What does climate have to do with it? Climate general information

The Earth's climate has a large number of patterns and is formed under the influence of many factors. At the same time, it is fair to include a variety of phenomena in the atmosphere. The climatic state of our planet largely determines the state of the natural environment and human activities, especially economic ones.

The Earth's climatic conditions are formed by three large-scale geophysical processes of a cyclic type:

• Heat turnover- exchange of heat between the earth's surface and the atmosphere.
• Moisture circulation- the intensity of water evaporation into the atmosphere and its correlation with the level of precipitation.
• General atmospheric circulation- a set of air currents over the Earth. The state of the troposphere is determined by the characteristics of the distribution of air masses, for which cyclones and anticyclones are responsible. Atmospheric circulation occurs due to the unequal distribution of atmospheric pressure, which is caused by the division of the planet into land and water bodies, as well as uneven access to ultraviolet light. The intensity of sunlight is determined not only by geographical features, but also by the proximity of the ocean and the frequency of precipitation.

Climate should be distinguished from weather, which represents the state of the environment at the current moment. However, weather characteristics are often the object of study of climatology or even the most important factors in changing the Earth's climate. The level of heat plays a special role in the development of the earth's climate, as well as weather conditions. The climate is also influenced by sea currents and terrain features, in particular the proximity of mountain ranges. An equally important role belongs to the prevailing winds: warm or cold.

In the study of the Earth's climate, careful attention is paid to such meteorological phenomena as atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, wind parameters, temperature indicators, and precipitation. They also try to take solar radiation into account when compiling a general planetary picture.

Climate-forming factors

1. Astronomical factors: the brightness of the Sun, the relationship between the Sun and the Earth, features of orbits, the density of matter in space. These factors influence the level of solar radiation on our planet, daily weather changes, and the spread of heat between the hemispheres.
2. Geographical factors: the weight and parameters of the Earth, gravity, air components, atmospheric mass, ocean currents, the nature of the earth's topography, sea level, etc. These features determine the level of heat received in accordance with the weather season, continent and hemisphere of the earth.

The Industrial Revolution led to the inclusion of active human activity in the list of climate-forming factors. However, all characteristics of the Earth's climate are largely influenced by the energy of the Sun and the angle of incidence of ultraviolet rays.

Types of Earth's climate

There are many classifications of the planet's climate zones. Various researchers take the separation as a basis, both individual characteristics and the general circulation of the atmosphere or the geographical component. Most often, the basis for identifying a separate type of climate is the solar climate - the influx of solar radiation. The proximity of bodies of water and the relationship between land and sea are also important.

The simplest classification identifies 4 basic zones in each earth’s hemisphere:

• equatorial;
• tropical;
• moderate;
• polar.

There are transitional areas between the main zones. They have the same names, but with the prefix “sub”. The first two climates, together with the transitions, can be called hot. In the equatorial region there is a lot of precipitation. Temperate climates have more pronounced seasonal differences, especially in the case of temperature. As for the cold climate zone, these are the most severe conditions caused by the lack of solar heat and water vapor.

This division takes into account atmospheric circulation. Based on the predominance of air masses, it is easier to divide the climate into oceanic, continental, and also the climate of the eastern or western coasts. Some researchers additionally define continental, maritime and monsoon climates. Often in climatology there are descriptions of mountainous, arid, nival and humid climates.

Ozone layer

This concept refers to a layer of the stratosphere with elevated levels of ozone, which is formed due to the influence of sunlight on molecular oxygen. Thanks to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by atmospheric ozone, the living world is protected from combustion and widespread cancer. Without the ozone layer, which appeared 500 million years ago, the first organisms would not have been able to emerge from the water.

Since the second half of the 20th century, it has been customary to talk about the problem of the “ozone hole” - a local decrease in ozone concentration in the atmosphere. The main factor of this change is anthropogenic in nature. The ozone hole can lead to increased mortality of living organisms.

Global climate changes on Earth

(Increase in average air temperature over the last century, starting in the 1900s)

Some scientists view large-scale climate transformations as a natural process. Others believe that this is a harbinger of a global catastrophe. Such changes mean a strong warming of air masses, an increase in the level of aridity and a softening of winters. We are also talking about frequent hurricanes, typhoons, floods and droughts. The cause of climate change is the instability of the Sun, which leads to magnetic storms. Changes in the earth's orbit, the outlines of oceans and continents, and volcanic eruptions also play a role. The greenhouse effect is also often associated with destructive human activities, namely: air pollution, destruction of forests, plowing of land, and burning of fuel.

Global warming

(Climate change towards warming in the second half of the 20th century)

An increase in the average temperature of the Earth has been recorded since the second half of the 20th century. Scientists believe this is due to high levels of greenhouse gases due to human activity. The consequences of rising global temperatures include changes in precipitation, the growth of deserts, an increase in extreme weather events, the extinction of some species, and rising sea levels. The worst thing is that in the Arctic this leads to shrinking glaciers. All together, this can radically change the habitat of various animals and plants, shift the boundaries of natural zones and cause serious problems with agriculture and human immunity.

Climate is the long-term weather pattern in a particular territory. That is, climate and weather are related as general and specific. In our case we will talk about climate. What types of climate exist on planet Earth?

The following types of climate are distinguished:

• equatorial;
• subequatorial;
• tropical;
• subtropical;
• moderate;
• subarctic and subantarctic;
• Arctic and Antarctic;
• mountain climate.

Equatorial climate

This type of climate is typical for areas of the globe that are directly adjacent to the equator. The equatorial climate is characterized by year-round dominance of equatorial air masses (that is, air masses that form above the equator), weak winds, and hot and humid weather all year round. In areas with an equatorial climate, there are heavy rains every day, which causes unbearable stuffiness. The average monthly temperature ranges from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius. Areas with an equatorial climate are characterized by a natural zone of tropical rainforests.

Subequatorial climate

This type of climate is also typical for areas that are adjacent to the equator, or located slightly north/south of the zero parallel.

In areas with a subequatorial climate, there are two seasons:

• hot and humid (conditional summer);
• relatively cold and dry (conditional winter).

In summer, equatorial air masses dominate, and in winter, tropical air masses dominate. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans. The average monthly temperature is generally between 25 and 29 degrees, but in some areas with a subequatorial climate the average winter temperatures (for example, India) are much lower than the average summer temperatures. The subequatorial climate is characterized by zones of variable humid forests and savannas.

Tropical climate

Characteristic of latitudes adjacent to the North or South Tropics. Tropical air masses dominate all year round. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans. Significant differences in temperature and humidity are already noticeable, especially on the continents.

There are the following subtypes of tropical climate:

• Humid tropical climate. Characteristic of regions adjacent to the ocean. Tropical marine air masses dominate throughout the year. Average monthly air temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Classic examples of such a climate are Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Miami (Florida, USA), and the Hawaiian Islands. Tropical rainforests.

• Tropical desert climate. Mainly characteristic of inland regions, as well as coastal areas that are washed by cold currents. Dry tropical air masses dominate. There are large daily differences in air temperature. Frosts are very rare in winter. Summers are usually very hot with average temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (though not always). Winter is much colder, usually no higher than 20 degrees. This type of climate is typical for the Sahara, Kalahari, Namib and Atacama deserts.

• Tropical trade wind climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in winds (trade winds). Summer is hot, winter is much colder than summer. Average temperatures in winter months are 17-19 degrees Celsius, in summer 27-29 degrees. This type of climate is typical for Paraguay.

Subtropical climate

Characteristic of areas that lie between tropical and temperate climate zones. Tropical air masses dominate in summer and moderate air masses in winter. Significant seasonal differences in air temperature and humidity, especially on continents. As a rule, there is no climatic winter, but spring, summer and autumn are clearly distinguished. Snow showers are possible. Tropical cyclones occur over the oceans.

There are the following subtypes of subtropical climate:

• Subtropical Mediterranean climate. Characterized by warm, humid winters and dry, hot summers. The average temperature of the coldest month is about 4 to 12 degrees Celsius, the warmest is about 22-25 degrees. This type of climate is typical for all Mediterranean countries, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in the Tuapse-Sochi region, the southern coast of Crimea, as well as cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Santiago, etc. Favorable climate for growing tea, citrus fruits and other subtropical crops.

• Marine subtropical climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, and moderate marine air masses dominate in winter. Winters are warm and humid, and summers are not hot. An example of a marine subtropical climate is New Zealand.

• Subtropical desert climate. Tropical air masses dominate in summer, and moderate continental air masses dominate in winter. There is very little precipitation. Summer is very hot, the average temperature of the warmest month sometimes exceeds 30 degrees. Winters are quite warm, but sometimes frosts occur. This type of climate is typical for the southwestern United States, northern regions of Mexico, and some countries of Central Asia (for example, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan).

• Subtropical monsoon climate. Characterized by seasonal changes in winds. In winter, the wind blows from land to sea, and in summer - from sea to land. Summers are hot and humid, winters are dry and cool, and sometimes the average temperature of the coldest month drops below zero. Examples of such a climate: Seoul, Beijing, Washington, Buenos Aires.

• Temperate climate. Characteristic of temperate latitudes, approximately from 40 to 65 parallels. Moderate air masses prevail all year round. Intrusions of arctic and tropical air are frequent. Snow cover forms on the continents in winter. As a rule, winter, spring, summer and autumn are clearly defined.

The following subspecies of temperate climates are distinguished:

• Temperate maritime climate. Moderate sea air masses reign all year round. Winters are mild and humid, summers are not hot. For example, in London the average temperature in January is 5 degrees Celsius, in July - 18 degrees above zero. This type of climate is typical for the British Isles, most countries of Western Europe, the extreme south of South America, New Zealand, and the island of Tasmania. The area is characterized by mixed forests.

• Temperate continental climate. Both maritime and continental temperate air masses dominate. All seasons are clearly expressed. Winter is quite cool and long, the average temperature of the coldest month is almost always below zero (can drop to 16 degrees below zero). Summer is long and warm, even hot. The average temperature of the warmest month ranges from 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. Characterized by natural zones of mixed and deciduous forests, forest-steppes and steppes. This type of climate is typical mainly for the countries of Eastern Europe and most of the European territory of Russia.

• Sharply continental climate. Characteristic of most of the territory of Siberia. In winter, areas with a sharply continental climate are dominated by the so-called Siberian anticyclone or Asian maximum. This is a stable field of high pressure that prevents the penetration of cyclones and contributes to a strong cooling of the air. Therefore, winter in Siberia is long (five to eight months) and very cold; in Yakutia the temperature can drop to 60 degrees below zero. Summer is short, but warm, even hot, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. Spring and autumn are short. The natural taiga zone is typical.

• Monsoon climate. Characteristic of the Russian Far East, North Korea and the northern part of Japan (Hokkaido Island), as well as China. It is characterized by the fact that in winter the wind blows from land to sea, and in summer - from sea to land. Due to the fact that the above-mentioned Asian High forms over the continent in winter, the winter is clear and quite cold. Summers are quite warm but humid, and typhoons are frequent. Moreover, summer begins quite late - only at the end of June and ends in September. Spring is characterized by muddy roads, and autumn brings joy with clear and fine days.

Subarctic and subantarctic climate

This type of climate is typical for areas that are directly adjacent to the Arctic and Southern Polar Circles. There is no summer as such, because the average monthly temperature of the warmest month does not reach 15 degrees Celsius. Arctic and Antarctic air masses dominate in winter, and moderate ones in summer.

There are two subtypes of subarctic and subantarctic climate:

• Subarctic (subantarctic) maritime climate. It is characterized by fairly mild and wet winters and cold summers. Marine air masses dominate all year round. For example, in Reykjavik (Iceland) the average temperature in January is 0 degrees, in July 11 degrees;

• Subarctic (subantarctic) continental climate. Characterized by very cold winters and cool summers. There is little precipitation. Continental air masses dominate. For example, in Verkhoyansk (Yakutia) the average temperature in January is 38 degrees below zero, in July - 13 degrees below zero.

The subarctic and subantarctic climate is characterized by the natural zone of tundra and forest-tundra. (dwarf willow, birch, moss - moss).

Arctic (Antarctic) climate

Characteristic of areas that lie beyond the Arctic Circle. Arctic air masses dominate all year round. The weather is frosty all year round, and frosts are especially severe in Antarctica. In the Arctic, periods with temperatures above zero are possible. Characterized by a zone of arctic deserts, Antarctica is almost completely covered with ice. There are Arctic (Antarctic) maritime and Arctic (Antarctic) continental climates. It is no coincidence that the pole of cold on Earth is located in Antarctica - Vostok station, where a temperature of minus 89 (!) degrees below zero was recorded!

Mountain climate

Characteristic of areas with high altitude zones (mountainous areas). As altitude increases, air temperature drops, atmospheric pressure decreases, and natural zones alternately replace each other. Alpine meadows predominate in the high mountain regions, and the mountain peaks are often covered with glaciers.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the main types of climate are equatorial, tropical, temperate and Arctic (Antarctic). Transitional climate types include subequatorial, subtropical and subarctic (subantarctic) climate types.

What is changing the Earth's climate - video

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Jan Feb March Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Daytime temperature in degrees Celsius 13 13 15 18 23 27 30 30 27 23 18 15 Night temperature in degrees Celsius 5 6 7 9 13 16 18 18 16 13 10 6 Water temperature in degrees mustache Celsius 15 14 15 16 […]

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We present to your attention a video lesson on the topic “Climate”. First, we will define what is included in the concept of “climate”. Let's look at examples of various weather regimes for different areas. We will also discuss what climatic characteristics exist and what role climate plays in human life and the planet as a whole.

There is a division into five climate types, which, in turn, are divided into many subtypes. Climate types: tropical, subtropical, alpine, mid-latitude and high-latitude. Tropical climate exists between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south latitude. Tropical rainforests (near the equator) are warm and humid all year round. In the tropical zone there are: tropical savannas, where the climate is very dry for forests, tropical steppes (even drier there), tropical humid continental and tropical desert climates.

Subtropical climate occurs mainly between 30 and 40 degrees north and south latitude. It is divided into a Mediterranean climate, the characteristics of which are hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, with abundant rainfall, which has a beneficial effect on the growth of forests.

Mid-latitude climate characteristic of the zone between 40 and 60 degrees north and south latitude. These include cool steppe and desert climates, maritime climates of the North American coast, and humid continental climates, each with different vegetation and varying amounts of precipitation.

High latitude climate typical for the zone from 60 degrees north and south latitude to the poles. The winters are fierce here, and the summers are quite cool. This territory has a taiga climate (cold winter); tundra climate, on the territory of which only grasses, mosses and lichens grow; and a polar climate where there are only huge glaciers.

High mountain climate characteristic of areas high in the mountains throughout the Earth, including the equator.

Climate has an impact on various layers of the Earth, on humans, their way of life and their economic activities. Climate affects the topography, soil, flora and fauna. Climatic conditions are taken into account when laying various types of roads, building houses, reservoirs, and various enterprises. The climate must be taken into account when vacationing and traveling.

Rice. 3. Nature of hot humid climate ()

Homework

Paragraph 43.

1. What is climate?

Bibliography

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3. Geography. 6th grade: atlas. - 4th ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, DIK, 2013. - 32 p.

4. Geography. 6th grade: cont. maps: M.: DIK, Bustard, 2012. - 16 p.

Encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books and statistical collections

1. Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia / A.P. Gorkin. - M.: Rosman-Press, 2006. - 624 p.

Literature for preparing for the State Exam and the Unified State Exam

1. Geography: Beginning course: Tests. Textbook manual for 6th grade students. - M.: Humanite. ed. VLADOS center, 2011. - 144 p.

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1.Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements ().

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3.Geografia.ru ().

The concept of "climate"

Unlike the concept of “weather,” climate is a more general concept. The term was introduced into scientific literature back in the $2nd century. BC. ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus. Literally translated, the term means “slope.” It is surprising that ancient scientists were well aware of the dependence of the physical and geographical conditions of the surface on the inclination of the sun's rays. They compared the climate of the planet with the position of Greece and believed that to the north of it lies a temperate climate zone, and even further north there are icy deserts. To the south of Greece there are hot deserts, and in the Southern Hemisphere the climatic zonation will be repeated.
The ideas of ancient scientists about climate prevailed until the beginning of the 19th century. Over the course of many decades, the concept of “climate” has been transformed, and each time a new meaning has been invested in it.

Definition 1

Climate- This is a long-term weather pattern.

This short definition of climate does not mean that it is definitive. Today there is no single, generally accepted definition and different authors interpret it differently.

Climate depends on large processes on a planetary scale - on solar irradiation of the Earth's surface, on heat and moisture exchange between the atmosphere and the surface of the planet, atmospheric circulation, the action of the biosphere, on the characteristics of perennial snow cover and glaciers. The uneven distribution of solar heat on the surface of the Earth, its spherical shape and rotation around its axis have led to a huge variety of climatic conditions. Scientists combined all these conditions in a certain way and identified $13$ latitudinal climatic zones, which are located more or less symmetrically relative to each other. The heterogeneity of climatic zones depends on their geographical location - they are located near the ocean or in the interior of the continent.

Climate is a complex system, all its components, which in one way or another exert their influence and cause changes over vast areas.

These components are:

• Atmosphere;
• Hydrosphere;
• Biosphere;
• Underlying surface.

Atmosphere- a central component of the climate system. The processes that arise in it greatly influence the weather and climate.

The World Ocean is very closely connected with the atmosphere, i.e. hydrosphere, which is second important component climate system. By mutually transferring heat, they influence weather and climate conditions. Weather that originates in the central parts of the ocean spreads to the continents, and the ocean itself has enormous heat capacity. Slowly heating up, it gradually gives up its heat, serving as a heat accumulator for the planet.

Depending on what surface the sun's rays fall on, they will heat it or be reflected back into the atmosphere. Snow and ice are the most reflective.

Continuous interaction of living and nonliving matter occurs in one of the largest shells of the Earth - biosphere. It is the environment for the existence of the entire organic world. The processes operating in the biosphere contribute to the formation of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and ultimately enter the atmosphere, influencing the climate.

Climate-forming factors

The diversity of climate and its features are determined by different geographical conditions and a number of factors called climate-forming.

These main factors include:

• Solar radiation;
• Atmospheric circulation;
• The nature of the earth's surface, i.e. terrain.

Note 1

These factors determine the climate anywhere on Earth. The most important thing is solar radiation. Only $45$% of radiation reaches the Earth's surface. All life processes and such climate indicators as pressure, cloudiness, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, etc. depend on the heat entering the surface of the planet.

Through atmospheric circulation, not only inter-latitudinal exchange of air occurs, but also its redistribution from the surface to the upper layers of the atmosphere and back. Thanks to air masses, clouds are transported, wind and precipitation form. Air masses redistribute pressure, temperature, and humidity.

The influence of solar radiation and atmospheric circulation qualitatively changes such climate-forming factor as terrain. High forms of relief - ridges, mountain rises - are characterized by their own specific features: their own temperature regime and their own precipitation regime, which depends on the exposure, orientation of the slopes and the height of the ridges. Mountainous terrain acts as a mechanical barrier to the path of air masses and fronts. Sometimes mountains act as boundaries of climatic regions; they can change the nature of the atmosphere or exclude the possibility of air exchange. Thanks to high landforms, there are many places on Earth where precipitation is very high or low. For example, the outskirts of Central Asia are protected by powerful mountain systems, which explains the dryness of its climate.

In mountainous areas, climate change occurs with altitude - the temperature becomes lower, atmospheric pressure drops, air humidity decreases, up to a certain altitude the amount of precipitation increases and then decreases. As a result of these features, mountain regions are distinguished altitude climate zones. Lowland areas practically do not distort the direct influence of climate-forming factors - they receive the amount of heat corresponding to the latitude and do not distort the direction of movement of air masses. In addition to the main climate-forming factors, a number of other factors will influence the climate.

Among them are:

• Distribution of land and sea;
• Remoteness of the territory from seas and oceans;
• Sea and continental air;
• Sea currents.

Changing of the climate

Currently, the world community is expressing great concern about climate change on the planet in the 21st century. An increase in average temperature in the atmosphere and in the ground layer is the main change that can have a negative impact on natural ecosystems and humans. Global warming is becoming an important problem for the survival of humanity.

This problem is being studied by specialized international organizations and is widely discussed in international forums. Since $1988 under the auspices UNEP And WHO The International Commission on Climate Change (ICCC) is functioning. The Commission evaluates all data on this problem, determines the possible consequences of climate change and outlines a strategy to respond to them. In 1992, a conference was held in Rio de Janeiro at which a special Convention on Climate Change was adopted.

As evidence of climate change, a number of scientists cite examples of an increase in average global temperature - hot and dry summers, mild winters, melting glaciers and rising sea levels, frequent and destructive typhoons and hurricanes. Studies have shown that in the $20s and $30s of the $20th century, warming affected the Arctic and adjacent areas of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Note 2

Brooks' research suggests that the climate has become wetter since the mid-17th century, with mild winters and cool summers. The increase in winter temperatures in the Arctic and mid-latitudes began in $1850. Winter temperatures in Northern Europe increased by $2.8 degrees over three months in the first $30 years of the 20th century, and southwesterly winds were predominant. Average temperature in the western part of the Arctic for $1931-1935. increased by $9$ degrees compared to the second half of the 19th century. As a result, the ice boundary retreated to the north. No one can say how long these climatic conditions will last, just as no one can name the exact causes of these climate changes. But, nevertheless, there are attempts to explain climate fluctuations. The sun is the main driving force of climate. As a result of the fact that the earth's surface is heated unevenly, winds and currents form in the ocean. Solar activity is accompanied by magnetic storms and warming.

Changes in the Earth's orbit, changes in the magnetic field, changes in the size of oceans and continents, and volcanic eruptions have a great impact on the planet's climate. These reasons are natural. It was they who changed the climate in geological epochs and until recently. They determined the beginning and end of long-term climate cycles such as ice ages. Solar and volcanic activity explain half of the temperature changes before $1950 - rising temperatures are associated with solar activity, and falling temperatures are associated with volcanic activity. In the second half of the $XX$ century. scientists added one more factor - anthropogenic associated with human activity. The result of this factor was an increase in greenhouse effect, which had an impact on climate change $8$ times greater than the impact of changes in solar activity over the past two centuries. The problem exists, and scientists from different countries, including Russia, are working to solve it.