Vegetable world semi-desert and desert temperate belt. Deserts and semi-deserts of Russia, animals and plants, climatic belt, characteristic of the zone. Russian deserts: geography and natural features

And semi-deserts are specific natural zones, the main distinctive feature which is drought, as well as poor flora and fauna. Such a zone may form in all climatic belts - the main factor is the critical amount of precipitation. For deserts and semi-deserts, a climate with a sharp daily temperature drop and a small amount of precipitation is characterized: no more than 150 mm per year (spring). The climate is hot and dry, evaporates, without having time to absorb. The temperature differences are characteristic not only for the change of day and night. Winter I. summer difference Temperatures are also very large. General background weather conditions You can define as extremely severe.

Deserts and semi-deserts are anhydrous, dry areas of the planet, where no more than 15 cm of precipitation falls per year. The most important factor in their formation is the wind. However, no hot weather is observed in all deserts, some of them, on the contrary, are considered the most cold regions of the Earth. Representatives of flora and fauna in different ways adapted to the harsh conditions of these areas.

Sometimes air in the deserts in the summer reaches 50 degrees in the shade, and in the winter the thermometer column is lowered to minus 30 degrees!

Such temperature differences cannot but affect the formation of flora and fauna semi-deserts of Russia.

Deserts and semi-deserts are in:

• The tropical belt is a large part of the territories of Africa, South America, the Arabian Peninsula of Eurasia.
• Subtropical and moderate belt - in South and North America, Central Asia, where low precipitation is complemented by the relief features.

Also isolated a special type of desert - arctic and antarctic, the formation of which is associated with very low temperatures.

The reasons thanks to which the desert occurs, there are many. For example, there is little precipitation in the desert at the desert because it is located at the foot of the mountains, which their crests close it from the rain.

Ice deserts were formed for other reasons. In Antarctica and the Arctic, the main snowy mass falls on the coast, to the internal areas of snow almost do not reach. The level of precipitation is basically much varied, for one snowfall, for example, the annual norm may fall. Such snownotes are formed hundreds of years.

Natural area of \u200b\u200bthe desert

Climate Features, Classification Desert

This natural zone takes about 25% of the planet's sushi. In total there are 51 deserts, of which 2 are ice. Almost all deserts were formed on the oldest geological platforms.

General signs

For natural zone called the "Desert" are characteristic:

• flat surface;
• critical volume of precipitation (annual norm - from 50 to 200 mm);
• rare and Specific Flora;
• peculiar fauna.

Deserts are often found in a moderate belt of the northern hemisphere of the Earth, as well as tropical and subtropical. The relief of such a terrain is very non-uniform: it combines highlands, island mountains, a small-scale and reservoir plains. Basically, these lands are selfless, but sometimes in part of the territory can flow river (for example, Nile, Syrdarya), and there are also drying lakes, the outlines of which are constantly changing.

Important! Almost all desert areas are surrounded by mountains or are located next to them.

Classification

Deserts are different types:

• Sandy. For such deserts are characterized by verachans and sandy storms often arise. The largest - sugar, is distinguished by a loose light soil, which is easily inflated by the winds.
• Clay.Have a smooth clay surface. There are found in Kazakhstan, the western part of Betpak Dala, at the Ustyurt Plateau.
• Stony. The surface is represented by stones and rubble, which forms the placer. For example, Sonor in North America.
• Solonchakoy. Salt predominates in the soil, the surface often looks like a salt crust or a quagger. Completed on the coast of the Caspian Sea, in Central Asia.
• Arctic - Located in the Arctic and Antarctica. There are imperfect or snowy.

Climatic conditions

The climate of the desert is warm and dry. Temperature depends on geographic location: The maximum + 58 ° C was recorded in Sahara 09/13/1922. A distinctive feature of the desert locacy is a sharp temperature difference by 30-40 ° C. Day average temperature + 45 ° C, at night - + 2-5 ° C. In winter, the deserts in Russia may be frost with a small snow.

In the desert lands is distinguished by low humidity. Here often arise strong winds at a speed of 15-20 m / s or more.

Important! The most arid desert is an attack. There were no precipitation on its territory over 400 years.

Semi-desert in Patagonia. Argentina

Flora

The desert flora is very cleaned, mostly rare shrubs that can extract moisture deep in the soil. These plants are specially adapted to live in a hot and dry habitat. For example, the cactus has a thick wax outer layer in order to keep water from evaporation. Walking and deserted herbs need quite a bit of water to survive. Plants deserts and semi-deserts adapted to protect themselves from animals, growing sharp needles and spikes. The leaves are replaced with scales and spines or covered with hairs that protect plants from excess evaporation. Almost all sandy plants have long roots. In the sandy deserts, in addition to herbal vegetation, there is a shrub: Zhuzgun, sandy acacia, Tereskin. Shrub plants are low and weakly humble. Saksaul grows in the deserts: white - on sandy, and black - on saltwateted soils.

Flora desert and semi-desert

Most of the plants are deserts and semi-deserts bloom in spring, reproducing flowers before the start of a hot summer. During the years of wet winter and spring, surprisingly many spring colors can produce semi-desert and desert plants. In the desert canyons, pine trees are getting on the rocky mountains, juniper and sage are growing. They provide shelter from the scorching sun for many small animals.

The least known and undervalued species of desert and semi-desert plants are lichens and cryptogaman plants. Cryptogaman or creeping plants - dispute mushrooms, algae, fern, mugh-shaped. Cryptogaman plants and lichens need very little water to survive and live in a dry hot climate. These plants are important because they help stop erosion, which is very important for all other plants and animals, because it helps to keep fertile soil during strong winds and hurricanes. They also add nitrogen to the soil. Nitrogen is important nutrient For plants. Cryptogaman plants and lichens grow very slowly.

An annual ephemers and perennial ephemeraids are growing in clay deserts. In Solonchaki - Galophytes or Solyanka.

One of the most unusual plants that grow in such a terrain is Saksaul.It often moves from place to place under the action of wind.

Fauna

Animal world Also, reptiles, spiders, reptiles, or small steppe animals (hare, gerbank) can live here. From representatives of the mammal detachment, a camel, antelope, Kulana, Baran Steppe, desert lynx live here.

To survive in the desert, animals have a specific sandy color, they can quickly run, dig holes and live without water for a long time, preferably the night lifestyle.

From birds you can find a crow, saksaulous joy, deserted chicken.

Important! In the sandy deserts sometimes there are oasis - this is a place that is located above the accumulation underground water. Here there is always thick and abundant vegetation, reservoirs.

Leopard in the Sahara Desert

Characteristics of the climate, animal and vegetable semi-desert

The semi-desert is the type of landscape, which is an intermediate option between the desert and the steppe. Most of them are located in a temperate and tropical belt.

General signs

This zone is characterized by the fact that there is absolutely no forest massif on it, the flora is quite originally, as well as the composition of the soil (very mineralized).

Important! The semi-desert is on all the continents except Antarctica.

Climatic conditions

It is characterized by hot and long summer period With a temperature of about 25 ° C. Evaporability here is five times higher than the level of precipitation. There are few rivers, and they often dry out.

In a moderate belt, they pass in an inseparable line in Eurasia in the East-Western direction. In the subtropical strip, they are often found on the slopes of plateau, highlands and plateales (Armenian Highlands, Carr). In the tropics, these are very large areas (Zone Sahal).

Fencakes in the desert of Arabia and North Africa

Flora

The floral world of this natural zone is distinguished by unevenness and affairs. It is represented by xerophytic herbs, solns and worn, ephemers grow. On the American continent, the most common cacti and other succulents, in Australia and Africa - xerophytic shrubs and low-spirited trees (Baobab, Acacia). Here, vegetation is often used for the proceedings of livestock.

In the desert-steppe zone, both steppe and desert plants are common. Vegetable cover mainly make up Titschak, wormwood, chamomile, Kovyl Hair. Often, the wormwood occupies a large area, creating a dilome-eyed picture. In some places, the kice, Eleke, Teresken, Swan are growing among the wormies. Where the groundwater is suitable close to the surface, in the salt chain soils come across the china shiny.

Soil, as a rule, is poorly developed, water-soluble salts prevail in its composition. Among the soil-forming rocks, ancient alleavial and lumbering sediments are predominant, which are recycled by the winds. Gray-brown soil is inherent for sublime plain sites. Solonchaki is also characteristic of the desert, that is, soils that contain about 1% of the easily soluble salts. In addition to semi-deserts, Solonchaki are also found in the steppes and deserts. Groundwater, which contain salts, are deposited in its upper layer when the soil is reached, resulting in a soil salinization occurs.

Fauna

The animal world is quite diverse. To the greatest extent, it is represented by reptiles and rodents. The mouflon, antelope, caragar, jackal, fox and other predators and hoofs live here. In semi-deserts there are many birds, spiders, fish and insects.

Protection of natural zones

Part of the desert regions is protected by law and recognized by reserves and national Parks. The list is pretty great. From the desert a man guards:

• Washa;
• Joshua-Three (in the valley of death).

From semi-desert protection are subject to:

• Ustyurt reserve;
• Tiger beam.

Important! In the Red Book, such deserted inhabitants are listed, like gray, Pleum, Caracal, Saigak.

Char desert. Transbaikal region

Economic activities

Climatic features These zones are unfavorable for economic life, but throughout history in the desert zone, whole civilizations developed, for example, Egypt.

Special conditions forced to look for a way of grazing livestock, growing plant crops and industry development. Taking advantage of affordable vegetation, sheep usually fall out in such zones. In Russia also bred dugorby camels. Agriculture here is possible only under the condition of additional watering.

Development of technical progress and non-infinity of stocks natural resources, led to the fact that the man got to the desert. Scientific research It was shown that in many semi-deserts and deserts there are considerable reserves of natural resources, such as gas, precious. The need for them is constantly increasing. Therefore, equipping by heavy machinery, industrial instruments, we go to destroy, previously the miracle of the non-touched territories.

1. The two biggest deserts on the planet Earth: Antarctica and sugar.
2. The height of the highest dunes reaches 180 meters.
3. The most arid and hot territory in the world - the valley of death. But, nevertheless, more than 40 species of reptiles, animals and plants live in it.
4. Approximately 46 thousand square miles of arable land turns into the desert every year. This process calls desertification. According to the UN, the problem is threatened with more than 1 billion people.
5. Passing through sugar, people often see Miragei. To protect the travelers, a map of mirages for caravantes was drawn up.

Natural areas of deserts and semi-deserts are a huge variety of landscapes, climatic conditions, vegetable and animal world. Despite the harsh and cruel temper of the desert, these regions became their home for many species of plants and animals.

Deserts and semi-deserts are in:

• Tropical belt - This is a large part of such territories - Africa, South America, the Arabian Peninsula of Eurasia.
• Subtropical and moderate belt - in South and North America, Central Asia, where the low percentage of precipitation is complemented by the features of the relief.

Also eliminate the special type of desert - Arctic and Antarctic, the formation of which is associated with very low temperatures.

Climate Features, Classification Desert

This natural zone takes about 25% of the planet's sushi. In total there are 51 deserts, of which 2 are ice. Almost all deserts were formed on the oldest geological platforms.

General signs

For the natural zone called "Desert" are characteristic:

• flat surface;
• critical volume of precipitation (annual norm - from 50 to 200 mm);
• rare and Specific Flora;
• peculiar fauna.

Deserts are often found in a moderate belt of the northern hemisphere of the Earth, as well as tropical and subtropical. The relief of such a terrain is very non-uniform: it combines highlands, island mountains, a small-scale and reservoir plains. Basically, these lands are selfless, but sometimes in part of the territory can flow river (for example, Nile, Syrdarya), and there are also drying lakes, the outlines of which are constantly changing.

Important! Almost all desert areas are surrounded by mountains or are located next to them.

Classification

Deserts are different types:

• Sandy. For such deserts are characterized by verachans and sandy storms often arise. The largest - sugar, is distinguished by a loose light soil, which is easily inflated by the winds.
• Clay.Have a smooth clay surface. There are found in Kazakhstan, the western part of Betpak Dala, at the Ustyurt Plateau.
• Stony. The surface is represented by stones and rubble, which forms the placer. For example, Sonor in North America.
• Solonchakoy. Salt predominates in the soil, the surface often looks like a salt crust or a quagger. Completed on the coast of the Caspian Sea, in Central Asia.
• Arctic - Located in the Arctic and. There are imperfect or snowy.

Climatic conditions

The climate of the desert is warm and dry. Temperature depends on geographic position: Maximum +58° Since the summer, it was registered in Sahara on September 13, 1922. A distinctive feature of the desert locacy is a sharp temperature difference at 30-40.° S. Day average temperature +45° C, at night - + 2-5 ° S. Winter in the deserts in Russia may be frost with small snow. In the desert lands, the air is distinguished by low humidity. Here often arise strong winds at a speed of 15-20 m / s or more.

Important! The most arid desert is an attack. There were no precipitation on its territory over 400 years.

Fig. 3. Semi-desert in Patagonia.

Flora

The desert flora is very cleaned, mostly rare shrubs that can extract moisture deep in the soil. An annual ephemers and perennial ephemeraids are growing in clay deserts. In Solonchaki - Galophytes or Solyanka. One of the most unusual plants that grow in such a terrain is Saksaul.It often moves from place to place under the action of wind.

Fauna

The animal world is also not a few - here can live, spiders, reptiles or small steppe animals (hare, gerbil). From representatives of the mammal detachment, a camel, antelope, Kulana, Baran Steppe, desert lynx live here. To survive in the desert, animals have a specific sandy color, they can quickly run, dig holes and live without water for a long time, preferably the night lifestyle. From birds you can find a crow, saksaulous joy, deserted chicken.

Important! In the sandy deserts sometimes there are oasis - this is a place that is located above the accumulation of groundwater. Here there is always thick and abundant vegetation, reservoirs.

Characteristics of the climate, animal and vegetable semi-desert

The semi-desert is the type of landscape, which is an intermediate option between the desert and the steppe. Most of them are located in a temperate and tropical belt.

General signs

This zone is characterized by the fact that there is absolutely no forest massif on it, the flora is quite originally, as well as the composition of the soil (very mineralized).

Important! The semi-desert is on all the continents except Antarctica.

Climatic conditions

It is characterized by a hot and long summer period with a temperature of approximately 25° C. Evaporability here is five times higher than the level of precipitation. There are few rivers, and they often dry out. In a moderate belt, they pass in an inseparable line in Eurasia in the East-Western direction. In the subtropical strip, they are often found on the slopes of plateau, highlands and plateales (Armenian Highlands, Carr). In the tropics, these are very large areas (Zone Sahal).

Flora

The floral world of this natural zone is distinguished by unevenness and affairs. It is represented by xerophytic herbs, solns and worn, ephemers grow. On the American continent, the most common cacti and other succulents, in Australia and Africa - xerophytic shrubs and low-spirited trees (Baobab, Acacia). Here, vegetation is often used for the proceedings of livestock.

Fauna

The animal world is quite diverse. To the greatest extent, it is represented by reptiles and rodents. The mouflon, antelope, caragar, jackal, fox and other predators and hoofs live here. In semi-deserts there are many birds, spiders, fish and insects.

Protection of natural zones

A part of the desert areas is protected by law and recognized by reserves and national parks. The list is pretty great. From the desert a man guards:

• Washa;
• Joshua-Three (in the valley of death).

From semi-desert protection are subject to:

• Ustyurt reserve;
• Tiger beam.

Important! In the Red Book, such deserted inhabitants are listed, like gray, Pleum, Caracal, Saigak.

Economic activities

The climatic features of these zones are unfavorable for economic life, but throughout history, whole civilizations developed in the desert zone, for example, Egypt. Special conditions forced to look for a way of grazing livestock, growing plant crops and industry development. Taking advantage of affordable vegetation, sheep usually fall out in such zones. Russia also bred dugorble camels. Agriculture here is possible only under the condition of additional watering.

1. The two biggest deserts on the planet Earth: Antarctica and sugar.
2. The height of the highest dunes reaches 180 meters.
3. The most arid and hot territory in the world - the valley of death. But, nevertheless, more than 40 species of reptiles, animals and plants live in it.
4. Approximately 46 thousand square miles of arable land turns into the desert every year. This process calls desertification. According to the UN, the problem is threatened with more than 1 billion people.
5. Passing through sugar, people often see Miragei. To protect the travelers, a map of mirages for caravantes was drawn up.

Much more interesting facts and useful information about these climatic zones See in the video suggested below.

Speaking about the deserts, imagination draws the boundless, not occupied by the vegetation, sections of sandy or rocky wasteless without any signs of life. Traveling by the plane and considering a huge, covered forests of Russia, with river river beds and lakes, it is difficult to submit a place where there are such places. However, it is not: in Russia there are deserts and semi-deserts. They are amazing, in their own way beautiful and not not lifeless.

Russian deserts: geography and natural features

The semi-deserts and deserts of Russia occupy a small territory of the southeast of the European part of the country, west and east of the country's country and to the foothill of the Caucasian Range. South of Volgograd passes the border separating steppe and desert zone, starting from the left bank of the Volga, further, northeast to Kazakhstan, then south to the foothills of the Caucasus and the valley of the Terek.

Once a significant desert zone and semi-desert modern Caspian lowland It was a seabed, which imposed a landscape imprint - smooth as the table, the multi-kilometer surface extends to the horizon itself. During the melting of snow or rains, water settles small lakes on the desert stroit, creating the impression of the "spotting" of the Earth.

Soil I. vegetable world Here are different, there are depoted, clay and sandy areas. The semi-desert has a more sparing climate and living conditions, they are used as pastures under the grazing of livestock. These are Western sections of semi-desert, closer to the ensent slopes, more embossed, hilly, with semi-desert vegetation.

Occasionally occurring at the marine plain hills are called salted schpolas. Underground rock salts move under pressure from rocks and are displaced to the surface of the Earth, forming bugs and hills and enliven the desert landscape.

Climatic characteristics

For deserts and semi-deserts, a climate with a sharp daily temperature drop and a small amount of precipitation is characterized: no more than 150 mm per year (spring). The climate is hot and dry, water evaporates, not having time to absorb to the ground. The temperature differences are characteristic not only for the change of day and night. Winter and Summer Difference Temperatures are also very large. The general background of weather conditions can be defined as extremely severe.

Sometimes the air temperature in the deserts in the summer reaches 50 degrees in the shade, and in the winter the thermometer column is lowered to minus 30 degrees!

Such temperature differences cannot but affect the formation of flora and fauna semi-deserts of Russia.

Flora and fauna

The flourishing of life comes from April to June. The absence of sufficient moisture and sharp temperature changes provide an opportunity for growth only by a limited number of plants. The main flora falls on semi-deserts, and the closer to the deserts of the Caspian lowland, the meager vegetation.

In winter, a strong wind is added to the frosts, which blows up the snow from the plains and shakes the earth. Such sites look black, they are called "black lands". But they received their name not only therefore. In semi-deserts, black wormwood grows: a plant with small leaves and dark branches. A certain territory of desert land is assigned to the reserve, which is also called "Black Lands".

What grows in semi-deserts?

The following cultures grow in deserts and semi-deserts:

• Efemeroids: Plants that live for a short time, quickly faded, but leave the tubers and bulbs in the soil.
• Efemera plants: with a short life cycle, in two or three months.

Here are growing perennial herbs, cacti, ephedra, tricklock, Kendyr, sandy acacia and even tulips. TO short cycle plants Life can be attributed to bulbous meat. He covers the ground with a carpet, turning the desert for a short time into an oasis of life.

In the sandy soils, cereals and other plants with deep and strong roots are well felt: the hairless, Saksaul, Elimus. Sand soils absorb water well and delay it without giving evaporate.

Animals deserts and semi-desert

Despite the harsh climate and aware of the flora, the animal world of semi-desert is diverse. It is not easy to adapt to the sewing heat, the absence of constant water and food sources, but the species inhabiting the deserts and semi-deserts, it succeeded. Animals are digging deep holes and will be smelted in them. create moisture for a long time. Among the sands and meager vegetation, it is difficult to hide: escape from predators helps the ability to quickly run and make long jumps. Birds are able to make flights to long distances.

Representatives of fauna deserts and semi-deserts:

• Mammals: Sandstone hares, Tushkanchiki, eared hedgehogs, Korsaki, Susliki, Gazelles, Antelopes, Fenki, camels.
• Reptiles: snakes, turtles, warana, lizards.
• Insects: Spiders, locust, beetles.
• Birds: Snegiri, Lark, Partridge, Coyki, Sparrows.

Depending on the geographical latitude of the terrain, in the deserts and semi-deserts of Russia, the corresponding climatic zone is formed different ecosystems. Flora and fauna of these zones are also different.

Desert problems and their development

The environmental crisis is as follows:

A person is responsible for desertification of land. Cutting the trees, drying of sources, changing river beds, lands, long-term use of pastures, illiterate irrigation methods, non-good production of natural fossils - just part of the list of human cases.

Natural desert in their own way beautiful, incomprehensible And there are many mysteries in themselves. If people do not turn the deserts in the empty, they will open us a lot of their secrets.

The presence of all natural zones in Russia (with the exception of the tropics) is well known, but very often and undeservedly forget about semi-deserts and deserts. These natural ranges of the country are so unique and atypical, which deserve close attention.

The reasons for the occurrence of deserts and semi-deserts in scientific circles to the present remain a controversial issue. One side of theoretics - geophysics - believe that a small amount of precipitation in these natural zones is due to the fact that they are mainly located at the soles of mountain systems. The latter cover them from the receipt of wet air mass.

Desert and semi-deserts of Russia, located in moderate and arctic belts, do not fit into the framework of such explanations. Therefore, Russian scientists expressed the assumption that this process is as a result of the collision of continental air masses with marine.

As a result, dry continental displaces the wet sea air, which leads to an extremely low level of precipitation during the year. A striking example in this regard are deserts and semi-deserts of Russia and Central Asia.

In addition, strongly heated equatorial masses rapidly rise to large height And with the rapid cooling, the moisture falls in the form of tropical rains. In the future, the dehydrated air is moved. Errosive factor plays a big role. Dry wind gusts lead to weathering of dried soil, shredding and wavy movement.

The origin of the icy deserts is explained by a different reason, although it is sufficiently similar in physical essence. Cold masses reach the coast and with a sharp cooling, the entire reserve of snow is thrown here. When breaking through the ocean masses to the depth of the continent, the snow falls throughout its area. Moreover, sometimes the level of precipitation reaches the annual norm.

Location of natural zones on the map of Russia

The deserts and semi-deserts of Russia are located in the southeastern part of the East - European Plain along the Caspian Sea. This is the territory of Kalmykia, Astrakhan and Volgograd regions.

Small semi-deserts exist in the Volgograd and Rostov region (we are talking about the Archined and Don and Tsimlyan Sands). In the southern direction from Volgograd and Level Bank Volga to Kazakhstan, and from the south to Terek and the previations of the Caucasian ridge, the steppes go to the desert.

Arctic deserts stretch from the Murmansk region to Anadyr to the north and east of the country. It includes the ocean coast from Murmansk to Taimyr and Chukotka, as well as all the northern Russian islands. The map shows that the desert occupy only a minor part of the state.

Characteristics of the deserts of Russia

The desert zone is located on the Caspian lowland, which a few millennia ago was a seabed. This factor imposes a peculiarity of this natural zone.

It is characterized by an absolutely smooth landscape with a zonal alternation of coating species:

Arctic deserts are above 75 ° Northern latitude. The relief is predominantly plain with a characteristic patterned pattern, which arises as a result of numerous repetitions of melting and freezing processes. Most of the Arctic desert is in a frozen state almost all calendar year. The thickness of the eternal permanent is not thawing.

The soil

The soil of the Russian desert is quite varied:

• chestnut;
• sandy;
• desert-steppe;
• clay;
• collapsed;
• serous;
• gray-brown.

Very much tactics (clay soils in the lowest parts of the plain). Soil characteristics of the Arctic deserts poorer. The fertile horizon is thin with a small amount of nutritious fractions. Includes a lot of sand.

Takers can be found not only in the deserts, but also in semi-deserts of Russia

In the warmest places come across brown soils with the presence of fertile substances. Eternal Merzlota makes it difficult for drainage processes and in summer as a result of melting processes here are formed by numerous lakes. Sexing rubble and other rocks indicate the ancient movement of glaciers.

Climate

The deserts and semi-deserts of Russia are in a sharply continental climatic zone. Deserts are the most arid region of the country. Summer is long and very roast. With an average summer temperature + 25 ... + 29 ° C, sharp rise to + 50 ° C are observed.

Winter short with temperatures not lowering below -4 - 8 ° C. Sometimes against the background of the Arctic Wind breakthrough, the mercury column drops to - 30 ° C. Characterized sharp drops of temperatures both annual and daily daily. Different drop, for example, can be up to 30 ° C.

Snow a little. The precipitation in the form of rain and snow falls most of the spring and summer. In the amount of the annual rate of precipitation - 150 - 200 mm. Evaporation exceeds moisture drop rate of 10 to 15 times. Due to dryness, there are often dust storms and Sukhov, accompanied by hurricane winds.

Climatic conditions Polar deserts are distinguished by the presence of prolonged and extremely frosty winters. The average daily thermometer testimony is falling to -50 S. Summer season is short and cold. The air temperature barely reaches + 10 C. The bulk of the year the temperature ranges from -20 to 0 C.

The sediments are rare, they are more active in the warm period, in the form of small mosses and snow charges. The average annual precipitation rate is about 240 mm. In the summer months there is a polar day, a duration of 60 days, when the sun disc is not hidden around the horizon. Polar night comes together with winter.

Animal world

At first glance it may seem that there are no inhabitants in the desert. In fact, the desert is quite thick inhabited. First of all, these are small mammals, showing activity only at night to protect themselves from the heat.

Small mammals	jerboa; gecko; vole; hamster; gopher gerbil.
Large inhabitants of Russian deserts	saigak; phenk; caracal; jaran; wolf; desert ram.
Also quite a lot of insect species	scorpio; tarantula; mosquito; saransch.
Snakes	4-strip poloz; sarmatian poloz; caspian poloz; shielding; viper.

The Arctic Desert is also thick inhabited by the inhabitants. About 120 types of fauna live in these harsh places. All of them are adapted to the extreme climate. To survive, they have well developed fat strata and woolen cover.

They are active in the summer and switch to hibernation or migrate with the onset of frosts. Birds move to the south. Here are the main inhabitants of this harsh climatic zone.

Mammals:

• sandy;
• polar bear;
• wolf;
• squirrel;
• hare;
• arctic wheel;
• lemming;
• reindeer;
• seal;
• walrus;

Birds: (Multi-migrant);

• raven;
• falcon;
• loon;
• sandpiper;
• snipe;
• gull.

Fish:

Insects:

• grasshopper;
• arctic bumblebee;
• mosquito;
• butterfly;
• midge;
• fly.

Plants

The life of the desert plants is largely dependent on the nature and quality of deserted soils. On sand flora has a powerful root systemwhich is held in bulk bases and reaches the dirt moisture.

The main mass in the northern part is grassy plants:

They exist at the expense of adaptation to the conditions. Some retain in the soil bulbous bases, others in a short period stay all life cycle.

Solonitsa grow:

• solyanka;
• salteros;
• sarsazans.

In the south there is a zone:

• sand acacia;
• solyanka Richter;
• white saksul.

In the Arctic deserts, nature is less diverse. Vegetable covers exist on 5 - 10% of their territory. Grow only cultures that adopted to vegetation in arctic climate.

• lichens;
• seaweed.

In the warm months blooming a few shrubs

Locals, family

The deserts and semi-deserts of Russia are far from the most adapted region. As a rule, there are no permanent population in the deserts. But since the desert expanses allow you to engage in nomadic cattle breeding (sheep and horse breeding), then individual ethnic groups in the desert are present.

The basis of the indigenous population is the most numerous peoples in these places - Tatars and Kazakhs.

Tatars are represented by several Turkic groups:

• karagashi;
• utury;
• yurtovtsy.

All of them are around the origin next to the Nogai. Nogai (or historically established name "Noga") are a truly indigenous population of the Caspian desert. Belong to the Turkic group.

From the XVI century Kalmyks belonging to the Mongoloid group also live here and are distant descendants of nomadic oratsky tribes. In the Arctic deserts, a very low population density. The basis of it is indigenous small nations.

North:

• saama;
• nonsense;
• yakuts;
• chukchi;
• koryaki;
• eskimos;
• aleuts.

All of them are engaged in reindeer herding and folk crafts. Interesting and not too well-known fact. Especially common occupation is cutting on the walrus. However, the production of a walrous bone is carried out by a humane way. The indigenous people know the place of walrus cemeteries (dying, the walrus is thrown ashore in a strictly defined place).

Getting to such a cemetery, someone is simply inconceivable: given the enormous value of raw materials and objects of art from the bone of a walrus, many attempts have been made for the sacred places in recent decades. Local shamans argue that there are no last guests take perfume.

Protection of the deserts of Russia

The human activity inflicts the main and irreparable damage to the nature of the Russian deserts. Even ill-conceived cattle breeding starts to turn the desert in the wasteland. The destruction of poor vegetation when grapted cattle will irreplaceably destroy the ability to reproduce it.

In addition, many animals live in this area, both rare and already listed in the Red Book (for example - Caracal). Poachers put many species of animals on the edge of extinction.

Because of technogenic factors in the Arctic, the melting of ice comes, as a result, the zone of the Arctic desert decreases. With such progress, many animal species will disappear. The extraction of minerals that this unique zone is so rich, violates the ecological balance.

To preserve protected zones and unique desert resources with temperate climates Government Russian Federation A number of environmental measures have been adopted.

For this purpose, environmental zones are created:

White bears breeding in Chukotka are in conditions leading to the extinction of the population. As a result of melting of ice, their hunting grounds are reduced, and young bearings are doomed to hungry death. In this regard, the Polar Reserve "Island of Wrangel" was established. There are burgots for polar bears and conditions for full nutrition and reproduction.

Characteristics of semi-deserts of Russia

The deserts and semi-deserts of Russia are very similar in their natural conditions And transfers one to another. Semi-deserts occupy a completely insignificant part of the land of the south of Russia. They are located in the south-east of the Left Bank of Volga to the previations of the Caucasus.

This is the most western district of the Caspiana, as well as the elevation of Ergen. The semi-desert begins with the coast of the Volga at Dubovka. To the west, it stretches to Don and the large manic lakes, south to the grassland of the Sulaca River. The subtropical semi-desert zone occupies a very small area. Dry subtropics are on Black Sea coast Caucasus in the area of \u200b\u200bNovorossiysk.

The semi-deserts are an intermediate option between the steppes and deserts, a smooth transition of one to another. Also, as in the steppe, there are natural reservoirs (in this case the largest - Volga and Sarpinsky lakes).

And the largest mineral lake Elton in Europe is in a semi-desert under Volgograd. However, vegetation here is already much poorer than in the steppe. Soil, water, both superficial and underground soapy.

The soil

Because at the base of the soils there are relics of sea breeds, the soils of the semi-desert are thickened. In its physical essence, the semi-desert - the same steppes, but dry. Accordingly, the fertile layer is much thinner and poorer.

The main here are chestnut soils. The name happened from the fact that powerful roots of vegetation stretch deep to groundwater, and there and the layer of humus thicker. But compared to the chernozem, it is much poorer and has brown color.

The difference between the northern soils semi-desert also exists. In the north, the soils have light - chestnut color, and in the south - grayish - brown. Solonians and salt marshes are encountered everywhere.

Soils in dry subtropics - brown forest and brown. A significant role in the soil formation plays the presence of water. Internal reserves of melt waters are collected in small recesses and cavities. So the few small lakes are formed with strongly salted water. Some of them contain a large amount of crystalline salt, which in some cases is mined open way.

Due to salinity, local water is not suitable for use not only in domestic, but also for technical purposes. The main stocks of fresh water - rivers, transit flowing through semi-desert areas.

Only in the Caspian semi-deserts can be seen unusual a natural phenomenon - Salt dome. The stone salt, squeezed by the layers of drying soil, comes out in the form of a dome.

Climate

As already noted, the climatic regime of the Caspian lowland is very peculiar. For semi-desert it is also fair. Here the climate is dry, sharply continental. The average daily temperature indicators of summer are + 23 ... + 25c, winter - -10 - -15c.

Moreover, harsh weather changes are characteristic: frosts can reach -40c, however, in an unpredictable manner can be replaced by thaw. Then, with a subsequent cooling, ice crust is formed. This is the cause of a large number of herbivores. Annual precipitation rate, as in the desert, about 240 mm. The maximum level of precipitation falls on May - June.

In the dry subtropical part in the summer, hot and dry, the thermometer shows an average of +25 - + 30s. Winter is not cold, with high levels of humidity. The thermometer readings are at the level of +4 - + 10c. Frosts happen rarely. The rate of precipitation is 600 - 700 mm per year. Maximum precipitation falls in winter.

Animal world

In Russia, the semi-desert fauna is very similar to the steppe inhabitants and the residents of the desert at the same time.

The main representatives are small mammals:

From large available:

• wolf;
• saigak;
• fox;
• jaran.

From insects:

• scorpio;
• tarantula;
• mosquito;
• saransch.

Reptiles:

• varan;
• four-band poloz;
• sarmatian poloz;
• caspian poloz;
• shielding;
• viper.

Birds:

Plants

Unlike the steppes, a vegetable blanket does not cover all the territory, but grows rarefied oases. The basis of herbal vegetation is the Kickl and Tychak.

Also grow several types of semi-stares:

As well as a few herbaceous plants. In dry subtropics, deciduous bushes are growing - shiblyak. Evergreen McWis is also common.

Local residents

As noted above, the basis of the indigenous population of the Caspian region is:

• tatars;
• kazakhs;
• nogai;
• kalmyki.

It is characteristic of the affiliation of indigenous people either to the Turkic ethnic group or to the Mongoloid. At the same time, a significant Armenian diaspora has been living in this area formed in the XVII century. Dry subtropics fairly expanding the composition of the indigenous population.

Along with the already listed groups, a large proportion occupy:

• armenians;
• adygei;
• abkhazians;
• avars.

A sufficient amount of solar radiation and a long season of vegetation create all the conditions for growing on the irrigated areas of excellent fruits of the Bakhchyev and grapes.

The main classes of the population here are:

• animal husbandry;
• vegetable growing;
• messenger;
• viticulture.

Protection of semi-deserts of Russia

The worst for Russian semi-deserts is mindlessly devastation due to the barbaric use of the territories. Are monuments historical Development These unique zones. Therefore, along with the protection of deserts, a number of measures that touched and the unique nature of the semi-desert are adopted.

Three main reserves were created:

• Ustyurtsky.
• Tiger beam.
• Aral-Paygambar.

In conclusion, it should be said that in Russia semi-deserts are presented very small on the area of \u200b\u200bthe area, and the deserts of a moderate belt and the harsh Arctic are truly unique. In no country in the world it is impossible to simultaneously see such a variety of this natural complex.

Article clearance: Vladimir Great

Video about deserts and semi-deserts of Russia

Desert Review in Russia:

Natural semi-desert areas are sushi areas characterized by a dry climate with significant daily temperature differences and a low average annual precipitation (about 150 mm / year). These territories are arid, characterized by a scant surface drain of water, which determines the increased salt of salts in the soil. Often, the reservoirs and rivers in these areas are prone to drying, during the drought period, their bottom is covered by a layer of salts. In the semi-desert vegetation, vegetation mainly consists of herbs and low shrubs.

Characteristics of the natural semi-desert zone.

The semi-deserts are located at all continents, except Antarctica, in three climatic zones: moderate, tropical and subtropical. Landscapes formed as a result of strong winds are dominated in them, steppe terrain is interspersed with stone mounds or hills.

Another map on which the semi-desert location is indicated.

The semi-desert moderate belt in Eurasia stretches from the Caspian lowland to the borders of China. In North America, this zone is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and in the lowlands of the Big Basin. In South America, it is located east of the Andes. Climate It is characterized by low winter temperatures (up to -25 degrees) and high summer (up to +30 degrees). Soil Brown and light-brown (Fig. 1 (1)), with a low content of humus (about 2%), their composition includes plaster and a large number of salts, solutions and salt marshes are common (Fig.1 (2, 3)), which can be used for agricultural turnover only under the condition of artificial irrigation and reduction of salinity.

The tropical semi-desert area in Africa combines the features of the savanna and desert, there is south of the Sahara, in the wetted zone of the Desert of Namibia, in the northeast of Kalahari desert, it is also located in India and Pakistan, in the Arabian Peninsula, in South America on Brazilian Plateau, in Australia. The maximum summer temperatures reach 50 degrees, the minimum winter temperatures are about 12-15 degrees above zero. Red-brown clay soils prevail, prone to erosion processes. (Fig.2)

Subtropical semi-desert zone is in the Northern Mountains and South America, Australia, Iranian Highlands, North and South Africa. The climate is moderately continental with summer temperatures up to 25 degrees, winters are characterized by a drop in temperatures up to 0 degrees with rather rare snowfall. Soil scarce gray-brown and serous with inclusions of rubble. (Fig. 3)

Salt Lake.

Semi-desert in the foothills of Plateau Colorado.