Pressure in different climate zones. Climatic zones and climatic regions of the Earth

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

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

A phenomenon associated with the oceans, the sea current, is also the most important factor, which determines the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm atmospheric air, bring cyclones with large amounts of precipitation. How radically a current can influence nature can be seen using the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall within the zone of its influence, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.

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

To correctly define the concept " climate zone“We need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.

Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain period of time in a specific area. Climate is considered to be the average established weather pattern. What's happened climate zone, what are its varieties?

Climatic zone and its properties.

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

There are a total of 7 species on the planet climatic zone c, which in turn are divided into main and transition zones. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.

Permanent and transitional climatic zones.

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

Transition zones are characterized by a change in air masses, that is, it becomes hot in the summer and colder in the winter. There are subarctic, subtropical and sub equatorial belt A.

Equatorial climate zone.

This subspecies of the main climate zone located in the equator region. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. Throughout the year it is influenced by the equatorial air mass.

The main features of the equatorial belt:

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

Natural area of this climate zone are considered rain forests, which are filled with various poisonous plants and animals.

This belt contains the Amazon Lowland, equatorial Africa, and the Greater Sunda Islands.

Subequatorial climate zone.

This subspecies is transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, on its territory 2 changes throughout the year air masses.

In the subequatorial belt there are Northern Australia, northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones.

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

This counts main reason, according to which the world of flora and fauna is very poor. This subtype of permanent belts includes North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

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

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

Temperate climate zone.

Distinctive feature temperate zone Temperatures are considered to be able to vary seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature is typical.

IN temperate latitudes there is a significant part of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the northern USA.

The weather in certain parts of our planet is always determined by the climatic zone. There are few of them, but in each hemisphere one or another natural area has its own characteristics. Now we will look at the main climatic zones of our planet and transitional ones, and note their main features and position.

A few general words

Our planet, as you know, consists of land and water. In addition, these two components have different structures (on land there may be mountains, lowlands, hills or deserts, the ocean can have a cold or warm current). That is why the impact that the Sun has on the Earth with the same intensity is displayed completely differently in different areas. Such interaction caused the formation of the main climatic zones of the world and the transitional ones that lie between them. The first ones have large area, characterized by stable weather conditions. The latter stretch in narrow stripes parallel to the equator, and the temperature in their different areas can be very diverse.

Main natural areas

For the first time, geographers identified the main climatic zones of the planet in the mid-19th century, and then they were predominantly descriptive. From then until today there have been four of them: polar, temperate, tropical and equatorial. In addition, it is important to highlight that scientists now divide the polar climate into two different zones - Arctic and Antarctic. The fact is that the Earth's poles are not symmetrical, and therefore the weather in each of these areas is different. In the north, oddly enough, the climate is milder; vegetation is even found in the polar regions, as the snow cover melts in the summer. You won’t find such phenomena in the south, and seasonal temperature fluctuations there exceed 60 degrees. Below is a list of the world belts, by looking at which you can quickly navigate to their location.

Equatorial climate over land

The location of this natural zone is the northern part of South America; the countries of Central Africa and the Congo River basin, as well as the upper Nile; most of Indonesian archipelago. In each of these places there is a very humid climate. The annual rainfall here is 3000 mm or more. For this reason, many areas that fall within the zone of equatorial cyclones are covered with swamps. Comparing all other climatic zones and regions of our world with the equator, we can say with complete confidence that this is the wettest zone. It is worth noting that in summer it rains here much more often than in winter. They fall in the form of short-term and very heavy showers, the consequences of which dry up in minutes, and the sun warms the earth again. There are no seasonal temperature fluctuations here - throughout the year the thermometer stays between 28-35 above zero.

Marine equatorial climate

The strip that stretches along the equator across the ocean is called the dynamic minimum zone. The pressure here is as low as over land, which provokes great amount precipitation - over 3500 mm per year. Among other things, such humid climatic zones and areas above the waters are characterized by clouds and fogs. Very thick air masses form here due to the fact that both the air and, in fact, the water surface are filled with moisture. The currents are warm everywhere, due to which the water evaporates very quickly and its natural circulation occurs constantly. Temperature stays within +24 - +28 degrees without interseasonal fluctuations.

Tropical zone over land

Let us immediately note that the main climatic zones of our world are very different from each other, and this does not depend on how close they are to each other. A striking example This is done by the tropics, which, in fact, are not so far from the equator. This natural zone is divided into two parts - North and South. In the first case, it occupies a significant part of Eurasia (Arabia, South part Iran, the extreme points of Europe in the Mediterranean), North Africa, as well as Central America (mainly Mexico). In the second, these are the territories of some states of South America, the Kalahari Desert in Africa and the central part of the Australian mainland. It's dry and hot climate with very sharp temperature changes. The amount of precipitation per year is 300 mm, cloudiness, fog and rain are extremely rare. Summer is always very hot - over +35 degrees, and in winter the temperature drops to +18. The temperature fluctuates just as sharply within a day - during the day it can be as much as +40, and at night it will be only +20. Very often monsoons fly over the tropics - strong winds that destroy rocks. That is why so many deserts have formed in this zone.

Tropics over the oceans

The table of climate zones of the world gives us the opportunity to understand that over the ocean the tropics have slightly different characteristics. It is more humid here, but also cooler, it rains more often and the winds blow more strongly. The amount of precipitation per year is 500 mm. The average summer temperature is +25 degrees, and the average winter temperature is +15. Currents are also considered a feature of the oceanic tropical climate. Cold waters run along the western coasts of America, Africa and Australia, which is why it is always cooler and drier here. And the eastern shores are washed warm waters, and here there is more rain and the air temperature is much higher.

Largest natural area: temperate climate. Features over land

The main climatic zones of the planet cannot be imagined without the temperate zone, which dominates most of Eurasia and this area is characterized by seasonal changes - winter, spring, summer, autumn, in which humidity and temperature fluctuate significantly. Conventionally, the continental zone is divided into two subtypes:

Polar regions of the Earth

Zones high pressure located in the Far North and Far South of our planet. In the first case, this is the waters of the Arctic Ocean and all the islands located there. In the second case, this is Antarctica. A map of the world's climate zones often shows us both zones as identical in their weather conditions areas. In fact, there is a difference between them. In the North, annual temperature fluctuations are approximately 40 degrees. In winter, the temperature drops to -50, and in summer it warms up to +5. In Antarctica, the temperature difference is as much as 60 degrees, in winter the frosts here are extremely severe -70 or more, and in summer the thermometer does not rise above zero. A characteristic phenomenon for both poles is polar day and night. In summer, the sun does not go beyond the horizon for several months, and in winter, accordingly, does not appear at all.

Transitional climate zones of the planet

These natural areas are located between the main ones. Despite this, they have their own characteristics that set them apart general background. Typically, such transition zones are places where milder weather, normal humidity and moderate winds reign. Transitional climate zones were discovered at the end of the 19th century, their classification remains unchanged to this day. Every schoolchild knows their names - subequatorial, subtropical and subpolar. Now we will look at each of them.

Brief overview of transitional natural zones

Subequatorial climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in weather. In winter, the wind direction brings tropical air masses here. Therefore, there is very little precipitation, the air becomes cooler, and the clouds dissipate. In summer, the wind direction changes and equatorial cyclones come here. Due to this, a huge amount of precipitation falls - 3000 mm, and it becomes very hot.
Subtropical. It is located between the tropics and temperate latitudes. The situation is similar here. In summer, winds blow from the tropics, making it very hot and sunny. In winter, cyclones arrive from temperate latitudes, it becomes cold, sometimes it snows, but no permanent cover is formed.
Subpolar climate. Dynamic minimum zone, s high humidity and very low temperatures- more than -50. It is noteworthy that in the subpolar zone it occupies mainly land, and in the South it is a continuous water area in the Antarctic region.

What are the climate zones in Russia?

Our country is located in the Northern Hemisphere and at the same time in the Eastern. The climate here begins to form in the waters of the Arctic Ocean and ends on the shores of the Black Sea, in the Caucasus. Now we will list all the names of the main climatic zones that are found in Russia: Arctic, subarctic, temperate, subtropical. Most of the country's territory is occupied by a temperate zone. It is conventionally divided into four types: moderate and monsoon. Humidity levels and temperature changes depend on how deep a geographic feature is in the continent. In general, the state is characterized by the presence of all four seasons, hot and dry summers and cold winters, with constant snow cover.

Conclusion

The characteristics of a particular climate on the planet largely depend on the relief over which it is located. The north of the Earth is largely covered by land, which is why a zone of the so-called dynamic maximum has formed here. There is always low precipitation, strong winds and large seasonal temperature fluctuations. The main climatic zones of the northern hemisphere are the polar zone, temperate, and tropical. In the south of the planet, most of the territory is occupied by water. The climate here is always more humid, temperature changes are less. Most of the countries here are located in subequatorial latitudes, tropics and subtropics. The temperate zone covers only a small area of land in South America. Also, a significant part of the land is occupied by the Antarctic zone, which is located above the continent of the same name.

In order to define such a concept as a climate zone, it is necessary to distinguish between such concepts as climate and weather.

Climate is usually called the average established weather regime, and the definition of weather sounds like the state of the troposphere at a certain time in a certain place. What is a climate zone, and what are its types?

The concept of a climate zone and its features

Latitudinal band earth's surface, which differs from other bands in the intensity of solar heating and atmospheric circulation, is usually called the climate zone.

In total, there are 7 types of climate zones on planet Earth. But these types also have their own classification; they are divided into two types of climatic zones: main and transitional. The main belts are also called permanent belts.

Main and transition belts

The main or permanent type of climate zone is considered to be the zone in which one air mass predominates throughout the year. And transitional ones are characterized by a change in air masses - colder ones come in winter, and hotter ones come in summer. The names of transition zones are written with the prefix “sub”.

The equatorial, temperate, arctic and tropical zones are considered to be permanent climatic zones. And among the variables, the subequatorial belt, subtropical and subarctic are distinguished.

Equatorial belt

This type of permanent belt is located in the equator region. It is considered to be the only belt that is torn into several parts. Throughout the year it is influenced by one air mass, which is also called equatorial.

Main characteristics of the belt: heat (temperature from 20°C), a large number of precipitation - up to 7000 mm per year, high humidity. The natural zone of this belt is humid forests, which are home to many poisonous animals and plants.

The equatorial belt includes the Amazon Lowland, which is located in South America, the Greater Sunda Islands and equatorial Africa.

Subequatorial belt

This type of belt is located between tropical and equatorial. This means that throughout the year two air masses of these belts alternate on its territory.

The subequatorial belt is characteristic of northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, Northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones

The tropical type of climate zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. In the tropics, the weather will depend on the height of the sun above the horizon. The tropical zone is characterized by sharp changes in temperature - from cold to hot.

For this reason it natural area presented in the form of semi-deserts and deserts, plant and animal world of which is very scarce. The tropical zone is typical for Mexico, North Africa, the Caribbean islands, southern Brazil and Central Australia.

The subtropical zone is located between the temperate and tropical zones. They separate the southern and northern subtropical zones. In summer, tropical heat reigns here, which is characterized by dryness, and in winter a moderate cold air mass prevails.

The subtropical zone is located in North America (USA), it is characteristic of southern Japan, North Africa and the Great Chinese Plain. And in the southern hemisphere, the subtropical zone occupies the north of New Zealand, the south of Australia and the south of Africa.

Temperate zone

The main characteristic of this belt is that the temperature of one air mass varies by season: it is clearly possible to distinguish cold winter, hot summer, spring and autumn. The temperate zone is characterized by negative temperatures.

CLIMATE ZONES

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

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

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

Subequatorial belts . Air masses change throughout the year. In summer, equatorial air dominates, summer is humid; in winter - tropical, winter is dry. Rainy (summer) and dry (winter) periods are clearly defined. Winter is only slightly cooler than summer, average temperatures vary from 22 to 30 ° C, and temperature amplitudes increase. The annual amount of precipitation varies significantly: if on average it falls 1000-1500 mm, then on the windward slopes of the mountains it can be 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. A subequatorial climate is observed in the Brazilian and Guinean highlands (South America), in Central Africa adjacent to the Congo River basin on 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 S. Tropical air (dry air with high temperatures), trade winds predominate (northeast and southeast). The weather is mostly clear, winter is warm, but noticeably colder than summer. The average temperatures of the warmest month are +30-35 ° C, the coldest - not lower than +10 ° C. The tropical zone is characterized by very large daily temperature amplitudes - up to 40 ° C, and the average annual temperature is about 20 ° C. Cloudiness is insignificant, precipitation in the majority There is little precipitation in areas: 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 tropical zone there are two climatic regions: 1) dry , desert climate - west and center of continents and 2) wet tropical climate - on the eastern coasts of the continents.

Subtropical climate zones follow the tropical ones and are found approximately between 30 and 40° latitude in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In summer, tropical air dominates here, in winter - temperate. Characterized by the presence of dry and wet periods. In these zones, anticyclonic weather prevails in summer (with the exception of monsoon areas). Summer is dry, hot, with an average temperature of about 30 ° C. In winter, cyclonic weather associated with the polar (temperate) front prevails. Winters are humid and warm, but temperatures below 0 °C are also 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 higher (Crkvice - 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 (N. America), the southern coast of Crimea (Europe). It is characterized by clear, dry and hot summers and rainy warm winter; 2) monsoon subtropical - Florida (N.America), Uruguay (South America), Eastern China, Japanese Islands (East Asia). In this area, summers are hot but rainy, winters are relatively cold and dry; 3) subtropical continental climate region located in central parts continents. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cold with little precipitation (southern Australia, Turkmenistan, Iran, Taklimakan Desert, western China, dry western USA). Certain areas of the subtropical zone have uniform moisture throughout the year: southeast Australia, Tasmania, and the middle part of Argentina (South America).

Temperate climate zones occupy the space between 40°N. and S. and polar circles (66 ° 33 N and S). Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, with arctic and tropical air often invading. The belt is dominated winds western directions , and on the eastern coasts - monsoons. During the whole year big role plays cyclonic activity on the polar (temperate) and Arctic (Antarctic) fronts. Precipitation often occurs, mainly of frontal origin. However, anticyclone weather is not uncommon in the temperate zone. Anticyclones bring predominantly dry weather, especially to continental areas in winter. The regime 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 inland, 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 temperatures in winter over the continent reach 50-60 ° C, and over the oceans about 15 ° C. In winter, snow falls on the continents, a stable snow cover is formed that lasts for several months. The diversity of temperature and circulation regimes of the temperate zone predetermines its division into 4 climatic regions:

1)maritime temperate climate(western coasts of the continents) with relatively warm winter, cool and cloudy summers with maximum precipitation. This is most of Western Europe, the coastal strip of the north-west. North America, southern 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 the warm season(inland US, south and southeast of Eastern Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.);

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

Subpolar climate zones (subarctic and subantarctic). There is also a change in 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 harsh, average temperature January (July) to -40 ° C and below, but in the oceanic parts up to -5-10 ° C. 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 lower, in oceanic areas up to 400 mm/year. Evaporation is very low, so there is excess moisture, the air is damp, there is a lot of cloudiness, there are many days with rain and especially with snow. In any month, temperatures can drop below 0°C and snow can fall. Winds are frequent and strong. The tundras are located in this belt - the northern coast of Eurasia and North America (continental climate), the Commander and Aleutian Islands, as well as the Antarctic islands (oceanic subpolar climate).

Polar climate zones (Arctic and Antarctic). Arctic air dominates in these zones throughout the year. What is atypical for the belts is that in the western part of the Arctic there is intense cyclonic activity over the sea surface and sea temperate air very often invades. An anticyclone dominates over Antarctica. Characteristic is the absence solar radiation in winter (polar night) and 24-hour lighting in summer. However, snow and ice surfaces strongly reflect the sun's rays, which here fall at an angle close to 180°, and emit a lot of heat. Air temperature and humidity are very low, average temperatures are negative, only in some places summer months rise to +5 ° C. There are maritime Arctic and continental Antarctic climates. The latter is particularly harsh. The average temperature recorded here in December (summer) is -32 ° C, and in August (winter) -71 ° C, the maximum temperature rarely rises above - 20 ° C. There is little precipitation, the air is dry, and occasional precipitation occurs. strong winds, especially during transition seasons. The climate does not remain unchanged. That it is changing is evidenced by observational data on the state of the atmosphere over almost 200 years. Information about weather and climate is available in chronicles and in the works of scientists ancient world. Some rocks (coral limestones, coal, salts, band clays, etc.), landforms, remains of organisms, plant pollen. The causes of climate change are many and overlapping, making it difficult to study. In our time big influence The climate is affected by human activity: changes the state of the atmosphere (increased CO 2 content, dust, 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 spontaneous and unfavorable.

Climatic zones. The cycle of heat, moisture and general circulation atmospheres shape the weather and climate in geographical envelope. Types of air masses, features of their circulation in different latitudes create conditions for the formation of Earth's climates. The dominance of one air mass throughout the year determines the boundaries of climate zones.

Climate zones- these are territories that are continuous or intermittent stripe encircle the Earth; they differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, amount and regime of precipitation, prevailing air masses and winds. The symmetrical distribution of climatic zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law of geographic zonation. Highlight basic And transitional climatic zones. The names of the main climatic zones are given according to the dominant air masses and the latitudes in which they are formed.

There are 13 climatic zones: seven main and six transitional. The boundaries of each zone are determined by the summer and winter positions of climate fronts.

There are seven main climatic zones: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (Arctic and Antarctic). In each of the climatic zones, one air mass dominates throughout the year - equatorial, tropical, temperate, arctic (Antarctic), respectively.

Between the main zones in each hemisphere, transitional climate zones are formed: two subequatorial, two subtropical and two subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). IN transitional belts is happening seasonal change air masses They come from neighboring main belts: in summer the air mass is from the southern main belt, and in winter from the northern one. The proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, and topography influence climatic differences within the zones: climatic regions with different types of climate are distinguished.

Characteristics of climatic zones. Equatorial belt formed in the region of the equator in an intermittent strip, where equatorial air masses predominate. Average monthly temperatures range from +26 to +28 sС. Precipitation falls 1500-3000 mm evenly throughout the year. The equatorial belt is the wettest part of the earth's surface (the Congo River basin, the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, the Amazon River basin in South America, the Sunda Islands). There are continental and oceanic climate types, but the difference between them is small.

For subequatorial belts , encircling the equatorial belt from the north and south, is characterized by monsoon air circulation. A feature of the belts is the seasonal change of air masses. In summer, equatorial air dominates, in winter - tropical. There are two seasons: wet summer and dry winter. In summer, the climate differs slightly from the equatorial one: high humidity, abundance atmospheric precipitation. IN winter season Hot, dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, trees shed their leaves. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to +30 °C. The annual precipitation is 1000-2000 mm, with maximum precipitation falling in summer.

Tropical zones are between 20¨ and 30¨s. and Yu. w. on both sides of the tropics, where trade winds prevail. (Remember why in tropical latitudes the air sinks and high pressure prevails.) Throughout the year, tropical air masses with high temperatures dominate here. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30...+35 ¨C, the coldest month is not lower than +10 ¨C. In the center of the continents the climate is tropical continental (desert). Cloud cover is insignificant, precipitation in most parts is less than 250 mm per year. Low rainfall causes the formation of the greatest deserts in the world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, and Australia.

IN eastern parts continents, which are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, intensified by monsoons in the summer season, a tropical humid climate is formed. The average monthly temperature in summer is +26 ¨C, in winter +22 ¨C. Average annual precipitation is 1500 mm.

Subtropical zones (25-40¨ N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate ones in winter. The western parts of the continents have a Mediterranean climate: summers are dry, hot, the average temperature of the warmest month is +30 ¨C, and winters are wet and warm (up to +5...+10 ¨C), but short-term frosts are possible. On the eastern coasts of the continents, a subtropical monsoon climate with hot (+25 ¨C) rainy summers and cool (+8 ¨C) dry winters. The amount of precipitation is 1000-1500 mm. Snow rarely falls. In the central parts of the continents, the climate is subtropical continental, with hot (+30 ¨C) and dry summers and relatively cold winters (+6...+8 ¨C) with little precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by more uniform temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 ¨С, in winter +12 ¨С, precipitation falls 800-1000 mm. (Use the climate map to determine the differences in the climates of the subtropical zones.)

Temperate zones stretched in temperate latitudes from 40¨ n. and Yu. w. almost to the polar circles. Temperate air masses dominate here throughout the year, but arctic and tropical air masses can penetrate. In the Northern Hemisphere in the western continents, westerly winds and cyclonic activity predominate; in the east there are monsoons. As you move deeper into the territory, the annual amplitude of air temperature increases (the coldest month is from +4...+6 °C to –48 °C, and the warmest month is from +12 °C to +30 °C). In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic. There are 5 types of climate in the Northern Hemisphere: maritime, moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, and monsoon.

The maritime climate is formed under the influence of westerly winds blowing from the ocean (Northern and Central Europe, western North America, Patagonian Andes of South America). In summer temperatures are about +15…+17 °C, in winter - +5 °C. Precipitation falls throughout the year and reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. In the Southern Hemisphere, the temperate zone is dominated by an oceanic climate with mild summers, mild winters, heavy rainfall, westerly winds, unstable weather (“roaring” forties latitudes).

Continental climate is characteristic of the interior regions of large continents. In Eurasia, a moderate continental, continental, sharply continental climate is formed, in North America - moderate continental and continental. On average, July temperatures vary from +10 °C in the north to +24 °C in the south. In a temperate continental climate, the January temperature drops from west to east from –5° to –10 °C, in a sharply continental climate - to –35…–40 °C, and in Yakutia below –40 °C. The annual precipitation in a temperate continental climate is approximately 500-600 mm, in a sharply continental climate - about 300-400 mm. In winter, as you move eastward, the duration of stable snow cover increases from 4 to 9 months, and the annual temperature range also increases.

The monsoon climate is best expressed in Eurasia. In summer, a stable monsoon from the ocean prevails, the temperature is +18...+22 °C, in winter - –25 °C. At the end of summer - beginning of autumn, typhoons from the sea with gusty winds and heavy precipitation are frequent. Winters are relatively dry as the winter monsoon blows inland. Precipitation in the form of rain predominates in summer (800-1200 mm).

Subpolar belts (subarctic and subantarctic) located north and south of the temperate zone. They are characterized by seasonal changes in air masses: moderate air masses dominate in summer, and arctic (Antarctic) air masses dominate in winter. Continental subarctic climate is characteristic of the northern margins of North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm (+5…+10 °C) and short. Winter is harsh (up to –55 °C). Here is the pole of cold in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk (–71 °C). Small amount of precipitation - 200 mm. Distributed permafrost, excessive moisture, large areas are swampy. The oceanic climate in the Northern Hemisphere is formed in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, in the Southern Hemisphere - around Antarctica. Cyclonic activity is widespread throughout the year. Cool summer (+3…+5 °C), floating sea and continental ice, relatively mild winter (–10…–15 °C). Winter precipitation is up to 500 mm, fog is constant.

Rice. 16. Characteristic types annual

Polar belts (Arctic and course of air temperatures of different Antarctic) located around the climatic zones of the poles. Continental climate prevails in Antarctica, Greenland, and the islands of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. There are negative temperatures all year round.

Oceanic climate is observed mainly in the Arctic. Temperatures here are negative, but during the polar day they can reach +2 °C. Precipitation - 100-150 mm (Fig. 16).

Bibliography

1. Geography 8th grade. Tutorial for 8th grade institutions of general secondary education with Russian as the language of instruction / Edited by Professor P. S. Lopukh - Minsk “People's Asveta” 2014