Characteristics of the natural zones of the Russian Federation. Map of natural zones of the world. temperate climate zone

The spherical shape of our planet is the reason for the uneven distribution of sunlight. As a result, in some areas the surface of the earth warms up more, in others - much less. As a result, natural zones were formed, each of which has unique properties and climatic conditions.

What are natural areas

Natural complexes are impressive land areas, which are characterized by the same climate, soil composition, flora and fauna. The main reason for the emergence of natural zones is the uneven distribution of heat and moisture on Earth.

Table "Characteristics of natural areas"

This characteristic is concise, since a lot can be said about the features of the natural zones of the world.

temperate climate zone

• Taiga . It occupies the largest area - almost 30% of all forests on the planet. Taiga is the realm of coniferous forests that can withstand low temperatures. Huge areas of this zone are covered with permafrost.

Rice. 1. Taiga forests occupy vast territories.

• mixed forests . They have good resistance to long frosty winters. The soil, although not distinguished by fertility, but, unlike the taiga, is already suitable for agriculture.
• broadleaf forests . This area is characterized by mild winters. The soil is fertile, with a high content of humus. A significant part of broad-leaved forests is represented deciduous trees. The fauna is very diverse.
• temperate deserts and semi-deserts . Their distinguishing feature is the meager vegetable and animal world, aridity and sharp temperature jumps by season.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

These are vast areas covered with a thick layer of ice and snow. By and large, the Arctic deserts are a lifeless place. Only on the coast you can find a few representatives of the local fauna: seals, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes and penguins. On small areas lands not covered with ice, mosses and lichens grow.

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Rice. 2. Arctic desert.

Moist equatorial forests

A very hot climate and consistently high humidity created ideal conditions For equatorial forests. The impenetrable jungle is home to 70% of all living beings inhabiting our planet. The trees remain evergreen throughout the year as they shed their leaves gradually.

The flora of this natural zone is incredibly diverse. But most of all, it is striking that such an abundance of plants became possible on soils in which the humus content is very small.

Fig.3. The nature of the equatorial forests is rich.

Equatorial and subtropical climate zone

• Variable rainforests . Heavy rainfall occurs only during the rainy season, followed by a long dry period. Fauna and flora are also very diverse.
• Woodlands and savannas . They appear on those parts of the land where there is no longer enough moisture for variable-humid forests. The rainy season is very long and lasts at least six months.

hardwood forests

They got their name due to the dense shell of the leaves, which contributes to the retention of moisture. This zone is characterized by not too abundant precipitation. Such forests grow along the coasts of the seas and oceans.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are vast areas overgrown with grass. Steppe soils are the most fertile due to their high humus content and are often used for agriculture.

Tundra and forest tundra

It has a harsh climate that even resistant coniferous trees cannot withstand. This zone is characterized by the absence of heat and high humidity which leads to waterlogging of the area. The flora of the tundra is represented only by lichens and mosses, there are no trees at all.

To date, the tundra is the most fragile and unstable ecosystem. Active development of minerals has led to the fact that this zone is on the verge of complete extinction.

What have we learned?

A wide variety of natural zones is due to the uneven distribution of humidity and heat on the planet. Each natural complex has its own unique flora and fauna, soil composition, climate.

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What's happened natural area, every student knows, and those who have forgotten this concept can familiarize themselves with it by reading this article.

Natural areas: definition and types

The globe is made up of various natural complexes localized in different climatic zones. Despite the diversity of landscapes, plants and animals, the individual territories of the Earth are similar to each other. They are combined into a separate group of natural zones. This is the largest gradation of the entire natural complex on the planet.

Natural areas and their features

Natural areas are located in accordance with temperature and humidity adapted to certain parameters. Basically, they occupy certain latitudes, but the specific area depends on the distance to the ocean and the surrounding terrain. The exception is mountainous natural zones, the characteristics of which are affected by the height of localization. Closer to the top, the temperature becomes lower, so the zonality is located in the direction from the equator to the poles. Below is a natural complex similar to that on the plain. The higher the mountain range, the more northern landscapes are localized at the top.

What is a natural area that is not on land? There is also a natural complex in the ocean, which is distinguished by its climatic location and depth. Its boundaries are vague, compared to land.

Natural areas of the tropics and subtropics, deserts

For the forests of the equator and the tropics located in Africa, South America and Asia, characterized by high humidity and temperature. What is the natural area in these areas the globe? This is a complex of evergreen trees with a pronounced multi-layered structure (from small shrubs to giant trees). The accelerated circulation of substances leads to the formation of a super-fertile soil layer, which is quickly consumed. In the tropics and subtropics, a zone of dry forests is distinguished, where trees shed their foliage during the hot period.

The description of the natural zone includes savannahs - a transitional zone from tropical forests to northern landscapes with pronounced light forests, constantly high temperatures and infrequent rainfall. This complex is characterized by a dry period, as a result, it occurs up to water bodies.

The evergreen forests of the Mediterranean climate predominantly consist of plants with hard leaves. There are many coniferous trees, mild winters are typical. Most of the animal species of this natural area are on the verge of extinction.

Tundra and forest tundra occupy the territory of the subpolar and polar zones. The vegetation is stunted with a superficial root system due to the poverty of the soil, there are many mosses and lichens, mainly migratory birds live, most of the territory is covered with permafrost.

Animals in the Arctic desert mostly live in the water, during the warm period, which lasts several months, birds arrive. This is what the natural zone of the northern hemisphere is.

Natural zones of the Earth or natural-residential zones are large areas of land with the same characteristics: topography, soil, climate and a special flora and fauna. The formation of a natural zone depends on the ratio of the level of heat and moisture, that is, the climate changes - the natural zone also changes.

Types of natural areas of the world

Geographers distinguish the following natural areas:

• arctic desert
• Tundra
• Taiga
• mixed forest
• broadleaf forest
• Steppe
• desert
• Subtropics
• Tropics

Rice. 1. Mixed forest

In addition to the main zones, there are also transitional ones:

• forest tundra
• forest-steppe
• Semi-desert.

They have features of two neighboring main zones. This is the complete official list of zones.

Some experts also distinguish such natural areas as:

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• Savannas;
• Monsoon forests;
• equatorial forests;
• Highlands or zones of altitudinal zonation.

Zones of high zonation have their own internal division.

Here are areas such as:

• broad-leaved forest;
• Mixed forest;
• Taiga;
• Subalpine belt;
• Alpine belt;
• Tundra;
• Snow and glacier zone.

Location of zones- strictly vertically, from the foot to the top: the higher, the more severe the climatic conditions, the lower the temperature, the lower the humidity, the higher the pressure.

The names of natural areas are not accidental. They reflect their main characteristics. For example, the term "tundra" means "plain without forest". Indeed, only single dwarf trees can be found in the tundra, for example, polar willow or dwarf birch.

Zone placement

What are the patterns of placement of natural and climatic zones? It's simple - there is a strict movement of belts across latitudes from the North ( North Pole) to the South (South Pole). Their placement corresponds to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface.

You can observe the change of natural zones from the coast deep into the mainland, that is, the relief and distance from the ocean also affect the location of natural zones and their width.

There is also a correspondence of natural zones to climatic zones. So, within what climatic zones are the above natural zones located:

• equatorial belt- wet equatorial forests with areas of wet evergreen forest And rain forest where short dry periods are observed;
• subequatorial belt- monsoon forests and savannas with areas of oceanic rain forests and monsoon deciduous forests;
• tropical belt- savannas, tropical forests, tropical deserts and semi-deserts;

Rice. 2. Savannas

• subtropical belt- zone of evergreen forest, steppe and desert;
• Temperate zone- deserts, semi-deserts, a zone of steppes, a zone of mixed, deciduous and coniferous forests;
• subtropical belt- forest-tundra and tundra;
• arctic belt- tundra and arctic desert.

Based on this ratio, in the same natural area, differences in climate, soil type and landscape can be observed.

Geographical position

Knowing where this or that natural zone is located, one can also indicate its geographical position. For example, the zone of the Arctic desert occupies the territories of Antarctica, Greenland and the entire northern tip of Eurasia. The tundra occupies large areas of countries such as Russia, Canada, Alaska. The desert zone is located on such continents as South America, Africa, Australia and Eurasia.

Characteristics of the main natural zones of the planet

All natural areas differ in:

• relief and composition of the soil;
• climate;
• animal and plant world.

Neighboring zones may have similar characteristics, especially where there is a gradual transition from one to the other. Thus, the answer to the question of how to define a natural area is very simple: note the climate features, as well as the features of flora and fauna.

The largest natural zones: the forest zone and the taiga (trees grow everywhere except Antarctica). These two zones have both similar characteristics and differences that are inherent only in the taiga, mixed forest, broadleaf forest, monsoon and equatorial forests.

Typical characteristic for the forest zone:

• warm and hot summer;
• a large amount of precipitation (up to 1000 mm per year);
• the presence of full-flowing rivers, lakes and swamps;
• the predominance of woody vegetation;
• diversity of the animal world.

The largest in area are equatorial forests; they occupy 6% of all land. The greatest diversity of flora and fauna is characteristic of these forests. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live, and many species are unique.

Rice. 3. Equatorial forests

The role of natural areas

Each natural zone plays its own special role in the life of the planet. If we consider natural areas in order, we can give the following examples:

• arctic desert, despite the fact that it is almost completely an icy desert, it is a kind of "pantry" where multi-ton reserves are stored fresh water, and also, being the polar region of the planet, it plays a key role in shaping the climate;
• climate tundra keeps the soils of the natural zone in a frozen state for most of the year and this plays an important role in the carbon cycle of the planet;
• taiga, as well as equatorial forests are a kind of "lungs" of the Earth; they produce the oxygen necessary for the life of all living things and absorb carbon dioxide.

What is the main role of all natural zones? They keep a lot natural resources which are necessary for human life and activity.

The global geographic community has long come up with both color conventions for natural areas and emblems that define them. So the arctic deserts are indicated by blue waves, and just deserts and semi-deserts are indicated by red. The taiga zone has symbol as coniferous tree, and a zone of mixed forests in the form of coniferous and deciduous trees.

What have we learned?

We learned what a natural area is, defined this term and identified the main features of the concept. We learned what the main zones of the Earth are called, and what are the intermediate zones. We also found out the reasons for such a zonality of the geographic envelope of the Earth. All this information will help prepare for a geography lesson in grade 5: write a report on the topic “Natural zones of the Earth”, prepare a message.

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Natural zones of the Earth

Comprehensive Scientific research nature allowed V. V. Dokuchaev in 1898 to formulate the law geographic zoning, Whereby climate, water, soil, relief, flora and fauna in a certain area are closely interconnected and should be studied as a whole. He proposed dividing the Earth's surface into zones that naturally repeat themselves in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Different geographical (natural) zones Earth characterized by a certain combination of heat and moisture, soils, flora and fauna and, as a result, - features economic activity their population. These are zones of forests, steppes, deserts, tundra, savannas, as well as transitional zones of forest-tundra, semi-deserts, forest-tundra. The names of natural areas are traditionally given according to the prevailing type of vegetation, which reflects the most important features of the landscape.

The regular change of vegetation is an indicator of a general increase in heat. In the tundra average temperature the warmest month of the year - July - does not exceed + 10°C, in the taiga it ranges from + 10 ... + 18°C ​​in the strip of deciduous and mixed forests + 18 ... + 20°C, in the steppe and forest-steppe +22...+24°С, in semi-deserts and deserts - above +30°С.

Most animal organisms remain active at temperatures from 0 to +30°C. However, temperatures from + 10 ° C and above are considered the best for growth and development. Obviously, such a thermal regime is characteristic of the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic zones of the Earth. The intensity of vegetation development in natural areas also depends on the amount of precipitation. Compare, for example, their number in the zone of forests and deserts (see map of the atlas).

So, natural areas are natural complexes that occupy large areas and characterized by the dominance of one zonal landscape type. They are formed mainly under the influence of climate - the features of the distribution of heat and moisture, their ratio. Each natural zone has its own type of soil, vegetation and wildlife.

The appearance of the natural zone is determined by the type of vegetation cover. But the nature of vegetation depends on climatic conditions - thermal conditions, moisture, illumination, soils, etc.

As a rule, natural zones are elongated in the form of wide strips from west to east. There are no clear boundaries between them, they gradually pass into one another. The latitudinal location of natural zones is disturbed by the uneven distribution of land and ocean, relief, distance from the ocean.

General characteristics of the main natural zones of the Earth

Let us characterize the main natural zones of the Earth, starting from the equator and moving towards the poles.

Forests are located on all continents of the Earth, except for Antarctica. forest zones have like common features, and special, characteristic only of the taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests or tropical forests.

The common features of the forest zone include: warm or hot summers, a fairly large amount of precipitation (from 600 to 1000 or more mm per year), large full-flowing rivers, and the predominance of woody vegetation. The largest number equatorial forests, which occupy 6% of the land, receive heat and moisture. They rightfully hold the first place among the forest zones of the Earth in terms of the diversity of plants and animals. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live.

The climate of the equatorial forests is hot and humid. Average annual temperatures are +24... +28°С. The annual amount of precipitation is more than 1000 mm. It is in the equatorial forest that you can find the largest number of ancient animal species, such as amphibians: frogs, newts, salamanders, toads or marsupials: opossums in America, possums in Australia, tenrecs in Africa, lemurs in Madagascar, loris in Asia; ancient animals are also such inhabitants of the equatorial forests as armadillos, anteaters, pangolins.

In the equatorial forests, the richest vegetation is located in several tiers. In the crowns of trees, many species of birds live: hummingbirds, hornbills, birds of paradise, crowned pigeons, numerous species of parrots: cockatoo, macaw, Amazon, Jaco. These birds have tenacious paws and strong beaks: they not only fly, but also climb trees beautifully. Treetop animals also have prehensile paws and tails: sloths, monkeys, howler monkeys, flying foxes, tree kangaroo. The largest animal that lives in the crowns of trees is the gorilla. These forests are home to many beautiful butterflies and other insects: termites, ants, etc. Various types of snakes. Anaconda - the largest snake in the world, reaches a length of 10 m or more. The high-water rivers of the equatorial forests are rich in fish.

The equatorial forests occupy the largest areas in South America, in the Amazon River basin, and in Africa - in the Congo River basin. Amazon is the most deep river on the ground. She takes every second into Atlantic Ocean 220 thousand m3 of water. The Congo is the second largest river in the world. Equatorial forests are also common on the islands of the Malaysian archipelago and Oceania, in the southeastern regions of Asia, in northeastern Australia (see the map in the atlas).

Valuable tree species: mahogany, black, yellow - the wealth of equatorial forests. The harvesting of valuable wood species threatens the preservation of the Earth's unique forests. Space images have shown that in a number of areas of the Amazon, forest destruction is proceeding at a catastrophic pace, many times faster than their restoration. As a result, many species are disappearing. unique plants and animals.

Variable wet monsoon forests

Variably humid monsoon forests can also be found on all continents of the Earth, except for Antarctica. If it is summer all the time in the equatorial forests, then three seasons are pronounced here: dry cool (November-February) - winter monsoon; dry hot (March-May) - transitional season; humid hot (June-October) - summer monsoon. Most hot month- May, when the sun is almost at its zenith, the rivers dry up, the trees shed their leaves, the grass turns yellow.

The summer monsoon comes at the end of May with gale-force winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rains. Nature comes to life. Due to the alternation of dry and wet seasons, monsoon forests are called variable wet.

The monsoon forests of India are located in the tropical climate zone. Valuable species of trees grow here, distinguished by the strength and durability of wood: teak, sal, sandalwood, satin and ironwood. Teak wood is not afraid of fire and water, it is widely used for building ships. Sal also has a durable and strong wood. Sandalwood and satin wood are used in the manufacture of varnishes and paints.

The fauna of the Indian jungle is rich and varied: elephants, bulls, rhinos, monkeys. Lots of birds and reptiles.

Monsoon forests of tropical and subtropical regions are also characteristic of South-East Asia, Central and South America, northern and northeastern regions of Australia (see the map in the atlas).

Temperate monsoon forests

Temperate monsoon forests are found only in Eurasia. Ussuri taiga is a special place on Far East. This is a real thicket: the forests are multi-tiered, dense, intertwined with lianas and wild grapes. Cedar, walnut, linden, ash and oak grow here. Rough vegetation is the result of an abundance of seasonal rainfall and a rather mild climate. Here you can meet Ussuri tiger- himself major representative of its kind.
Rivers monsoon forests are rain-fed and spill during the summer monsoon rains. The largest of them are the Ganges, Indus, Amur.

The monsoon forests are heavily cut down. According to experts, in Eurasia only 5% of the former forests remained. Monsoon forests suffered not so much from forestry, but also from agriculture. It is known that the largest agricultural civilizations appeared on fertile soils in the valleys of the Ganges, Irrawaddy, Indus and their tributaries. The development of agriculture required new territories - forests were cut down. Farming has adapted over the centuries to alternating wet and dry seasons. The main agricultural season is the wet monsoon period. Crops are associated with it the most important crops- rice, jute, sugarcane. In the dry cool season, barley, legumes, and potatoes are planted. In the dry hot season, agriculture is possible only with artificial irrigation. The monsoon is capricious, its delay leads to severe droughts and the death of crops. Therefore, artificial irrigation is necessary.

temperate forests

Temperate forests occupy significant areas in Eurasia and North America (see map in the atlas).

In the northern regions - this is the taiga, to the south - mixed and broadleaf forests . In the forest zone of the temperate zone, the seasons of the year are pronounced. Average temperatures in January are negative everywhere, in some places up to -40°С, in July + 10 ... + 20°С; the amount of precipitation is 300-1000 mm per year. Vegetation of plants in winter stops, for several months there is a snow cover.

Spruce, fir, pine, larch grow like in the taiga North America, and in the taiga of Eurasia. The animal world also has a lot in common. The bear is the master of the taiga. True, in the Siberian taiga it is called - Brown bear, and in the taiga of Canada - grizzlies. Can be found red lynx, elk, wolf, as well as marten, ermine, wolverine, sable. Through the taiga zone flow major rivers Siberia - the Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, Lena, which are second only to the rivers of the equatorial forest zone in terms of runoff.

To the south, the climate becomes milder: mixed and broad-leaved forests grow here, consisting of such species as birch, oak, maple, linden, among which there are also conifers. Typical for the forests of North America are: white oak, sugar maple, yellow birch. Red deer, elk, wild boar, hare; from predators - a wolf and a fox - representatives of animal world of this zone known to us.

If the northern taiga is classified by scientists-geographers as a zone slightly modified by man, then mixed and broad-leaved forests have been cut down almost everywhere. Their place was taken by agricultural areas, such as the "corn belt" in the United States, in this zone many cities and highways are concentrated. In Europe and North America, the natural landscapes of these forests have been preserved only in mountainous regions.

Savannah

Savannah is a natural zone of low latitudes in the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It occupies about 40% of the territory of Africa (south of the Sahara), distributed in South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Australia (see the map in the atlas). The savanna is dominated by herbaceous vegetation with isolated trees or groups of trees (acacia, eucalyptus, baobab) and shrubs.

The fauna of the African savannas is surprisingly diverse. To adapt to the conditions of endless dry spaces, nature endowed animals with unique properties. For example, the giraffe is considered the tallest animal on Earth. Its height exceeds 5 m, it has a long tongue (about 50 cm). All this is necessary for a giraffe in order to reach the high branches of acacias. Crowns of acacias begin at a height of 5 m, and giraffes have practically no competitors, calmly eating tree branches. Typical animals of the savannas are zebras, elephants, ostriches.

steppes

Steppes are found on all continents of the Earth, except for Antarctica (in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres). They are abundant solar heat, low rainfall (up to 400 mm per year), as well as warm or hot summers. The main vegetation of the steppes is grasses. The steppes are called differently. In South America, the tropical steppes are called pampas, which in the language of the Indians means "a large expanse without a forest." Animals characteristic of the pampa are the llama, the armadillo, the viscacha, a rodent that looks like a rabbit.

In North America, the steppes are called prairies. They are located in both temperate and subtropical climatic zones. The "kings" of the American prairies have long been bison. By the end of the 19th century, they were almost completely exterminated. Currently, through the efforts of the state and the public, the number of bison is being restored. Another inhabitant of the prairies is the coyote - the steppe wolf. On the banks of the rivers in the bushes you can meet a large spotted cat - a jaguar. The peccary is a small boar-like animal also typical of the prairies.

The steppes of Eurasia are located in the temperate zone. They are very different from the American prairies and African savannas. Here it is drier, sharper continental climate. It is very cold in winter (average temperature - 20°С), and very hot in summer (average temperature + 25°С), strong winds. In summer, the vegetation of the steppes is sparse, but in spring the steppe is transformed: it blooms with many varieties of lilies and poppies, tulips.

The flowering time does not last long, about 10 days. Then a drought sets in, the steppe dries up, the colors fade, and by autumn everything takes on a yellow-gray color.

The steppes are the most fertile soils Land, so they are almost completely plowed. The treeless spaces of the steppes of the temperate zone differ strong winds. Here, wind erosion of soils is very intensive - dust storms are frequent. Forest belts are planted to preserve soil fertility, organic fertilizers, light agricultural machinery.

desert

Deserts occupy vast spaces - up to 10% of the Earth's land mass. They are located on all continents and in different climatic zones: temperate, subtropical, tropical and even polar.

In the desert climate of tropical and temperate there are common features. Firstly, the abundance of solar heat, secondly, the large amplitude of temperatures in winter and summer, day and night, and thirdly, a small amount of precipitation (up to 150 mm per year). However, the latter feature is also characteristic of the polar deserts.

In the deserts of the tropical zone, the average summer temperature is +30°C, winter + 10°C. The greatest tropical deserts of the Earth are located in Africa: Sahara, Kalahari, Namib.

Desert plants and animals adapt to dry and hot climates. So, for example, a giant cactus can store up to 3000 liters of water and “not drink” for up to two years; and the Welwitschia plant, found in the Namib Desert, is able to absorb water from the air. A camel is an indispensable helper of a person in the desert. He can be without food and water for a long time, storing them in his humps.

Asia's largest desert, Rub al-Khali, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is also located in tropical zone. The desert regions of North and South America and Australia are located in tropical and subtropical climatic zones.

The deserts of the temperate zone of Eurasia are also characterized by low rainfall and a large temperature range, both annual and daily. However, they are characterized by lower winter temperatures and a pronounced flowering period - in the spring. Such deserts are located in Central Asia to the east of the Caspian Sea. The fauna here is represented by various species of snakes, rodents, scorpions, turtles, lizards. A typical plant is saxaul.

polar deserts

Polar deserts are located in the polar regions of the Earth. An absolute minimum temperature of 89.2°C has been recorded in Antarctica.

Average winter temperatures are -30°С, summer - 0°С. Just like in the deserts of the tropical and temperate zones, little precipitation falls in the polar desert, mainly in the form of snow. The polar night here lasts almost half a year, the polar day lasts almost half a year. Antarctica is considered the highest continent on Earth, given the thickness of its ice shell of 4 km.

Indigenous inhabitants of the polar deserts of Antarctica - emperor penguins. They cannot fly, but they are excellent swimmers. They can dive to great depths and swim great distances, escaping from their enemies - seals.

The northern polar region of the Earth - the Arctic - got its name from the ancient Greek arcticos - northern. The southern, as it were, opposite polar region is Antarctica (anti - against). The Arctic occupies the island of Greenland, the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, as well as the islands and waters of the Arctic Ocean. This area is covered with snow and ice throughout the year. The owner of these places is considered to be a polar bear.

Tundra

Tundra is a treeless natural area with vegetation of mosses, lichens and creeping shrubs. Tundra is common in the subarctic climatic zone only in North America and Eurasia, which are characterized by harsh climatic conditions (little solar heat, low temperatures, short cold summers, low rainfall).

Moss moss lichen was called "reindeer moss" because it is the main food reindeer. Arctic foxes also live in the tundra, lemmings are small rodents. Among the sparse vegetation there are berry bushes: blueberries, lingonberries, blueberries, as well as dwarf trees: birch, willow.

Permafrost in the soil is a phenomenon characteristic of the tundra, as well as the Siberian taiga. It is worth starting to dig a hole, as at a depth of about 1 m there will be a frozen layer of earth several tens of meters thick. This phenomenon must be taken into account in the construction, industrial and agricultural development of the territory.

In the tundra, everything grows very slowly. It is with this that the need for careful attention to its nature is connected. For example, pastures damaged by deer are restored only after 15-20 years.

Altitudinal zonality

Unlike flat territories, climatic zones and natural zones in the mountains change according to the law of vertical zonality, i.e., from bottom to top. This is because the air temperature decreases with altitude. Consider, as an example, the greatest mountain system world - the Himalayas. Almost all natural zones of the Earth are represented here: at the foot grows a tropical forest, at an altitude of 1500 m it is replaced by broad-leaved forests, which in turn turn into mixed forests at an altitude of 2000 m. coniferous forests from Himalayan pine, fir and juniper. In winter, there is snow for a long time and frosts persist.

Above 3500 m, shrubs and alpine meadows begin, they are called "alpine". In summer, the meadows are covered with a carpet of brightly flowering herbs - poppies, primroses, gentians. Gradually the grasses become lower. Approximately from a height of 4500 m, eternal snow and ice lie. Climatic conditions are very severe here. They live in the mountains rare species animals: mountain goat, chamois, argali, snow leopard.

Latitudinal zonality in the ocean

The world ocean occupies more than 2/3 of the planet's surface. Physical properties And chemical composition ocean waters are relatively constant and create an environment conducive to life. It is especially important for the life of plants and animals that oxygen and carbon dioxide coming from the air dissolve in water. Photosynthesis in algae occurs mainly in top layer water (up to 100 m).

Marine organisms live mainly in the surface layer of water illuminated by the Sun. These are the smallest plant and animal organisms - plankton (bacteria, algae, smallest animals), a variety of fish and marine mammals(dolphins, whales, seals, etc.), squids, sea snakes and turtles.

On seabed there is life too. These are bottom algae, corals, crustaceans, molluscs. They are called benthos (from the Greek benthos - deep). The biomass of the World Ocean is 1000 times smaller than the biomass of the land of the Earth.

The distribution of life in oceans uneven and depends on the amount of solar energy received on its surface. The polar waters are poor in plankton due to low temperatures and long polar night. The greatest amount of plankton develops in the waters of the temperate zone in summer. The abundance of plankton attracts fish here. The temperate zones of the Earth are the most fishy areas of the oceans. In the tropical zone, the amount of plankton again decreases due to the high salinity of the water and high temperatures.

Formation of natural areas

From today's topic, we have learned how diverse the natural complexes of our planet are. The natural zones of the Earth are full of evergreen forests, endless steppes, various mountain ranges, hot and icy deserts.

Every corner of our planet is distinguished by its uniqueness, diverse climate, relief, flora and fauna, and therefore, on the territories of each continent, various natural zones are formed.

Let's try to figure out what natural zones are, how they formed, and what was the impetus for their formation.

Natural zones include such complexes that have similar soils, vegetation, wildlife and similarities. temperature regime. Natural zones got their names according to the type of vegetation, and they bear such names as the zone of taiga or broad-leaved forests, etc.

Natural areas are diverse, due to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface. This is what lies main reason geographic heterogeneity.

After all, if we consider one of the climatic zones, we can see that those parts of the belt that are closer to the ocean are more humid than its continental parts. And this reason lies not so much in the amount of precipitation, but rather in the ratio of heat and moisture. Because of this, on some continents we observe a more humid climate, and on the other - arid.

And with the help of the redistribution of solar heat, we see how the same amount of moisture in some climatic zones leads to excess moisture, and in others - to their lack.

So, for example, in a hot tropical zone, a lack of moisture can cause drought and the formation of desert territories, while in the subtropics, an excess of moisture contributes to the formation of swamps.

So you learned that due to the difference in the amount of solar heat and moisture, various natural zones were formed.

Patterns of placement of natural zones

The natural zones of the Earth have clear patterns of their location, extending in a latitudinal direction and changing from north to south. Most often, a change in natural zones is observed in the direction from the coast, making its way deep into the mainland.

In mountainous areas there is altitudinal zonality, which changes one zone for another, starting from the foot and moving towards the mountain peaks.

In the oceans, the change of zones occurs from the equator to the poles. Here, changes in natural zones are reflected in the surface composition of waters, as well as the difference in vegetation and wildlife.

Features of the natural zones of the continents

Since the planet Earth has a spherical surface, the Sun also heats it unevenly. Those areas of the surface above which the Sun is high receive the most heat. And where the sun's rays only glide over the Earth, a more severe climate prevails.

And although on various continents vegetation and animals have similar features, but they are influenced by climate, topography, geology and man. Therefore, it so happened historically that, due to changes in the relief and climate, different continents are inhabited by different types plants and animals.

There are continents where endemics are found, on which only certain kind living beings and plants that are peculiar to these continents. So, for example, polar bears can only be found in nature in the Arctic, and kangaroos in Australia. But in African and South American shrouds are found similar species, although they have certain differences.

But human activity contributes to the changes that occur in the geographical shell, and under such influence, natural areas also change.

Questions and tasks for preparing for the exam

1. Make a diagram of the interaction of natural components in the natural complex and explain it.
2. How do the concepts of "natural complex", "geographical envelope", "biosphere", "natural zone" relate to each other? Show with a diagram.
3. Name the zonal soil type for the tundra, taiga, zones of mixed and broad-leaved forests.
4. Where is the soil cover more difficult to restore: in the steppes of the South of Russia or in the tundra? Why?
5. What is the reason for the difference in the thickness of the fertile soil layer in different natural zones? What does soil fertility depend on?
6. What types of plants and animals are characteristic of the tundra and why?
7. What organisms live on the surface of the oceans?
8. Which of the following animals can be found in the African savannah: rhinoceros, lion, giraffe, tiger, tapir, baboon, llama, hedgehog, zebra, hyena?
9. In what forests is it impossible to find out its age from a cut of a cut tree?
10. What measures, in your opinion, will help preserve the human habitat?

Maksakovskiy V.P., Petrova N.N., Physical and economic geography of the world. - M.: Iris-press, 2010. - 368 pp.: ill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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