Natural zones of mountainous regions (Grade 4). Natural zones of mountainous areas (Grade 4) How the sequence of zones in the mountains changes

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. one. Conventions 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 will be viewed deciduous forest, a little higher - spruce, after it the tundra with low bushes will begin, and it will be replaced by alpine meadows, turning into a stone zone. This alternation is called levels. altitudinal zonality.

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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 form in the spring summer period when meltwater from glaciers flows down. The mountain tundra turns into unusually beautiful meadows. Cows and sheep graze on it. 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. Travelers are at particular risk snow avalanches- this is the gathering of large masses of snow and ice, rushing down from 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. AT steppe zone: hares, gophers. 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. On the peaks North America a dexterous predator lives - 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. Most beautiful belt mountains - alpine. Rare herbs and unusual flowers are found here. The tops of the high mountains are covered eternal ice and snows that do not melt even in summer.

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The geographic envelope is not tripled in the same way everywhere, it has a "mosaic" structure and consists of separate natural complexes (landscapes). Natural complex - this is part earth's surface with relatively homogeneous natural conditions: climate, relief, soils, waters, flora and fauna.

Each natural complex consists of components between which there are close, historically established relationships, while a change in one of the components sooner or later leads to a change in others.

The largest, planetary natural complex is the geographic shell; it is subdivided into natural complexes of a smaller rank. The division of the geographic shell into natural complexes is due to two reasons: on the one hand, differences in the structure of the earth's crust and the heterogeneity of the earth's surface, and on the other hand, an unequal number solar heat obtained by its various sections. In accordance with this, zonal and azonal natural complexes are distinguished.

The largest azonal natural complexes are continents and oceans. Smaller - mountainous and flat areas within the continents (West Siberian Plain, Caucasus, Andes, Amazonian lowland). The latter are subdivided into even smaller natural complexes (Northern, Central, Southern Andes). Natural complexes of the lowest rank include individual hills, river valleys, their slopes, etc.

The largest of the zonal natural complexes - geographic zones. They coincide with climatic zones and have the same names (equatorial, tropical, etc.). In turn, geographical zones consist of natural zones, which are distinguished by the ratio of heat and moisture.

natural area called a large land area with similar natural components - soils, vegetation, wildlife, which are formed depending on the combination of heat and moisture.

The main component of the natural zone is the climate, because all other components depend on it. Vegetation has a great influence on the formation of soils and wildlife and is itself dependent on soils. Natural zones are named according to the nature of the vegetation, since it most obviously reflects other features of nature.

The climate naturally changes as you move from the equator to the poles. Soil, vegetation and wildlife are determined by climate. This means that these components should change latitudinally, following climate change. The regular change of natural zones when moving from the equator to the poles is called latitudinal zoning. At the equator there are humid equatorial forests, at the poles - ice arctic deserts. Between them are other types of forests, savannas, deserts, tundra. forest zones, as a rule, are located in areas where the ratio of heat and moisture is balanced (equatorial and most of temperate zone, eastern coasts of the continents in the tropical and subtropical zones). Treeless zones are formed where there is a lack of heat (tundra) or moisture (steppes, deserts). These are the continental regions of the tropical and temperate, as well as the subarctic climate zone.

The climate changes not only latitudinally, but also due to changes in altitude. As you climb up the mountains, the temperature drops. Up to a height of 2000-3000 m, the amount of precipitation increases. A change in the ratio of heat and moisture causes a change in the soil and vegetation cover. Thus, unequal natural zones are located in the mountains at different heights. This pattern is called altitudinal zonation.

The change of altitudinal belts in the mountains occurs approximately in the same sequence as on the plains, when moving from the equator to the poles. At the foot of the mountains there is a natural zone in which they are located. The number of altitudinal belts is determined by the height of the mountains and their geographical position. The higher the mountains, and the closer they are to the equator, the more diverse the set of altitudinal zones. The most complete vertical zonality is expressed in the Northern Andes. Moist equatorial forests grow in the foothills, then there is a belt of mountain forests, and even higher - thickets of bamboos and tree-like ferns. With increasing height and decreasing average annual temperatures coniferous forests appear, which are replaced by mountain meadows, often turning, in turn, into stony placers covered with moss and lichens. The tops of the mountains are crowned with snow and glaciers.

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The structure of the altitudinal zonality of the Caucasus is the most complete in comparison with other mountains 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 receiving 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;
• almost never meet dark conifers trees.

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 in 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. Clean air of mixed forests, picturesque landscapes, the sea coast are the main recreational resources Caucasus.

1. The main components of the natural complex are relief and rocks, climate, and water.

2. Natural complexes that are called anthropogenic - gardens and reservoirs.

3. The main reason for the change of natural complexes on the earth's surface is climate change depending on the geographical latitude and the movement of air masses.

4. A large natural complex with common temperature conditions and moistening of soils, plants and wildlife is a natural zone.

5. The formation of natural zones on land is due to the climate, that is, the ratio of heat and moisture.

6. The most vulnerable natural component is the soil.

7. The alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonation.

8. The largest natural complex is the geographical envelope.

9. A small natural complex is a ravine.

10. A natural area where the temperature is uniform at night above +10⁰ precipitation falls regularly, fever is frequent - the equatorial forest.

11. "complex" in translation from Latin means "weaving". The meaning of the phrase "natural complex of the area" is the interconnection of all natural components of the area.

12. The shell of life is the biosphere.

13. The alternation of natural zones on the plains is called latitudinal zonality.

14. The alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonation.

15. The natural zone where the increase in the severity of the climate is most clearly seen with the advancement from west to east is the taiga.

16. The zone with fertile soil is the steppe.

17. The names of the natural areas of the land were received according to the nature of the vegetation.

18. The most low temperature which was registered in the village of Oymyakon. – 71⁰s.

19. The pattern when natural zones are distributed depending on the amount of solar heat and moisture is latitudinal zonality.

20. The natural zone in which there are shagyls (dunes) is a desert.

21. The most complete version of the components of natural complexes - rocks, moisture, soil, biocomponents.

22. The scientist who established the law on geographical zoning - V.V. Dokuchaev.

23. The largest natural area in terms of area is the desert.

24. The Arctic desert differs from other natural areas in harsh climatic conditions.

25. The reasons why the snow line in the Himalayas passes at an altitude of 4300 - 4600.m, and in the Alps 2500 - 2900.m - their geographical position.

26. Territories developed by man for several millennia - Mesopotamia, the Indus-Gangetic lowland, the Mediterranean coast, the great Chinese plain.

27. The main type of vegetation in the forest zone of the north is coniferous evergreen forests.

28. The natural zone where the change of seasons is not clearly expressed is the equatorial forest.

29. The zone most developed by man is the steppe.

30. The natural zone in which the height of the forest does not exceed 50 cm is the tundra.

31. The polar night in the circumpolar regions lasts - 6 months.

32. The monsoons of the Indian Ocean make it difficult to influence the climate - the precipitation regime.

33. The local name which is a natural territorial complex located at the foot of the southwestern slopes of the Himalayas up to a height of 400-600 m is terai.

34. The slopes of the Tien Shan, which are more humid, are northern.

35. The anthropogenic natural complex is ponds and parks.

36. Over the years, the position of natural zones in a certain area is changing, but very slowly.

37. The most humid season in East China is summer.

38. The transitional natural zone is the forest-tundra.

39. Natural area which is located in the main area temperate climate the vegetation cover is dominated by coniferous species typical large predators, as well as artiodactyls - taiga.

40. The type of soil with the maximum humus content (fertility) is chestnut soils.

41. The relationship of components in the natural complex is determined primarily by the exchange of substances and energy between them.

42. The ocean that has the greatest influence on the climate of the Arabian Peninsula - the ocean has a negligible effect on the climate of the Arabian Peninsula.

43. Geographic zoning consists in - a regular change in all natural components and geographical envelope from the equator to the poles.

Altitudinal zonality

Altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality - a regular change natural conditions and landscapes in the mountains as the absolute height increases.

Accompanied by changes in geomorphological, hydrological, soil-forming processes, the composition of vegetation and wildlife.

Altitudinal zonality - alternation of natural zones in the mountains

Many features of the altitudinal zonality are determined by the location of the slopes in relation to the cardinal points that dominate air masses and distance from the oceans.

The number of belts usually increases in high mountains and as we approach the equator.

The altitudinal zonality is due to the change in density, pressure, temperature, moisture and dust content of the air with height. Atmospheric pressure decreases in the troposphere by 1 mm Hg. Art. for every 11-15 m in height. Half of all water vapor is concentrated below 1500 - 2000 m, it rapidly decreases with increasing altitude and dust content. For these reasons, the intensity of solar radiation in mountains increases with height, while the return of long-wave (or thermal) radiation from the surface of mountain slopes to the atmosphere and the influx of counter thermal radiation from the atmosphere decrease.

This leads to a decrease in air temperature within the troposphere, on average, by 5-6°C per kilometer of altitude. In this case, the conditions for water vapor condensation are such that the number of clouds, concentrated mainly in the lower layers of the troposphere, increases to a certain height.

This leads to the existence of a belt of maximum precipitation and to their decrease at a higher altitude.

The set of altitudinal belts of a mountain system or a particular slope is usually called a spectrum of belts. In each spectrum, the base landscape is the foothills of the mountains, close to the conditions of the horizontal natural zone in which the given mountain system is located.

There is an analogy in the change of altitudinal zones within the spectrum of any mountain country, on the one hand, and horizontal geographic zones from low to high latitudes, on the other hand.

However, there is no complete identity between them. For example, the tundra of the Arctic latitudes is characterized by a polar day and a polar night, and with them a special rhythm of hydroclimatic and soil-biological processes. High-mountain analogs of tundras at lower latitudes and alpine meadows lack such features. Highlands equatorial latitudes are characterized by special landscapes - paramos (Andes of Ecuador, Kilimanjaro), which have little in common with the belt of alpine meadows.

The most complete spectra of altitudinal zonality can be observed in the high mountains of equatorial and tropical latitudes (Andes, Himalayas). Toward the poles, the levels of the altitudinal belts decrease, and the lower belts wedge out at certain latitudes. This is especially well expressed on the slopes of meridionally elongated mountain systems (Andes, Cordillera, Urals). At the same time, the altitudinal zonality spectra of the outer and inner mountain slopes are often different.

The composition of the altitudinal zonality spectra also changes strongly with distance from the seas inland.

The oceanic regions are usually characterized by the predominance of mountain-forest landscapes, while the continental ones are treeless.

The composition of the spectra of altitudinal zonality also depends on many local conditions - features of the geological structure, exposure of slopes in relation to the sides of the horizon and prevailing winds.

For example, in the Tien Shan mountains, high-altitude belts of mountain forests and forest-steppe are predominantly characteristic of the northern, i.e., shady and more humid, slopes of the ridges. The southern slopes of the Tien Shan are characterized by mountain steppes at the same levels.

Altitude zonation creates a variety of impressions and, as a result of the contrast of the belts, their special sharpness when traveling and climbing in the mountains.

In one day, the traveler manages to visit different belts- from the belt deciduous forests, to alpine meadows and eternal snows.

In Russia, a particularly complete range of altitudinal zonality is observed in the Western Caucasus in the area of ​​Fisht or Krasnaya Polyana.

Here on the southern slope of the Main Caucasian ridge, rising, for example, from the Mzymta valley (500 m above sea level) to the peak of Pseashkho (3256 m), one can observe the change of numerous altitudinal belts. Oak forests, alder forests and subtropical Colchis forests of the foothills give way to beech forests with the participation of hornbeam and chestnut forests.

The upper belts of vegetation are formed by dark coniferous fir and spruce forests, light pine forests, park maple forests. This is followed by crooked forests, subalpine and alpine meadows.

The top of the pyramid at altitudes of more than 3000 m is closed by the subnival and nival-glacial belts.

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Altitudinal zonality
The change of natural zones, as is known, 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. Due to changes climatic conditions natural areas are changing. But unlike the plains, in the mountains this change occurs from the foot to the top. 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.
The first (lower) altitudinal belt of mountains always corresponds to the natural zone in which the mountain is located. For example: The Subpolar Urals is located in the taiga zone.

At its foot, the first belt will be mountain taiga, and as we climb to the top, we will find the following high-altitude belts - forest tundra, mountain tundra, arctic deserts.

The alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality.
The change of day and night, seasonal changes depend on the geographical latitude. If the mountain is near the pole, there is a polar day and a polar night, a long winter and a short cold summer.

In the mountains near the equator it is always day equals night there are no seasonal changes.

Natural areas of mountain areas (Grade 4)

Why are there changes in the natural areas in the mountains? At altitude, temperature and pressure decrease, humidity and lighting change. Click on the slide.

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ALTITUDE ZONATION (altitude zonality, vertical zonality), the main geographical regularity of the change in natural conditions and landscapes with altitude in the mountains. It is mainly due to a change in the conditions of heat supply and humidification with an increase in absolute altitude.

The causes, intensity and direction of these changes differ significantly from the corresponding changes in geographic latitude. With a decrease in atmospheric pressure with height due to a decrease in air density, a decrease in the content of water vapor and dust in it, the intensity of direct solar radiation increases, however, the own radiation of the earth's surface increases faster, as a result of which there is a sharp decrease in air temperature with height (on average 0.5 -0.65°C for every 100 m of ascent).

Precipitation due to the barrier effect of mountains increases up to a certain height (usually higher in dry areas) and then decreases. A rapid change in climatic conditions with altitude corresponds to a change in soils, vegetation, runoff conditions, a set and intensity of modern exogenous processes, landforms and, in general, the entire natural complex.

This leads to the formation of altitudinal zones distinguished by the predominant type of landscape (mountain forest, mountain steppe). Within them, according to the dominance of a certain subtype of landscape, altitudinal belts, or altitudinal subzones (for example, belts of mixed, broad-leaved or dark coniferous forests of the mountain forest zone) are distinguished. Altitude zones and belts are named according to the type of prevailing vegetation - the most obvious component of landscapes and an indicator of other natural conditions.

Altitudinal zones and belts differ from latitudinal landscape zones and subzones in their shorter length, the manifestation of specific exogenous processes under conditions of strong dissection and steepness of the relief, which are not characteristic of flat landscapes (landslides, mudflows, avalanches, etc.); gravelly and thin soils, etc. Some altitudinal zones and belts do not have plain analogues (for example, a mountain-meadow zone with subnival, alpine and subalpine belts).

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For the first time about the difference in climate and the nature of mountains, depending on the proximity of the earth's surface to the "frosty layer of the atmosphere", M.

V. Lomonosov. Generalizations of the patterns of altitudinal zonality belong to A. Humboldt, who identified the relationship between climate change and vegetation in the mountains. The doctrine of the vertical zonality of soils, as well as climate, flora and fauna as the main soil-forming factors, was created by V.

V. Dokuchaev, who pointed out the identity of vertical zonality in the mountains and latitudinal zonality in the plains. Subsequently, in order to emphasize the identified differences between the genesis of altitudinal (vertical) zonality and latitudinal zonality, it was proposed to use the term “altitude zonality” in Russian landscape science (A.

G. Isachenko, V. I. Prokaev and others), widely used in geobotany and soil science. To avoid confusion in terminology, some Russian physical geographers (N. A. Gvozdetsky, A. M. Ryabchikov, etc.) believe that the regularity of the distribution of vegetation with height is better called altitudinal zonality, and in relation to changes in natural complexes, the term “altitude landscape zonality” should be used. , or "altitude zoning".

The term "vertical zonality" is sometimes used in modern geography to characterize the deep zonality of the nature of the oceans.

The structure of altitudinal zonality is characterized by a spectrum (set) of altitudinal zones and belts, their number, sequence of location and fallout, vertical width, altitudinal position of the boundaries. The type of altitudinal zonality of landscapes is determined by a regular combination of vertically alternating altitudinal zones and belts, characteristic of territories with a certain zonal-sector confinement (see Zoning).

The influence of the orographic features of mountain systems (striking, absolute and relative heights of mountains, exposure of slopes, etc.) is manifested in a variety of spectra reflecting various subtypes and variants of structures within a particular type of altitudinal zonality. The lower altitudinal zone in a mountain system, as a rule, corresponds to the latitudinal zone in which this system is located.

In the southern mountains, the structure of altitudinal zonality becomes more complex, and the boundaries of the zones shift upward. In longitude sectors of the same geographic zone, structures of altitudinal zonality often differ not in the number of altitudinal zones, but in their internal features: the mountains of the oceanic sectors are characterized by a large vertical width of altitudinal zones, the fuzzy nature of their boundaries, the formation transitional belts and etc.; in the mountains of the continental sectors, zone changes occur faster, the boundaries are usually more pronounced.

In mountains of meridional and submeridional strike, latitudinal zonality is more pronounced in the spectra of altitudinal zonality. In latitudinal and sublatitudinal mountain systems, the influence of longitudinal differentiation on the spectra of altitudinal zonation is more clearly expressed. Such mountain systems also emphasize and enhance zonal contrasts due to exposure effects, often serve as climatic divisions, and their ridges form the boundaries between latitudinal landscape zones and geographical zones. For example, for the Greater Caucasus, different types altitudinal zonality structures characteristic of the northern and southern slopes in its western and eastern parts (Figure 1).

Depending on the features of the relief, full and shortened spectra of altitudinal zonality are distinguished.

Simplification of the structure of altitudinal zonality occurs both due to the insignificant height of the ridges (falling out of the upper zones in low and medium-altitude mountains), and with an increase in the absolute height of the foot of the slopes and bottoms of the valleys (falling out of the lower zones).

The greatest variety of altitudinal zones and belts are characterized by low and middle mountains. In the upper tiers, the structure of altitudinal zonality is quite homogeneous due to the uniformity of the climate of the peaks.

For example, in the Urals, at the intersection of different latitudinal zones, in the lower parts of the slopes, landscapes corresponding to these zones are formed, and in the upper parts, mountain tundra and bald mountains predominate, occurring both in the north and in the south (Figure 2). At the same time, the width of the golts zone narrows to the south, and its boundary rises. With a large length of the Urals from north to south (over 2000 km), fluctuations in the boundary of the golts zone are insignificant - from 750 m in the north to 1050 m in the south.

The asymmetry of altitudinal zonality is associated with the exposure of the slopes, that is, the difference in the spectra on the slopes of different insolation (relative to the Sun) and circulation (relative to the direction of movement of moist air masses) exposures.

The asymmetry of altitudinal zonality manifests itself in an increase in the boundaries of altitudinal zones on the southern slopes and a decrease in the width of individual zones, up to their complete wedging out. For example, on the northern slope of the Western Sayan, the upper limit of the taiga is located at an altitude of 1300-1350 m, on the southern slope - 1450-1550 m. Exposure differences are more pronounced in mountain systems with a continental climate, especially if they are located at the junction of latitudinal landscape zones. Circulation exposure enhances the effect of insolation exposure, which is typical for ridges of latitudinal and sublatitudinal strike.

On the other hand, the different orientation of the slopes in relation to the main ways of transporting moisture-bearing air masses leads to the formation of unequal spectra of altitudinal zonality. In the area of ​​western transfer of moist air masses, precipitation falls mainly on the western slopes, in the area monsoon climate- in the east.

The windward slopes of the ridges are characterized by humid landscapes, while the leeward slopes are characterized by arid ones. In a dry climate, exposure contrasts are more pronounced, especially in the middle mountains - at altitudes where the maximum amount of precipitation falls.

The inversion of altitudinal zones, that is, the reverse sequence of their change with height, is noted on the slopes framing intermountain basins and large valleys.

In areas of heat deficiency and increased moisture, mountain slopes are usually occupied by more southern types of landscapes compared to the bottoms of the basins (for example, in the Polar Urals, the tundras of the bottoms of the basins are replaced by forest tundra on the slopes). In areas of sufficient heat and moisture deficiency, valleys and basins are characterized by more southern types of landscapes (for example, in the mountains of Transbaikalia, among the forest lowlands, there are steppe basins).

The structure of the altitudinal zonality of landscapes is one of the criteria for the physiographic zoning of mountainous countries.

Lit .: Dokuchaev V.

V. To the doctrine of the zones of nature. Horizontal and vertical soil zones. SPb., 1899; Schukin I. S., Schukina O. E. Life of mountains. M., 1959; Ryabchikov A. M. The structure of the altitudinal zonality of land landscapes // Bulletin of Moscow State University. Ser. Geography.

Lecture: Patterns of the geographical shell

1968. No. 6; Stanyukovich K. V. Vegetation of the mountains of the USSR. Shower., 1973; Grebenshchikov O.S. On the zonality of the vegetation cover in the mountains of the Mediterranean in the latitudinal band of 35-40 degrees of latitude // Problems of Botany. L., 1974. T. 12; Gorchakovsky P. L. Vegetable world high mountain Urals. M., 1975; Gvozdetskikh N. A., Golubchikov Yu. N. Mountains. M., 1987; Isachenko A. G. Landscape science and physical-geographical zoning. M., 1991; Avessalamova I. A., Petrushina M. N., Khoroshev A. V. Mountain landscapes: structure and dynamics.

M. N. Petrushina.

It is accompanied by changes in geomorphological, hydrological, soil-forming processes, the composition of vegetation and wildlife, which leads to the formation of high-altitude belts.

The number of altitudinal belts, as a rule, increases with the height of the mountains and as one approaches the equator.

the alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called:

The high zonality of the equatorial latitudes is characterized by a regular change in the belt of humid equatorial forests belts of savannahs and light forests, mountain variable-moist forests, mountainous tropical vegetation(paramos), mountain tall grasses and shrubs (subalpine), mountain meadows (alpine) and eternal snow and ice (nival).

Many features of altitudinal zonality are determined by the exposure of the slopes, their location in relation to the prevailing air masses, and their distance from the oceans.

Altitudinal zonality has a number of similar features with latitudinal zonality, however, in the mountains, the change of natural territorial complexes occurs more abruptly (at intervals of several km compared to hundreds and thousands of km on the plains). The discovery of the general patterns of altitudinal zonation belongs to A. Humboldt.

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. In what sea more water: in Black or Baltic?

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) Communication climatic features terrain 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 - sure sign near 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. What is the difference arctic desert 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.