The maximum level features of various natural areas. Regularity in the distribution of natural zones on the territory of the earth. What natural zones are located in Eurasia

Earth's surface and moisture conditions in different parts continents, natural zones do not form continuous bands parallel to the equator. Only in and on some large plains do they extend in a latitudinal direction, replacing each other from north to south. More often they change in the direction from the coasts of the oceans to the depths of the continents, and sometimes they stretch almost along the meridians.

Natural zones are also formed in: from the equator to the poles, the properties of surface waters, the composition of vegetation and wildlife change. There is also . However, oceanic natural complexes do not have pronounced external differences.

There is great diversity on earth. However, against the background of this diversity, large parts stand out - natural zones and. This is due to the different ratio of heat and moisture that the earth's surface receives.

Formation of natural zones

uneven distribution solar heat on the surface of the Earth - the main cause of heterogeneity geographical envelope. In almost every land area, the oceanic parts are better moistened than the inland, continental regions. Humidification depends not only on the amount of precipitation, but also on the ratio of heat and moisture. The warmer it is, the more moisture that has fallen with precipitation evaporates. The same amount of precipitation can lead to excessive moisture in one zone and insufficient moisture in another. Thus, the annual precipitation of 200 mm in the cold subarctic zone is excessive (bogs are formed), and in hot tropical zones sharply insufficient (there are deserts).

Due to differences in the amount of solar heat and moisture within geographic zones, natural zones are formed - large territories with uniform temperature and humidity conditions, surface and groundwater, similar , and the animal world.

Features of the natural zones of the continents

In the same natural areas ah on different continents vegetation and animal world have similar features.

At the same time, other factors, in addition to climate, also influence the features of the distribution of plants and animals: geological history continents, relief and features of rocks, man. The unification and separation of the continents, the change in their relief and climate in the geological past became the reason that in similar natural conditions, but live on different continents different types plants and animals. The African savannas, for example, are characterized by antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, African ostriches, and in South America, several species of deer, armadillos and an ostrich-like flightless nandu bird are common. On each continent there are endemic species (endemics) that are characteristic only of this continent.

Under influence human activity the geographic envelope is undergoing significant changes. To keep the representatives organic world and typical natural complexes in all natural zones of the world create specially protected areas - reserves, etc. In national parks, unlike, nature protection is combined with tourism and recreation for people.

Formation of natural areas

A natural zone is a natural complex with uniform temperatures, moisture, similar soils, flora and fauna. The natural area is named after the type of vegetation. For example, taiga, deciduous forests.

The main reason for the heterogeneity of the geographic envelope is the uneven redistribution of solar heat on the Earth's surface.

Almost in every climate zone the oceanic parts of the land are more humid than the inland, continental ones. And it depends not only on the amount of precipitation, but also on the ratio of heat and moisture. The warmer it is, the more moisture that has fallen with precipitation evaporates. The same amount of moisture can lead to excess moisture in one zone and insufficient moisture in another.

Rice. 1. Swamp

So, the annual amount of precipitation of 200 mm in the cold subarctic zone is excessive moisture, which leads to the formation of swamps (see Fig. 1).

And in hot tropical zones - sharply insufficient: deserts are formed (see Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Desert

Due to differences in the amount of solar heat and moisture, natural zones are formed within geographic zones.

Patterns of placement

In the placement of natural areas on earth's surface a clear pattern is visible, which can be clearly seen on the map of natural areas. They stretch in a latitudinal direction, replacing each other from north to south.

Due to the heterogeneity of the relief of the earth's surface and moistening conditions in different parts of the continents, natural zones do not form continuous bands parallel to the equator. More often they are replaced in the direction from the coasts of the oceans to the interior of the continents. In the mountains, natural zones replace each other from the foot to the peaks. This is where altitudinal zonality comes into play.

Natural zones are also formed in the World Ocean: from the equator to the poles, the properties of surface waters, the composition of vegetation and wildlife change.

Rice. 3. Natural areas of the world

Features of the natural zones of the continents

In the same natural areas on different continents, flora and fauna have similar features.

However, the characteristics of the distribution of plants and animals, in addition to climate, are also influenced by other factors: the geological history of the continents, relief, and people.

The unification and separation of the continents, the change in their relief and climate in the geological past have led to the fact that in similar natural conditions, but on different continents, different species of animals and plants live.

For example, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, African ostriches are characteristic of the African savannahs, and several species of deer and a flightless rhea bird similar to an ostrich are common in the South American savannahs.

On each continent there are endemics - both plants and animals, characteristic only of this continent. For example, kangaroos are found only in Australia, and polar bears are found only in the Arctic deserts.

Geofocus

The sun heats the spherical surface of the Earth differently: the areas above which it stands high receive the most heat.

Above the poles, the Sun's rays only glide over the Earth. The climate depends on this: hot at the equator, harsh and cold at the poles. The main features of the distribution of vegetation and fauna are also connected with this.

Moist evergreen forests are located in narrow bands and patches along the equator. "Green Hell" - this is what many travelers of past centuries called these places, who had to be here. High multi-tiered forests stand like a solid wall, under the dense crowns of which dusk, monstrous humidity, constant heat, there is no change of seasons, showers regularly fall in an almost continuous stream of water. The forests of the equator are also called permanent rain forests. The traveler Alexander Humboldt called them "hylaea" (from the Greek hyle - forest). They most likely looked like this. moist forests carboniferous period with giant ferns and horsetails.

The rainforests of South America are called "selva" (see Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Selva

Savannahs are a sea of ​​grasses with occasional islands of trees with umbrella crowns (see Fig. 5). Vast expanses of these amazing natural communities are found in Africa, although there are savannahs in South America, both in Australia and India. Distinctive feature savannah is an alternation of dry and wet seasons, which take about half a year, replacing each other. The fact is that for subtropical and tropical latitudes, where the savannahs are located, a change of two different air masses is characteristic - humid equatorial and dry tropical. Significantly affect the climate of the savannas monsoon winds bringing seasonal rains. Since these landscapes are located between very wet natural areas equatorial forests and very dry desert zones, they are constantly influenced by both. But moisture is not present long enough in the savannahs for multi-tiered forests to grow there, and arid " winter periods» in 2-3 months they do not allow the savanna to turn into a harsh desert.

Rice. 5. Savannah

The natural zone of the taiga is located in the north of Eurasia and North America(see Fig. 6). On the North American continent, it stretches from west to east for more than 5 thousand km, and in Eurasia, originating on the Scandinavian Peninsula, it spread to the coast Pacific Ocean. The Eurasian taiga is the largest continuous forest zone on Earth. It occupies more than 60% of the territory Russian Federation. The taiga contains huge reserves of timber and supplies a large number of oxygen to the atmosphere. In the north, the taiga smoothly turns into the forest-tundra, gradually the taiga forests are replaced by light forests, and then by individual groups of trees. The furthest taiga forests enter the forest-tundra along river valleys, which are most protected from strong northern winds. In the south, the taiga also smoothly turns into coniferous-deciduous and broad-leaved forests. For many centuries, humans have interfered with natural landscapes in these areas, so now they are a complex natural and anthropogenic complex.

Rice. 6. Taiga

Under the influence of human activity, the geographical envelope is changing. Swamps are being drained, deserts are being irrigated, forests are disappearing, and so on. Thus, the appearance of natural areas is changing.

Bibliography

MainI

1. Geography. Earth and people. Grade 7: Textbook for general education. uch. / A.P. Kuznetsov, L.E. Savelyeva, V.P. Dronov, "Spheres" series. – M.: Enlightenment, 2011.

2. Geography. Earth and people. Grade 7: atlas, series "Spheres".

Additional

1. N.A. Maksimov. Behind the pages of a geography textbook. – M.: Enlightenment.

1. Russian geographical society ().

3. Tutorial by geography ().

4. Geographical directory ().

5. Geological and geographical formation ().

Planet Earth is unique source life, within which everything develops naturally. Each continent is a separate biocomplex on which different species of plants and animals have adapted to live. In geography, separate territories with a similar climate, soil, flora and fauna are usually called natural zones.

Zone types

Zoning is the division of the territories of continents and oceans into separate parts, which are called zones. The easiest way to distinguish them from each other is by the nature of the vegetation, because it depends on it which animals can live in this region.

Rice. 1. Nature on Earth

There are three types of zonation in the pattern of natural zones placement:

• Change of natural zones by latitudes. Moving from the equator to the poles, one can notice how the complexes change one after another in a horizontal position. This pattern is especially clearly seen on the Eurasian continent.
• Zonality along meridians. Natural areas also change in longitude. The closer to the ocean, the greater its impact on land. And the farther inland to the continent, the temperate climate. Such zonality can be traced in North and South America, Australia.
• Vertical zonation. As you know, the change of natural zones occurs in the mountains. The farther from the surface of the earth, the colder it becomes and the nature of the vegetation changes.

Reasons for zoning

The regularity of the location of natural zones is due different amount heat and moisture in different areas. Where there is a lot of rain and high level evaporation - humid equatorial forests appear, where there is a lot of evaporation, and little precipitation - savannahs. Where there is no precipitation at all and the whole year is dry - deserts and so on.

The main reason for zoning is the difference in the amount of heat and moisture in different areas, moving from the equator to the poles.

Rice. 2. Dawn in the steppe

What is the difference between heat and moisture?

The distribution of heat and moisture on Earth depends on the shape of our planet. As you know, it is spherical. The axis of rotation is not straight, but has some inclination. This leads to the fact that the sun heats different parts of the planet in different ways. To better understand this process, consider the figure.

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Rice. 3. Distribution of solar energy on the planet

The figure shows that where there is a lot of sun, the surface heats up more, which means there is more evaporation near the oceans, respectively, there will be enough rain. Deeper into the continent, evaporation is high, humidity is low, etc.

So, let's highlight the main reasons for zoning:

• the spherical shape of the Earth;
• rotation of the planet around its axis at an angle.

The reason for zoning in the mountains is the distance from the surface of the earth.

What have we learned?

Natural zones replace each other not only in latitude, but also in longitude. This is due to the remoteness or proximity to the ocean. In the mountains, a change in natural zones can be traced because the higher, the colder the climate. There are two main reasons that affect the pattern of changing natural zones: the spherical shape of the Earth and the rotation of the planet along an inclined axis.

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Geographical zones of continents and oceans. These are the largest zonal complexes of the geographic envelope. Each geographical zone on the continents has its own set of natural zones, its own natural processes and rhythms. Geographical zones are heterogeneous inside. They are distinguished by different humidification regimes and continental climate, which contributes to the division of the belts into sectors. The coastal and inland sectors of geographic zones differ from each other in the mode of precipitation, seasonal rhythms, the set and extent of natural zones. Geographical belts are also distinguished in the oceans, but here they are more homogeneous, and their features are determined by the properties of oceanic water masses.

natural areas V lesser degree than belts have a latitudinal orientation. This is due to the fact that the formation of natural zones, in addition to temperature conditions, is influenced by moisture conditions.

On the map "Geographical belts and natural zones of the world" you can see that in different geographical zones the same or similar natural areas are repeated. For example, forest zones exist in the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. There are also semi-desert and desert zones in several belts. Scientists explain this by repeating the same ratios of heat and moisture on different continents. This phenomenon has been called the law of natural zonation. Natural zoning on the plains it is called horizontal (latitudinal), and in the mountains - vertical (altitude zonality). The number of altitude zones depends on geographical location mountain system and her height.

Each natural area has its own zonal features components. Any natural area is easy to recognize by the flora and fauna. For example, equatorial rainforests have the greatest diversity of plants and animals on Earth. And, in addition, wok, all living things grow here to gigantic sizes.

Giants of the equatorial forest. In the equatorial forest, creepers reach a length of more than 200 m; The diameter of a Rafflesia flower is 1 m, and its weight can reach 15 kg. Giant moths with a wingspan of up to 30 cm also live here, and the bats with a wingspan of up to 1.7 m, and cobras up to 5 m long, and the largest among the existing snakes - the anaconda - reaches a length of 11 m!

In savannahs and light forests, herbaceous vegetation alternates with separate groups of trees - acacias, eucalyptus, baobabs. Forestless natural areas are found in temperate zone, such as the steppes. They cover vast areas on two continents - in Eurasia and North America.

An extremely poor flora is a feature of the desert zone on almost all continents and in most geographical zones. special conditions Arctic and Antarctic deserts differ, which are almost completely covered with ice (Fig. 16). At first glance, such a desert seems generally lifeless. material from the site

Rice. 16. Arctic desert zone

Forest zones of the temperate zone are widespread on the continents northern latitudes. The flora here is rich, although in comparison with equatorial forest contains fewer species. It is represented by both coniferous and deciduous trees. The natural zones of the temperate zone have been significantly changed due to economic activity person.

• Geographical zones exist on the continents and in the oceans. Geographical zones are divided into sectors, which is due to climatic features.
• Natural zones are repeated in different geographical zones, which is explained by the similarity of temperature and moisture conditions.
• Natural areas can be easily recognized by their flora and fauna.

On this page, material on the topics:

• What caused the spread of natural zones on earth

• Patterns of distribution of forms of the earth's surface 12

• What pattern of geographic shell emphasizes the map of natural areas of the world

• Geography

• Question 1. List the main natural areas of the Earth.

  Natural zones are natural complexes occupying 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 main natural zones include: taiga, tundra, mixed and broad-leaved forests, steppes, deserts and semi-deserts, savannahs, humid equatorial forests.

  Question 2. What determines the distribution of natural zones on Earth?

  The distribution of natural zones on the planet depends on the climate, mainly on the distribution of heat and moisture.

  Question 3. Give brief description tundra.

  Treeless natural area with vegetation of mosses, lichens and creeping shrubs. The tundra is distributed 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 summer, 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 - characteristic of the tundra, as well as Siberian taiga phenomenon. 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.

  Question 4. What trees form the basis of the taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests?

  To the south of the tundra, where the winters are still very cold, there is the taiga. The basis of the natural community of the taiga is undemanding to heat coniferous trees. Larch, cedar pine, spruce, fir form taiga forests that occupy vast areas. Capercaillie, nutcracker, flying squirrel, sable live in the taiga.

  To the south of the taiga, where there is more heat and there is no permafrost at all, heat-loving deciduous trees- oak, maple, linden. Together with other trees, various shrubs, herbs, mushrooms and, of course, animals, they form mixed and broad-leaved forests.

  Question 5. What do all the grassy plains of our planet have in common?

  In areas where there is a lot of heat, but moisture is not enough for the existence of forests, grassy plains are spread - steppes and savannahs. They are found on all continents except Antarctica. The steppes are especially extensive in Eurasia, and the savannahs are in Africa. The basis of the community of grassy plains is, of course, grasses, although separately growing trees are also found in savannahs. A variety of insects and large animals feed on grasses: in the African savannah, for example, antelopes, zebras. These animals are hunted by predators. The most famous predator African savannah- a lion.

  Question 6. Give a brief description of the desert.

  The desert is a natural area characterized by the virtual absence of flora and fauna. There are sandy, rocky, clayey, saline deserts. The biggest sandy desert Lands - Sahara (from the ancient Arabic as-sahra - "desert, desert steppe") - covers an area of ​​more than 8 million square meters. km. Deserts are located in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, subtropical and tropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. During the year, less than 200 mm falls in the desert, and in some areas - less than 50 mm. Desert soils are poorly developed, the content of water-soluble salts in them exceeds the content of organic matter. The vegetation cover usually occupies less than 50% of the soil surface, and may be completely absent for several kilometers.

  Due to the infertility of soils and lack of moisture, animal and vegetable worlds deserts are quite poor. In such conditions, only the most persistent representatives of flora and fauna survive. From plants, mainly leafless thorny shrubs are common, from animals - reptiles (snakes, lizards) and small rodents. The vegetation cover of the subtropical deserts of North America and Australia is more diverse, and there are almost no areas devoid of vegetation. Low-growing acacia and eucalyptus trees are not uncommon here.

  Life in deserts is concentrated mainly near oases - places with dense vegetation and reservoirs, as well as in river valleys. Deciduous trees are common in oases: turanga poplars, dzhidy, willows, elms, and in river valleys - palm trees, oleanders.

  Question 7. Why are there few trees in the steppes, savannahs and deserts?

  There are few trees in savannahs and deserts because there is very little rainfall. And the trees just don't have enough water.

  Question 8. Why is the tropical rainforest the most rich in species natural community?

  Here all year round very warm, heavy rainfall. These conditions are especially favorable for plants and animals. Therefore, the tropical rainforest is the most species-rich natural community on Earth.

  Question 9. Using examples, prove that the distribution of natural zones on Earth depends on the distribution of heat and moisture.

  The appearance of the natural zone is determined by the type of vegetation cover. But the nature of the vegetation depends on climatic conditions- thermal regime, moisture, illumination, soil, 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, and remoteness from the ocean.

  Usually savannahs extend where moisture is no longer enough even for variable growth. moist forests. They develop in the depths of the mainland, as well as far from the equator, where for most of the year it is already dominated not by the equatorial, but by the tropical climate. air mass and the rainy season lasts less than 6 months. Precipitation here falls on average from 500 to 1000 mm per year. Summer temperature 20-25°C and above, winter - 16-24°C.

  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 distinguished by an abundance of 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.

  Question 10. Analyze the drawings on page 129-131 of the textbook. Is there a relationship between the coloration of animals and the habitat (natural area)? What is it connected with?

  In the course of evolution, organisms acquire various properties that allow them to more successfully adapt to living conditions. For example, the fur of northern animals (arctic foxes, bears) is white, making them almost invisible against the background of snow. Insects that feed on flower nectar have a proboscis structure and length that is ideal for this. The seal flippers, modified from the paws of their land ancestors, are perfectly adapted to movement in the water. Giraffes live in the savannah and eat tree leaves. high altitude, in which a long neck helps them.

  There are many such examples, since each Living being has a large number of features acquired in the process of adaptation to specific living conditions.

  Question 11. Name these organisms. What natural areas do they live in?

  Dwarf birch is common in the tundra zone. The sloth lives in damp tropical forest. Nutcracker is common in the taiga. Zebra lives in the savannah. Oak is typical for broadleaf forest. Goitered gazelle is found in deserts. White Owl lives in the tundra.

  Question 12. Using the map on page 132-133 of the textbook, name the natural areas found on the territory of our country. Which of them occupy the largest area?

  On the territory of Russia, the zonality of many natural processes and phenomena. This is due to the large length of the country from north to south and the dominance of the flat relief. The following natural zones are successively represented on the vast plains: arctic deserts, tundra, forest-tundra, forests, forest-steppes, steppes, semi-deserts, deserts, subtropics. Altitude zonality is expressed in mountainous regions.