What is the rainfall regime in the tropical zone. Tropical and subtropical zones - winds, precipitation, temperature

The tropical climate zone spans the globe ranging from the 20th to 30th parallels in the northern and southern hemispheres. In these areas, clear weather usually reigns throughout the year, and the air temperature depends on how high the Sun rises above the horizon. In summer, the air warms up to + 30 ° С. Although sometimes it can rise up to + 45-50 ° С. In winter, the air is greatly cooled, often to negative readings on the thermometer.

The air temperature can vary greatly during the day, when the sultry heat during the day is replaced by the evening coolness and a strong cold snap at night. In the tropics, there is little rainfall - no more than 50-150 mm per year. Most of them occur during the winter months. These latitudes are highly influenced by the trade winds.

Climate types in tropical latitudes

The tropical climate is usually divided into two categories, depending on the proximity of the territory to the ocean.

Continental: Inland, the climate in tropical latitudes is hot and dry, with a large temperature difference. The area of ​​increased atmospheric pressure is widespread here. The weather is mostly clear and cloudless. And sudden temperature changes give rise to strong winds and dust storms.

The areas of distribution of the continental tropical climate in the western and eastern regions differ significantly. The western coasts of South America, Australia and Africa are washed mainly by cold currents, therefore, in tropical latitudes, the climate in these areas is cooler, the air rarely warms up more than 20-25 ° С.

The eastern coasts of the continents are dominated by warm currents, so the temperatures are higher here and there is more rainfall.

Oceanic: In coastal areas and over the oceans, a milder climate is formed, with an abundance of precipitation, warm summers and mild winters. This type of climate is very similar to the equatorial one, but differs in less cloudiness and strong winds. Precipitation occurs mainly in the summer months.

Average annual temperatures

Average annual temperatures of the warmest months are 30-35 ° С, the coldest - at least 10 ° С. The maximum temperature was recorded at 61 ° C, the minimum - 0 ° C and below. The average annual rainfall is between 50 and 200 mm. Only in the eastern-oceanic region can fall up to 2000 mm of precipitation per year.

The territory lying in the tropical zone is conventionally divided into four regions:

1. East Pacific(with high humidity and dominant forests);

2. Eastern transitional(with a predominance of shrubs and woodlands);

3. Intra-continental;

4. Western Oceanic(with a predominance of deserts and semi-deserts). The latter region is characterized by high relative humidity with frequent fogs and relatively stable temperatures.

For areas of the continents located in the tropical belt, a change in natural processes is characteristic when moving from east to west: the runoff layer becomes less abundant (from 100 mm to 2-10 mm) and the water content of rivers decreases (eastern rivers are full-flowing constantly, western rivers - periodically).

To the east, erosion processes and chemical weathering are predominant, to the west and in the inland region - deflation and physical weathering. The thickness of the soil cover decreases from east to west, desert soils with a primitive composition (gypsum, calcareous, salt marshes) are characteristic for the inland and western regions, which alternate with sands and accumulations of rubble. Also, the types of plant communities change from east to west: mixed evergreen forests are replaced by monsoon deciduous forests and then savannas or woodlands, dry forests, bushes, semi-deserts and deserts. Accordingly, the composition of the fauna is changing - from a multitude of forest inhabitants to rare inhabitants of desert areas.

Distinguish from east to west such zones of the tropical belt on land: a zone of tropical moist forests, a zone of light forests, a zone of savannas and dry forests, tropical semi-deserts and deserts. High-altitude zones are characteristic of mountainous areas.

Areas of continents with a tropical climate are poorly developed and populated by humans, except for the eastern regions of the continents. In the eastern oceanic region, agriculture and forestry are developed, in the western oceanic and inland region - pasture cattle breeding with areas of irrigated agriculture, as a result of which natural landscapes are almost completely transformed in the process of human economic activity.

In the Köppen climate classification

The Köppen climate classification defines a tropical climate as a non-arid climate in which the average monthly air temperature is above 17 ° C. It includes four types of climate, differing in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year.

1. tropical rainy climate - roughly corresponds to the equatorial climate of Alisova
2. tropical monsoon rainy climate - roughly corresponds to the subequatorial climate of Alisova
3. tropical climate with dry winters and rainy summers
4. tropical climate with dry summers and rainy winters

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It is quite diverse and naturally changes with latitude, i.e. zonal. Therefore, climatic zones are distinguished on the planet - latitudinal zones, each of which has a relatively homogeneous climate. In total, in both hemispheres (Northern and Southern), there are 13 climatic zones (see the map of the atlas "Climatic Zones and Regions"). Their boundaries are determined by two factors: the amount of solar radiation and superior air masses.

Distinguish between basic and transitional climatic zones. In the main climatic zones, where one of the zonal types of air masses prevails during the year, the equatorial, tropical, temperate, Arctic and Antarctic belts belong.

Transitional climatic zones are also called sub-belts (from the Latin "sub" - "under", that is, under the main). Zonal air masses here vary from season to season, coming from adjacent main belts. At the same time, they move with the Sun. So, when in the Northern Hemisphere the warm season, all air masses are displaced to the north, and when it is cold - on the contrary - to the south.
Find the main and transitional climatic zones using the atlas map "Climatic Zones and Regions".

Main types of climate

The type of climate is understood as a constant set of climatic indicators characteristic of a long period of time in a certain area. These indicators are:

• the amount of solar radiation;
• average temperature of the warmest and coldest months;
• annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations;
• prevailing air masses;
• the average annual amount of precipitation and the mode of their fallout.

Equatorial, Antarctic and Arctic climatic zones have only one type of climate, since they are characterized by constant air masses throughout the year. In the tropical, temperate zones and all climatic sub-zones, climatic regions are also distinguished. Each of them has its own type of climate.

Equatorial climate zone

At the equator, where the Sun is at its zenith twice a year, high air temperatures are observed throughout the year (+26 ° С - +28 ° С). The annual amplitude is small, about 2 ° -3 ° C. Wet equatorial air masses prevail here. Daily showers cause a large annual amount of precipitation - about 2000-3000 mm. They fall out evenly throughout the year.

Tropical belts

Above tropical latitudes, the Sun is also at its zenith. (At what time?) The dryness of tropical air masses in the belt determines the high transparency of the atmosphere.
Therefore, the amount of solar radiation is large here, which causes very high air temperatures. The usual temperature of the warmest month is +30 ° С, the coldest +15 ° - +16 ° С. freezing.
Sharp climatic contrasts are observed depending on the amount of precipitation in the tropical zone. In the west and in the interior regions of the continents, an area of ​​the tropical desert type of climate is formed. Downward air movements prevail here, with less than 100 mm of precipitation per year.

In the east of the tropical zones of the continents, there is an area of ​​a humid tropical type of climate. Marine tropical air masses reign here, coming with trade winds from the oceans. Therefore, on the eastern coasts, especially in the mountains, several thousand millimeters of precipitation can fall during the year.

Moderate belts

In temperate latitudes, the amount of solar radiation fluctuates noticeably over 12 months, so the seasons are pronounced. Moderate air masses prevail here year-round.

The temperate zone is characterized by significant climatic differences due to the nature of the underlying surface and the peculiarities of the circulation of air masses. There are several climatic regions with corresponding types of climate.
The area of ​​the marine type of climate is formed over the oceanic expanses and on the western outskirts of the continents. The annual temperature range is to blame here due to the influence of the ocean. The amount of precipitation is large, over 1000 mm per year. Summer is cool, winter is mild.
Region temperate continental type of climate(transitional to continental) is typical for the territory of Ukraine. So, in Kiev, the average temperature in January is -6 ° С, in July +19 ° С, the amount of precipitation is 660 mm per year.

The interior regions of the continents, far from the ocean, are in the region of the continental type of climate. It is characterized by a small amount of precipitation and a significant annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations. In some areas, for example in Siberia, the difference between the maximum summer and winter temperatures is more than 100 ° (more than + 40 ° C in summer, -60 ° C in winter).
On the eastern outskirts of the continents in the temperate zone, an area of ​​the monsoon type of climate has formed. It is characterized by the annual alternation of two seasons - warm, wet and cold, dry. The wet summer season with heavy rains has ten times more precipitation than the dry one. For example, on the Pacific coast in summer, up to 95% of the annual rainfall sometimes falls. The average July temperature exceeds +20 ° C, and in winter it drops below -20 ° C.

Arctic and Antarctic belts have similar climatic conditions. The amount of solar radiation is very high on a polar day, but the high albedo causes the predominance of cold and dry Arctic or Antarctic air masses in these belts. Temperatures are mostly negative throughout the year. Precipitation is less than 200 mm per year.

Characteristics of climatic zones (table below) is the topic of this article. We will talk about what types of climate exist on our planet, and also consider each of them in detail. To do this, recall that the climate is the weather regime established over the years, which depends on a specific territory, its geographical position.

Equatorial belt

This climatic zone is characterized by low pressure, as well as a year-round presence of air masses. There are no separate climatic regions within the belt. As for the temperature regime, it is hot here. During the year there is a lot of precipitation, moisture is abundant. The weather here changes very dramatically during the day. The first half is sultry, and the second begins with heavy rains.

The names of the climatic zones are associated with their characteristics. The equatorial belt is located near the equator, therefore it has such a name.

The subequatorial belt is characterized by a seasonal change in air masses. Equatorial air masses prevail in summer, and more tropical in winter. in summer they fully correspond to the equatorial type of climate, while the weather in winter resembles the conditions of the tropical zone. Winters are dry and slightly colder than summer.

Tropical belt

As we already know, the names of climatic zones are associated with their location. This type of climate is characterized by tropical air masses all year round. The air is continental. The real weather of the tropical zone is high pressure and temperature, a large temperature difference not only during the year, but also during the day. Water in such a climate is sorely lacking. It is very hot and dry here, and dry winds are frequent. There is almost no rain. The weather is usually dry and sunny.

However, the tropical belt is deceiving. The eastern shores of the continents, which are washed by warm currents, are also located in this belt, but they have a different climate. Tropical sea air, heavy rainfall, monsoons. The climatic conditions are similar to the equatorial climate.

The subtropical zones are characterized by a change in air masses. Tropical climate prevails in summer, temperate in winter. Pressure surges in summer and winter are quite high. In winter, the pressure is low, and in summer it is high. Despite the strong difference in temperature and precipitation throughout the year, the thermometer is above zero all year round. Sometimes the temperature can even drop to negative values. Snow falls during such periods. On flat areas, it melts quickly, but in the mountains it can lie for several months. As for the winds, the trade winds rule in the winter and the trade winds in the summer.

Temperate zone

The temperature of the climatic zones largely depends on the air masses that prevail over the territory. The temperate zone, as the name implies, has a temperate climate. But not always. Sometimes tropical or arctic air masses invade. The temperate climate is characterized by a large temperature difference. Summers are hot and winters are frosty and long. Relatively low pressure, cyclonicity, instability of weather conditions in winter. Throughout the year, westerly winds blow, sometimes there are trade winds in summer, and northeast winds in winter. Massive snow cover every winter.

Arctic and Antarctic belts

In the characteristics of climatic zones in the table, you can see what temperatures prevail in these zones. The features of these belts are in low temperatures all year round, strong winds and cold summers. There is very little precipitation.

Subarctic and subantarctic belts

These belts are distinguished by the temperate climate in summer. Because of this, a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations arises. There is a lot of permafrost in these belts. In winter, northeastern and southeasterly winds prevail, and westerly in summer. The belts have 2 climatic regions, about them below.

Territories of climatic zones

Each belt is characteristic of a certain territory. Natural and climatic zones have been formed on the planet for a long time, so we can confidently designate certain areas in which the climate of the zone is pronounced.

The equatorial climate is typical for Oceania, the countries of South America and Africa. The subequatorial climate is typical for Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. Central Australia and North Africa are tropical. Subtropics are characteristic of the interior regions of the continents. A temperate climate prevails in the western part and eastern outskirts of Eurasia. the belt predominates in North America and northern Eurasia. The Arctic and Antarctic belts are characteristic of Australia and the Arctic Ocean.

Climatic zone table

The table shows the characteristics of the zones.

Climatic regions of belts

The subtropical zones have three climatic regions:

1. Mediterranean climate. It predominates in the northern hemisphere, on the southern and western coasts of the continents. In summer, there is a continental climate, and in winter, continental and sea air masses. Summers are dry and warm, while winters are relatively cool and humid. Insufficient moisture.
2. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern shores of the continents. Summer monsoons cause intense heat and a lot of rainfall, while winter monsoons cause coolness and dryness. Moisture in this area is moderate. Precipitation is typical for the winter season.
3. Marine climate. Distributed on the continents of the southern hemisphere. Sea air masses are characteristic. Summers and winters are warm. There is enough moisture, it is distributed evenly throughout the year.

The temperate zone consists of 5 climatic regions:

1. Moderate Dominated on the western shores of the continents. The weather is influenced by warm currents and westerly winds. The winters are quite mild and the summers are warm. There will be a lot of precipitation during the year. Winter is characterized by heavy and frequent snowfalls. There is more than enough moisture. The geography of the climate zone contributes to the instability of the weather.
2. Continental temperate climate. It is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Arctic air masses sometimes provoke a sharp cooling, and tropical air masses - warming. There is little precipitation, they are uniform (cyclonic and frontal).
3. Continental climate. Only applies to the northern hemisphere. Moderate air masses prevail here throughout the year. Sometimes arctic air masses appear (in this area, their invasion is possible in summer). In the warm season, there is more precipitation, but in general they are insignificant. A small amount of snow and a predominance of low temperatures contribute to the existence of permafrost.
4. Sharply continental climate. Typical for the interior regions of North America and Eurasia. The territory is practically isolated from the influence of the seas and oceans and is located in the center of high pressure. Sometimes summer is hot, winter is always frosty. There is a lot of permafrost. The type of weather is anticyclonic. Little precipitation, little moisture.
5. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern side of the continents. It is characterized by the seasonality of air masses. Summers are humid and warm, while winters are dry and cool. Summer precipitation is more abundant, excessive moisture.

The subarctic and subantarctic belts have two areas:

• continental climate (severe but short winter, little rainfall, swampy territory);
• oceanic climate (fog, heavy rainfall, mild winters and cool summers).

The characteristics of climatic zones in the table do not include two areas of the Arctic and Antarctic belts:

• continental (little rainfall, all year temperatures are below zero);
• oceanic climate (cyclones, little precipitation, freezing temperatures).

The temperature in the oceanic climate can rise up to +5 during the polar day.

Summing up, let's say that the characteristics of climatic zones (in the table) are necessary for every educated person.

Planets located in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

It covers separate areas on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica.

The tropical belt runs through Australia, Algeria, China, Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam, Chile, Oman, Thailand and other countries, and has characteristic features over the oceans.

The formation of climatic conditions occurs under the influence of tropical air masses. They are characterized by such indicators as high atmospheric pressure, light cloudiness, low air humidity, low precipitation, persistent anticyclonic air circulation, constant east winds - trade winds.

The tropics are characterized by seasonal changes in air temperature over the continents.

In the summer months, the average annual air temperature is + 30 ... + 35 degrees, in cold months it does not drop below +10 degrees.

The recorded maximum air temperature was +61 degrees, and the minimum was 0 degrees.

Precipitation in the tropics ranges from 50 to 200 mm, and only in the eastern oceanic region it falls to 2000 mm.

The tropical climatic zone is heterogeneous, it is distinguished by subspecies that differ from each other:

• tropical humid climate;
• desert tropical climate;
• trade wind tropical climate.

The humid climate of the tropics is typical for those regions that adjoin the ocean. Within its limits, tropical sea air masses dominate throughout the year. The average air temperature ranges from +20 to +28 degrees.

A humid tropical climate occurs in Brazil - Rio de Janeiro, Florida, Hawaii.

A desert tropical climate has formed in the continents and in coastal areas washed by cold currents. It is characterized by tropical dry air masses.

Changes in air temperature during the day are significant. Summer is hot, with an average temperature above +30 degrees, although not always, winter temperature does not exceed +20 degrees, but frosts can occur during this period. Similar climatic conditions are observed in the Sahara, Kalahari, Namib, Atacama.

The opposite of the desert tropical climate is the humid tropical climate. These are small wetlands with dry periods.

In Eurasia, these will be the coastal regions of India, the southern part of Asia.

As the tropical climate advances from west to east, arid deserts are replaced by rainforests with high rainfall.

In a trade wind tropical climate, there is a seasonal change of trade winds, summer is hot, with a temperature of + 27 ... + 29 degrees, winter is much colder, and the temperature in winter months rises to + 17 ... + 19 degrees.

This type of climate is typical for Paraguay.

In regions such as equatorial Africa, South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, the trade wind tropical climate is replaced by a monsoon tropical climate. This is where the intertropical convergence zone moves further north of the equator in summer.

The eastern trade wind transport of air masses is being replaced by the western monsoon one. It is with this replacement that the bulk of the precipitation is associated.

Tropical climate classification

Climate belongs to the physical and geographical characteristics of a particular area.

The height of the area above sea level is of great importance in the formation of its climatic conditions. Currents in the ocean play an important role in the formation of the climate of sea coasts and island countries.

Figure 1. Circulation of surface water. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

Remark 1

There are several classifications of climates, both of the entire planet, and of individual territories, individual climatic zones. The most famous are the classifications of V.P. Köppen, B.P. Alisov, M.I.Budyko, and others.

According to BP Alisov's classification, the tropical climatic zone is located between the subtropical and subequatorial. He bases the selection of climatic zones on the general circulation of the atmosphere, i.e. climate formation occurs under the influence of one type of air mass.

Since the tropical zone lies between the summer position of the tropical fronts and the winter position of the polar fronts, it will be occupied mainly by tropical air throughout the year.

As a result, in the tropical climatic zone, it distinguishes:

• tropical trade wind climate;
• dry tropical climate;
• monsoon tropical climate;
• monsoon climate on tropical plateaus.

One of the more common classification systems for climate types is the classification of V.P. Köppen (this is a Russian and German climatologist).

The classification was developed back in 1900, and in 1918 and 1936. he made changes to it.

In his classification, he defines a tropical climate as non-arid with an average monthly air temperature above +17 degrees.

It includes 4 types in the tropical climate, which differ from each other in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year:

1. rainy tropical climate (according to BP Alisov, it corresponds to the equatorial type);
2. tropical rainy monsoon (corresponding to subequatorial according to BP Alisov);
3. tropical climate with rainy summers and dry winters;
4. tropical climate with dry summers and rainy winters.

According to V.P. Köppen, a tropical climate with humid summers and dry winters has two well-defined seasons. He believes that if in a tropical climate there is at least 60 mm of precipitation during a month, then this month is considered rainy, and the rest are dry.

This type of climate is formed when the number of rainy months during a calendar year is from 3 to 9. In such conditions, the natural zone of savannas is formed, and sometimes it is called the tropical climate of savannahs.

It was formed in both hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, these will be Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, southern India, Sri Lanka, southern Papua New Guinea, etc.

In Africa, it stretches from the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans. In North America - the Hawaiian Islands, southern Florida, the Pacific coast of Mexico, the center and northeast of Brazil, etc.

Tropical belt in the ocean

In the ocean, the tropical belt is characterized by the stability of trade winds.

Summers over the oceans are not as hot as on tropical land. Summer temperature is from +20 to +28 degrees, winter temperature is much lower and varies from +10 to +15 degrees. Precipitation in the tropics over the ocean is about 500 mm.

The layer of the temperature jump is clearly expressed, and hence the significant temperature contrasts along the depth. The salinity of the water is 36-37% 0, the water is poor in oxygen.

In such water there is little plankton, and it is food for fish. The color of the water is blue, it is transparent. The blue color of the sea water indicates that this is a "sea desert".

The water of the tropical ocean is oversaturated with carbonates, which allows molluscs and coral polyps to build their inner skeleton and shells from it. This, in turn, promotes the gradual accumulation of organogenic limestone on the ocean floor.

The largest tropical zone is characteristic of the Pacific Ocean. In its area (88 million sq. Km), it largely surpasses the corresponding belt of the Indian and Atlantic oceans combined.

The meridional currents in the tropics in the surface layers are rather weak, with latitudinal water transport prevailing. The temperature of the upper layers, as well as the distribution of animals in the tropical Pacific Ocean, is largely determined by the horizontal currents and vertical movements of the waters.

The warm surface layer in the western part of the Pacific Ocean reaches 75-100 m. Less than 25 m, this layer is observed at the eastern edge of the ocean.

Characteristic of the Pacific Ocean are currents of different water temperature, the general scheme of which is determined by the regularities of the general circulation of the atmosphere.

South America is the fourth largest continent divided into two sectors by the equatorial line. Most of it is located in the equatorial belt, subtropics and tropics. This geographical location has determined the specific climate of South America, which is characterized by high humidity and stable warm weather.

Climate description

South America is the wettest continent on the planet. The inland waters of the continent are annually replenished with a large amount of atmospheric precipitation, which is especially abundant in the Amazon Delta. This is due to the fact that most of the continent is located in the equatorial belt.

The following factors influence the formation of the climate:

• relief features;
• circulation of atmospheric masses;
• ocean currents.

The mainland is located in six geographic zones, a brief description of which is presented in the table and climatograms.

Table "Characteristics of the climatic zones of South America"

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Rice. 1. Climatograms of South America

Equatorial belt

In the conditions of the equatorial belt, a stably warm and very humid climate is formed. The amount of atmospheric precipitation falls up to 5000 mm throughout the year.

High humidity, reaching almost 100%, is caused by the following factors:

• warm ocean currents;
• topography of the mainland - the plains located in the east allow moist air masses to freely move inland, where they linger at the foothills of the Andes and fall in the form of heavy downpours.

Throughout the year in this region, very warm weather reigns, and the air temperature never drops below 20-25C.

On the territory of the equatorial belt of South America, there is a unique natural complex - constantly wet forests or selva. The incredibly abundant vegetation, which occupies an impressive territory, is the "lungs of the planet" as it produces a large amount of oxygen.

Rice. 2. Forest tracts of selva

Subequatorial belt

Subequatorial belts adjoin the equatorial belt of South America on both sides. Less precipitation falls here (up to 1500-2000 mm per year). At the same time, they fall out in seasons, and as they move inland, they become even smaller - about 500-1000 mm.

The rainy season falls in the summer, but it should be remembered that if in the north of the mainland the summer period is June-August, then in the south it is already December-February.

Throughout the year, the weather changes very little, and even in winter the air temperature is kept within 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Tropical belt

The tropics of South America are in many ways different from the tropics of other continents. Despite the fact that a transitional seasonally humid climate is forming in this region and the duration of the dry winter period increases significantly, it still has sufficient humidity.

This is due to the predominance of flat relief in the east and the influence of warm currents. As a result, there are practically no desert areas in the South American tropics, with the exception of a small area in the western part.

Rice. 3. Atacama Desert

Subtropical belt

The subtropics of South America occupy a small area of ​​the mainland. Influenced by cold currents, the climate in this region is characterized by aridity - no more than 400-500 mm falls annually. atmospheric precipitation.

There are 3 types of natural zones on the territory of the subtropics of South America:

• steppes (pampa or pampas);
• deserts and semi-deserts;
• evergreen stiff-leaved forests.

Temperate zone

The outskirts of the continent are located in the temperate climatic zone. Almost all of its territory is occupied by deserts, which is not at all typical for it. However, this imbalance is caused by the strong impact of cold currents, which block the entire territory from moist air masses.

The air temperature in the region is not too high due to the influence of the Arctic: in summer it does not exceed 20C, and in winter it drops to 0C and below. The amount of atmospheric precipitation is very small - less than 250 mm. in year.

What have we learned?

When studying one of the interesting topics in the 7th grade geography program, we found out in which climatic zones South America is located, and also briefly considered the main features of each of them.

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