect natural complexes differently. Agriculture changes the natural complexes especially strongly. Significant areas are required for growing crops and raising domestic animals. As a result of plowing, the area under natural vegetation has decreased. The soil has partially lost its fertility. Artificial irrigation helps to get high yields, but in arid areas, excessive watering leads to soil salinization and reduced yields. Domestic animals also change the vegetation cover and soil: they trample vegetation, compact the soil. In arid climates, pastures can turn into desert areas. Under the influence of human economic activity, forest complexes experience great changes. As a result of uncontrolled logging, the area under forests around the globe is shrinking. In the tropical and equatorial zones, forests are still being burned out, making room for fields and pastures. The rapid growth of industry has a detrimental effect on nature, polluting the air, water and soil. Gaseous substances enter the atmosphere, while solid and liquid substances enter the soil and water. During the development of minerals, especially in an open pit, a lot of waste and dust arise on the surface, deep large quarries are formed. Their area is constantly growing, while soils and natural vegetation are also destroyed. The growth of cities increases the need for new land areas for houses, construction of enterprises, roads. Nature is also changing around large cities, where a large number of residents rest. Environmental pollution adversely affects human health. Thus, in a significant part of the globe, the economic activity of people has changed natural complexes to one degree or another. The economic activity of the population of the continents is reflected on complex maps. According to their conventional signs, one can determine: a) places of mining; b) features of land use in agriculture; c) areas for growing cultivated plants and breeding domestic animals; d) settlements, some enterprises, power plants. Depicted on the map and natural objects, protected areas. People living in the same territory, speaking the same language and having a common culture, form a historically established stable group - an ethnos (from the Greek ethnos - people), which can be represented

Traveling from north to south, you can see how the nature around is changing: firs are replaced by birches and oaks, forests into fields, since the Earth has many different natural zones. But the same changes can be noticed when climbing mountains. Let us consider in more detail what are the natural zones of mountainous regions (Grade 4).

Why does temperature decrease with height?

It seems that the higher, the closer to the sun, the warmer it should be. But in fact, the opposite is true. The sun does not warm the air, but the surface of the Earth. And already from the ground, heat is transferred to the surrounding space. And the closer, the hotter. Therefore, the temperature decreases with height.

As you climb higher, the temperature drops. Every hundred meters it falls by 0.6 degrees Celsius. If at the foot (at sea level) + 40 ° Celsius, then let's calculate how many degrees at the top of 6000 meters? Only +4° Celsius. This means that there will no longer be tropical heat and lush vegetation. At an altitude of 6000 there are eternal snows.

Rice. 1. Symbols of mountains on the map

On the map, each natural zone is marked with its own color. Only at the very top, looking down, you can see how nature is changing. At the very bottom, a deciduous forest will be visible, a little higher - a spruce forest, followed by a tundra with low bushes, and it will be replaced by alpine meadows, turning into a stone zone. This alternation is called the levels of altitudinal zonation.

Consider a table

Table "Natural zones of mountainous areas"

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Features of mountain natural areas

Almost all natural zones of mountains can be found on the flat terrain. But there are special ecosystems that are characteristic only for heights. For example, alpine meadows. They are formed in the spring and summer, when the melt water of the glaciers flows down. The mountain tundra turns into unusually beautiful meadows. Cows and sheep graze on it. The most beautiful plants of this zone are amazing flowers: crocuses, edelweiss.

The edelweiss flower is called the Alpine Star. It grows so high that only the most hardy and strong travelers can see it.

Rice. 2. Edelweiss

Another atypical belt of mountains is the zone of eternal snow and ice. If the mountains are low, in summer the snow can completely melt, and the ground is covered with short grass. In the high mountains, over 4000 m, the snow never melts. Of particular danger to travelers are avalanches - this is the descent of large masses of snow and ice, rushing down at high speed. At such a height, there are practically no plants, only moss and solitary lichens.

Animals

In the mountains you can meet many different animals. Most of them are the same as in our forests. It is not difficult for them to spend the winter: at any moment they can go down below, where it is warmer. There are bears and wolves in the forests. In the steppe zone: hares, ground squirrels. A little higher you can meet rare birds. But the most prominent representatives are mountain goats. They jump between the stones so briskly and quickly that it seems that they are about to break.

In other countries, too, there are extraordinary mountain animals. In South America, this is a llama - a special kind of mountain camel. An agile predator lives on the peaks of North America - the snow leopard, a relative of cats.

Rice. 3. Snow leopard

What have we learned?

Air from the ground warms up unevenly. The closer to the surface, the warmer it is. Therefore, it gets colder with altitude. It affects the flora and fauna. The change of zones is called altitudinal zonation. The lowest belt is the steppe. Behind him is the forest, and even higher - the tundra. The most beautiful belt of mountains is the Alpine. Rare herbs and unusual flowers are found here. The tops of high mountains are covered with eternal ice and snow, which do not melt even in summer.

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The structure of the altitudinal zonality of the Caucasus is the most complete in comparison with other mountains of the Russian Federation. According to UNESCO World Heritage experts, the region is distinguished by a remarkable diversity of geology, ecosystems and species, and contains vast tracts of undisturbed mountain forests, unique on a European scale. Let's look at the example of this majestic mountain system, on which the set of altitudinal belts depends. Let us find out how the population uses the resources of each of the vertical zones.

Altitude belts in the mountains

Vertical zonality - or altitudinal zonality - is a geographical pattern that manifests itself in the change of plant communities from the foothills to the peaks. It differs from the latitudinal alternation of natural zones on the plains, which is caused by a decrease in the amount of solar radiation from the equator to the poles. A complete set of altitudinal zones is presented in which are located in the equatorial and tropical zones. We list all possible vertical (from the bottom to the top):

1. (up to a height of 1200 m).
2. Alpine forests (up to 3000 m).
3. Low-growing, twisted trees, shrubs (up to 3800 m).
4. Alpine meadows (up to 4500 m).
5. Rocky wastelands, bare rocks.
6. Snow, mountain glaciers.

What determines the set of altitudinal belts?

The existence of altitudinal belts is explained by a decrease in temperature, pressure and humidity with increasing altitude. The air is cooled by an average of 6 °C when ascending 1 km. For every 12 m of altitude, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressure by 1 mmHg.

In the mountains, which are located at different distances from the equator, the vertical zonality is significantly different. At the same time, different natural complexes arise.

We list what the set of altitudinal belts depends on, what conditions affect their formation:

• The geographical position of the mountains. The closer to the equator, the more vertical zones.
• The low mountains are usually occupied by the natural community that dominates the adjacent plain.
• Mountain height. The higher they are, the richer the set of belts. The farther from warm latitudes and the lower the mountains, the fewer zones (there are only 1-2 in the Northern Urals).
• The proximity of the seas and oceans, over which warm and humid air is formed.
• Influence of dry cold or warm air masses coming from the continent.

Vertical change of natural zones in the mountains of the Western Caucasus

There are altitudinal belts of the Caucasus related to two types of vertical zonality: continental and coastal (coastal). The second one is represented in the mountains of the Western Caucasus, which are influenced by the Atlantic, humid sea air.

We list the main altitudinal belts from the foothills to the peaks:

1. Meadow steppes, interrupted by curtains of oak, hornbeam, ash (up to 100 m).

2. Forest belt.

3. Subalpine crooked forests and tall grass meadows (at an altitude of 2000 m).

4. Low herbs rich in bluebells, cereals and umbrella plants.

5. Nival zone (at an altitude of 2800-3200 m).

The Latin word nivalis means "cold". In this belt, in addition to bare rocks, snow and glaciers, there are alpine plants: buttercups, primroses, plantain and others.

Altitudinal zonality of the Eastern Caucasus

In the east, somewhat different altitudinal belts of the Caucasus are observed, which are often called the continental, or Dagestan type of vertical zonality. Semi-deserts are widespread in the foothills, which are replaced by dry steppes with a predominance of cereals and wormwood. Above are thickets of xerophytic shrubs, rare forest vegetation. The next alpine is represented by mountain steppe, cereal meadows. On the slopes, which receive part of the Atlantic humid air, there are forests of broad-leaved species (oak, hornbeam and beech). In the Eastern Caucasus, the forest belt gives way to subalpine and alpine meadows with a predominance of xerophytic plants at an altitude of about 2800 m (in the Alps, the boundary of this belt is at an altitude of 2200 m). The nival zone extends at an altitude of 3600-4000 m.

Comparison of altitudinal zonality of the Eastern and Western Caucasus

The number of altitudinal belts in the Eastern Caucasus is less than in the Western one, which is due to the influence of air masses, relief and other factors on the formation of natural zones in the mountains. For example, warm and humid Atlantic air almost does not penetrate to the east, it is delayed by the main ridge. At the same time, cold temperate air does not penetrate into the western part of the Caucasus.

The main differences in the structure of the altitudinal belts of the Eastern Caucasus from the Western:

• the presence of semi-deserts in the foothills;
• the lower belt of dry steppes;
• narrow forest zone;
• thickets of xerophytic shrubs near the lower border of the forest belt;
• no belt of coniferous forests
• steppes in the middle and high parts of the mountains;
• expansion of the mountain-meadow belt;
• higher location of snows and glaciers.
• forest vegetation only in valleys;
• there are almost no dark coniferous tree species.

Economic activity of the population

The composition of the natural zones of the Caucasus is due to a change in climatic indicators within the mountain system from the foot to the peaks, as well as from west to east. Having found out what the set of altitudinal belts depends on, it should be noted that the region has a high population density, especially on the Black Sea coast. The fertile steppe plains of Ciscaucasia are almost completely plowed up and occupied by crops of grain, industrial and melon crops, orchards, vineyards. Subtropical agriculture is developed, including the cultivation of tea, citrus fruits, peaches and walnuts. Mountain rivers have a large supply of hydropower and are used to irrigate low-water areas. Steppes, semi-deserts and meadows serve as pastures. Timber harvesting is carried out in the mountain-forest belt.

All altitudinal belts in the Caucasus Mountains have ample opportunities for tourism. The system of medium and high mountain ranges covered with forests, glaciers and snow attracts fans of skiing and snowboarding. The routes involve overcoming rocks, snow-covered slopes, mountain rivers. The clean air of mixed forests, picturesque landscapes, the sea coast are the main recreational resources of the Caucasus.

181. The cycle of matter is characteristic of:

A) hydrospheres.

C) hydrospheres and lithospheres,

C) all geospheres.

D) the upper layer of the atmosphere.

E) the inner layer of the earth.

182. Which sea has more water: the Black Sea or the Baltic Sea?

A) in black.

B) in the Baltic.

C) the same.

D) It's hard to say.

E) In the spring - in the Black, in the fall - in the Baltic.

183. Temperature of rocks with depth:

A) is increasing.

B) is decreasing.

C) does not change.

D) Changes in a certain depth.

E) It depends on the season.

184. White buoys on the river show:

A) left side.

B) right side.

D) the turn of the river.

E) the depth of the river.

185. More than 80% of all swamps in Russia are located:

A) in the tundra.

B) in the forest tundra

C) in the taiga.

D) in the steppe.

E) in the mountains.

186. Do the average levels of the oceans and seas coincide?

A) match.

B) do not match.

C) The level is low.

D) The level is high.

E) All answers are correct.

187. The largest natural complex:

A) continents.

B) oceans.

C) geographical area.

E) Taiga and zone of mixed forests.

E) A ravine, a lake, a sea bay.

188. Small natural complex is -

C) continents and oceans.

C) sea bay.

E) ravine.

189. A large natural complex with a common temperature and moisture conditions, soils, flora and fauna is called:

A) geographic envelope.

B) natural area.

C) climate zone.

D) continents.

190. The anthropogenic natural complex is

A) lakes and swamps.

C) river valleys.

C) Ponds and parks.

E) deserts.

191. The names of the natural areas of the land were received by:

A) the nature of vegetation.

B) geographic location.

C) Separation of land from the ocean.

D) The nature of the relief.

E) The spread of swamps.

192. The alternation of natural zones on the plains is called:

A) Altitudinal zoning.

C) latitudinal zoning.

C) landscape.

D) geographic envelope.

E) Anthropogenic complex.

193. The alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called:

A) altitudinal zonality.

C) latitudinal zoning.

C) natural complex.

D) climate zone.

E) plant community.

194. Which cape is to the south?

A) the southern cape of Africa - Agulhas.

B) South Cape of Australia - South East.

C) the southern cape of Eurasia - Piai.

E) The southern cape of South America - Froward.

E) The southern cape of Hindustan - Kumari.

195. What natural area is described here? The temperature is uniform, at night it is above + 10 °, precipitation falls regularly, and fever is common.

A) tundra.

C) mixed forest.

C) equatorial forest.

E) altitudinal zonality.

196. Which area has fertile soil?

A) Steppe.

B) tundra.

D) tropical forest.

E) semi-desert.

197. The main causes of soil pollution.

A) industrial waste.

B) urban garbage dumps .

C) Fertilizers and pesticides, radioactive substances.

D) Construction.

E) Gardens, orchards.

198. What causes affect human health?

A) Purity of air, water, soil.

C) The intensity of traffic flows.

C) Development of hazardous industries.

E) Presence of forests and parks

E) All answers are correct.

199. Is the world ocean a natural complex?

C) Only its individual parts.

D) Only inland seas.

E) Only the islands.

200. Which of the spheres of the Earth includes parts of all other shells?

A) the hydrosphere.

B) atmosphere

C) the biosphere.

D) Lithosphere.

E) Troposphere.

201. Which area has the most fertile soils?

A) In the equatorial forests

C) in the steppes.

C) in the desert.

D) in the tundra.

E) In the forest tundra.

202. "Complex" in Latin means "plexus". What is the meaning of the phrase "natural complex of the area"?

A) The relationship of soil with flora and fauna

C) The relationship of all natural components of the area.

C) The relationship of climatic features of the area with its relief,

E) The connection of all natural components of the area with human activities.

E) The relationship between rocks with relief.

203. In what natural area is the height of the forest less than 50 cm?

A) in the Arctic deserts.

C) in the rainforest.

C) in the tundra.

D) In ​​the forest tundra.

E) in the savannah.

204. Where do trees grow that do not have annual rings?

A) Forest zones of the temperate zone.

B) in the taiga.

C) in the tundra.

D) In ​​the equatorial forest.

E) In the forest tundra.

205. Why is a flower that grows on the top of a volcano up to 3,000 meters high called the "flower of death" by the people of Java?

A) The appearance of this flower at such a height is a sure sign of an imminent volcanic eruption.

C) The flower contains poisonous substances.

C) Venomous snakes like to hide in thickets of these flowers.

D) negatively affects the human body.

E) All answers are correct.

206. What is the name of this pattern, when natural zones are distributed depending on the amount of solar heat and moisture?

A) latitudinal zonation.

B) altitudinal zonality.

C) Polar zonality.

D) Azonality.

E) Oceanic zonality.

207. What is the most complete version of the components of natural complexes?

A) Rocks, temperature, moisture.

C) soil, forest, forests .

C) Rocks, moisture, soil, biocomponents.

D) swamps, mountains, rivers.

E) Only flora and fauna.

208. Which of the scientists established the law on geographical zoning:

A) L.S. Berg.

B) G.D. Richter.

C) N.N. Przhevalsky

D) V.V. Dokuchaev.

E) B.B. Polynov.

209. The largest natural area in terms of area:

B) tundra.

C) desert.

210. How is the Arctic desert different from other natural areas?

A) The amount of ice and snow in all seasons of the year.

B) geological structure,

C) severe climatic conditions.

D) Frequently blowing strong winds.