All about chili. Relief, climate and flora of Chile Climate map of Chile

Chile is a country that has become unique thanks to its borders. Outwardly, it resembles an elongated strip, which is incredibly narrow and very long. For this reason, the climate of Chile is so diverse, because the territory of the state covers desert zones, tropics, continental regions and tundras. Let's take a trip to this country and learn more about it.

Looking for Chile on the world map

The geography of any country begins with its position on the map. Chile is a country located in the southwest South America, taking into her possession the same extensive Andes mountain range as herself. The western shores of the state are washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east the country borders with Argentina and Bolivia, and in the north with Peru. South part Chile is part of natural complex called Patagonia and washed by cold currents Pacific Ocean.

In addition to the mountain complex, the country has a huge one. It is considered the driest in the world, its relief consists not of sand, but of soil and rocks, but even despite this harsh conditions, plants are found here. It is worth saying that in many ways the climate of Chile was formed directly due to the features of the relief.

Climate

Chile is a country located in South America. If we look at the map we will see the following climatic zones, which have sharp differences:

• Desert. The Atacama territory covers the entire north of the state. Precipitation falls here once every four years, and during the rest of the time the strongest winds blow and the maximum daily temperature changes on the planet can be traced. Climate change there are no seasons.
• The Chilean Andes are mountains with pronounced altitudinal zone. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are insignificant, but daily temperature fluctuations make themselves felt. In the north of the country the ridge crosses tropical zone, but at the same time borders on the desert. Due to this, the western part of the mountains suffers from drought, while in the east precipitation is very heavy. In the Southern Andes region, Chile's climate becomes more moderate, and the amount of rain increases and becomes uniform. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are pronounced.
• The central part of the state is a subtropical zone. Plants here include shrubs and herbs, and rare groups of small trees.
• A small area of ​​the country from the center to the south is covered with evergreen forests.
• Patagonia, or the far south, is home to Antarctic glaciers. It is always cold here, in summer there is a polar night, and in winter there is a polar day.

What are the forecasts for Chile?

The weather in this country, as we have seen, is more than varied. In Atacama, the air warms up to 18-20 degrees during the day, and at night the temperature drops to 3-0. The central subtropical regions are the most favorable place in Chile. The weather from December to February is very hot - up to +32, and from June to August it is rarely cooler than +15. To the south the climate changes to continental. Winters are warm, but not hot - no more than +20, and summers are cool and humid - within +7 degrees, with up to 5600 mm of precipitation.

Time zone of Chile

This amazing state stretches from north to south and crosses numerous climatic zones. But the small width makes it possible for all residents of Chile to live according to the same time. So, the official time zone of the country is CLST, or GMT-04 (03 in summer time). If you compare Chilean time with Moscow time, you can see a difference of 6 hours. When it is 12.00 in Moscow, it is 6.00 in the morning in Santiago and other cities of this country.

As noted above, Chile switches from winter to summer time. Alarms are set an hour ahead on the third Saturday in October, and an hour back on the third Saturday in March. Do not forget that the country is located in southern hemisphere, so calendar summer here is geographical winter.

Conclusion

To sum up, we can say that Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. In addition to the Indian traditions, which are better preserved here than anywhere else in South America, nature also pampers you with its diversity. The Andes Mountains provide the opportunity to open ski resorts.

The mild and Pacific oceans together form a real summer paradise for lovers beach holiday. There will be something interesting for those who are in search of something new and unknown. Just look at Atacama with its Martian landscapes and Patagonia with its crimson sunsets and melting glaciers!

By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions, sharply different from each other in climate and topography: Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (highlands Andes) and Southern Chile (hilly zone dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes and a labyrinth of narrow straits and mountainous islands in the far south). The country also includes Easter Island (Rapa Nui), 3,700 km away. west of the country's coast, and Juan Fernandez(700 km to the west). Total area - 756.9 thousand square meters. km.

Capital: Santiago

Climate
In the central valley (Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar) the climate is Mediterranean. In summer (January and February) the average temperature is + 28 C, in winter +10 C. The evenings are cool, it rains in winter, but generally the weather is very pleasant. The coast is humid, cloudy and windy, and colder here than inland. In the lakes area temperate climate, but cool winds may blow. It is cold in the mountains and there is a lot of precipitation. IN Patagonia It is almost always cold, and there are sudden and unpredictable weather changes. Even in summer there are frequent fogs, rains and strong winds.

Climate on Easter Island- subtropical. In July and August the temperature is minimal, reaching 17.8° C, the warmest month is February with a temperature of 23.7° C. Variable rainfall occurs all year round, but is especially heavy in May.

Time: Time difference with Moscow: minus 7 hours in summer, minus 6 hours in winter

Official language: Spanish

Currency
Chilean Peso (Ch$), equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, coins in 1, 3, 5, 10 and 50 centavos. It is possible to pay for goods and services in US dollars. IN central regions, large stores and hotels accept payment credit cards leading world systems and traveler's checks, in the provinces this is often problematic. Tips make up 10% of the bill, often already included in the total amount. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but it is advisable to round up the fare for convenience. You can bargain at markets and private shops. Territory: 756,600 sq. km

National cuisine
Lunch is the main meal in Chile. In any restaurant, the menu includes cheap lunches costing up to $2. This includes a simple salad, hot soup with meat or empanados(pies with meat, onions, boiled egg and a couple of olives. Be sure to try it in summer humitas- spiced corn on the cob or pastel de choclo - corn casserole. Seafood is very popular in Chile. The crabs and locos are especially tasty. The main course usually consists of specially prepared rice with chicken, meat or fried fish. After dessert, be sure to have a cup of instant coffee. In the evening, Chileans usually eat sandwiches.

Religion: Main religion: Catholicism

Electrical voltage: 220 volt

Main attractions
The most beautiful and famous sights of Chile - lake Chungara, volcano Parinacota, San Pedro de Atacama, geysers Tatio, mountain Lake Miskanti, granite towers Torres del Paine, archaeological sites Copacilla And Sapauira, and Patagonia- the southernmost region of the American continent.

Visa
Russian citizens do not require a visa to visit Chile; however, they can stay in the country for up to 90 days, which is more than enough to get a closer look at the country’s riches.

Customs regulations
It is prohibited to import milk and dairy products, including butter and cheese, fresh and dried fruits, meat and meat products, any plants, seedlings, soil, insects, snails, bacteria and fungi for scientific research, bees, honey and wax, veterinary biological preparations, narcotic substances, non-canned food. Duty-free import of any used personal items is allowed, including television, radio and video equipment, portable electronic computing equipment necessary for professional activity, as well as cigarettes - up to 400 pcs., or tobacco - 500 g., or cigars - up to 50 pcs., alcoholic drinks- up to 2.5 l. Non-commercial purchases of up to $500 worth of goods at an airport duty-free store are also permitted. The following must be declared upon entry into the country: household furniture, tableware, linen products (bed linen), paintings and jewelry, new Appliances and spare parts therefor, all new goods or goods imported for commercial purposes. The export of objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value, as well as weapons and rare representatives flora and fauna. The export of wool and leather products, jewelry, and souvenirs is allowed within the limits of personal needs, but you must present a receipt from the store where these products were purchased. The import and export of currency is not limited, but is subject to declaration.

Chile occupies a narrow strip along the Pacific coast of continental South America from the Atacama Desert (17° S) to Cape Froward (54° S). The archipelago also belongs to Chile Tierra del Fuego(the main island is shared with Argentina), the Juan Fernandez Archipelago and Easter Island with Sala y Gomez. Chile also lays claim to a sector in Antarctica.

Territory of Chile (excluding Easter Island and Chilean Antarctica) - 756,950 sq. km, of which water - 8,150 sq. km. The area of ​​Easter Island is 163.6 square meters. km, Chilean Antarctica - about 1.25 million square meters. km. The area of ​​Chile's main territory is approximately 22.5 times less than Russia, but exceeds the territory of any European state. The length of the coastline is 6435 km, the land border is 6171 km (Argentina - 5150 km, Bolivia - 861 km, Peru - 160 km).

Chile is divided into three geographical and climatic areas. The northern desert and the cold south of the country have not yet been fully developed, while the humid (subhumid) region of Central Chile is the most economically developed territory, where approximately 75% of the country's population is concentrated.

Relief of Chile

In the relief of Chile there are three meridional zones: Andes mountain ranges stretching along the border with Argentina and Bolivia; structural depression of the Central, or Longitudinal, valley, divided by the spurs of the Andes into separate depressions; and a series of geologically more ancient plateaus ending in steep ledges towards the Pacific coast. By latitude, Chile is divided into three regions, which differ sharply from each other in climate: Central Chile, Northern Desert and Southern Chile. Andes. In the central part of the country, along the 800 km between the cities of Coquimbo and Concepcion, approximately a third of the area is occupied by the Andean highlands. The Andes form a single chain, albeit of a complex structure; above it rise the volcanoes Tupungato (6570 m) and Maipo (5290 m), and further to the north are the Llullaillaco volcano (6739 m) and the second highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Ojos del Salado (6893 m). Mountains above 4500 m in the north (at 20° S) and above 3500 m at the latitude of the city of Concepción (36° S) are constantly covered with snow. To the south of the city of Talka, to the west of the main ridge of the Andes, cones of active volcanoes stand out.

Coastal plateaus. Another third in area is the coastal zone. It includes flat remnants of an ancient denudation surface, or peneplain, with heights ranging from 2150 m in the north to 600 m in the south and dissected by steep valleys of small rivers originating on the eastern slope of the Andes. Larger rivers also flowing from the Andes, such as the Bio-Bio and Maule, form wide alluvium-lined valleys and reach the Pacific Ocean. The coast is mostly steep, and only in a few places there are convenient harbors protected by rocky headlands.

Central, or Longitudinal, valley. Structural depression separating the Andes from coastal zone, is divided by remnant hills and mountain spurs into separate depressions, each of which is drained by one or more rivers flowing from the Andes. These rivers carry a large number of clastic material and, going out into the Central Valley, unload it in the form of alluvial cones; the westward sloping surface of these cones provides excellent arable land. In the area between the cities of Santiago and Concepción, the mountain spurs protruding into the territory of the depression are low, the individual depressions between them merge into a common low surface, but further to the north a mountain range up to 790 m high separates the valley of the Aconcagua River (part of the Central Valley) from Santiago. Even further north, the spurs of the Andes reach the coastal plateau zone, and the Central Valley narrows and disappears. The valley floor has a general slope to the south, decreasing from 600 m near Santiago to 120 m near the city of Concepcion. In vast fields bordered by poplars and weeping willows, grains are grown, for irrigation of which water from rivers flowing from the Andes is diverted.

Statistical indicators of Chile
(as of 2012)

Northern Chile. Along the western coast of the continent from 4° S. to 27° S the desert region extends. Within Chile it is called Atacama and stretches for almost 1300 km. The entire area between the cities of Copiapó in the south and Arica in the north is a dismal series of dry depressions, pebble fans and salt marshes, the monotony of which is broken by rare oases and rivers, the largest of which is Loa. The ocean coast is equally rugged, bordered by hills whose rounded peaks rise up to 750 m.

The cities of Caldera, Antofagasta and Iquique are located on narrow, raised sea terraces at the base of the mountain slopes. Each of these port cities is approached railways– they climb steep slopes and connect cities with mining operations in the interior of the country. Main natural wealth The area consists of deposits of copper ores in the Andes, as well as those mined in the foothill depressions salt, sodium nitrate and iodine salts. South of the city of Copiapó, the chain of oases in the foothill depressions continues further south, into the territory of Central Chile; they are located on the rivers Huasco, Elqui, Limari and Copiapo.

Southern Chile. South of the Bio Bio River, the open landscapes of Central Chile give way to dense forests, among which there are occasional farms; this area, poorly developed by agriculture, continues south to 41° S. (city of Puerto Montt). In Southern Chile, the Central Valley has a dissected topography, complicated in the eastern part by hills and ridges of glacial moraines; Behind the ridges there are often dammed lakes. Near Puerto Montt, the bottom of the Central Valley drops below ocean level, and then, for more than 1000 km, mountain peaks rise above the surface of the water, separated by an intricate labyrinth of narrow straits; the system of mountainous islands and narrow winding straits continues further south, along the shores of Tierra del Fuego.

Andes. The altitude of the Southern Andes between the cities of Concepción and Puerto Montt averages approx. 3000 m; It is home to mountain peaks, glacial valleys, lakes and waterfalls that are among the most beautiful in the world. At the latitude of the city of Valdivia (approx. 40° S), the limit of eternal snow is at an altitude of 1500 m, and further to the south the eternal snow and ice caps drop to 700 m above sea level, and some glaciers reach the tops of narrow bays – fjords and form icebergs.

Coastal plateaus. Within Southern Chile, the height of the coastal plateaus is 1500 m in the area of ​​​​the city of Valdivia and gradually decreases to the south; on o. The surface of the Chiloe plateau drops almost to sea level.

Climate and flora

The climatic conditions of Chile are very diverse, which is explained by the large extent of the country from north to south, the direct influence of the ocean and the cold climate passing near the coast. Peruvian Current(Humboldt Current), as well as the existence of a Pacific zone of high atmospheric pressure in the region of 25° S.

Middle part of Chile. This area is characterized by mild winters and dry, warm summers. In Concepción, 760 mm of precipitation falls annually, mainly in the form of winter downpours that accompany the intrusion of humid masses of Antarctic air. The northern annual precipitation rate drops to 360 mm in Santiago and 100 mm in Coquimbo, with rain occurring exclusively in winter. In summer, their occurrence is prevented by an anticyclone that forms in the Pacific center of the barometric maximum. Average winter temperatures are 11°C in Valparaiso, 8°C in Santiago and 12°C in Coquimbo, average summer temperatures are 18, 21 and 18°C, respectively. Along the coast, the cold waters of the Peruvian Current narrow the range of their seasonal differences, but in the interior of the country in winter the temperature can drop to –1° C, and in summer the heat reaches 31° C. On the coast, the dominant type of vegetation is fragmented evergreen broad-leaved open forests of xerophytic trees, shrubs and turf grasses. Further south, high rainfall favors the development of a sparse deciduous forest of southern beech (Nothofagus), once distributed from the coastal plateaus (900 m above sea level) to 2150 m above sea level. on the slopes of the Andes. Currently, this forest is mostly cut down.

Atacama Desert. An almost complete absence of precipitation is observed from the ocean itself to the line of eternal snow, starting at an altitude of approx. 4600 m above sea level In Iquique, over 20 years of observations, the total amount of atmospheric moisture that fell was only 28 mm. However, constant dense fogs rising from cold coastal waters maintain an average relative humidity 81% and relatively low temperatures in winter and summer (16 and 21 ° C). The interior of the Atacama is drier, with temperatures often approaching freezing in winter, accompanied by the formation of dense caps of fog on the ground in the pre-dawn hours. A significant part of the Atacama is completely devoid of vegetation. Ephemeral grasses and resinous perennials of the coastal plateaus feed on moisture obtained only from fog and dew. In the range of 2400–3000 m above sea level. The slopes of the Andes are covered with a belt of sparse tola vegetation, consisting of feather grass, lepidophyllum bush and Azorella, which provide the local population with a small amount of fodder and fuel.

South of Chile. Western winds prevail here, showers are frequent, and there is a large (sometimes excessive) amount of precipitation. Winters are unusually mild for these latitudes - the average temperature is 8°C in Valdivia and Puerto Montt, dropping to 2°C in Punta Arenas. The average summer temperatures of these cities are 17, 16 and 11 ° C. Snow often falls south of Puerto Montt, and the Chilean archipelago is one of the rainiest and wettest places on the planet. On the open slopes it receives approx. 5100 mm of precipitation, and only 51 days a year the sun faintly peeks through the leaden clouds. In Valdivia the annual rainfall is 2600 mm, in Puerto Montt 2200 mm, and in sheltered Punta Arenas - only 480 mm. The vegetation cover is a dense temperate forest of southern beech (nothofagus), conifers and laurel trees with a well-developed shrubby understory. Swampy areas occupied by the coniferous species Fitzroya patagonica, and higher on the slopes grows mainly Araucaria imbricata. The further south you go, the lower the trees. In the Strait of Magellan zone and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, strong winds and low rainfall allow only grass-heather heaths with turf grasses, forbs: ferns, mosses and dwarf trees to develop.

Wildlife of Chile

The fauna of Chile is as diverse as climatic zones. The highland areas are characterized by llamas, chinchillas, pumas, and birds - condors and black partridges. In semi-deserts there are rodents (curoro, tuco-tuco), marsupials (Chilean opossum). In the forests of the Patagonian Andes - deer, skunks, otters, nutria, pumas. There are parrots and hummingbirds. In the steppes of Patagonia there are guanaco llamas, rhea ostriches, flamingos and swans on the ponds. On the Pacific coast there are seals, leopard seals, penguins.

The geography of Chile is extremely diverse due to the extent of its territory: from 17° latitude in the north to 56° in the south. If we take into account Chile's claims to Antarctica, the territory of the state stretches all the way to South Pole. The territorial contours of Chile are one of the most unusual: the length is 4270 km from north to south and only 177 km (on average) from east to west. The maximum width of Chile does not exceed 258 km. On a map, the country appears as a long ribbon, starting from the middle of the western coast of South America to the southernmost tip of the continent, where it turns slightly east. Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, where the stormy waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet, also belongs to Chile. In the North, Chile borders with Peru and Bolivia, the eastern border with Argentina (5150 km) is the third longest in the world.

The territory of Chile is very prone to earthquakes. During the twentieth century, Chile recorded 28 major earthquakes measuring more than 6.9 on the Richter scale. The Chilean territory has about 620 volcanoes, many of which are active. More than half of the land surface is volcanic in origin and about 80 percent of the land is mountainous in one form or another. Most Chileans live near or on these mountains.

The cold Humboldt Current runs along the entire length of the coast of Chile, originating off the coast of Antarctica. Therefore, swimming on the popular beaches of Chile in the central part of the country in the summer requires some endurance and resistance to cold (water temperatures rarely exceed +15 °C).

In the West, Chile's territory extends all the way to Polynesia. The most famous of the Chilean Pacific Islands is Easter Island(Isla de Pascua, Polynesian name Rapa Nui) with a population of 2800 people. Located 3600 km west of the coast, Easter Island famous for its 867 moai monoliths, mysterious and huge (up to twenty meters in height) sculptures made of volcanic stone. Another famous island is Robinson Crusoe Island- located 587 km west of Valparaiso. It is famous for its lobsters and history: Alexander Selkirk lived here for 4 years, who inspired the writer Daniel Defoe to write the world famous novel about Robinson Crusoe.

Stretching over almost 4,300 km, the territory of Chile covers all climatic zones on our planet, except the tropics. Geographically, the country is divided into 5 main natural regions: Far North, Near North, Central Chile, South and Far South. Each of them has its own characteristic vegetation, animal world, climate and its own special relief

Far North

The north of Chile (Norte Grande) is extremely dry. The world's driest Atacama Desert is mainly located here. Some areas have not recorded a drop of rain for hundreds of years.

From the beginning of December to the end of February, temperatures can exceed 38 °C and then drop sharply at night to -1 °C. Winter days, from mid-June to late August, are cool but sunny. As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature drops sharply. Average monthly temperature approximately +20.5 °C in summer (December-February) and about 14 °C in winter (June-August). Most of the population lives in coastal areas where temperatures are more moderate and humidity is higher. Unlike the drab, lifeless space with which most people associate the image of the desert, Chilean landscapes are impressive beautiful scenery mountains and hills of all shapes and sizes, each of which has a unique hue depending on the mineral composition, distance from the observer and time of day.

The far north is the only part of the country that contains a large section of the Andean plateau. In summer, the plateau receives a lot of precipitation, forming shallow lakes, mainly salt marshes (Salar de Llarma, Salar de Miraje, Salar de Atacama), which is home to many species of birds, including the Chilean flamingo. Some of the water flows down from the Andes in the form of small rivers, most of which completely lose their moisture through evaporation and absorption in the desert sands. Some rivers still manage to reach the Pacific Ocean, including the Loa, the most long river in Chile (440 km)

Many of these rivers form fertile valleys and oases, where the rich vegetation contrasts sharply with the dry hills. While traveling by car, you will witness breathtaking panoramic views and gain experience driving over difficult terrain.

On far north, in valleys and oases, throughout all year round grow fruits and vegetables. But the basis of the region's economy is not Agriculture, in rich mineral reserves. For example, the world's largest open-pit copper mine, Chuquicamata, is located in the far north.

Near North

Near North (Norte Chico) extends from the Copiapó River to approximately 32° south latitude(a little north of Santiago). This semi-desert region receives little rainfall and is also prone to drought. Temperatures are moderate, averaging 18.5°C in summer and around 12°C in winter. Precipitation in winter and melting snow in the Andes form rivers, the flow of which varies significantly depending on the season of the year, but they flow throughout the year and do not dry out. The Near North is a favorable region for livestock farming and horticulture. Almost all of Chile's pisco (a popular spirit) is produced in this region.

Central Chile

The majority of the country's population lives in Central Chile (Zona Central), and the three largest metropolitan areas are located here: Santiago , Valparaiso and Concepcion. The climate is Mediterranean type, the amount of precipitation increases significantly as you move from north to south, and it often rains in winter. Temperatures range from 0°+ 13°C in winter (June-August), and +16°C +35°C during summer (December-February). There are a lot of rivers in this region, the water flow is large after winter rains and spring melting of snow in the Andes, in the summer the water flow is significantly reduced. The combination of abundant snow cover in the Andes and relatively moderate temperatures in winter it creates excellent conditions for skiing.

In this region, between the Chilean Coastal Range and the Andes, lies the so-called Central Valley, with the most extensive and fertile agricultural land in Chile, especially in its northern part. Areas north and south of Santiago are a major producer of fruit, including grapes, from which the best Chilean wines are produced. The country's longest and most popular beaches are also located in Central Chile.

South

Although in the Andes and coastal areas of central Chile there are many beautiful lakes, the vast majority of them are located in the south of the country (Zona Sur). In this Lake District of Chile, hundreds of rivers flow from the high snow-capped Andes; descending into the valley, they form huge lakes. Large rivers This area of ​​Chile is navigable in any part of it. The island of Chiloe, with its hills, is the last part of the Chilean coastal range.

Southern Chile is one of the rainiest regions in the world. One of the most wet areas This region - Valdivia - receives an average of 2.535 mm of precipitation per year. January and February are relatively dry, with monthly precipitation of 67 mm. June and July average precipitation is 410.6 mm. In Valdivia, the average temperature in summer (January-February) is +16.7 °C, in winter (June-July) - +7.9 °C.

The lakes of southern Chile are extremely beautiful, the rivers descending from the Andes form numerous waterfalls, and the vegetation is lush. Some areas still remain unaffected human activity primeval forests. Throughout the year, but especially in spring and summer, wildflowers bloom. All kinds of berries grow here, and trout and salmon are raised in the rivers and lakes. A huge number of tourists (mostly Chileans and Argentines, less often Brazilians) visit this area during the summer.

Far south

The extreme south (Zona Austral) extends from 42° south latitude to Cape Horn, with less precipitation, on average 206 mm in summer (December-February) and 300 mm in winter (June-August). In general, the climate in the far south is cold and wet; The combination of canals, fjords, snow-capped mountains and islands of all shapes and sizes in such a narrow space make a trip here unforgettable. The city is located in the far south Punta Arenas. With a population of approximately 125,000 inhabitants, it is the largest Southern City in the world. It receives much less rainfall (438.5 mm per year), or slightly more than Valdivia in the month of June. This precipitation is distributed more or less evenly throughout the year, some of it in the form of snow. Temperatures are cooler than the rest of the country. In the summer months (December-February) the average temperature is +11 °C, and in winter months(June-August) average +2.5 °C.

Very unpredictable in the Far South weather, especially in summer, when strong winds reach 200 km/h. The strongest wind blows from mid-December to the end of February. Winter (June-August) is less windy, sometimes temperatures can drop to -15°C. Practically constant wind from the South Pacific makes the climate much colder.

In the far south, vast expanses of pasture are used for sheep breeding. Main area economic activity- oil production and natural gas near