Climatic zones of Eurasia - description, features and interesting facts. Climate of Eurasia: from the Arctic to the equatorial belt What affects the climate of the continent

Climatic features Eurasia is determined by the enormous size of the continent, a great length from north to south, a variety of dominant air masses, as well as the specific features of the structure of the relief of its surface and the influence of the oceans.

Due to the large extent of the continent from north to south, due to the different amount of solar radiation at specific latitudes, Eurasia is located in all climatic zones of the northern hemisphere, from the arctic to the equatorial. The largest territory in terms of area is occupied by the temperate belt, since it is in the temperate latitudes that the continent is most extended from west to east.

All four main types of air masses are formed and dominate over the continent - arctic, temperate, tropical and equatorial.... It is characteristic that sea masses are formed over the oceans in the temperate and tropical zones, and continental air masses are formed over the mainland, the confrontation of which creates a wide variety of climate types in these latitudes of Eurasia. Thus, most of Eurasia is located in temperate latitudes, where the western transport of sea air masses is pronounced, which enhances the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on the climate of the continent. A hinterland Eurasia within temperate zone are under the decisive influence of continental air masses formed in the zone of action of the Siberian (Mongolian) anticyclone. The eastern and southern regions of Asia are influenced by monsoons, which transfer air masses from the mainland to the ocean in winter and from the ocean to land in summer (the Indian subcontinent and Indochina, East China, the Far East and the Japanese Islands).

The climate of Eurasia, like other continents, is greatly influenced by the relief. The Alps, Carpathians, Caucasus, Himalayas and other mountains of the Alpine-Himalayan fold belt are an important climatic division of the continent. They block the path of cold and dry northerly winds to the south and at the same time create an insurmountable barrier in the way of warm and humid winds blowing from the south. So, in the basins of Central Asia, north of the Himalayas, 50-100 mm of precipitation falls per year, and at the foot of the eastern Himalayas - more than 10,000 mm per year. Winters in the European Mediterranean countries, beyond the barrier of the Alps, are warm, while in the plains of Central Europe they are relatively cold.

The influence of the oceans on the climate of Eurasia through the influence of ocean currents (Gulf Stream, Kuroshio, Kuril-Kamchatka, monsoon currents of the Indian Ocean) and the sea air masses forming above them are well known.

Let us briefly dwell on the features of climatic zones and types of climate (climatic regions) in Eurasia.

In the arctic and subarctic belts areas with a maritime climate in the west of each belt are distinguished: small temperature ranges due to a relatively warm winter and cool summer (the influence of the branches of the North Atlantic Current). In the east of the belts, the climate is continental with very cold winters (up to -40 ...- 45 ° С).

Within temperate zone, stretching across the entire mainland, a wide variety of climate types. The marine type of climate in the western regions of Europe is formed under the year-round influence of sea air masses from the Atlantic. Summers are cool here, winters are relatively warm even in northern latitudes on the coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula - site. With the passage of Atlantic cyclones, the weather changes rapidly: in summer there can be cold snaps, in winter - thaws. The area of \u200b\u200btransitional climate from maritime to continental occupies mainly the territory of Central Europe. With distance from the ocean, the difference (amplitude) between summer and winter temperatures increases: winter becomes noticeably colder. There is more precipitation in summer than in the cold season. On the territory of Eastern Europe (up to the Urals), the climate is considered moderately continental. Outside the Urals, in Siberia and Central Asia, winters are very cold and dry; summers are hot and relatively humid. This is an area of \u200b\u200bsharply continental temperate climate. On the Pacific coast, the climate is monsoon with warm, humid summers and cold winters.

In the subtropical zone on the plains the air temperatures are positive all year round. The northern boundary of the belt is drawn along the January isotherm at 0 ° C. On the territory of Eurasia, three climatic regions are distinguished in this belt. Mediterranean - in the west of the belt. Here dry tropical air masses dominate in summer (cloudless and hot in summer), and in winter - sea air of temperate latitudes (it rains in winter). Mainland area subtropical climate occupies the territory of the Near Asian highlands (the peninsula of Asia Minor, the Armenian and the north of the Iranian highlands). Winter in this area is relatively cold (snowfalls and temperature drops below 0 ° C are possible), summers are hot and very dry. The annual amount of precipitation is low, and it falls in the winter-spring period. An area of \u200b\u200bmonsoon subtropical climate - in the east of China and occupies the southern half of the Japanese islands. Here characteristic mode precipitation is the summer maximum in their annual distribution.

Tropical belt in Eurasia it does not form a continuous strip and is represented only in the south-west of Asia (the Arabian Peninsula, the south of Mesopotamia and the Iranian Highlands, the north-western regions of the Indian subcontinent). Continental tropical air masses dominate here throughout the year. The amount of precipitation on the plains does not exceed 200 mm, and in the desert regions of the belt - below 50 mm per year. Summers are very hot - average July temperatures are from +30 to + 35 ° С. In Riyadh (Arabia), temperatures up to + 55 ° C were noted. Average January temperatures are from + 12 ° to + 16 ° C.

Subequatorial belt includes the peninsulas of Hindustan and Indochina, the Indo-Gangetic plain, the island of Sri Lanka (excluding the southwestern part), Southeast China, the Philippine Islands. This belt is characterized by a seasonal change in air masses: in summer, humid equatorial air, brought in by the monsoon, dominates; in winter, the relatively dry tropical trade wind of the northern hemisphere. The hottest time of the year is spring, when daytime temperatures can exceed + 40 ° C.

Equatorial climate zone is located on the islands of the Malay Archipelago (excluding East Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands), the Malay Peninsula, southwest of Sri Lanka and the south of the Philippine Islands. Sea equatorial air masses dominate here throughout the year. They are formed from tropical air coming from the trade winds of both hemispheres. This climate is characterized by abundant rainfall (2000-4000 mm per year) and constantly high temperatures (above + 25 ° C).

The climatic features of the continent of Eurasia are determined by its gigantic size, a great extent from north to south, a variety of prevailing air masses, as well as a specific relief structure and the impact of the oceans.

What affects the climate of the mainland

Due to its wide extent, the continent is characterized by all types of climate in the Northern Hemisphere. The largest area is located in the temperate climatic zone. All four types of the main climatic masses, arctic, temperate, equatorial and tropical, are formed over the continent.

A characteristic feature is that in the territories adjacent to the oceans, sea air masses are formed, which cause climate instability.

The climate of the mainland is also influenced by the mountain systems of the Alps, the Himalayas, the Caucasus and the Carpathians, they prevent the penetration of dry and cold northern winds to the south of the mainland, and also act as a protective barrier on the way of warm and humid southern air currents. The climate of Eurasia is also influenced by ocean currents: Kuroshio, Gulf Stream, Kuril Kamchatka. Warm currents significantly soften the climate, cold make it a classic continental.

Arctic to temperate

In the arctic and subarctic belt highlighted regions regions with warm climate in the west of the belt, a small amplitude of fluctuations is due to relatively warm winters and cool summers. In the territories east direction continental climate minimum temperatures in winter they reach - 45 ° C.

A variety of climates are observed within the temperate zone. For the western regions of Europe, a characteristic marine type of climate: thanks to the warm masses of the Atlantic, winters are warm here, in summer period the air temperature is moderate, possible significant cold snaps.

Central and Eastern Europe be under the influence of a transitional climate. The remoteness from the ocean contributes to a significant increase in the temperature amplitude. Areas with a sharply continental climate: Trans-Urals, Siberia and Central Asia.

Winters in these regions are dry and frosty, summers are warm with high levels of humidity. The monsoon climate prevails on the Pacific coast (Far East and Japan).

From the subtropics to the equatorial belt

In the subtropical zone of Eurasia, there are three climatic regions of the Mediterranean subtropics (Italy, Greece), the continental subtropics (Iran, Armenia), and the monsoon subtropics (China and the Japanese Islands).

The tropical belt of the mainland covers the southern west of Asia (the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and Hindustan). Summers in these regions are very hot with minimal rainfall, winters are warm with an average temperature of + 20 ° C.

The subequatorial belt includes the Indochina Peninsula, northern Sri Lanka and the Philippine Islands. For these regions, the characteristic seasonal change of air masses in summer is dominated by monsoon humid air, in winter dry trade wind of the Northern Hemisphere.

The equatorial belt covers the islands of the Malay Archipelago, southern Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Sea equatorial air masses are preserved here throughout the year. These areas are characterized by heavy rainfall and stable high temperatures.

The variety of climatic conditions in the vastness of Eurasia is explained by the enormous size of the continent and its great length in all directions. In addition, the massiveness of the central and eastern parts, and the strong dissection of the coastline in the west and south, and the pronounced influence of the oceans influenced the formation of the climate in the region.

Total solar radiation

Within Eurasia, the amount of solar radiation entering the Earth varies over the year in the range from $ 60 \\ kcal / cm ^ 2 $ (or $ 2520 \\ MJ / m ^ 2 $) on the Arctic islands to $ 200-220 \\ kcal / cm ^ 2 $ ( or $ 8400-9240 \\ MJ / m ^ 2 $) on the Arabian Peninsula. IN Western Europe the value of solar radiation is up to $ 140 \\ kcal / cm ^ 2 $ ($ 5880 \\ MJ / ^ 2 $) in Southeast Asia - up to $ 180 \\ kcal / cm ^ 2 $ ($ 7570 \\ 5880 \\ MJ / m ^ 2 $). The radiation balance in Eurasia is estimated in the range from $ 10 $ to $ 80 \\ kcal / cm ^ 2 $ ($ 420-3360 \\ MJ / m ^ 2 $). For part of the territory of Eurasia in winter time the radiation balance is negative.

Circulation of the atmosphere

On the territory of most of Eurasia, western transport and cyclonic activity associated with it prevail. This determines the strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean on the climate of the continent. Due to the absence of significant orographic obstacles to the main transport of air masses up to the Urals, they are slowly transforming and a smooth climate change is observed. Further beyond the Urals, continental air masses dominate throughout the year. Monsoon air circulation is observed on the eastern, southern and southeastern coasts of the mainland.

Precipitation

About $ 40 \\ thousand km ^ 3 $ of precipitation falls on the surface of Eurasimi during the year. The distribution of precipitation in Eurasia in MGO is determined by the peculiarities of atmospheric circulation.

Within the continent, there are 2 areas of low precipitation:

• in the north of the mainland (Kola Peninsula, Yakutia), where the amount of precipitation is $ 100-400 mm / year and decreases from west to east;
• territories outside the sphere of influence of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, covering almost half of the continent. This is the interior of the Arabian Peninsula, Iranian Highlands, eastern East European Plain, West Siberia and Central Siberia, Central Asia, Tibetan Plateau, north of the Far East.

The circulation of the atmosphere also determines the amount of precipitation and the mode of their fallout.

Seasonality

Climatic conditions of the regions of Eurasia in winter

In winter, there is a high contrast in the heating of the continent and oceans, and, accordingly, the distribution atmospheric pressure... The following baric regions are observed on the mainland in January:

• The Icelandic minimum is a closed area of \u200b\u200blow pressure in the North Atlantic Ocean (over Iceland).
• The Azores maximum is an area of \u200b\u200bincreased pressure over the Atlantic ($ 30 ^ \\ circ \\ N $), representing a part of the subtropical zone of increased pressure.

The interaction of these centers largely shapes the climate Europe... The air that flows out along the northern and eastern periphery of the Azores maximum and forms relatively warm cyclonic winds of the southwestern and western directions in temperate latitudes. In the polar latitudes at this time, predominantly east winds blow. Thus, cyclonic depressions pass through Iceland, Scandinavia and the Barents Sea in winter. At this time over Mediterranean Sea (especially the Gulf of Lyon and the Ligurian Sea, the island of Cyprus and the south of the Tyrrent Sea), a local cyclone formation process takes place. Cyclones formed over the Mediterranean Sea are carried east and northeast inland, sometimes reaching the Indus.

As you move eastward, the moist sea air dries up and cools. IN central Asia these flows enter the high-pressure area in the surface layers, which is formed due to the cooling of the territory and high mountain systems along the perimeter of the area. This is how the planet's largest area of \u200b\u200bincreased pressure is formed - the quasi-stationary Asian maximum. The action of this area can bring cold snap even in Western Europe.

Due to the anticyclonic state of the atmosphere and strong hypothermia in the interior regions of Asia, up to tropical latitudes, in winter there is practically no precipitation and low temperatures (up to $ -30 ^ \\ circ C $) of air

IN South Asia in winter, trade winds prevail. The western margins of South Asia may be affected by the North Atlantic High. Over Indochina, Hindustan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the Sunda Islands, the weather forms a northeastern trade wind. It brings air masses from the North Pacific maximum. In winter, dry weather is also observed here, precipitation is typical for areas where enough moisture is brought with trade winds or westerly winds. This is the southeastern outskirts of Hindustan, part of the Philippine Islands. Winter temperatures are moderate here - up to $ + 20 ^ \\ circ C $.

Climatic conditions of the regions of Eurasia in the summer

In the summer, the meteorological conditions of Eurasia differ significantly. Due to the warming of the territory, the Asian maximum is replaced by a low pressure area with a closed center over the Indus and the Persian Gulf - South Asian minimum... Also, the North Pacific minimum disappears, and the Icelandic minimum weakens significantly. Act North Atlantic and North Pacific highs amplifies and spreads over large areas. Also formed South Indian High south of tropical latitudes. Above the polar latitudes, an area of \u200b\u200bincreased pressure remains.

IN northwestern Europe a relatively low pressure band with pronounced cyclonic activity is formed, forming westerly and northwestern winds that bring relatively cold air to the mainland. Moving along the warm continent, it quickly becomes continental. The average July temperature in this region varies almost sublatitudinally from $ 12 $ to $ 26 ^ \\ circ C $ while moving from north to south.

Western Asia and Southern Europeexposed to air masses from the periphery of the North Atlantic maximum. They bring dry tropical air.

In Central Asia, surrounded by mountain rises, dry and hot air dominates in summer, average temperature July is up to $ 30 ^ \\ circ C $. Similar conditions are developing over the Arabian Peninsula under the influence of the northeastern trade wind from the baric maximum in the North Atlantic Ocean.

South and East Asia in the summer, they experience strong pressure and temperature contrasts between the continent and the ocean. This results in heavy rain showers caused by summer monsoons. These areas will receive the largest rainfall on the planet.

In the summertime, in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, typhoons - cyclonic eddies with a speed of $ 30-50 \\ km / h $ (sometimes up to $ 100 \\ km / h $). They bring intense rainfall. Typhoons affect mainly the Japanese and Philippine Islands, sometimes found on the southern and eastern outskirts of the continent.

Remark 1

Thus, Eurasia is located in all climatic zones (due to its length from north to south), and all climatic regions are represented on its territory (due to its length from west to east). All known types of climate on the planet are represented within Eurasia.

Features of the climate. The main feature of the climate of Eurasia is diversity. Almost all types of climate that exist on the planet are represented here. The continent recorded the lowest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere (in Oymyakon) and the largest amount of precipitation on the planet's land (in Cherrapunji). The hottest and driest place on the continent is the Arabian Peninsula.

By climate maps Atlas, determine the extreme temperature values \u200b\u200bfor Oymyakon and Arabia, the average annual precipitation for Cherrapunja.

This feature of the climate of Eurasia is a consequence of several factors. The first one is great length of the continent along the meridian . Eurasia is located in 7 climatic zones: arctic, subarctic, temperate, subtropical, tropical, subequatorial, equatorial.

Second - large parallel continent ... Consequently, climatic regions are distinguished within the belts: maritime climate of the western coasts, continental, maritime climate of the eastern coasts (monsoon). The largest number of regions is distinguished by the temperate and subtropical belts, which fall on the widest part of the continent.

As you go deeper into the mainland, the temperature amplitude increases and becomes drier. Due to the vastness of Eurasia, its internal regions (regardless of their location in a particular latitudinal belt) are distinguished by a particularly high degree of continentality climate. Continental climates occupy significant areas in Eurasia - like no other continent of the planet. The highest degree of continentality is characteristic of the climates of the interior temperate and subtropical zones.

The third factor determining the diversity of the climate of the continent is relief ... In Eurasia, its forms are distributed in such a way that they contribute to a sharp change in climatic conditions (both along the meridian and along the parallel). therefore within the zones the climate is variegated and contrasting... The location of mountain barriers along the coasts leads to the fact that maritime climates occupy small areas. But thanks to such an orographic pattern, territories with continental climates are very significant in area. The plains of Eurasia are vast; therefore, latitudinal zoning of the climate is clearly manifested on them. The mountain systems of Eurasia are high and extended; this contributes to the vivid manifestation of altitudinal zonality.

The influence of the oceans on climate. In almost all zones of Eurasia, marine climate types are formed.

However, the influence of each of the oceans manifests itself differently - depending on geographic location territory and its relief. Atlantic Ocean due to the western transport in temperate latitudes, it softens the climate of the entire lowland Europe and humidifies even the mountainous Siberia remote from it. The cold dry air of the Arctic Ocean, spreading to the mainland in summer, moves from high latitudes to the south along the lowlands. Therefore, it warms up quickly, and only the coastline feels its harsh "breath". The Pacific monsoon is prevented from penetrating the continent in temperate latitudes by the western transport and coastal ridges. But in low latitudes, the relief, which steps away from the coast, retains its moisture even at a considerable distance from the ocean. A monsoon from the Indian Ocean, "bumping" at the very coast of the long highest barrier of the Himalayas, abundantly moisturizes their southern slope and coastal lowlands, but does not enter the interior regions of the mainland.

The influence of the oceans is determined by their coastal currents. For the climate of Eurasia, the role of the warm North Atlantic current is especially great: it saturates the western transport with moisture, allowing it to carry precipitation far inland, and in winter it noticeably warms Western Europe.

Arctic climatic zone. The climate is formed by the Arctic - cold dry air masses coming from the high pressure area over the Arctic. In winter, during the polar night, temperatures drop to –40 ° С. In summer, with the arrival of the polar day, the temperature rises to –20… –10 ° С, and on the coast - to 0 ° С and higher. Little precipitation falls - about 100 mm (Fig. 22).

Subarctic climatic zone. In the western (European) part of the belt, thanks to the warm Norwegian Current, the climate is warmer and more humid than in the east (in Asia), where the air that forms over the mainland dominates. In summer, with the arrival of moderate air, it rains everywhere. Summer temperatures are higher in the east (+ 12 ° С), here in the basins they can rise to + 35 ° С. Winters in the European part of the belt are snowy, while in the Asian they are dry and very cold (below –40 ° С), especially in the basins of the Oymyakon highlands (up to –50 ° С) (Fig. 23).

Figure: 22. Climatic diagram Fig. 23. Climatodiagram of the arctic belt of the subarctic belt

Verkhoyansk is one of the coldest places in the Northern Hemisphere (–71 ° С). And the cold pole of the hemisphere is Oymyakon, where the temperature is –71.2 ° С.

Moderate climatic zonestretches across the widest part of the continent. Therefore, the climate in the belt is very diverse - despite the fact that it is formed by the same air mass throughout the year, it is moderate.

In temperate latitudes, the western transport is active. With it in winter, warm humid air from the Atlantic enters Europe. And the Asian part of the belt, located inside the continent, is rapidly cooling down, and an area of \u200b\u200bhigh atmospheric pressure is established above it - the Asian maximum. From here, cold dry air, filling the lowlands, spreads in all directions. On the eastern edge of the continent, sliding down to the Pacific Ocean, it forms a powerful winter monsoon. Strong deep freezing of the soil leads to the formation in the Asian part of the belt of an extensive zone of perennial her permafrost(fig. 24).

Figure: 24. Permafrost

The southern boundary of the continuous distribution of permafrost in Asia extends to 48 ° N. sh., and in separate islands it occurs up to the 30th parallel. The formation of permafrost in temperate latitudes is a consequence of the high degree of continental climate. It contributes to the formation of modern permafrost and the preservation at depth of the relict that arose during the ancient glaciation. As a result, more than 30% of the temperate zone is located in the permafrost zone.

In the summer, the mainland warms up, and a low pressure area forms above it. Cool, moist air from the oceans rushes into it, capturing the western and eastern outskirts under its influence. And over the central parts, continental air dominates - dry and hot.

As a result, climatic conditions change along the parallel and four climatic regions are distinguished in the temperate zone. In the west, in Europe, the nautical climate: summer is cool (+15 ° С), humid; winters are mild (from +5 to 0 ° С) and also wet; annual precipitation with a summer maximum - about 1000 mm (Fig. 25). The East European Plain has moderate continental climate: warm summers (+19 ° С), moderately humid, cold winters (–10 ° С) and drier; the annual precipitation with a summer maximum is 700 mm in the north, 400 mm or less in the south (Fig. 26). Behind the Urals, sharply continental climate: summer is warm, even hot (in the north +15 ° С, in the south +30 ° С) and dry, winters are very cold (–25 ... –45 ° С) and dry. There is little precipitation - in the north and west up to 500 mm, in the south and east it is reduced to 200 mm (Fig. 27); only on the windward western slopes of uplands and high mountains their number (especially in the south) increases sharply, sometimes exceeding 1500 mm.

The east coast of the Pacific Seas has a climate monsoon ... Summer is cool here (in the north +8 ° С, in the south +16 ° С), humid, especially in the south. Winters are very cold, temperatures rise from west to east, towards the coast: both in the north and in the south from –35 to –20 ° С. Annual precipitation with a pronounced summer maximum in the north is 500 mm, in the southeast - up to 2000 mm (Fig. 28).

Subtropical climate zone- transitional: in winter, a moderate air mass moves here from the north and a western transport operates, and in summer, a tropical one from the south. On separating them atmospheric front cyclones are actively formed, which give abundant precipitation. The monsoon operates on the eastern edge of the mainland.

The belt stretches through a wide part of the mainland with a complex relief: high mountains alternate with vast plains. Therefore, climatic conditions are varied. In the west is the region mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and rainy here, while summers are hot and dry (Fig. 29). The inner parts of the belt, which are distinguished by a particularly dissected relief, are characterized by continental climate. In summer, it is hot on the plains enclosed by mountain ranges: average temperatures are + 32 ° С, daily amplitudes reach 40 ° С. Fig. 29. My climate diagram is cold, especially in the east of the Mediterranean region (up to –8 ° C). This is the driest area of \u200b\u200bthe belt - about 100 mm of precipitation per year (Fig. 30). The eastern edge has monsoon climate. Here the coldest winters (down to -16 ° С) - winter monsoon, dry and cold, carries air from the cooled continent. And in summer, the monsoon blows on land from the warm ocean. Therefore, this area is the wettest in the belt: 3000 mm of precipitation falls on the islands, and 800-2000 mm on the mainland (Fig. 31).

Figure: 29

Figure: 30. Climatodiagram of the monsoon region of the subtrosubtropical belt Fig. 31. Climatodiagram of the continental region

Tropical climate zone occupies the southwestern part of the mainland. During the year, hot and dry tropical continental air dominates here, and this leads to the formation deserted climate. In the south of the Arabian Peninsula (Fig. 32), the average annual temperatures are the highest in Eurasia (+30 ° С), and in the warmest month of the year - June - the average daily temperatures are everywhere above +30 ° С. All year round dry (fig. 33).

IN subequatorial climate zone seasonality of moisture is pronounced. The winter monsoon carries tropical air from land, the summer monsoon from the oceans. therefore warm winter - dry, and hot summers are very humid (Fig. 34). Near the coast, the monsoon is delayed by the slopes of the Himalayas, and at their foot falls 12,000 mm of precipitation - the maximum for sub equatorial belt and for the entire land mass of the planet.

IN equatorial climate zone equatorial air constantly dominates. The climate is monotonous. The seasons are not pronounced. The average annual temperature is + 25 ... + 27 ° С, there is a lot of precipitation everywhere - from 2000 to 3000 mm (Fig. 36). Heavy showers are coming. Cloudy, hot and damp. The weather repeats every day.

Figure: 36. Climatodiagram

Climate impact on economic activity. In Eurasia, the geographical pattern of the manifestation of this connection is clearly traced.

A significant part of the mainland has a climate that is unfavorable for living and economic activity. The climate at high latitudes is severe and extremely cold. In the inland parts of Eurasia in the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones, extremely arid, hot (Fig. 37) or cold continental climates with large annual and daily temperature differences are formed. Climates with excessive atmospheric moisture - with abundant precipitation throughout the year - subequatorial monsoon (Bengal) (Fig. 38) and equatorial - are characteristic of the southern and southeastern margins of Eurasia.

The most favorable for human habitation and - as a result - for all types of economic activities, the climate is moderately humid and moderately warm, with a uniform regime of all climatic elements. These conditions are most consistent with the marine and moderate continental climates of the temperate and subtropical belts, to a lesser extent - subequatorial.

Zones of favorable climate occupy a small part of the continent. One zone - a vast one - is located in the west, covering almost all of Europe and the Asian Mediterranean. Another is located in the southeast of Asia and stretches along the coast in a narrow strip, bounded from the continent by high chains of the Himalayas, mountains of Central and East Asia. It is in these zones that the concentration of the population is highest. Here the most favorable conditions for diversified agriculture and animal husbandry, which provide a complex of industries with primary raw materials. The concentration of the population stimulates the development of diversified industry, transport, services and communications.

In our time - the time of development of high technologies - the influence of climate on economic activity is not as dramatic and unambiguous as it was in the early stages of development human society, when a person's life was absolutely dependent on the surrounding nature. However, even now the climate determines the conditions of life, significantly affecting the cost of living in certain conditions.

Bibliography

1. Geography grade 9 / Textbook for grade 9 institutions of general secondary education with the Russian language of instruction / Edited N. V. Naumenko /Minsk "Narodnaya Asveta" 2011

The territory of Eurasia is huge. It stretches across all existing belts of the Northern Hemisphere. This feature makes the continent diverse in climate and nature. A similar phenomenon in nature is not found anywhere else. The climatic zones of Eurasia are formed by the inhomogeneity of the incoming solar radiation and various types of atmospheric circulation, as well as a variety of relief.

Arctic and subarctic belts

The northern part of the mainland is located in the Arctic zone. Cold and dry winds prevail in this place throughout the year. This climatic zone of Eurasia is characterized by low temperatures... Summer - about zero degrees, and winter - from -30 ° C and below.

Strong winds are constantly blowing in the Arctic zone, the sun practically does not shine: it is covered by clouds. Little precipitation falls, and everything is in the form of snow.

The subarctic belt covers the territory the far north from the Chukchi Peninsula to the Scandinavian Peninsula, as well as the island of Iceland. Compared with arctic zone, it's warmer here. In summer, air masses from temperate latitudes come to the subarctic climate zone of Eurasia. Therefore, in this part it is warmer: in summer, the temperature can reach + 15 ° C. In winter, the Arctic air masses dominate the territory.

There is little precipitation, but they practically do not evaporate, so there is a swampy area.

Temperate zone

The largest climatic zone of Eurasia is temperate. It occupies the largest area of \u200b\u200bthe mainland. Several areas are distinguished in it. The names of the climatic regions of the temperate zone of Eurasia and their characteristics are as follows:

1. Territory with a maritime climate. Under the influence of humid air masses from the Atlantic in the western part of Europe, maritime climate, at which the temperature in winter is about 0 ° C. In summer, in this area, about +16 ° C. The sea zone is characterized by a large amount of precipitation - about a thousand millimeters.
2. Moderate continental. The further east you go, the milder the summer weather with colder winters. In a temperate continental climate, winter is about -7 ° С, while summers are warmer here - about + 20 ° С. The amount of precipitation is less than in the sea zone by about one hundred millimeters.
3. Per Ural mountains the climatic zone from the temperate continental to the continental. In this zone, frosts in winter reach twenty degrees, and in summer the air warms up to +24 ° C. Up to four hundred millimeters of precipitation falls on the territory per year.
4. Some of the central regions of Asia are located in the sharply continental region. It is characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations. In some areas of the mainland, the temperature in summer can reach + 52 ° C.
5. The Far East is dominated by a monsoon climate. The Pacific monsoon brings humid air masses. Here the precipitation is quite significant - up to 900 mm. In winter, air comes to the territory from Siberia, bringing frosts down to -14 ° C. In summer, the temperature is around + 20 ° C. In Japan, the climate is milder and warmer in winter. This is due to the impact of the warm ocean current Kuroshio.

The climatic regions of the temperate zone of Eurasia are replaced by the subtropical zone.

Subtropical belt

This belt starts from the Iberian Peninsula in the west and reaches the Pacific Ocean in the east. In summer, this latitude is dry and hot, while in winter the air is humid and cool. In the subtropical zone, there are three areas:

1. Mediterranean climate. It is formed in southern Europe and on the Asia Minor peninsula. The summer is dry and hot, with an average daily temperature of about 25 degrees. Winters on the territory are warm, about + 10 ° С. It produces about 400 mm of precipitation per year.
2. Continental climatic region located in the central part of the subtropical belt. Here, the annual temperature fluctuations are more pronounced.
3. Monsoon area. It is located in the east of the belt.

Tropical belt

The tropical zone extends to the Arabian Peninsula. Under the influence of dry air entering Central Asia, little precipitation falls. There are territories where there are none at all. By the way, there is no precipitation on the coast of the Arabian Sea because of the cold Somali current. In summer, in a tropical climate, the air warms up to 50 degrees, and in winter the temperature does not drop below +20 ° C.

Subequatorial belt

This belt covers the territory of the peninsulas of Indochina and Hindustan, as well as the Philippine Islands. In summer, the air is humid and warm, and in winter it is hot tropical and dry. Throughout the year, the subequatorial belt reigns warm weather with minimal fluctuations average annual temperatures... The only difference between winter and summer is the amount of precipitation.

Equatorial belt

On the territory of the Greater Sunda Islands, equatorial air masses dominate throughout the year. More than two thousand millimeters of precipitation falls in this place, and the weather resembles an eternal summer.

High altitude climate

A separate category is made alpine climate. Climatic conditions here depend on the exposure of the slopes. In such areas, the barrier isolation of highlands and air stagnation are clearly manifested. Thanks to this phenomenon, the local climate is formed. An example of this are the high-mountainous deserts of the Pamirs and Tibet.

Climatic zone table

The table will tell you the best about what the climatic zones of Eurasia are. We bring it to your attention.

Knowing what the climatic zones in Eurasia are, it is possible to determine in which territories of this continent it is coldest, and in which areas it is hot. This information helps scientists create meteorological forecasts, track the movement of air masses, track natural phenomena, as well as study plant and animal world Eurasia.