Table climatic zones air masses temperature. Climate types. Climatic zones

The Earth's climates, which have features of similarity, are combined into certain types, which replace each other in the direction from the equator to the poles. In each hemisphere, there are 7 climatic zones, of which 4 are main and 3 are transitional. This division is based on placement by the globe air masses with different properties and characteristics of air movement in them. TO the main types include:

- Equatorial climate zone ... This type of climate is characterized by the dominance of equatorial air masses throughout the year. On the days of the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 21) equinox, the Sun is at its zenith above the equator and heats the Earth greatly. The air temperature in this climatic zone is constant (+ 24-28 ° С). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1 °. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm), on the windward slopes of the mountains, precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm. The amount of precipitation here exceeds evaporation, so the soil in equatorial climate waterlogged, and they grow thick and tall moist forests... The climate of this zone is also influenced by the trade winds, which bring here an abundance of precipitation. The equatorial type of climate is formed over the northern regions South America; on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, over the Congo Basin and the upper Nile, including the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa; over most of the Indonesian archipelago and the adjacent Indian and Pacific Oceans in Asia. - Tropical climate zone . This type of climate forms two tropical climatic zones (in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere) over the following territories:

Northern belt Africa (Sahara); Asia (Arabia, Baluchistan, south of the Iranian Highlands); North America (Mexico, Western Cuba);

Southern belt South America (Peru, Bolivia, Northern Chile, Paraguay); Africa (Angola, Kalahari Desert); Australia (central part of the mainland).

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

Mainland climatic zone: a large area is dominated by a high-pressure area, therefore very little rainfall(from 100-250 mm). The mainland tropical climate is different very hot summer(+ 35-40 ° C). In winter, the temperature is much lower (+ 10-15 ° С). Great daily temperature fluctuations(up to 40 ° C). The absence of clouds in the sky leads to the formation clear and cold nights(clouds could trap the heat coming from the Earth). Sharp daily and seasonal temperature changes contribute to destruction of rocks, which gives a mass of sand and dust. They are picked up by the winds and can be carried over considerable distances. These dusty sandstorms are a great danger to the traveler in the desert. Mainland tropical climates the western and eastern coasts of the continents are very different from each other. Along western shores Cold currents pass through South America, Africa and Australia, so the climate here is characterized by relatively low air temperature (+ 18-20 ° С) and low precipitation (less than 100 mm)... Along east coasts warm currents pass through these continents, so the temperatures are higher here and more precipitation falls.

Oceanic tropical climate similar to equatorial, but different from it less cloudiness and steady winds... Summer over the oceans not so hot(+ 20-27 ° С), and winter cool(+ 10-15 ° C). Precipitation occurs mainly in summer(up to 50 mm).

- Moderate. There is a significant influence of westerly winds, bringing rainfall all year round... Summer in this climatic zone moderately warm(from + 10 ° С to + 25-28 ° С). Cold winter(from + 4 ° С to -50 ° С). Annual quantity precipitation from 1000 mm to 3000 mm on the outskirts of the mainland and up to 100 mm in the interior. The differences between the seasons of the year are clearly manifested. This type of climate also forms two zones in Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is formed over the territories of temperate latitudes (from 40-45 ° north and south latitude to the polar circles). Above these territories is formed low pressure area, active cyclonic activity.

Temperate climate is subdivided into two subtypes:

- nautical that reigns in western parts North America, South America, Eurasia, is formed under the direct influence of westerly winds from the ocean on the mainland, therefore it differs cool summer(+ 15-20 ° C) and warm winter (from + 5 ° С). Precipitation brought by westerly winds falls all year round(from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm); continental, dominant in central regions continents is different from him. Cyclones penetrate here less often than in coastal areas, therefore summer is warm here(+ 17-26 ° C), and Cold winter(-10-24 ° С) with a stable snow cover for many months. Due to the considerable length of Eurasia from west to east, the most striking continental climate is observed in Yakutia, where average January temperatures can drop to -40 ° С and fall little rainfall... This is because the inland areas of the mainland are not affected by the oceans as much as the coasts, where humid winds not only bring precipitation, but also soften the heat in summer and frost in winter. The monsoon subtype of the temperate climate, prevailing in the east of Eurasia from Kamchatka to Korea and in the north of Japan, in the northeast of China, is characterized by a change in steady winds (monsoons) by seasons, which affects the amount and mode of precipitation. In winter, a cold wind blows here from the continent, so winters are clear and cold (-20-27 ° С). Summer winds with The Pacific bring warm rainy weather. In Kamchatka, Sakhalin falls from 1600 to 2000 mm of precipitation. All subtypes of the temperate climate are dominated by only moderate air masses.

Polar type of climate. Above 70 ° north and 65 ° south latitude dominates polar climate forming two belts: arctic and antarctic... All year round it is dominated by polar air masses... The sun does not appear at all for several months (polar night) and does not go beyond the horizon for several months (polar day). Snow and ice emit more heat than they receive, so the air is very cooled, the snow cover does not melt all year round. Throughout the year, a high pressure area dominates over these territories, so the winds are weak, there are almost no clouds. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles... When they settle, they add up to only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature does not exceed 0 ° C, and the winter temperature does not exceed -20-40 ° C. Prolonged drizzle is typical for summer.

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

There are three additional types of climate:

- Subequatorial climate. Summer this belt is dominated by equatorial air masses, a in winter - tropical. Summer: a lot of precipitation (1000-3000 mm), average temperature air + 30 ° С. The sun reaches its zenith in spring and beats down mercilessly. Winter is cooler than summer (+ 14 ° С). Little precipitation falls. Soils dry out after summer rains, therefore, in the subequatorial climate, in contrast to the equatorial, swamps are rarely found.

The northern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Isthmus of Panama, Venezuela, Guinea); Africa (Sahel belt); Asia (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, all of Indochina, South China, the Philippines). The southern subequatorial belt includes: South America (Amazonian lowland, Brazil); Africa (center and east of the mainland); Australia (northern coast of the mainland).

- Subtropical climate... Here summer dominate aerial tropical masses, and in winter it is invaded by air masses of temperate latitudes, carrying precipitation. Such circulation of air masses determines the following weather in these areas: hot, dry summers (from +30 to + 50 ° С) and relatively cold winters with precipitation, no stable snow cover is formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm. Inland in the sub tropical latitudes there is little precipitation in winter. The climate of dry subtropics prevails here with hot summers (up to + 50 ° С) and unstable winters, when frosts down to -20 ° С are possible. In these areas, precipitation is 120 mm or less. In the western parts of the continents, the Mediterranean climate prevails, which is characterized by hot, slightly cloudy summers without precipitation and cool, windy and rainy winters. More precipitation falls in the Mediterranean climate than in the dry subtropics. The annual amount of precipitation here is 450-600 mm.

- Subtropical climate the eastern coast of the continents is monsoon. Winters here are cold and dry compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, while summers are hot (+ 25 ° C) and humid (800 mm). This is due to the influence of monsoons blowing from land to sea in winter and from sea to land in summer and bringing precipitation in summer. The monsoon subtropical climate is well expressed only in the Northern Hemisphere, especially on the east coast of Asia. Heavy rainfall in summer time give the opportunity to develop lush vegetation. On fertile soils, agriculture is developed here, supporting the lives of more than a billion people.

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

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

Characteristics of climatic zones (table below) is the topic of this article. We will tell you about those that exist on our planet, and also consider each of them in detail. To do this, recall that the climate is the weather regime established over the years, which depends on a specific territory, its geographical position.

Equatorial belt

This climatic zone is characterized by low pressure, as well as a year-round presence of air masses. There are no separate climatic regions within the belt. Concerning temperature regime then it's hot in here. During the year there is a lot of precipitation, moisture is abundant. The weather here changes very dramatically during the day. The first half is sultry, and the second begins with heavy rains.

The names of the climatic zones are associated with their characteristics. The equatorial belt is located near the equator, therefore it has such a name.

Sub equatorial belt characterized by a change in air masses, which occurs seasonally. Equatorial air masses prevail in summer, and more tropical in winter. The weather conditions in summer fully correspond to the equatorial type of climate, while the weather in winter resembles the conditions of the tropical zone. Winters are dry and slightly colder than summer.

Tropical belt

As we already know, the names of climatic zones are associated with their location. This type of climate is characterized by tropical air masses all year round. The air is continental. The real weather of the tropical zone is high pressure and temperature, a large temperature difference not only during the year, but also during the day. Water in such a climate is sorely lacking. It is very hot and dry here, and dry winds are frequent. There is almost no rain. The weather is usually dry and sunny.

However, the tropical belt is deceiving. The eastern shores of the continents, which are washed by warm currents, are also located in this belt, but they have a different climate. The air is tropical sea, heavy rainfall, monsoons. Climatic conditions are similar to the equatorial climate.

It is characterized by a change in air masses. Tropical climate prevails in summer, temperate in winter. Pressure surges in summer and winter are quite high. The pressure is low in winter and high in summer. Despite the strong difference in temperature and precipitation throughout the year, the thermometer is above zero all year round. Sometimes the temperature can even drop to negative values. During such periods, snow falls. On flat areas, it melts quickly, but in the mountains it can lie for several months. As for the winds, westerly winds dominate in winter and trade winds in summer.

Temperate zone

The temperature of the climatic zones largely depends on the air masses that prevail over the territory. The temperate zone, as the name implies, has a temperate climate. But not always. Sometimes tropical or arctic air masses invade. The temperate climate is characterized by a large temperature difference. Summers are hot and winters are frosty and long. Relatively low pressure, cyclonicity, instability of weather conditions in winter. Throughout the year, westerly winds blow, sometimes there are trade winds in summer, and northeast winds in winter. Massive snow cover every winter.

Arctic and Antarctic belts

In the characteristics of climatic zones in the table, you can see what temperatures prevail in these zones. Features of these belts in low temperatures ah all year strong winds and cold summer. There is very little precipitation.

Subarctic and subantarctic belts

These belts are distinguished by the temperate climate in summer. Because of this, a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations occurs. There is a lot of permafrost in these belts. In winter, north-easterly and southeasterly winds prevail, and in summer, westerly ones. The belts have 2 climatic regions, about them below.

Territories of climatic zones

Each belt is characteristic of a certain territory. Natural and climatic zones have been formed on the planet for a long time, so we can confidently designate certain areas in which the climate of the zone is pronounced.

The equatorial climate is typical for Oceania, the countries of South America and Africa. The subequatorial climate is typical for Northern Australia and South-East Asia... Central Australia and North Africa is a tropical belt. Subtropics are characteristic of the interior regions of the continents. A temperate climate prevails in the western part and eastern outskirts of Eurasia. the belt predominates in North America and northern Eurasia. The Arctic and Antarctic belts are characteristic of Australia and the Arctic Ocean.

Climatic zone table

The table shows the characteristics of the zones.

Climatic zones of belts

The subtropical zones have three climatic regions:

1. Mediterranean climate. Prevalent in the northern hemisphere, in the southern and western shores continents. In summer, there is a continental climate, and in winter, continental and sea air masses. Summers are dry and warm, while winters are relatively cool and humid. Insufficient moisture.
2. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern shores of the continents. Summer monsoons cause intense heat and a lot of rainfall, while winter monsoons cause coolness and dryness. Moisture in this area is moderate. Precipitation is typical for the winter season.
3. Marine climate. Distributed on the continents of the southern hemisphere. Sea air masses are characteristic. Summers and winters are warm. There is enough moisture, it is distributed evenly throughout the year.

The temperate zone consists of 5 climatic regions:

1. Temperate maritime climate. It predominates on the western shores of the continents. The weather is influenced by warm currents and the winters are quite mild and the summers are warm. There will be a lot of precipitation during the year. Winter is characterized by heavy and frequent snowfalls. There is more than enough moisture. The geography of the climatic zone contributes to the instability of the weather.
2. Characterized warm summer and cold winter. Arctic air masses sometimes provoke a sharp cooling, and tropical air masses - warming. There is little precipitation, they are uniform (cyclonic and frontal).
3. Continental climate. Only applies to the northern hemisphere. Moderate air masses prevail here throughout the year. Sometimes arctic air masses appear (in this area, their invasion is possible in summer). In the warm season, there is more precipitation, but in general they are insignificant. A small amount of snow and a predominance of low temperatures contribute to the existence of permafrost.
4. Sharply continental climate. Typical for the interior regions of North America and Eurasia. The territory is practically isolated from the influence of the seas and oceans and is located in the center of high pressure. Sometimes summer is hot, winter is always frosty. There is a lot of permafrost. The type of weather is anticyclonic. Little precipitation, little moisture.
5. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern side of the continents. It is characterized by seasonality of air masses. Summers are humid and warm, while winters are dry and cool. Summer precipitation is more abundant, excessive moisture.

The subarctic and subantarctic belts have two areas:

• continental climate (severe but short winter, little rainfall, swampy territory);
• oceanic climate (fogs, a lot of precipitation, mild winters and cool summers).

The characteristics of climatic zones in the table do not include two areas of the Arctic and Antarctic belts:

• continental arctic climate (little rainfall, all year temperatures are below zero);
• oceanic climate (cyclones, little precipitation, freezing temperatures).

The temperature in the oceanic climate can rise up to +5 during the polar day.

Summing up, let's say that the characteristics of climatic zones (in the table) are necessary for every educated person.

The cycle of heat, moisture and the general circulation of the atmosphere shape the weather and climate in geographic envelope... The types of air masses, the peculiarities of their circulation in different latitudes create conditions for the formation of the Earth's climates. The dominance of one air mass during the year determines the boundaries of climatic zones.

Climatic zones - these are territories that encircle the Earth in a continuous or discontinuous strip; they differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, the amount and mode of precipitation, the prevailing air masses and winds. The symmetrical distribution of climatic zones relative to the equator is a manifestation of the law of geographic zoning. Main and transitional climatic zones are distinguished. The names of the main climatic zones are given according to the prevailing air masses and 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 the climatic 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.

Transitional climatic zones are formed between the main belts in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical and two subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic). V transition belts there is a seasonal change in air masses. They come from the neighboring main belts: in summer the air mass of the southern main belt, and in winter - the northern one. The proximity of the oceans, warm and cold currents, relief affect climatic differences within the belts: climatic regions with different types climate.

Characteristics of climatic zones

The equatorial belt formed in the equatorial region as a discontinuous strip dominated by equatorial air masses. Average monthly temperatures are from +26 to +28 C. Precipitation is 1500-3000 mm evenly throughout the year. The equatorial belt is the wettest part earth surface(basin of the Congo river, coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, basin of the Amazon river in South America, Sunda Islands).

There are continental and oceanic types of climate, 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 in air masses. Dominates in the summer equatorial air, tropical in winter. There are two seasons: summer wet and winter dry. In summer, the climate is slightly different from the equatorial one: high humidity, abundance of atmospheric precipitation. In the winter season, hot dry weather sets in, grasses burn out, trees shed their foliage. The average air temperature in all months ranges from +20 to +30 ° С. Annual precipitation is 1000-2000 mm, maximum precipitation is in summer.

The tropical zones are between 20 and 30 s. and y. NS. on both sides of the tropics, where trade winds prevail. (Remember why in tropical latitudes the air sinks and high pressure prevails.) During the year, tropical air masses dominate here with high temperatures... The average temperature of the warmest month is + 30 ... + 35 C, the coldest - not lower than +10 C. In the center of the continents, the climate is tropical continental (desert). The cloudiness is insignificant, precipitation for the most part falls less than 250 mm per year. Low precipitation causes the formation of the greatest deserts in the world - the Sahara and Kalahari in Africa, the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Australia. V eastern parts continents that are influenced by warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean, amplified by monsoons in summer season forming tropical humid climate... The average monthly temperature in summer is +26 C, in winter +22 C. Average annual quantity precipitation 1500 mm.

Subtropical zones (25-40 N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate air masses in winter. In the western parts of the continents, the Mediterranean climate: dry, hot summers, the average temperature of the warmest month is +30 C, and winters are humid and warm (up to + 5 ... + 10 C), but short-term frosts are possible. On east coasts continents formed 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.

V central parts continents climate is subtropical continental, with hot (+30 C) and dry summers and relatively cold winters (+ 6 ... + 8 C) with low precipitation (300 mm). The subtropical humid climate is characterized by a more even course of temperatures and precipitation. In summer +20 C, in winter +12 C, precipitation is 800-1000 mm. (Define by climate map differences in the climates of the subtropical zones.)

Moderate belts stretched in temperate latitudes from 40 p. and y. NS. almost to the polar circles. Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, but arctic and tropical air masses can penetrate. In the Northern Hemisphere in the west of the continents, westerly winds, cyclonic activity prevail; in the east - monsoons. As you move deeper into the territory, it increases annual amplitude air temperature (the coldest month - from + 4 ... + 6 ° С to –48 ° С, and the warmest - from +12 ° С to +30 ° С).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the climate is mainly oceanic. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are 5 types of climate: maritime, moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, monsoon.

The maritime climate is formed under the influence of westerly winds blowing from the ocean (North and Central Europe, west of North America, Patagonian Andes of South America). In summer, temperatures are around + 15 ... + 17 ° С, in winter - +5 ° С. Precipitation falls throughout the year and reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. In the Southern Hemisphere, in the temperate zone, an oceanic climate dominates with cool summers, mild winters, abundant rainfall, westerly winds, unstable weather ("roaring" forties).

The continental climate is typical for the interior regions of large continents. A moderately continental, continental, sharply continental climate is formed in Eurasia, and a moderately continental and continental climate in North America. On average, the July temperature varies from + 10 ° С in the north to + 24 ° С in the south. In a temperate continental climate, January temperature decreases from west to east from –5 ° to –10 ° С, in a sharply continental climate - to –35 ... –40 ° С, and in Yakutia below –40 ° С. Annual precipitation in a temperate continental climate is about 500-600 mm, in a sharply continental climate - about 300-400 mm. In winter, with the movement to the east, 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 ° С, in winter - –25 ° С. In late summer - early autumn, typhoons from the sea with gusty winds and heavy rainfall are frequent. Winters are relatively dry as the winter monsoon blows from the land. Precipitation in the form of rains prevails in summer (800-1200 mm).

Subpolar belts (subarctic and subantarctic) are located to the north and south of the temperate belt. They are characterized by a change in air masses according to seasons: moderate air masses dominate in summer, and Arctic (Antarctic) ones in winter. The continental subarctic climate is typical for the northern outskirts of North America and Eurasia. Summer is relatively warm (+ 5 ... + 10 ° С), short. Winter is harsh (down to –55 ° С). There is a cold pole in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk (–71 ° С).

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 developed throughout the year. Cool summer (+ 3 ... + 5 ° С), floating sea and continental ice, relatively mild winter (–10… –15 ° С). Winter precipitation - up to 500 mm, fogs are constant.

The polar belts (arctic and antarctic) are located around the poles. The continental climate prevails in Antarctica, Greenland, and the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Freezing temperatures throughout the year.

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

Climatic zones differ from each other in air temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses and precipitation. The climate of the temperate zone from west to east changes from maritime to moderate continental, continental, sharply continental, monsoon.