Description of natural zones in the form of a table. Natural zones of the hot zone. Arctic deserts and semi-deserts
The warmth of the sun fresh air and water - these are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones have led to the division of the territory of all continents and water areas into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by huge distances, are very similar, others are unique.
Natural areas of the world: what is it?
This definition should be understood as very large in area natural complexes (in other words, parts of the geographic belt of the Earth), which have similar, homogeneous climatic conditions... The main characteristic of natural areas is animal and vegetable worldthat inhabits the given territory. They are formed as a result of uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.
Table "Natural zones of the world"
Natural area | Climatic zone | Average temperature (winter / summer) |
Antarctic and arctic deserts | Antarctic, arctic | 24-70 ° C / 0-32 ° C |
Tundra and forest-tundra | Subarctic and subantarctic | 8-40 ° C / + 8 + 16 ° C |
Moderate | 8-48 ° C / + 8 + 24 ° C |
|
Mixed forests | Moderate | 16-8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
Moderate | 8 + 8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
|
Steppe and forest-steppe | Subtropical and temperate | 16 + 8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
Temperate deserts and semi-deserts | Moderate | 8-24 ° С / + 20 + 24 ° С |
Stiff-leaved forests | Subtropical | 8 + 16 ° С / + 20 + 24 ° С |
Tropical deserts and semi-deserts | Tropical | 8 + 16 ° C / + 20 + 32 ° C |
Savannahs and woodlands | 20 + 24 ° С and above |
|
Subequatorial, tropical | 20 + 24 ° С and above |
|
Constantly wet forests | Equatorial | above + 24 ° С |
This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only for informational purposes, because you can talk a lot and for a long time about each of them, all the information will not fit into the framework of one table.
Natural zones of the temperate climatic zone
1. Taiga. Surpasses all other natural zones in the world in terms of land area (27% of the territory of all forests on the planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees cannot withstand them, so the taiga is dense coniferous forests (mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large areas of the taiga in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.
2. Mixed forests. They are more characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between the taiga and broadleaf forest... They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Species of trees: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as rowan, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table "Natural zones of the world" shows, soils in the zone mixed forests gray, not very fertile, but still suitable for growing plants.
3. Broadleaved forests. They are not adapted to harsh winters, they are deciduous. They occupy most of Western Europe, the south of the Far East, the north of China and Japan. Suitable for them is the maritime climate or temperate continental with hot summers and enough warm winter... As the table "Natural zones of the world" shows, the temperature in them does not drop below -8 ° C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. The following types of trees are characteristic: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. Forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including commercial ones.
4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinguishing feature is the almost complete absence of vegetation and scarce animal world... There are a lot of natural zones of this nature, they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp temperature changes over the seasons. Animals are mainly represented by reptiles.
Arctic deserts and semi-deserts
They represent huge areas of land covered with snow and ice. The map of the natural zones of the world clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and only along the coast are polar bears, walruses and seals, polar foxes and lemmings, penguins (in Antarctica). Where the land is free of ice, lichens and mosses can be seen.
Humid equatorial forests
Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and a hot climate (20 ° C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle, which has become home to more than 2/3 of all species of creatures living on our planet. These rainforests surpass all other natural areas in the world. Trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soils of humid forests contain little humus.
Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climatic zone
1. Variable wet forests, they differ from rain forests in that precipitation falls there only during the rainy season, and during the drought that follows it, the trees are forced to shed their foliage. Fauna and flora are also very diverse and rich in species.
2. Savannahs and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is no longer sufficient for the growth of variable-wet forests. Their development takes place in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial air massesand the rainy season lasts less than half a year. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior regions of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. More detailed information about the location is reflected in the map of natural zones of the world (photo).
Stiff-leaved forests
This climatic zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Stiff-leaved and evergreen forests are located along the sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so abundant, but the leaves retain moisture due to the dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling off. In some trees and plants, they are modernized into thorns.
Steppe and forest-steppe
They are characterized by an almost complete absence woody vegetationThis is due to the meager rainfall. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore are actively used by humans for agriculture. The steppes occupy large areas in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants is reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to the lack of moisture and most often have time to complete their life cycle for a short spring period, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.
Tundra and forest-tundra
In this zone, the breath of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even conifers cannot withstand it. Moisture is abundant, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very large areas. In the tundra, there are no trees at all, the flora is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is believed to be the most volatile and fragile ecosystem. Due to the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.
All natural zones of the world are very interesting, be it a seemingly absolutely lifeless desert, endless arctic ice or thousand-year-old rain forests with boiling life inside.
The Russian Federation ranks first in terms of area among other countries. For this reason, the country's territory is subdivided into several natural zones. Their percentage of the area of \u200b\u200bRussia can be traced in the table below.
How many natural zones are the territory of Russia divided into?
The zonal study is associated with the name of the famous geographer and traveler Alexander von Humboldt. This person is the progenitor of the whole science of landscape science.
It was Humboldt who introduced the concept of "natural zones". He attributed Russia to the number of transcontinental (located in several parts of the world) countries. Allocated 10 natural areas. Despite the huge area, namely 17 million square meters. km, in terms of the number of natural zones, Russia is inferior to the United States due to the location of two states in the tropics.
Table of natural zones of Russia, occupied territory:
| Natural area name | Percentage of the area of \u200b\u200bRussia | Annual precipitation | average temperature |
| Arctic deserts | 2 % | 150 or less | -24 -70 ° С in winter; 0 - + 12 ° С in summer |
| Tundra | 7 % | 100-250 mm | -8 - -40 ° С in winter; +8 - + 12 ° С in summer |
| Forest-tundra and northern meadows | 9 % | 150-300 mm | -4 - -31 ° С in winter; + 10 + 14 ° С in summer |
| Taiga | 62 % | 250-1000 mm | -8 - -57 ° С in winter; +3 - + 20 ° С in summer |
| Mixed and deciduous forests | 3 % | 500-700 mm | -8 - -26 ° С in winter; + 16- + 20 ° С in summer |
| Forest-steppe | 3.5 % | 250-500 mm | -16 - + 8 ° С in winter; + 16- + 21 ° С in summer |
| Steppe | 11 % | 200-400 mm | +5 - -35 ° С in winter; +7 - + 35 ° С in summer |
| Subtropics | 0.5 % | 600-800 mm | + 8 + 16 ° С in winter; + 20 + 36 ° С and higher in summer |
| Semi-desert | 1 % | Less than 250 mm | + 2 ° + 24 ° C and above |
| Desert | 1 % | Less than 200 mm | + 13 + 20 ° С in winter; + 23 + 50 ° С and higher in summer |
Despite the occupied territory (17,000,000 sq. Km), the United States, in terms of the number of natural regions, overtakes Russia due to the location of two states at once on the equator.
Arctic deserts
The natural zones of Russia, the table of which is given above, begin with the Arctic biome. It is adjacent to the North Pole. Numerous scientific expeditions are currently being conducted on this territory in order to study the landscape and living organisms that live inside the region.
The zone includes: the northern regions of the Taimyr Peninsula, Franz Josef Land, Severnaya Zemlya, part of the Arctic seas.
The Arctic desert has many glaciers. The coastlines of the islands, located in glacial zones, have flat, low-lying plains that are spread throughout the natural region. They give way to dining plateaus and huge stalactites in the interior.
Soils and climate
Permafrost, reaching 1000 m deep, penetrates the soil through and through. Therefore, it remains frozen for most of the year. In the summer, this situation changes somewhat. Abnormally low temperatures get taller. This leads to the overflow of small lakes, which cover the surface of deserts with melt water. The soil layer, although moist in summer, is thin and poor in organic matter.
In areas with relatively high temperatures, soils contain more organic matter, and therefore are able to provide the vital activity of frost-resistant plant species (mosses, lichens). Long-term frosty winters are replaced by cool summers. In terms of temperature differences, the Arctic desert zone surpasses the rest of the country's biomes.
The natural zones of Russia, the table of which is given above, cause different weather at the same time throughout the country.
In frosty months the temperature in some regions drops to -70 o С, and in summer it reaches +12 o С (June, July). During the year, it usually stays at a level from 0 o С to -22 o С. On average, the amount of precipitation per year does not exceed 150 mm.
Flora and fauna
The natural zone has about 700 species of plants and 120 animals, and they are united by the fact that they are able to survive in the most difficult frosty conditions. It is the same with animals. Many are covered with thick fur or have a thick layer of fat that protects them from frost. Some adaptation mechanisms are associated with procreation (reproduction in warm periods), winter migration.
Plant life is very scarce. Most of it consists of species of mosses and algae, the only representatives of the flora that can survive. The fauna is more diverse. Mammals live in the Arctic ( polar bear and narwhals, sea hare); fish (flounder and cod, haddock); birds (rose gull and guillemots, white owl).
Recreational potential
Despite the scarcity, the arctic deserts hold some promise. Profitable trades - hunting, fishing are real forms of recreation for exotic lovers. Collecting minerals is considered another popular activity. In terms of the volume of mined rocks and precious stones, the North is not inferior to the Altai Territory or the Ural deposits.
The tourism industry is associated with the Great Arctic Reserve, which is the largest tourist destination. The reserve shows the entire nature of the "Russian" North, the culture of ancient peoples and the life of the main representatives of flora and fauna. Tourists can truly enjoy the splendor of the Arctic.
Tundra
Geographer Fismer accurately described this area: "High treeless mountain."
Geographical location and relief
The natural tundra zone covers part of the Kola Peninsula, the Urals, Kamchatka, according to the table, occupying 7% of the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe country. Only 2 types of tundra are represented on the territory of Russia - arctic and alpine, differing in some features.
The Arctic tundra has a predominantly flat relief with a partial presence of small mountain formations - hills covered with snow. In turn, the alpine tundra has a mixed relief - both mountains and plains prevail.
Soils and climate
The upper soil layer is more fertile, but still poor in organic matter. Therefore, the scarcity of flora and fauna remains. The remote location of glaciers softens the severity of the climate.
Winter remains as long and summer is short. The average winter temperature is kept at around -17 o C. In summer, the soil can warm up to +12 o C, the amount of annual precipitation does not exceed 250 mm.
Flora and fauna
The flora is about the same as in the arctic deserts. Plants - mosses, lichens, dwarf trees.
Animals - northern hare, lemmings, polar bears, elk arctic fox, reindeer, have exactly the same mechanisms of adaptation as the inhabitants of the Arctic.
Recreational potential
The wealth of the tundra is associated with its mineral resources - oil, iron, nickel, numerous ores. Fishing and hunting are still profitable pursuits. There are special reserves for tourists - Laplandsky, Altaysky.
Forest-tundra and northern meadows
Being the "middle" of the tundra and taiga, it combines all the features of these regions.
Geographical location and relief
The forest-tundra zone runs along the border with the tundra areas. The entire territory is located in low-lying plains, some plateaus and hills are present. The great extent is the reason for the diversity of flora and fauna. The width of this zone from north to south is from 20 to 300 km.
The name "forest tundra" is associated with the peculiarity of the landscape. On some flat areas there are light forests. By appearance they resemble clusters of undersized forest trees and numerous shrubs hidden under the cover of tall "neighbors". The trees have a solid root system, the average height is up to 6 m. Minimum distance between them - 11 m.
Soils and climate
The upper soil layer is represented by peat-gley and podzolic soils, the fertility of which is low. It can be increased by draining, using artificial fertilizers (phosphates, calcides, nitrogen minerals). The richest in humus are the soils located on the slopes, the fertility of which is associated with constant exposure to sunlight.
Such lands give very good yields of grain, potato and fodder.
But after the end of the harvesting season of cultivated plants, it is necessary to restore soil fertility again. In winter, the forest tundra is not much different from the arctic desert or tundra. Climate improvement is associated with the summer period. Despite the short duration of this time of year, average temperature keeps at around +10 - +14 o C.
Flora and fauna
The mild climate, suitable conditions contribute to the abundance of flora and fauna. Woodlands are the cause of the development of lichens and mosses. Entering into symbiosis with more powerful trees, these primitive organisms receive all the substances they need, while protecting the stem bark from fungi and harmful bacteria.
Other representatives of the flora are - cultivated plants (grain, fodder) grown on the most fertile soils, dwarf birches, spruces and larch. The main animals living in the forest-tundra zone are arctic foxes and wolves, brown bears and hares, rabbits; birds - partridges, snowy owls.
Recreational potential
The relatively suitable climate for growing cultivated plants allows for agriculture. But this activity in this area brings a lot of costs and is almost unprofitable. Reindeer husbandry is another matter. An occupation that indigenous peoples have been doing for centuries has become the main income of the forest-tundra. Reindeer pastures alone cover up to 90% of the entire biome.
Especially for tourists, there is the Taimyr Reserve, which performs the function of protecting the current landscape and studying nature.
Taiga
“Taiga ... Taiga ... Endlessly she stretched in all directions, silent, indifferent. From a height it seemed like a dark sea ... "(Victor Astafiev)
Geographical location and relief
Natural zones of Russia (the table shows that the percentage of taiga from the country's area is more than 60%) determine the inconstancy of the weather in the state. Most of the regions of Altai, the Far East, and the Urals are covered with taiga forests.
In the south, the border runs through the following cities:
- Pskov.
- Read.
- Nizhny Novgorod.
- Tomsk.
The relief of the taiga is flat. Due to the impact from permafrost, hill formations, formed by the melting of underground glaciers, are quite common.
Soils and climate
Taiga is characterized by low soil fertility. The exceptions are those areas that are irrigated by humans. Due to its great length, the climate is quite varied. The western taiga is dominated by a mild climate - warm summers and medium-long winters.
Average temperatures - from +10 o С to -10 o С. This is not the case in the east. The winter months are very harsh due to the harsh continental climate. Temperatures drop to -57 o C.
Flora and fauna
The taiga zone has many different vegetation areas (swamps, windbreaks, dead woods). Deciduous species - birch, oak, aspen form huge areas of forests in which the flora reaches its diversity. Numerous shrubs, herbs, mushrooms, medicinal plants - the main inhabitants of taiga forests.
The fauna is just as wide. Mammals, rodents, birds - most of them are sedentary. They live inside plant biomes, perfectly adapting to the conditions.
Recreational potential
Taiga is of great economic importance. This biome is the main source of the forest. More than 80% of timber comes from coniferous forests. Fur trade, agriculture, mining are the assets of the natural zone.
Mixed and deciduous forest zone
“The combination of taiga anxiety with the heavenly beauty of larch trees” (Vladimir Sorokin).
Geographical location and relief
Areas of the biome are scattered and are partially found in the Carpathians, the Caucasus, and the Far East. The relief is exactly the same as that of the taiga - flat with hills.
Soils and climate
Climatic conditions are characterized by humidity, high temperatures, especially in summer. A sufficient amount of heat promotes the development of "whimsical" broadleaf species. The soils are soddy-podzolic.
Flora and fauna
Mixed forests differ in that in addition to conifers, there are broad-leaved species. Low waterlogging frees up space for planting and reduces the number of lichens and mosses.
The diversity of animals is associated with the emergence of rare species that are now on the verge of extinction - amur tiger, marten.
Recreational potential
The main activities are agriculture and hunting. Podzolic soils, suitable for planting cultivated plants, give a good harvest with proper irrigation. Timber preparations from softer trees are used to create furniture, musical instruments, and decorative elements.
Forest-steppe
It is an "intermediate" zone between forests and steppe.
Geographical location and relief
Covers the south of the Urals, part of Western Siberia and Altai. Combines flat terrain with elements of ravines, which complicate farming.
Divided by:
- Steppe biome.
- Mountain - with forest formations and woodlands.
Soils and climate
The upper soil layer is black earth. For this reason, the soils are very fertile. Average temperatures are kept at around 21 o C in summer, and up to -26 o C in winter. The temperature balance is maintained by the temperate climate.
Flora and fauna
Mountain areas are characterized by the predominance of oak, maple and linden, steppe areas have many small shrubs and berry plants, grasses. The animals represented in the forests match the taiga fauna... The steppe, in turn, has a unique world of organisms.
Antelopes, saigas, falcons, numerous rodents - hamsters, ground squirrels, voles.
Recreational potential
Fertile soils are suitable for farming. As you know, black soil gives a very good harvest. In the forest-steppe zone there are several national parks open to the public - "Chikhoi", "Aginskaya steppe".
Steppe
“… How quiet, how inexpressibly quiet everything around! Everything has woken up, and everything is silent "(Ivan Turgenev," Forest and Steppe ").
Geographical location and relief
They are located in the south of the country and capture part of the Black Sea, the Caucasus and regions of Transbaikalia. Steppe biomes are completely flat, occasionally there are small gullies and ravines, which are covered with bushes.
Soils and climate
Chernozem with sedimentary rocks provides very high soil fertility (16% content of humus and humus). The saturation of the soil layer decreases with an increase in temperature, which usually keeps marks from -19 o С to +19 o С. There are frequent deviations from -35 o С to +35 o С.
Low precipitation - up to 400 mm “compensates” for these suitable conditions for the development of living organisms.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna are represented mainly by small organisms. The exception is some types of horses. Basically, the entire habitat consists of small rodents, birds, vegetation - grasses, feather grass and other forage that grazing animals feed on.
Recreational potential
Some activities are difficult due to natural conditions. For example, the cultivation of many types of cultivated plants is impossible due to the dry climate. The main unpretentious crops are vegetables, melons and grains. Unlike crop farming, livestock farming is much more successful. Huge areas for pastures allow breeding all cattle, all kinds of sheep and horses.
Semi-desert
Occupies mainly the territory of the southeastern regions of the country.
Geographical location and relief
The zone is located on Caspian lowland, in the south of the Volga and in the Terek valley.
The features of the relief are associated with the dry continental climate and the influence of the wind, the work of which is expressed in the blowing of sands and their deposition in other places (the formation of dunes).
Soil and climate
Desert soils are caused by the influence of a dry climate. The semi-desert zone is characterized by very hot summers with minimal precipitation - up to 250 mm, and cold winters.
The only source of moisture is groundwater, which often dries up during the summer months.
Flora and fauna
In such climatic conditions, vegetation is scarce and is represented in the form of undersized thickets and shrubs (wormwood, tumbleweed).
These biomes are home to many small reptiles that have been able to adapt to high temperatures (snakes, lizards, lemmings, voles).
Recreational potential
The semi-desert is of low economic value. Cultivation is possible only in meadow areas, which are sometimes found in this zone, if they are subjected to artificial irrigation. To preserve flora and fauna were created national parks - Aral-Paygambar, Tigrovaya Balka. They are often open to the public.
Subtropics
The biomes cover only a small part of the country, but that doesn't make it any less valuable.
Geographical location and relief
The subtropical zone occupies the south of the Black Sea coast in the Caucasus (Sochi), the southern part of Crimea. The relief is truly diverse. There are flat, low-mountain and high-mountain regions.
Soils and climate
Two types of soils prevail - mountain-forest and humus. A dry climate with little rainfall is characteristic of dry subtropics. High humidity with moderate climatic conditions are inherent in humid subtropics.
Natural zones of Russia (the table clearly shows that the average temperatures in the subtropical zone are kept at around +5 o C to +29 o C) are diverse. A dry climate with low rainfall is typical for dry subtropics. High humidity with moderate climatic conditions are inherent in humid subtropics.
Flora and fauna
Rich broad-leaved forests, consisting of oak, beech, maple, chestnut mixed with evergreen trees - boxwood, rhododendron. Animals are varied. In the mountains there are bears, wild boars, wild lynxes, lizards.
Recreational potential
Wet and warm climate, which remains unchanged throughout the year, is well suited for growing whimsical and southern plants (watermelons, tangerines, oranges, tea, dates). The Black Sea coast is the main resort area of \u200b\u200bthe country. The most famous children's camps and sports complexes are located in this area.
Desert
Despite the high temperatures, the biome is diverse and noteworthy, although it occupies a small piece of the country.
Geographical location and relief
The border starts from the left bank of the Volga and ends with the northern borders of Kazakhstan, from the right bank to the foothills of the Caucasus. The relief is the same as in semi-deserts.
Soils and climate
The soil layer is dry and infertile.
The groundwater is very deep. High temperatures reign all year round and can reach up to +50 o С.
Flora and fauna
The vegetation is distinguished by the wide distribution of cacti, wormwood plants, saxauls, acacias. The desert is inhabited by many animals leading an exclusively nocturnal lifestyle, rodents digging deep holes.
Recreational potential
Wormwood and small shrubs are excellent food for animals, but there are very few areas suitable for pastures. Crop production is associated with the cultivation of crops - cotton, some grape varieties, pomegranate.
All natural regions of Russia have their own characteristics. To compile a detailed analysis of each biome, it is necessary to provide a variety of data and tables describing specific and relevant data.
Each zone is vast and has a wide range of applications in the economy and human activities. It must be remembered that this intervention should not upset the balance of flora and fauna. Otherwise, malfunction of the entire system may occur.
Article design: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about natural zones of Russia
Natural zones of Russia, what they are, features:
"" Photo: Aziz J.Hayat Belt zoning
The Sun heats the spherical surface of the Earth unevenly: the areas above which it stands high receive the most heat. The farther from the equator, the greater the angle the rays reach the earth's surface and, therefore, less heat energy per unit area. Above the poles, the Sun's rays only glide over the Earth. The climate depends on this: hot at the equator, harsh and cold at the poles. The main features of the distribution of flora and fauna are also related to this. According to the features of heat distribution, seven heat zones are distinguished. In each hemisphere there are zones of eternal frost (around the poles), cold, moderate. Hot Belt at the equator - one for both hemispheres. Heat zones are the basis for dividing the earth's surface into geographic areas: areas similar in the prevailing types of landscapes - natural-territorial complexes with a common climate, soils, vegetation and fauna.
At the equator and near it there is a belt of humid equatorial and subequatorial forests (from Latin sub - under), to the north and south of it, replacing each other, there are belts of tropics and subtropics with forests, deserts and savannas, a temperate belt with steppes, forest-steppe and forests, then the treeless areas of the tundra stretch, and, finally, the polar deserts are located at the poles.
But the land surface of the Earth in different places receives not only different amounts of solar energy, but also has many additional dissimilar conditions - for example, remoteness from the oceans, uneven relief (mountain systems or plains) and, finally, unequal height above sea level. Each of these conditions strongly affects natural features Earth.
Hot belt. Near the equator, there are practically no seasons; it is humid and hot here all year round. Moving away from the equator, in subequatorial zones, the year is divided into drier and wetter seasons. Savannas, woodlands and mixed evergreen deciduous tropical forests are located here.
Near the tropics, the climate becomes drier; deserts and semi-deserts are located here. The most famous of them are the Sahara, Namib and Kalahari in Africa, the Arabian Desert and Thar in Eurasia, Atacama in South America, Victoria in Australia.
There are two temperate zones on Earth (in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres). Here there is a clear change of seasons, which are very different from each other. In the Northern Hemisphere, coniferous forests adjoin the northern border of the belt - taiga, which is replaced to the south by mixed and deciduous forests, and then forest-steppe and steppes. In the interior regions of the continents, where the influence of the seas and oceans is almost not felt, there may even be deserts (for example, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, the Karakum in Central Asia).
Polar belts. The lack of heat leads to the fact that there are practically no forests in these zones, the soil is waterlogged, and in some places permafrost occurs. At the poles, where the climate is the most severe, continental ice (like in Antarctica) or sea ice (like in the Arctic) appears. Vegetation is absent or is represented by mosses and lichens.
Vertical zonation is also related to the amount of heat, but it only depends on the height above sea level. Climbing the mountains changes the climate, soil type, flora and fauna. It is interesting that even in hot countries you can find landscapes of the tundra and even the icy desert. But in order to see this, you have to climb high in the mountains. Thus, in the tropical and equatorial zones of the Andes of South America and in the Himalayas, landscapes consistently change from moist rain forests to alpine meadows and zones of eternal glaciers and snows. It cannot be said that altitudinal zonality completely repeats latitudinal geographical zones, because in the mountains and on the plains many conditions do not repeat. The most diverse range of altitudinal belts is at the equator, for example, on the highest peaks of Africa, the mountains Kilimanjaro, Kenya, the peak of Marguerite, in South America on the slopes of the Andes.
Natural areas
Among the natural zones there are those confined to a certain belt. For example, the Arctic and Antarctic ice desert zone and the tundra zone are located in the Arctic and Antarctic zones; the forest-tundra zone corresponds to the subarctic and subantarctic belts, and the taiga, mixed and deciduous forests - to the temperate zone. And such natural zones as prairies, forest-steppe and steppes and semi-deserts are widespread both in the temperate and in the tropical and subtropical zones, having, of course, their own characteristics in them.
Natural areas, their climatic features, soils, vegetation and fauna of each continent are described in chapter 10 and in the Continents (reference) table. Here we will focus only on in general terms natural zones as the largest natural-territorial complexes.
Arctic and Antarctic Desert Zone
Air temperatures are constantly very low, there is little rainfall. On rare ice-free land areas - stony deserts (in Antarctica they are called oases), sparse vegetation is represented by lichens and mosses, flowering plants are rare (only two species were found in Antarctica), soils are practically absent.
Tundra zone
The tundra zone is widespread in the Arctic and subarctic belts, forms a strip 300-500 km wide, stretching along the northern coasts of Eurasia and North America and the islands of the Arctic Ocean. In the Southern Hemisphere, areas with tundra vegetation found on some islands near Antarctica.
The climate is harsh with strong winds, the snow cover lasts up to 7-9 months, the long polar night gives way to short and humid summers (summer temperatures do not exceed 10 ° c). There is a little bit of precipitation of 200-400 mm, mostly in solid form, but they do not have time to evaporate, and the tundra is characterized by excessive moisture, an abundance of lakes and swamps, which is also facilitated by the widespread permafrost. The main distinguishing feature of the tundra is its treelessness, the predominance of a sparse moss-lichen, in places grassy, \u200b\u200bcover; in the southern parts with shrubs and shrubs of dwarf and creeping forms. The soils are tundra-gley.
Zone of forest-tundra and woodlands
Zone of forest-tundra and woodlands. This transitional zone, which is characterized by alternation of treeless tundra areas and forests (open woodlands), combines the features of the bordering zones. Tundra natural complexes are characteristic of watersheds, light forests are taken to the north along river valleys. To the south, the area occupied by forests increases.
In the Southern Hemisphere (subantarctic belt), the place of forest-tundra on islands (for example, South Georgia) is occupied by oceanic meadows. For more information on the tundra zone, see the characteristics of the tundra.
Forest zone
The forest zone in the Northern Hemisphere includes subzones of taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests and the subzone of temperate forests, in the Southern Hemisphere only the subzone of mixed and deciduous forests is represented. Some scientists consider these subzones to be independent zones.
In the taiga subzone of the Northern Hemisphere, the climate varies from maritime to sharply continental. Summers are warm (10-20 ° C, the severity of winter increases with distance from the ocean (in Eastern Siberia to -50 ° c), and the amount of precipitation decreases (from 600 to 200 mm). The amount of precipitation exceeds the evaporation rate, and watersheds are often swampy, rivers are full of water. Dark coniferous (from spruce and fir) and light coniferous (from larch in Siberia, where permafrost soils are common) forests with an admixture of small-leaved species (birch, aspen) and pine, in the east of Eurasia - cedar prevail. The soils are podzolic and permafrost-taiga.
The subzone of mixed and deciduous forests (sometimes two separate subzones are distinguished) is distributed mainly in the oceanic and transitional zones of the continents. In the Southern Hemisphere, it occupies small areas, winter is much warmer here and snow cover is not formed everywhere. Coniferous-broad-leaved forests on sod-podzolic soils are replaced in the inner parts of the continents by coniferous-small-leaved and small-leaved forests, and to the south (in North America) or west (in Europe) by broad-leaved forests of oak, maple, linden, ash, beech and hornbeam on gray forest soils.
Forest-steppe
The forest-steppe is a transitional natural zone of the Northern Hemisphere, with an alternation of forest and steppe natural complexes. By the nature of natural vegetation, forest-steppe with deciduous and coniferous-small-leaved forests and prairies are distinguished.
Prairies are a subzone of the forest-steppe (sometimes considered as a subzone of the steppe) with abundant moisture, stretching along the eastern coasts of the Rocky Mountains in the USA and Canada with tall grasses on chernozem-like soils. Natural vegetation is practically not preserved here. Similar landscapes are characteristic of the subtropics of the eastern regions of South America and East Asia.
Steppe
This natural zone is widespread in the northern temperate or both subtropical geographical zones and is a treeless area with herbaceous vegetation. The growth of woody vegetation here, in contrast to the tundra, is prevented not by low temperatures, but by a lack of moisture. Trees can grow only along river valleys (the so-called gallery forests), in large erosional forms, for example, gullies that collect water from the surrounding interfluvial spaces. Now most of the zone is plowed up; irrigated agriculture and pasture cattle breeding are developing in the subtropical zone. Soil erosion is highly developed on arable land. Natural vegetation is represented by drought and frost resistant herbaceous plants with domination of turf grasses (feather grass, fescue, fine-legged) Fertile soils - chernozems, dark chestnut and chestnut in the temperate zone; brown, gray-brown, saline in places in the subtropical).
The subtropical steppe in South America (Argentina, Uruguay) is called pampa (that is, plain, steppe in the Quechua language). See vegetation and animals of the steppe.
Deserts and semi-deserts
These natural zones are distributed in six geographical zones - temperate, subtropical and tropical on both sides of the equator, where precipitation falls so little (10-30 times less evaporation) that the existence of living organisms is extremely difficult. Therefore, the herbaceous cover is rare, the soils are poorly developed. In such conditions, the rocks that make up the territory acquire great importance, and depending on them, clay deserts (takyrs in Asia), rocky (hamadas of the Sahara, Central Asia, Australia), sandy (Thar desert in India and Pakistan, North American deserts ). In the temperate zone, deserts are formed in areas with a sharply continental climate, subtropical and tropical deserts owe their existence to constant baric maximums of 20-30 ° latitudes. Rare areas of increased moisture (high groundwater level, outflows of sources, irrigation from nearby rivers, lakes, wells, etc.) - centers of population concentration, growth of woody, shrub and herbaceous vegetation are called oases. Sometimes such oases occupy vast areas (for example, the Nile Valley stretches over tens of thousands of hectares). For more see: Natural Desert Zone.
Savannah
Savannah is a natural zone, distributed mainly in the subequatorial belts, but also found in tropical and even subtropical ones. The main feature of the savannah climate is a clear change between dry and rainy periods. The duration of the rainy period decreases when moving from the equatorial regions (here it can last 8-9 months) to tropical deserts (here the rainy season is 2-3 months). Savannah is characterized by a dense and high grassy cover, trees standing alone or in small groups (acacia, baobab, eucalyptus) and the so-called gallery forests along the rivers. The soils of typical tropical savannas are red earths. In the deserted savannas, the grass cover is sparse and the soils are red-brown. Tall grass savannas in South America, on the left bank of the river. Orinoco, called llanos (from the Spanish "plain"). See also: Savanna vegetation and animals.
Forest subtropics
Forest subtropics. The monsoon subtropical subzone is characteristic of the eastern margins of the continents, where seasonally changing air circulation forms at the contact between the ocean and the continent, and there is a dry winter and humid summer with abundant monsoon rains, often with typhoons.
Heat zones and natural zones
Evergreen and deciduous (shedding foliage in winter due to lack of moisture) with a wide variety of tree species grow here on red earth and yellow earth soils.
The Mediterranean subzone is typical for the western regions of the continents (Mediterranean, California, Chile, southern Australia and Africa). Precipitation occurs mainly in winter; summer is dry. Evergreen and broad-leaved forests on brown and brown soils and stiff-leaved shrubs are well adapted to summer drought, the plants of which have adapted to hot and arid conditions: they have a waxy coating or pubescence on the leaves, thick or dense leathery bark, emit fragrant essential oils... See: animals of the subtropics.
Rainforests
More on the topic:
Taiga zone, plants and animals
Savannah
Characteristics of the forest-tundra
Tundra characteristics
Equatorial forest
Equatorial moist forests... Equatorial climate. Warm all year round (about 25 ° C), slight fluctuations in temperature throughout the year, high rainfall all year round. Low pressure.
Savannah... Subequatorial climate. Hot all year round. Precipitation falls unevenly throughout the year, there are dry and wet seasons. The main vegetation is grasses.
Deserts... In tropical deserts, precipitation is very rare. There is very little vegetation. In the deserts of the temperate zone, there is a humid spring period (March-April).
Steppe... Continental climate with cold winters with little snow and hot dry summers.
Broadleaved and mixed forests... Favorable climatic conditions - enough moisture, a lot sunny days, frost-free period about and more than six months.
Taiga... There is enough moisture, but the cold period is significant. Summers are warm enough (up to 20 ° C), severe frosts in winter (average temperature –30 ° C).
Tundra... The soil is permafrost. The climate is subarctic.
Natural areas
Strong winds. Long cold winters, polar nights in many parts. In summer, the temperature is around +5 ° C.
Arctic desert... The dominance of ice, the absence of plants, the animal world is rather poor. In winter, the average temperature is -30 ° C and strong winds, in summer it can be slightly above 0, frequent rains and fogs. Polar night and day.
Antarctic desert... In winter up to –70 ° C, in summer not higher than –20 ° C (on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula it rises to 10 ° C). Strong winds blowing towards the coast and central regions of Antarctica.
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Natural zones of Russia and their features
Nature is a complex of interconnected components that are in constant interconnection with each other and depend on each other. Changes in one natural chain will necessarily lead to disruptions in the accompanying components. There is a constant exchange of resources and energy between individual participants natural community... The presence of certain relationships is characteristic for each specific territory. This is how natural areas are formed. They, in turn, affect human economic activity and its characteristics.
Natural areas of Russia are very diverse. This is due to the vast territory, the difference in relief and climatic conditions.
Among the main natural zones of our country, there are steppes, semi-deserts, taiga, forests, forest-steppe, tundra, arctic desert, forest tundra. Natural areas of Russia have a fairly large area, which stretches for thousands of kilometers. Each of them is characterized by a certain climate, soil types, flora and fauna, as well as the degree of moisture in the territory.
The arctic desert zone is characterized by a large amount of snow and ice all year round. The air temperature here varies within 4-2 degrees. Glaciers are caused by solid precipitation. The soil is poorly developed and at the initial level. The formation of salt spots is observed in dry windy weather. The climatic conditions of this zone also affect the nature of the vegetation. Low mosses and lichens prevail here. Less common are the polar poppy, saxifrage, and some other plants. The fauna is also not very rich. Arctic fox, deer, owl, partridge and lemming are practically the only inhabitants of the Arctic desert.
Natural areas of Russia include the tundra zone. It is a less cold area than arctic deserts. But, nevertheless, it is distinguished by cold and strong winds, which is due to the proximity of the Arctic Ocean. Frost and snowfall is possible all year round. The climate of the tundra zone is humid. The soil is also very poorly developed, which affects the vegetation cover. Mostly low shrubs and trees, mosses and lichens prevail.
Natural zones of Russia are gradually replacing each other. Next comes the forest-tundra. More than warm weather in summer, but winter is cold with lots of snow. The plants are dominated by spruce, birch and larch. In the warm season, the forest-tundra serves as a pasture for deer.
The forest-tundra is replaced by taiga. It is characterized by warmer weather and less severe winters. The relief is characterized by the presence of a large number of water bodies (rivers, lakes and swamps). The soil here is more favorable for the flora, therefore the fauna is numerous here. The taiga is inhabited by sable, hazel grouse, wood grouse, hare, squirrel, bear and many other species.
The semi-desert zone is the smallest in area. Typically hot summers and severe winters with little rainfall are typical for her. It is mainly used for pastures.
The division of the territory into zones also affects human activities. Numerous natural and economic zones of Russia determine its extensive activities in the economic sphere.
Each zone is subdivided into smaller types.
Natural zones of the world: a brief description. Table "Natural areas of the world"
There are also transitional zones, which are characterized by the climatic features of each adjacent region. Therefore, each natural area is inextricably linked with the neighboring one. Violations occurring in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe country lead to changes not only in the climate, but also in the world of animals and plants in another zone.
The characteristic of the natural zones of Russia implies the characteristics of each of them, but they do not have clear boundaries and the division is conditional. In addition, human activities can affect the nature and climate of the environment.
This is the largest natural complex, the surface of the globe, with a planetary nature.
A huge number of smaller natural complexes can be distinguished - territories with a similar nature, different from other complexes. Oceans, seas, continents, rivers, lakes, swamps and much more are all separate.
Natural areas - very large natural complexes with similar landscapes, fauna and flora. Natural zones are formed as a result of the distribution of heat and moisture on the planet: high temperature and low humidity are typical for equatorial deserts, high temperature and high humidity for equatorial and rainforest etc.
Natural zones are located mainly sublatitudinal, but the relief, distance from the ocean affects the location of the zones and their width. In the mountains, there is also a change in natural zones, depending on the height; the change of zones occurs in the same order as the change of land zones from the equator to the poles. The lower natural zone corresponds to the natural zone of the territory, the upper one depends on the height of the mountain range.
Natural land areas
Equatorial and tropical forests
Deserts and semi-deserts
This zone is formed in the temperate zone with an average amount of precipitation; it is characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers. Forests usually have two or three tiers, the lower ones are formed by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Forest ungulates, predators, rodents, insectivorous birds are widespread here. The soils in this zone are brown and gray forest.
This zone is formed in the northern hemisphere in the temperate zone with cold winters, short warm summers and a fairly large amount of precipitation. The forests are multi-tiered, there are many conifers. The fauna is represented by many predators, including some that fall into hibernation... The soils are poor nutrients, podzolic.
This natural zone is located in the subpolar and polar zones, where it is quite low. The flora is represented mainly by low-growing plants with a poorly developed root system, mosses, lichens, shrubs, dwarf trees. Ungulates, small predators, many migratory birds live in the tundra. Soils in the tundra are peaty-gley, a large territory is located in the zone.
Arctic deserts
Arctic deserts are found on islands close to the poles. Vegetation includes mosses, lichens, or there is no vegetation at all. Animals found in this zone live most of the time in the water, birds arrive for several months.
The warmth of the sun, clean air and water are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones have led to the division of the territory of all continents and water areas into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by huge distances, are very similar, others are unique.
Natural areas of the world: what is it?
This definition should be understood as very large natural complexes (in other words, parts of the geographic belt of the Earth), which have similar, homogeneous climatic conditions. The main characteristic of natural zones is the fauna and flora that inhabits this territory. They are formed as a result of uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.
Table "Natural zones of the world"
Natural area | Climatic zone | Average temperature (winter / summer) |
Antarctic and arctic deserts | Antarctic, arctic | 24-70 ° C / 0-32 ° C |
Tundra and forest-tundra | Subarctic and subantarctic | 8-40 ° C / + 8 + 16 ° C |
Moderate | 8-48 ° C / + 8 + 24 ° C |
|
Mixed forests | Moderate | 16-8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
Broadleaf forests | Moderate | 8 + 8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
Steppe and forest-steppe | Subtropical and temperate | 16 + 8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C |
Temperate deserts and semi-deserts | Moderate | 8-24 ° С / + 20 + 24 ° С |
Stiff-leaved forests | Subtropical | 8 + 16 ° С / + 20 + 24 ° С |
Tropical deserts and semi-deserts | Tropical | 8 + 16 ° C / + 20 + 32 ° C |
Savannahs and woodlands | 20 + 24 ° С and above |
|
Variable wet forests | Subequatorial, tropical | 20 + 24 ° С and above |
Constantly wet forests | Equatorial | above + 24 ° С |
This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only for informational purposes, because you can talk a lot and for a long time about each of them, all the information will not fit into the framework of one table.
Natural zones of the temperate climatic zone
1. Taiga. Surpasses all other natural zones in the world in terms of land area (27% of the territory of all forests on the planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees cannot withstand them, so the taiga is dense coniferous forests (mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large areas of the taiga in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.
2. Mixed forests. They are more characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between taiga and deciduous forest. They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Species of trees: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as rowan, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table "Natural zones of the world" shows, the soils in the mixed forest zone are gray, not very fertile, but still suitable for growing plants.
3. Broadleaved forests. They are not adapted to harsh winters, they are deciduous. Occupies most of Western Europe, the south of the Far East, north of China and Japan. Suitable for them is a maritime climate or temperate continental with hot summers and warm enough winters. As the table "Natural zones of the world" shows, the temperature in them does not drop below -8 ° C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. The following types of trees are characteristic: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. Forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including commercial ones.
4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinguishing feature is the almost complete absence of vegetation and a meager fauna. There are a lot of natural zones of this nature, they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp temperature changes over the seasons. Animals are mainly represented by reptiles.
Arctic deserts and semi-deserts
They represent huge areas of land covered with snow and ice. The map of the natural zones of the world clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and only along the coast are polar bears, walruses and seals, polar foxes and lemmings, penguins (in Antarctica). Where the land is free of ice, lichens and mosses can be seen.
Humid equatorial forests
Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and a hot climate (20 ° C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle, which has become home to more than 2/3 of all species of creatures living on our planet. These rainforests surpass all other natural areas in the world. Trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soils of humid forests contain little humus.
Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climatic zone
1. Variable wet forests, they differ from rain forests in that precipitation falls there only during the rainy season, and during the drought that follows it, the trees are forced to shed their foliage. Fauna and flora are also very diverse and rich in species.
2. Savannahs and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is no longer sufficient for the growth of variably moist forests. Their development occurs in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial air masses dominate, and the rainy season lasts less than six months. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior regions of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. More detailed information about the location is reflected in the map of natural zones of the world (photo).
Stiff-leaved forests
This climatic zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Stiff-leaved and evergreen forests are located along the sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so abundant, but the leaves retain moisture due to the dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling off. In some trees and plants, they are modernized into thorns.
Steppe and forest-steppe
They are characterized by an almost complete absence of woody vegetation, due to the scarce level of precipitation. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore are actively used by humans for agriculture. The steppes occupy large areas in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants is reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to the lack of moisture and most often manage to complete their life cycle in a short spring period, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.
Tundra and forest-tundra
In this zone, the breath of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even conifers cannot withstand it. Moisture is abundant, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very large areas. In the tundra, there are no trees at all, the flora is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is believed to be the most volatile and fragile ecosystem. Due to the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.
All natural zones of the world are very interesting, be it a seemingly absolutely lifeless desert, endless Arctic ice or thousand-year-old rain forests with boiling life inside.