Location of climate zones on the map. Climatic zones and regions. Mode and amount of precipitation, mm

- Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia.

General characteristics of the Earth's climate zones.

Climatic zones differ from each other:

• degree of heating by the sun;
• peculiarities of atmospheric circulation;
• seasonal changes in air masses.

Climatic zones differ significantly from each other, gradually changing from the equator to the poles. However, climate is influenced not only by the latitude of the Earth, but also by the terrain, proximity to the sea, and altitude.

In Russia and in most countries of the world the classification is used climatic zones, created by a famous Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov in 1956.

According to this classification, there are four main climatic zones on the globe and three transitional ones - with the prefix “sub” (Latin “under”):

• Equatorial (1 belt);
• Subequatorial (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Tropical (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subtropical (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Moderate (2 zones - in the northern and southern hemispheres);
• Subpolar (2 zones - subantarctic in the south, subarctic in the north);
• Polar (2 zones - Antarctic in the south, Arctic in the north);

Within these climatic zones, four types of Earth's climate are distinguished:

• Continental,
• Oceanic,
• The climate of the western shores,
• Climate of the eastern shores.

Let us consider in more detail the climate zones of the Earth and the types of climates inherent in them.

Climatic zones and types of climates of the Earth:

1. Equatorial climate zone– the air temperature in this climate zone is constant (+24-28°C). At sea, temperature fluctuations can generally be less than 1°. The annual amount of precipitation is significant (up to 3000 mm); on the windward slopes of the mountains, precipitation can fall up to 6000 mm.

2. Subequatorial climate– is located between the equatorial and tropical main types of Earth’s climate. In summer, this zone is dominated by equatorial air masses, and in winter - tropical. The amount of precipitation in summer is 1000-3000 mm. Average summer temperature+30°С. In winter there is little precipitation, the average temperature is +14°C.

Subequatorial and equatorial belts. From left to right: savannah (Tanzania), wet forest(South America)

3. Tropical climate zone. In this type of climate, a distinction is made between continental tropical climate and oceanic tropical climate.

• mainland tropical climate – annual precipitation - 100-250 mm. The average summer temperature is +35-40°C, winter +10-15°C. Daily temperature fluctuations can reach 40 °C.
• oceanic tropical climate - annual precipitation – up to 50 mm. The average summer temperature is +20-27°C, winter +10-15°C.

Tropical zones of the Earth. From left to right: deciduous forest(Costa Rica), veld ( South Africa), desert (Namibia).

4. Subtropical climate– is located between the tropical and temperate main types of Earth’s climate. In summer, tropical air masses dominate, and in winter, air masses of temperate latitudes invade here, carrying precipitation. The subtropical climate is characterized by hot, dry summers (from +30 to +50°C) and relatively Cold winter with precipitation, no stable snow cover is formed. Annual precipitation is about 500 mm.

• dry subtropical climate - observed inside continents in subtropical latitudes. Summer is hot (up to +50°C) and in winter frosts down to -20°C are possible. Annual precipitation is 120 mm or less.
• Mediterranean climate – observed in the western parts of the continents. Summer is hot, without precipitation. Winter is cool and rainy. The annual precipitation is 450-600 mm.
• subtropical climate of the eastern coasts continents is monsoon. Winter, compared to other climates of the subtropical zone, is cold and dry, and summer is hot (+25°C) and humid (800 mm).

Subtropical zones of the Earth. From left to right: evergreen forest(Abkhazia), prairie (Nebraska), desert (Karakum).

5. Temperate climate zone. It is formed over areas of temperate latitudes - from 40-45° northern and southern latitudes to the polar circles. Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm to 3000 mm on the outskirts of the continent and up to 100 mm in the interior. Temperatures in summer range from +10°C to +25-28°C. In winter - from +4°С to -50°С. In this type of climate there are marine type climate, continental and monsoon.

• nautical temperate climate – annual precipitation - from 500 mm to 1000 mm, in the mountains up to 6000 mm. Summers are cool +15-20°C, winters are warm from +5°C.
• continental temperate climate – annual precipitation is about 400 mm. Summers are warm (+17-26°C), and winters are cold (-10-24°C) with stable snow cover for many months.
• monsoon temperate climate - annual precipitation is about 560 mm. Winter is clear and cold (-20-27°C), summer is humid and rainy (-20-23°C).

Natural zones of the Earth's temperate zones. From left to right: taiga (Sayan Mountains), deciduous forest ( Krasnoyarsk region), steppe (Stavropol region), desert (Gobi).

6. Subpolar climate- consists of subarctic and subantarctic climatic zones. In summer, humid air masses come here from temperate latitudes, so summers are cool (from +5 to +10°C) and about 300 mm of precipitation falls (in the northeast of Yakutia 100 mm). In winter, the weather in this climate is influenced by Arctic and Antarctic air masses, so there are long, cold winters, temperatures can reach -50°C.
7. Polar climate type - Arctic and Antarctic climate zones. Forms above 70° north and below 65° south latitudes. The air is very cool, the snow cover does not melt all year. There is very little precipitation, the air is saturated with small ice needles. As they settle, they provide a total of only 100 mm of precipitation per year. The average summer temperature is not higher than 0°C, winter - -20-40°C.

Subpolar climate zones of the Earth. From left to right: arctic desert(Greenland), tundra (Yakutia), forest-tundra (Khibiny).

The characteristics of the Earth's climates are presented more clearly in the table.

Characteristics of the Earth's climatic zones. Table.

Note: Dear visitors, hyphens in long words in the table are placed for the convenience of mobile users - otherwise the words will not be transferred and the table will not fit on the screen. Thanks for understanding!

Types of climates (climatic zones) of Russia:

• Arctic: January t −24…-30, summer t +2…+5. Precipitation - 200-300 mm.
• Subarctic: (up to 60 degrees N). summer t +4…+12. Precipitation is 200-400 mm.
• Moderate continental: January t −4…-20, July t +12…+24. Precipitation 500-800 mm.
• Continental climate: January t −15…-25, July t +15…+26. Precipitation 200-600 mm.

According to the classification of Earth's climates developed by B.P. Alisov, the largest units are climate zones. They are distinguished by the dominance of certain types of air masses, and the boundaries are drawn according to the position of the main climate fronts. In the equatorial belt, equatorial air masses (EA) dominate, in two tropical zones- tropical air masses (AT), in two temperate ones - moderate air masses (AM), in two cold zones - Arctic and Antarctic - Arctic air masses (AM). Between them there are transitional belts in which air masses change with the seasons. In the subequatorial belts, equatorial air masses (EA) dominate in summer, and tropical air masses (TV) in winter. In subtropical zones, tropical (summer) and temperate (winter) air masses alternate. In the subarctic zone, moderate air masses are replaced by Arctic ones, and in the subantarctic zone, by Antarctic ones.

Within the zones, according to the degree of continentality, climatic regions (two or four) are distinguished with different types climates:
continental and oceanic types of climate (they exist in all zones and are determined primarily by the properties of the earth's surface - land or ocean); The climate types of the western and eastern coasts of the continents (in the tropical, subtropical, temperate zones) are associated with unequal atmospheric circulation conditions and sea currents.

Climatic zones and regions (according to B. P. Alisov)

Equatorial belt - zone low pressure, rising air currents, weak winds. Temperatures are high all year round (about +28 °C), air humidity is high. There is a lot of precipitation - about 2000 mm. Seasonal variations average monthly temperatures and precipitation is insignificant.

Subequatorial belts are characterized by seasonal changes in air masses: summer monsoon brings hot and humid equatorial air; in winter, dry continental tropical air dominates. This type of climate with wet summers and dry winters is called monsoon climate.

Tropical zones are characterized by an arid (dry) climate, they contain the greatest deserts in the world: the Sahara, Arabian, and Australian.

The western coasts are washed by cold currents and marine tropical air masses predominate throughout the year. But despite the high air humidity, there is practically no precipitation; fog and dew are abundant at night. The air temperature ranges from +20 °C in summer to +15 °C in winter. Cold coastal deserts are located here (Atacama, Namib). Warm currents flow along the eastern coasts, and winds from the sea bring quite a lot of precipitation (up to 1000 mm). There is especially a lot of precipitation in summer. It is hot in summer (+25...+28 °c) in summer, warm in winter - about +20 °c. In conditions of high temperatures and excess moisture, evergreen tropical forests grow here. In the above climatic zones, which lie mainly within the hot thermal zone The main reasons for seasonal changes and vegetation distribution are regime (duration of dry and wet periods) and precipitation (not temperature, as in temperate latitudes). Therefore, the strike of landscape zones, sometimes latitudinal, sometimes meridional, is also subject to moisture conditions.

In subtropical zones, air masses change from tropical in summer to moderate in winter, and temperatures are above zero throughout the year. However, short-term temperature drops to negative values and even snowfall. On the plains the snow melts quickly, but in the mountains it can remain for several months. In inland areas the climate is arid, with hot (about +30 °C) dry summers, cool (0...+5 °C), relatively wet (200-250 mm) winters. Changes in air masses and frequent passage atmospheric fronts detects unstable weather. Due to insufficient moisture, landscapes of deserts, semi-deserts, and dry steppes predominate here. A special sharply continental climate with cool summers, harsh winter and insignificant precipitation, the largest and highest (4-5 km) highland of the world, Tibet, with high-mountain deserts stands out.

The climate of the western coasts of the continents, most typical of Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, is called Mediterranean, but it also covers other continents. It has relatively hot (more than +20 °C) dry summers, mild (about +10 °C) wet (500-700 mm) winters, and is dominated by evergreen hard-leaved forests and shrubs.

On eastern coasts(this is especially pronounced in Eurasia) in summer, tropical marine air masses from the ocean predominate, which determines hot (+25 °C) and humid weather. In winter, these areas are at the mercy of dry and cool (0...+5 °C) currents from the Asian pressure maximum - continental polar air masses. In total, about 1000 mm of precipitation falls, which is sufficient for the development of variable-moist deciduous and mixed forests.

In temperate zones, moderate air masses dominate throughout the year, but invasions of both tropical (especially in summer) and arctic air masses (usually in winter) are possible. In addition, on the fronts between TV and SW, SW and AV, and between maritime polar and continental polar air masses, intense cyclonic activity develops and weather extremely changeable, especially in winter. In temperate zones, westerly transport of air masses dominates. In the Southern Hemisphere, strong, sustained westerly winds and frequent storms are common, giving these areas the name “Roaring Forties.” The radiation balance in summer is positive due to quite high altitude Sun and significant day length. In winter, the Sun rises low above the horizon, daylight hours do not last long, and a significant portion of the sun's rays are reflected from the mostly snowy surface - therefore, the radiation balance in winter is negative. In the Southern Hemisphere, where there are no large continents, and only a narrow part of South America, the island of Tasmania and the southern island of New Zealand enter the temperate zone, the climate is mild oceanic with warm winter and cool summers, uniformly heavy (about 1000 mm) precipitation. And only in Patagonia the climate is transitional to continental, and the moisture is insufficient.

In the Northern Hemisphere, on the contrary, vast land masses dominate and a whole spectrum of climates differing in the degree of continentality has developed. From west to east - from temperate to sharply continental climate - daily and seasonal temperature amplitudes increase, and annual precipitation decreases from 700-600 mm to 300 mm and even to 200-100 mm in the Middle and Central Asia. In summer there is more precipitation than in winter, and this difference is more significant in the center of the continents, especially in Eastern Siberia, due to a very dry anticyclonic winter.

IN temperate zone They distinguish the northern part with cool summers and relatively harsh winters and the southern part with warm summers and relatively mild winters. July temperatures vary from -4...-10 °C to +12 °C in the north and up to +30 °C in the south , January from -5 °C in the west to -25...-30 °C in the center of the continents, in Yakutia even below -40 °C. Low winter temperatures soil and air and a small amount of snow support the existence of permafrost. Humidification varies from excessive in the north to severely insufficient in the south. Such conditions determined wide range landscape zones from taiga to deserts through mixed and broadleaf forests, forest-steppe (humidity coefficient 1), steppes, semi-deserts.

On the western coasts of the continents, under the influence of marine polar air (MPA), formed over warm currents and brought by the prevailing westerly winds, a temperate marine climate is formed with cool summers (+10 °C in the north, +17 °C in the south) and mild winters (0 up to +5 °c). In winter in the north, temperatures drop to negative values ​​and snowfalls are common. There is a lot of precipitation - 800-1000 mm, in front of the mountains 2000 mm (southwest of Scandinavia), 3000 mm (western slopes of the Cordillera), 5000 mm (western slopes of the Andes). Precipitation is frontal and orographic. Excessive moisture. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests grow.

In the Primorsky Territory and Northeast China, a monsoon climate is well defined with a change from warm and humid maritime polar air in summer to very cold and dry continental polar air from the Asian and Canadian highs in winter. Accordingly, the temperature is about +20 °C in summer and -Yu...-20 °C in winter. The amount of summer precipitation is 10-20 times greater than winter, and total varies from 500 to 1000 mm depending on the orography: precipitation is greater on the eastern slopes of the mountains. There is excessive moisture, mixed and coniferous forests grow.

The subarctic and subantarctic belts are characterized by seasonal changes in air masses: in the summer it is PV, in the winter it is AB. In the north of Eurasia and North America The climate is continental and sharply continental with cool, damp summers with temperatures less than +10...+12 °C and long, harsh (up to -40...-50 °C) winters with little snow and large annual temperature amplitudes. In the area of ​​Oymyakon there is the pole of cold of the Northern Hemisphere and the entire planet - (-78 °c). Such conditions help maintain widespread permafrost. There is little precipitation (200-100 mm), however due to low temperatures excessive moisture. The tundra and forest-tundra that dominate here are very swampy.

The marine climate of the northern and southern coasts is characterized by cool (+3...+5 °c) damp summers, relatively mild (-10...-15 °c) winters, floating sea and continental ice, constant fogs with significant amounts of precipitation for such low temperatures (up to 500 mm). Tundra is widespread along the coasts of continents and islands.

In the Arctic (Greenland and the islands of the Canadian archipelago) and Antarctic zones (Antarctica), the continental climate predominates. These are the coldest regions of the Earth - the thermometer does not rise above zero all year, and at the inland Antarctic Vostok station an absolute minimum temperature of -89.2 °C was recorded (but the Vostok station is located at an altitude of 3488 m). Precipitation is less than 100 mm. Here you can hardly see anything other than icy deserts. The Arctic has an oceanic climate. Negative temperatures prevail, but during the polar day it can warm up to +5 °C. There is also little precipitation; the islands are characterized by tundra.

Main questions. What is a climate zone? What climate features are characteristic of each climate zone? What influence do climatic conditions have on population distribution?

Climatic (Greek klimatos - inclination) differences on Earth are directly related to the inclination of the sun's rays to the earth's surface. Climatic zoning is manifested in the location of climatic zones (Fig. 1) Climatic zones are territories that are continuous or interruptedstopa strip encircles the Earth. They differ from each other in temperature, atmospheric pressure, air masses, prevailing winds, amount and regime of precipitation. They stretch from west to east and replace each other from the equator to the poles. Stand out basic And transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, one type of air mass dominates throughout the year. In transitional climate zones there are 2 types of air masses. They change with the seasons. The distribution of temperatures and precipitation within the belts is also influenced by other factors: the proximity of oceans, warm and cold currents, and topography. Therefore, within climate zones there are large differences and climatic regions are distinguished. Each of them has a certain type of climate.

Basic climatic zones correspond to the distribution of four main types of air masses: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, Arctic and Antarctic climatic zones (think about their names).

Between the main belts there are transitional climatic zones: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic. Their name depends on the dominant types of air masses, and the prefix “sub” (lat. sub - under) indicates a minor role in the general atmospheric circulation system. For example, subequatorial means located near the equatorial. Air masses in the transition zones change with the seasons: in winter, the air masses of the main belt adjacent to the pole predominate, and in summer, from the equator. (rice.).

Equatorial belt formed in the equator region between 5° south. latitude - 10° north w. During the year, equatorial air masses predominate here. There are always high temperatures here and a large number of precipitation. Average monthly temperatures range from –+25 to +28 °C. Precipitation is 1500-3000 mm per year. This belt is the wettest part of the earth's surface. This is explained by the high position of the Sun above the horizon throughout the year and rising air currents characteristic of the low pressure belt.

For subequatorial belts(approximately up to 20° N and S latitude) two seasons are characteristic: summer is dominated by equatorial air and very humid, and in winter - tropical air and very dry. In winter, the rays of the Sun fall at right angles in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore tropical The air mass enters this zone from the north and dry weather sets in. Winter is not much colder than summer. The average air temperature in all months ranges between +20 - +30°C. The annual precipitation on the plains is up to 1000-2000 mm, and on the slopes of the mountains - up to 6000-10000 mm. Almost all precipitation falls in summer. (Remember how trade winds influence climate formation).

Tropical zones stretched from 20 to 30° N. and S. on both sides of the tropics. Remember why in tropical latitudes the air sinks and high pressure prevails? Continental tropical air dominates here all year round. Therefore, the climate in the central regions of the continents is hot and dry. The prevailing winds are trade winds. The average temperature of the warmest month is +30 - +35°C, the coldest month is not lower than +10°C. The cloud cover is insignificant, and there is little precipitation far from the oceans, no more than 50-150 mm per year. Their number increases in the eastern parts of the continents, which are influenced warm currents and trade winds blowing from the ocean. In the west and in the center of the continents the climate is dry and desert. (Determine by climate map differences in the climate of the marginal and central regions of the tropical zone in Africa).

Subtropical zones(30-40°N and S) are formed under the influence of tropical air masses in summer and moderate ones in winter. Summer is dry, hot, with average temperature the warmest month is about 30°C. Winter is humid and warm, but short-term drops in temperature are possible. Snow falls very rarely. This Mediterranean climate. (Explain why on the eastern coasts of the continents the climate subtropical monsoon, with hot, rainy summers and cool, dry winters?). In the central parts of the continents the climate subtropical continental, with hot and dry summers and relatively cold winter with little rainfall.

Temperate zones stretch in temperate latitudes from 40 to 60° N. and S. They get much less solar heat compared to previous climate zones. Throughout the year, moderate air masses dominate here, but arctic and tropical air penetrates. In the west, westerly winds prevail, in the east of the continents - monsoons. The climate of the temperate zone is varied due to the influence of various climatic factors on its territory. A large annual amplitude of air temperature (in summer - +22 - 28°C, and in winter - -22 - 33°C) is typical for the territories of the central part of the continent. It increases as you move deeper into the continents. Similarly, depending on the position of the territory in relation to the ocean and the relief, it falls different quantities precipitation. In winter it snows. On the western coasts of the continents the climate nautical, with relatively warm and humid winters, cool and cloudy summers, and high rainfall. On the eastern coasts - monsoon climate with cold, dry winters and not hot, rainy summers, but in inland areas - continental climate.

IN subarctic (subantarctic) Arctic (Antarctic) air dominates in winter, and in summer - air masses of temperate latitudes (Determine the geographical location of the belts on the map). Winter is long, with average winter temperatures down to -40 °C. Summer (winter in the southern hemisphere) is short and cold, with an average temperature no higher than + 10°C. The annual precipitation is small (300-400 mm), and evaporation is even less. The air is damp, heavily cloudy.

About a quarter of the population globe lives in a temperate climate zone.Only 5% of the world's population lives in a tropical desert climate.

1. Point to physical map world climate zones. 2. Fill out the table “Climatic zones of the Earth”: name of the climate zone, geographical location, prevailing air masses, climate features (temperature, precipitation). *3. In what climate zone is Belarus located? Name the main features of the climate, drawing on knowledge about your area. **4.Which climatic zone (region) has the most favorable conditions for people’s recreation and health? Justify your answer.

There are several climate zones on the globe. Let's remember what we mean by the word “climate”. Climate is a long-term interaction and mutual influence of temperature, humidity, air flows, and solar heat in a certain area. Division general climate Earth into different climatic zones is determined by the position of one or another part of the Earth relative to the equator and is largely based on the fact that vegetable world climatic zones differ significantly from each other. Different types Plants require different amounts of moisture and solar heat. Therefore, it is often possible to determine from vegetation alone how much solar heat this part of the Earth receives and how much precipitation falls here.

Conventionally, there are five main climatic zones, which are divided into several derivatives climatic zones. Let's list these zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, Arctic or Antarctic, and finally, highland.

Tropical climate zones range from 20" to 30" northern latitude and from 20" to 30" south latitude. In lush evergreens tropical forests(located closest to the equator) all year round warm and humid. There is a lot of rainfall here. In the tropics, zones of dry and humid climates are distinguished: dry tropical savannas, where due to lack of moisture the vegetation is noticeably scarce, even drier tropical steppes and, finally, hot and devoid of vegetation tropical deserts.

From 30" to 40" northern and southern latitudes, a subtropical climate prevails. This zone has either a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters, or a subtropical climate with hot summers and warm

in winter. There is a lot of rainfall here almost throughout the year, so the flora is especially rich and diverse.

The temperate climate zone is located from 40" to 60" northern and southern latitudes, and it is far from uniform. Here you can distinguish a maritime climate (west coast of North America), cool steppe or humid continental climate. Moreover, all zones differ from each other in both average annual precipitation and characteristic vegetation.

The Antarctic, or Arctic, climate zone extends from 60" north and south latitudes to the Earth's poles. Winters here are very cold and summers are cool. Let's list several climate zones Antarctic belt. This is primarily a taiga zone with very harsh, cold winters; the tundra zone, where only moss, low-growing shrubs and dwarf trees grow; and the polar climate zone, where winter lasts almost all year round.

The alpine climate zone covers regions located at high altitudes above sea level, that is, high mountain regions of the globe, regardless of their location relative to the equator.

Quantity solar radiation decreases from the equator to the poles, and air masses are formed along thermal zones, i.e. depending on latitude. Latitude also determines the climatic zone - huge territories within which the main climate indicators practically do not change. Climatic zones were defined by the Russian climatologist B.P. Alisov. Their definition is based on the dominant types of air masses, from which the climatic zones received their name.

Climatic zones are divided into main and transitional. Where the influence of one type of air mass predominates throughout the year, the main climatic zones have formed. There are only seven of them: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate, Arctic and Antarctic. Four types of air masses correspond to the seven main climatic zones.

In the equatorial climate zone, low temperatures prevail Atmosphere pressure and equatorial air masses. The sun here is high above the horizon, which contributes to high temperatures air, and due to the predominance of rising air currents and the influence of moist oceanic air masses that come with the trade winds, a lot of precipitation (1000-3500 mm) falls in this belt.

Tropical zones are dominated by tropical air masses, high pressure and low air masses. Tropical air masses are always dry, because the air that comes from the equator in the tropics at an altitude of 10-12 km already contains little moisture. As it descends, it heats up and becomes even drier. Therefore, it does not rain here often. The air temperature is high. Such climatic conditions contributed to the creation of zones here tropical deserts and semi-deserts.

The temperate climate zone is influenced by western winds and moderate air masses. There are clearly defined four seasons here. The amount of precipitation depends on the distance of the territory from the ocean. Thus, the most precipitation falls in the western part of Eurasia. They are brought westerly winds from Atlantic Ocean. The further you go to the east, the less precipitation, i.e. the continental climate increases. In the far east, under the influence of the ocean, the amount of precipitation increases again.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zones are areas high pressure, which are influenced by katabatic winds. The air temperature rarely rises above 0⁰C. Climatic conditions in both zones they are very similar - it is always cold and dry here. Precipitation falls less than 200 mm for the whole year.

Territories where air masses change seasonally twice a year belong to transitional climatic zones. In the names of transitional zones the prefix “sub” appears, which means “under”, i.e. under the main belt. Transitional climatic zones are located between the main zones. There are only six of them: two subequatorial, two subtropical, subarctic and subantarctic.

Thus, the subarctic zone is located between the Arctic and temperate, the subtropical - between temperate and tropical, the subequatorial - between tropical and equatorial belts. In transitional zones, the weather is determined by air masses that come from neighboring main zones and change with the seasons. For example, the climate of the subtropical zone in summer is similar to the climate of the tropical zone, and in winter - to the climate of the temperate zone. And the climate subequatorial belt In summer it has signs of an equatorial climate, and in winter - a tropical climate. In the subarctic zone, the weather in summer is determined by moderate air masses, and in summer by arctic ones.

Thus, climate zones are located zonally and this is due to the influence of solar radiation. Thus, the type of climate on Earth varies zonally. Climate type is understood as a constant set of climate indicators, characteristic of a certain period of time and a certain territory. But earth's surface heterogeneous, therefore, within climatic zones they can form Various types climate.

The boundaries of climate zones do not always coincide with the direction of the parallels. And in some places they deviate significantly to the north or south. This is primarily due to the nature of the underlying surface. Therefore, within the same climate zone, different types of climate can form. They differ from each other in the amount of precipitation, the seasonality of its distribution and the annual amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. For example, in the temperate zone of Eurasia there are maritime, continental and monsoon climates. Therefore, individual climatic zones are also divided into climatic regions.

Thus, 13 climatic zones are conventionally distinguished on Earth: 7 of them are main and 6 are transitional. The determination of climate zones is based on the air masses that dominate the region throughout the year. Individual climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical) are also divided into climatic regions. Climatic regions are formed under the influence of the underlying surface within the boundaries of one climate zone.