In what climatic zones is continental Africa located? African climate zones. Location of Africa climate zones

Africa is a large continent (second in the world after Eurasia), strongly elongated from north to south on both sides of the equator. There are four climate zones here. In the very north and south of the continent - Subtropical(southern South Africa and northern Sahara). Next comes Tropical zone(almost the entire Sahara, northern South Africa, Namibia, Angola, southern Madagascar). Occupies a small space near the equator Equatorial belt. And around it almost all central Africa largest in area - Subequatorial belt.

A continent like Africa is located in the following climate zones:

first climate zone: subtropical,

second climate zone: tropical,

third climate zone: subequatorial,

fourth climate zone: equatorial,

fifth climate zone: subequatorial,

sixth climate zone: tropical,

seventh climate zone: subtropical.

The belts are listed in order from north to south.

It’s not for nothing that Africa is called the hottest continent on Earth, it really is. The central part of this continent lies in the equatorial belt, characterized by high temperature and humidity. Famous people grow here equatorial forests, impenetrable jungle. To the south, east and north lie subequatorial climatic zones characterized by a mixed climate - they can come here as humid equatorial ones air masses, and tropical dry. Even further from the equator lie the tropics - the driest places on the planet with high temperatures. Here lie the Sahara, Kalahari and Namib. The most extreme points continent belong to a subtropical climate and in winter air masses from temperate latitudes They can even bring snow here.

Africa is divided almost in half by the equator. What climate zones is Africa located in?

• equatorial;
• tropical;
• subequatorial and subtropical.

The climate features of Africa are determined by its location on the climate map of the world. Because of this position, the most big desert- Sugar.



Africa is located in the following climate zones. Table



The climate of the African belts is very similar, but there are differences. There are zones in which precipitation occurs seasonally, and there are zones where the climate is milder. Animals of Africa move in caravans in search of bodies of water. During periods of drought, crocodiles and giraffes drink from the same stream, establishing a truce at this time.

The climate of Africa is quite hot as it is located in the following climatic zones, namely: equatorial, 2 subtropical, tropical and subequatorial. The equator passes through this continent, and it is washed by two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic. Africa is also home to one of the largest deserts in the world, the Sahara.

The African continent is the only continent in the world located on both sides of the equator. In Africa there are already seven climatic zones, and each of them has its own characteristics.

For example, equatorial The climate zone is supported by winds that constantly bring moisture and heat. It rains evenly throughout the year and there is no division into seasons.

North and south occupies subequatorial a belt where winds from the equator bring heat and moisture in the summer. Winter time is characterized by tropical, hot and dry winds.

The largest part of Africa is subjugated tropical a climate where tropical winds dominate all year. Which forms the climate with savannas and deserts.

Subtropical The belt is represented by two regions in the northern and southern territories. Available in Africa and subtropical-mediterranean climatic zone in the northern and southwestern parts of the continent.



The entire territory of Africa is one way or another included in different zones hot climate. It is intersected by the equator line approximately in the middle.

But the specific manifestations of the hot climate in Africa are not uniform. The north and south of the continent are dominated by dry deserts (such as the Sahara and Kalahari). The central part is dominated by tropical forests, separated from the desert belt by savanna steppes, which are characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons.

Accordingly, the center of Africa is the zone equatorial climate, then subequatorial, tropical, and at the southern and northern ends there is a subtropical climate zone.

Africa, in size, is the second continent after Eurasia and is washed by two oceans:

• Atlantic
• Indian.

The climatic zones of Africa begin with the equatorial, followed by the subequatorial, then the tropical climate zone, and the subtropical zone.

Africa is located in seven climatic zones, namely:

1. in the equatorial
2. in two subequatorial
3. in two tropical
4. in two subtropical

The largest area is occupied by the subequatorial belt.

It should be noted that although Africa is considered a very hot continent, it is conditionally divided into several climatic zones, the conditions for existence in which differ. Therefore, when choosing a place of residence, it is necessary to coordinate climatic preferences.

So, there are 7 (SEVEN) belts. Let's look in more detail.

In Africa, peculiar climatic conditions. Since the continent crosses the equator, except for the equatorial belt, all other climatic zones are repeated.

Equatorial belt of Africa

The equatorial belt of the African continent is located in the Gulf of Guinea region. It has warm air and a humid climate. The temperature maximum reaches +28 degrees Celsius, and approximately the same temperature above +20 degrees remains year-round. Precipitation amounts to more than 2000 mm per year, which is distributed relatively evenly throughout the territory.

On both sides of the equator there are two subequatorial zones. The summer season is humid and warm with a maximum of +28 degrees, and winter is dry. Depending on the seasons, air currents also change: equatorial wet and dry tropical. In this climate zone there are long and short rainy seasons, but the total annual precipitation does not exceed 400 mm.

tropical zone

Most of the continent lies in tropical zone. The air mass here is continental, and under its influence deserts were formed in the Sahara and in the south. There is practically no precipitation here and air humidity is low. It may rain once every few years. During the day the air temperature is very high, and at night the degrees can drop below 0. It almost always blows strong wind, which can destroy crops and activate sandstorms. The small area in the southeast of the mainland has a tropical, humid climate with significant rainfall that falls throughout the year.

Africa climate zone table

The extreme territories of the continent are located in the subtropical zone. The average temperature is +20 degrees with noticeable seasonal variations. The southwestern and northern part of the continent lies in the Mediterranean type zone. IN winter time This area receives precipitation and summers are dry. A humid climate with regular precipitation throughout the year has developed in the southeast of the continent.

Africa is the only continent, which is located on both sides of the equator, which influenced the formation of unique climatic conditions. So on the continent there is one equatorial zone, and two subequatorial, tropical and subtropical zones. It is much hotter here than on other continents with similar climate zones. These climatic conditions influenced education unique nature in Africa.

The climate of Africa can be described as a unique phenomenon due to its location.

Africa is the only continent in the world that lies on both sides of the equator.

Interestingly, the equator is not only Earth divides into two hemispheres, it divides the African continent almost equally.

The climate has a very big influence on the nature of the area, because it determines weather patterns, as well as changes weather conditions.

The soil of the area, flora and fauna, various sectors of the economy, as well as

The formation of certain climatic conditions in Africa is influenced by various factors, which subsequently determine the life and livelihoods of people who live in a particular type of climate.

Africa is widely considered to be the hottest continent due to its location in the hottest climate zones.

An interesting fact is that three of the four climatic zones on the continent are repeated twice.

Due to the fact that Africa is crossed by the equator, around which the equatorial climate zone has formed, the remaining climate zones mirror each other.

Subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate zone found twice on the continent.

Equatorial climate zone of Africa

The equatorial belt occupies an area along the Gulf of Guinea and extends all the way to the basin in the Congo and.

Throughout the year, the equatorial warm air mass prevails here, which determines the weather conditions.

In this part of Africa there are no seasons with temperature changes and changing weather conditions; it is always very hot here and it rains often. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

The temperature here is high 365 days a year - from 24 °C to 28 °C.

The equatorial climate is characterized by heavy rainfall. During the year, in different areas of the equatorial part of the continent, from 1500 to 2500 mm of precipitation falls.

Because of this, very high humidity and heat are formed, which are difficult to tolerate; the coolness of the night brings relief.

In the African equatorial part, constant cloudiness and frequent fogs can be observed.

Almost every day before lunch, clouds gather, which after lunch, towards evening, materialize into rain or thunderstorms.

They present plant and animal life in a wonderful abundance that has not been fully explored.

On both sides of the equator, as well as to the east of the equatorial belt, subequatorial climatic zones stretch.

This climate zone is also very hot, with temperatures throughout the year ranging from 26 to 30 °C in summer and 15 to 17 °C in winter.

Subequatorial climate zone of Africa

In the subequatorial climate zone, rainy and dry seasons are clearly visible.

The duration of rains, as well as the numerical indicators of precipitation, decrease as the belt moves away from the equator.

This directly affects the flora of the area.

In places where there is insufficient precipitation, woody vegetation practically does not grow; lush forests are replaced by open forests, which smoothly turn into savannas.

It is very interesting to note the alternation of the rainy season and the predominance of the dry season in subequatorial climatic zones.

While in one of the subequatorial zones of Africa there is a rainy season, which brings the equatorial air mass, in another subequatorial zone at this time an air mass from the tropics dominates, which entails the onset of the dry season.

Tropical climate zone of Africa

Characteristic feature given climate there is dry, hot weather and minimal precipitation, which decreases with distance from the center of the continent and further into its interior.

Africa is mostly located in tropical climate, so there are a lot of deserts here, the formation of which is facilitated by dry air, a remote location from the ocean, and also high blood pressure due to tropical air masses.

This ideal conditions for the development of numerous deserts and savannas.

The Sahara is the largest desert on the planet, which is located in the tropical climate of Africa. Here, not a single drop of precipitation may fall for years, and it is extremely difficult for a person to stay here.

The air is filled with fine dust and very often there are strong winds that create sandy dust storms.

Wind and dust form whimsical sand.

The tropical zone, in addition to aridity, is characterized by a very sharp daily temperature difference.

During the day, the thermometer rises above 40 °C, heating up the sand and air, and at night the temperature drops sharply by a couple of tens of degrees and can drop to negative levels.

The highest air temperature worldwide was recorded in the Libyan African Desert tropical zone and reached 58 °C.

The northern coast, as well as the extreme south of the mainland, occupies a subtropical zone, which is characterized by a change in air masses and a division of the year into seasons.

average temperature per year is approximately 20 °C. It varies significantly depending on the summer and winter seasons.

Subtropical climate of Africa

The subtropical zone of Africa in the northern and southwestern parts of the continent is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and precipitation in winter, which is brought by temperate air.

The southeast has a subtropical humid climate.

It contributes to the fact that throughout the year, precipitation here is distributed fairly evenly.

The African continent crosses the equator, that is, most of it is located between the tropics. Naturally, this situation greatly influenced the climate of Africa. It is also influenced by climatic factors such as trade winds, patterns of air mass circulation, ocean currents and features of the continent’s topography and its latitude.

General climate characteristics, briefly

When describing general characteristics climate of Africa, first of all, we must not forget that winter and summer in different hemispheres occur in different months:

• North hemisphere : winter in December, January, February;
• Southern Hemisphere : winter in June, July, August.

Summers throughout Africa are very hot. The thermometer does not fall below +20 degrees. Winter also does not pretend to be particularly “cold”.

Even in the coolest regions of South Africa, the thermometer does not drop below +8 degrees. Thus, it is not surprising that the lowest position of the sun in this region is similar to the position of the sun in central Russia on the day of the summer solstice.

Rice. 1 Climate of Africa. Climate map

In general, according to its climatic conditions, Africa is very clearly divided into 4 regions:

• North Africa(dry and hot; tropical desert and dry-loving Mediterranean forests);
• South Africa(dry and hot; tropical deserts);
• Central Africa(humid; equatorial and subequatorial moisture-loving forests);
• East Africa(moderately humid; savannas and woodlands predominate).

Rice. 2 East Africa in summer (savannas and woodlands)

African climate types

There are several climate zones in Africa. Since the equator cuts the continent in half, they are repeated to the north and south of it. So in Africa (judging by the climate map) there are 7 climate zones (on both sides of the equator):

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• equatorial climate zone;
• two subequatorial belts;
• two tropical zones;
• two subtropical zones.

All climatic zones differ from each other primarily in the amount and regime of precipitation. Thus, in the equatorial and subequatorial zones, 2000-3000 mm of precipitation per year is considered the norm (the wettest place in Africa is at the foot of Mount Cameroon, where up to 9500 mm of precipitation per year can fall). But in some subtropical regions the norm is 300 mm per year.

Equatorial climate zone

Humid and hot climate. The average temperature fluctuates around +23-+28, and the daily temperature amplitudes are much greater than the annual fluctuations. There is quite a lot of precipitation (up to 2000 mm), it falls evenly throughout the month. You could say. That in this zone there is always one season.

Subequatorial climate zone

In the south and north of the continent the situation is almost the same. The average temperature is around +23-+25. Falls in summer a large number of There is less precipitation in winter. There is a seasonal change in the movement of air masses, and monsoons are frequent. It is in this belt of the African continent that the deepest and longest rivers flow.

Tropical climate zone

In the tropical part of the continent, in the north and south, the situation is somewhat different from each other. Although in both parts of the tropical zone the weather is dry and hot.

There is virtually no precipitation in the northern part of the continent. In summer, the temperature can stay at around +40 degrees (the absolute maximum was recorded in the Libyan Desert - +58 degrees), in winter - +18 degrees.

Rice. 3 Libyan Desert

In the southern parts it is colder and there is more precipitation. In the west (Namib Desert) there is virtually no precipitation. In summer and winter the temperature is almost the same (the annual average is from +20 to +15 degrees). In the east (Dragon Mountains) the humidity is highest. This is facilitated by the movement of air masses from the equator and their collisions with warm air coming from the ocean.

It was in the tropical zone of both hemispheres that desert spaces were concentrated. Due to the lack of clouds, the daily temperature fluctuation in the desert is very high. During the day, the sun can heat sand and stones to a temperature of +70, and at night the entire space cools down and, in some cases, the thermometer can drop below zero. African samum winds often blow in deserts, and at night you can hear the crackling of stones.

Subtropical climate zone

If we compare the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Africa, then in the same season, with the same climatic zone, a sharp change in climate is observed. The southwest (subtropical Mediterranean climate) has dry and hot summers and warm but wet winters. On the southeast coast, summers are hot and humid (due to warm air masses from Indian Ocean). And winter is cold and dry (the penetration of precipitation is prevented by the Cape Mountains).

Table“Characteristics of African climate zones”(data from this table can be used in 7th grade geography lessons).

The influence of climate on the diversity of natural and flora Africa obviously. Climate also influenced the pattern of the river network and river regime. So, where the humidity is higher, the rivers are longer and deeper. They feed mainly on precipitation that falls in the form of rain. Inland waters Africa also has a certain influence on the climate of Africa.

Despite the fact that the African continent has the largest arid desert in the world by area, it is also home to the second deepest river in the world - the Congo and the second longest river in the world - the Nile (in terms of deepness and length, the Nile and the Congo are “outstripped” only by South American Amazon).

Rice. 4 River Nile, Africa

What have we learned?

The climate in Africa is generally hot, but humidity, like pressure, also varies in different climate zones. The continent's climate is influenced by various climatic factors. Not last role oceans, topography and inland waters play a role.

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Remember:

1. What are climate zones? What climate zones is Africa located in?

2. What types of climate do you know? Which ones do you think are common in Africa?

Climatic zones of the continent. Due to the peculiar geographical position in Africa, climatic zones are also located specifically. Africa is located in seven climate zones. Due to the fact that the equator cuts the continent in half, climatic conditions are mirrored from the equator to the edges of the continent. On the territory of Africa, there are equatorial, two subequatorial, and two tropical zones; the extreme southern and northern parts of the continent are located in subtropical zones.

Find them on the map of the atlas “Climatic zones and regions of the world.”

Most of Africa's territory is located in the tropical zone, and only the outskirts of the continent belong to the subtropics. Beyond the borders subtropical zone Africa does not extend, which is why it is the hottest of all the continents on the planet. Africa is located within the tropical and subtropical circulation of air masses. The part of the continent located in the Northern Hemisphere is twice as large in area as in the Southern Hemisphere; this determines the greater continentality and aridity of the climate North Africa. Continentality is also enhanced by the proximity of the large continental massif of Eurasia. Arid climate is common in deserts and semi-deserts.

The equatorial climate zone occupies part of the Congo River basin (Zaire) and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. In the equatorial belt, equatorial air masses predominate throughout the year. It's hot and humid here all the time. The annual temperature range is very small. The daily temperature range is significantly greater than the summer temperature range. Relative humidity air in this zone is very high (almost 85%). Temperatures as high as in the Sahara do not exist here, but sweltering heat reigns continuously, especially severe due to the high humidity of the air; temporary relief is provided by the coolness of the night.

IN equatorial zone there is heavy cloudiness and frequent fogs. Usually the weather is clear in the morning. During the day, due to the strong heating of the earth's surface by the sun, equatorial air, saturated with moisture, rises. Cumulus clouds form. Afternoon showers occur, often accompanied by strong storms and thunderstorms. After a while, the downpour seems to extinguish this entire firestorm. Towards evening the weather becomes clear.

The equatorial region of Western and Eastern Congo receives an average of 1000 to 1500 mm of precipitation. The total number of days with precipitation is approximately 120. In the mountains of the equatorial belt maximum amount precipitation occurs at an altitude of 2400-2500 m. High temperatures, significant precipitation, and high air humidity create favorable conditions for the development of natural and cultivated vegetation. Humid multi-tiered tropical forests are widespread here (Fig. 23).

The growing season lasts throughout the year. In many places, instead of cleared forests, a variety of heat-loving crops are grown, among which large areas are occupied by hevea, bananas, cocoa, coffee trees, etc.

Rice. 23. Rainforests Africa

Rice. 24. Savannas of Africa

Subequatorial climatic zones are located near the equatorial belt of the continent to a latitude of 15-20°. The alternation of the summer wet and winter dry seasons of the year is clearly visible here. This change causes a rhythm of air masses that are seasonal: in summer there is a humid equatorial air mass, and in winter there is a dry tropical air mass. The subequatorial zone becomes humid and hot. summer weather with temperatures of +26-28 °C and absolute humidity up to 20-22 mm, which promotes intensive growth of vegetation. During the winter tropical (trade wind) dry monsoon, it stops growing. During the dry period, African savannas are very similar to a desert: grasses dry out, leaves fall from trees, small rivers dry up, daily temperature fluctuations increase, the average maximum temperature can reach +38 ° C (Fig. 24). Often the sky is covered with a smoky veil from huge grass fires. At the end of a dry period, thunderstorms often occur.

Tropical climate zones occupy large areas and are represented in both hemispheres of the continent. During the year, continental tropical air masses dominate here and trade winds blow. They carry dry and hot air. Characteristic high temperatures air and soil with a small amount atmospheric precipitation and moisture reserves in the atmosphere. Average monthly temperature air in summer is more than +30 °C, and in winter - +20 °C. The soil in some places warms up to +80-90 °C. The annual amount of precipitation on average does not exceed 150 mm. In some places 1-3 mm of precipitation falls, and often there is not a drop of rain for 5-10 years. The dry period lasts from 4 to 6 months. In savannas, moving away from the equator, the rainy season shortens and the amount of precipitation decreases. Over most of the area in summer, powerful updrafts occur in the atmosphere, but clouds do not form because the level of condensation is very high. Therefore, deserts were formed here. The largest desert in Africa is the Sahara. It is located in the area of ​​dry trade winds. The insignificant amount of precipitation causes low humidity air. The sky is mostly cloudless, the air is saturated with hot dust, not transparent, so the sky takes on a whitish tint. In summer there is a very strong wind - samum, carrying clouds of sand. High air and soil temperatures prevail day and night. There are frequent dust storms.

Rice. 25. Mediterranean coast of Africa

IN South Africa the tropical desert climate is spread over a smaller area. Here the continent has a short extent from west to east. On the coast Atlantic Ocean It rains very rarely. This is where the Namib Desert is located.

IN tropical latitudes Yugo - East Africa On the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains, under the influence of the warm Mozambican current of the Indian Ocean, an area of ​​tropical humid climate was formed.

So, in the tropical zone of Africa there are two types of climate: tropical desert and tropical humid.

Subtropical climate zones are the extreme northern and southern parts of Africa, stretching from west to east in the form of narrow strips. Average summer temperature is +20 °C, but it varies significantly between seasons. This climate zone is often called Mediterranean climatic region(typical for the coast Mediterranean Sea) (Fig. 25). Summer is dry and hot, winter is warm and humid, because westerly winds During this period, moist air masses of temperate latitudes are brought from the ocean. IN central regions North Africa often experiences dry southern winds - sirocco, which bring tropical air masses with large amounts of continental dust. Here the soils require artificial irrigation. In winter, rain and sometimes even snow fall in both subtropical zones. In the Atlas Mountains, snow lies in winter and forms snow cover for 80-100 days. Due to sufficient moisture, woody vegetation develops in the mountains. Part of the precipitation is used for artificial irrigation of agricultural land in the summer on the coasts and in the valleys. Both subtropical zones of Africa are important areas for tourism and recreation.

Practical work 4

Determining climate types in Africa using climate charts

Analyze climate diagrams (Fig. 26, p. 54). Determine the types of African climate they characterize.

Rice. 26. Climatic diagrams of African zones

Questions and tasks

1. In what climatic zones is continental Africa located?

2. Determine the features of the equatorial climate zone of Africa.

3. What are the main features? subequatorial belt in Africa.

4. How does the climate of the tropical zone of North Africa differ from the climate of the tropical zone of South Africa?

5. Which character traits subtropical climate zone of North Africa?

Working with a map and atlas

Determine by climate map atlas geographical position climatic zones of continent Africa.

Researcher Page

Explore why the trade winds' areas of action shift north and south.

Interesting fact

An arid climate is characteristic of tropical and subtropical latitudes of Africa (common in deserts) (Fig. 27). It is characterized by large daily and annual air temperature amplitudes; almost complete absence or insignificant amount of precipitation (100-150 mm per year), moisture quickly evaporates. The rivers flowing through the desert become shallow and end in drainless basins with salt lakes. Sharp temperature fluctuations are observed - dense rocks are destroyed and turned into sand.

Rice. 27. Sahara Desert