How many climate zones? "Climate. Climatic zones. What we learned

On the climate (and, therefore, climate zone) influence and shape it, depending on geographical conditions, climate-forming factors. These include: the amount of radiation from the sun reaching a certain surface of the Earth; atmospheric circulation processes; volumes of biomass. These factors that determine climate can vary significantly depending on geographical latitude terrain. It is latitude that determines at what angle it falls. sunlight on the surface of the globe and, accordingly, how intensely the surface located on at different distances from the equator.

The thermal regime of a particular area depends to a large extent on its proximity to the oceans, which act as heat accumulators. On land surfaces bordering the oceans, more mild climate climate zone, compared to the climate in the interior of the continents. Daily and seasonal temperature changes near large volumes of water are more gradual than in a continental climate closer to the center of the continents. There is more rainfall here and the sky is often covered with clouds. Against, continental climate characterized by sharp temperature changes and less precipitation.

A phenomenon associated with the oceans, sea currents are also the most important factor determining the weather on Earth. Carrying warm masses of water around the continents, they warm atmospheric air, bring cyclones with large amounts of precipitation. How radically a current can influence nature can be seen using the example of the North Atlantic Current. In those areas that fall within the zone of its influence, dense forests grow. And in Greenland, located in the same latitudes, there is only a thick layer of ice.

It has no less influence on the climate and topography (which also affects the formation of the climate zone). Everyone knows the footage of climbers climbing mountains, who, starting from green meadows at the foot of the mountain, a few days later stand on snow-capped peaks. This happens due to the fact that with every kilometer above sea level, the ambient temperature drops by 5-6 °C. Besides, mountain systems prevent the movement of both warm and cold air masses. Often the climate on one side and the other of a mountain range can differ significantly. A striking example of this is the difference in air temperature and humidity in Sochi and Stavropol, located on opposite sides of the Caucasus Mountains.

To correctly define the concept " climate zone“We need to distinguish between terms such as weather and climate.

Weather is the state of the troposphere at a certain period of time in a specific area. Climate is considered to be the average established weather pattern. What's happened climate zone, what are its varieties?

Climatic zone and its properties.

Climatic zone It is customary to call the latitudinal band, which differs from other bands in the circulation of the atmosphere, as well as the intensity of heating of the Sun.

There are a total of 7 species on the planet climatic zone c, which in turn are divided into main and transition zones. The category of main belts is also commonly called permanent.

Permanent and transitional climatic zones.

Constant (basic) is called climate zone, in which one air mass dominates throughout the whole year. The main types of zones include: temperate, tropical, equatorial and arctic.

Transition zones are characterized by a change in air masses, that is, it becomes hot in the summer and colder in the winter. There are subarctic, subtropical and subequatorial zones.

Equatorial climate zone.

This subspecies of the main climate zone located in the equator region. This is a one-of-a-kind belt that is divided into several parts. Throughout the year it is influenced by the equatorial air mass.

The main features of the equatorial belt:

• high humidity;
• high precipitation (up to 7 thousand mm per year);
• high temperature (from 20°C and above).

Natural area of ​​this climate zone are considered rain forests, which are filled with various poisonous plants and animals.

The Amazonian lowland is located in this belt, equatorial Africa, as well as the Greater Sunda Islands.

Subequatorial climate zone.

This subspecies is transitional climate zone located between the equatorial and tropical zones. Consequently, on its territory 2 changes throughout the year air masses.

In the subequatorial belt there are Northern Australia, northern South America, the Hindustan Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.

Tropical and subtropical zones.

The tropical zone is characteristic of tropical latitudes. Weather in the tropics depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. For the tropical climate zone characterized by sharp temperature changes - from hot to cold.

This is considered the main reason why the world of flora and fauna is very poor. This subspecies of permanent belts contains North Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.

Sub tropical zone located in the middle of the temperate and tropical zones. It is customary to distinguish between the northern and southern subtropical zones. In summer, tropical heat prevails here, which is characterized by dryness, and in winter there is a cold air mass.

The climate zone characteristic of the Great Chinese Plain, North Africa, North America and southern Japan.

Temperate climate zone.

A distinctive feature of the temperate zone is the ability of temperatures to vary seasonally. For such climate zone negative temperature is typical.

Temperate latitudes contain large parts of Europe, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the northern United States.

Climatic conditions may change and transform, but in general terms they remain the same, making some regions attractive for tourism and others difficult to survive. Understand existing types worth it for better understanding geographical features planet and a responsible attitude towards the environment - humanity may lose some zones during global warming and other catastrophic processes.

What is climate?

This definition refers to the established weather regime that distinguishes a particular area. It is reflected in the complex of all changes observed in the territory. Climate types influence nature, determine the state of water bodies and soils, lead to the appearance of specific plants and animals, affect the development of economic sectors and Agriculture. Formation occurs as a result of exposure to solar radiation and winds in combination with the variety of surface. All these factors directly depend on geographic latitude, which determines the angle of incidence of the rays, and therefore the volume of heat received.

What influences the climate?

Various conditions (in addition to geographic latitude) can determine what the weather will be like. For example, proximity to the ocean has a strong impact. The further an area is from large waters, the less precipitation it receives, and the more uneven it is. Closer to the ocean, the amplitude of fluctuations is small, and all types of climate in such lands are much milder than continental ones. Sea currents are no less significant. For example, they warm the coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which promotes the growth of forests there. At the same time, Greenland, which has a similar location, is covered with ice all year round. Strongly influences climate formation and relief. The higher the terrain, the lower the temperature, so the mountains can be cold even if they are in the tropics. In addition, the ridges can hold back, causing a lot of precipitation to fall on the windward slopes, while further on the continent there is noticeably less rainfall. Finally, it is worth noting the impact of winds, which can also seriously transform climate types. Monsoons, hurricanes and typhoons carry moisture and significantly influence the weather.

All existing types

Before studying each type separately, it is worth understanding the general classification. What are the main types of climate? The easiest way to understand this is to use the example of a specific country. Russian Federation It occupies a large area, and the weather varies greatly throughout the country. The table will help you study everything. The types of climates and the places where they prevail are distributed in it according to each other.

Continental climate

This weather prevails in regions located further beyond the maritime climate zone. What are its features? The continental type of climate is characterized by sunny weather with anticyclones and an impressive range of both annual and daily temperatures. Here summer quickly gives way to winter. Continental climate type can be further divided into moderate, harsh and normal. The most best example can be called the central part of the territory of Russia.

Monsoon climate

This type of weather is characterized by a sharp difference in winter and summer temperatures. In the warm season, the weather is formed under the influence of winds blowing onto land from the sea. Therefore, in summer the monsoon type of climate resembles a maritime one, with heavy rains, high clouds, humid air and strong winds. In winter, the direction of air masses changes. The monsoon type of climate begins to resemble the continental one - with clear and frosty weather and minimal precipitation throughout the season. Such options natural conditions characteristic of several Asian countries - found in Japan, the Far East and northern India.

Characteristics of climatic zones (the 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, let us recall that climate is the weather regime established over the years, which depends on a specific territory and its geographical location.

Equatorial belt

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

The names of climate zones are associated with their characteristics. The equatorial belt is located near the equator, which is why it has this name.

The subequatorial belt is characterized by changes in air masses that occur seasonally. In summer, equatorial air masses predominate, and in winter, more tropical ones. in summer they fully correspond to the equatorial type of climate, while the weather in winter resembles the conditions of the tropical zone. Winter is dry and slightly colder than summer.

Tropical zone

As we already know, the names of climate 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 throughout the year, but also during the day. Water is very scarce in this climate. It is very hot and dry here, and dry winds often occur. There is almost no rain. The weather is usually dry and sunny.

However, the tropical belt is deceptive. The eastern shores of the continents, which are washed by warm currents, are also in this zone, but have a different climate. Marine tropical air, heavy rainfall, monsoons. Climatic conditions are similar to the equatorial climate.

Subtropical zones are characterized by changes in air masses. The climate is tropical in summer and 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 differences in temperature and precipitation throughout the year, the thermometer is above zero the entire year. Sometimes the temperature can even drop to negative values. During such periods snow falls. In flat areas it melts quickly, but in the mountains it can remain for several months. As for the winds, the trade winds rule in winter and the trade winds in summer.

Temperate zone

The temperature of climatic zones largely depends on the air masses that prevail over the territory. The temperate zone, as the name suggests, has a temperate climate. But not always. Sometimes tropical or arctic air masses invade. Temperate climate characterized by large temperature differences. Summers are hot, and winters are cold and long. Relatively low pressure, cyclones, unstable weather conditions in winter. They blow throughout the year westerly winds, in summer there are sometimes trade winds, and in winter - northeast winds. Massive snow cover every winter.

Arctic and Antarctic belts

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

Subarctic and subantarctic belts

These zones are distinguished by the fact that in summer a temperate climate prevails here. Because of this, a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations occurs. There is a lot of permafrost in these belts. In winter, north-east and south-east winds predominate, and in summer - westerlies. There are 2 belts climatic regions, about them below.

Territories of climate zones

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

The equatorial climate is characteristic of Oceania, South America and Africa. Subequatorial climate is typical for Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The central part of Australia and North Africa is a tropical zone. Subtropics are characteristic of the interior regions of 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.

Table of climate zones

The table shows the characteristics of the zones.

Climatic regions of the belts

Subtropical zones have three climatic regions:

1. Mediterranean climate. Prevails in the northern hemisphere, on the southern and western shores of continents. In summer there is a continental climate, and in winter there are continental and maritime air masses. Summers are dry and warm, and winters are relatively cool and wet. Insufficient hydration.
2. Monsoon climate. Distributed on the eastern shores of continents. The summer monsoons produce intense heat and heavy rainfall, while the winter monsoons produce cool, dry conditions. Humidity in this area is moderate. Precipitation is typical for the winter season.
3. Marine climate. Distributed on the continents of the southern hemisphere. Marine air masses are characteristic. Summer and winter are warm. There is enough moisture, it is distributed evenly throughout the year.

The temperate zone consists of 5 climatic regions:

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

The subarctic and subantarctic belts have two regions:

• continental climate (harsh, but short winter, little rainfall, swampy area);
• oceanic climate (fog, high rainfall, mild winters and cool summers).

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

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

Temperatures in oceanic climates can rise to +5 during the polar day.

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

Definition 1

Climate zone is a latitudinal strip on the Earth’s surface with a relatively uniform climate.

Climate zones differ from each other air temperature And dominant air masses. In accordance with their properties, the main features of the climate are determined. Climate zones on the planet are changing zonally, i.e. from equator to poles. The classification of climate zones, which is used in Russia and in most countries of the world, was created by a Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov in $1956$ He highlights basic and transitional climatic zones.

There are seven main climatic zones:

• Equatorial belt;
• Two tropical zones;
• Two temperate zones;
• Two polar belts - Arctic and Antarctic.

In these climatic zones, only air masses with the same names dominate throughout the year.

Equatorial climate zone located on both sides of the equator. The territory and water area of ​​the belt receives throughout the year a large number of warm, and average monthly temperatures are $24$-$28$ degrees. On land, the radiation balance reaches $90$ kcal/cm2. in year. Annual precipitation is up to $3000$ mm per year, and on the windward slopes - up to $10,000$ mm. There is excessive moisture here because the amount of precipitation is much greater than evaporation.

Tropical climate zones. One tropical zone is located in Northern hemisphere of the planet, the second - in South hemispheres. Tropical zones cross all continents except Antarctica and are well expressed in the oceans between the $20$ and $30$ parallels of both hemispheres. The formation of the tropical climate is influenced by tropical air masses, with their characteristic high atmospheric pressure and anticyclonic circulation. Throughout the year there is very little cloud cover, relative humidity and annual rainfall. The prevailing winds are trade winds. Summer average monthly air temperatures are +$30$-$35$ degrees, winter temperatures are not lower than +$10$ degrees. The daily and annual amplitudes are quite high. Annual precipitation ranges from $50$-$200$ mm. The exception is the eastern outskirts of the continents, and on the islands the windward slopes of the mountains receive up to $2000$ mm or more. For example, about $13,000 mm falls in the Hawaiian Islands. On the western coasts of the continents, the climate will be cooler, which is associated with cold ocean currents. There will be higher air humidity, an even temperature change and frequent fogs.

Temperate climate zones. One temperate zone is located in Northern hemisphere, between $40$ and $65$ parallel, the other - in South between $42$ and $58$ parallel. These are the largest climatic zones in terms of area. One of the differences between these belts is that in the Northern Hemisphere the belt occupies more than half sushi, while in the Southern Hemisphere it is the opposite. There $98\%$ comes from ocean. In temperate zones there is a clear seasonality of climate. It is expressed in the large difference between summer and winter temperatures. Moreover, in the Northern Hemisphere, the annual and daily amplitude is significantly higher than in the Southern Hemisphere. The western transport of air masses of temperate latitudes dominates here, and intense cyclonic activity is observed. Towards the outskirts of the continents, the amount of precipitation increases, and the annual amount is $800$-$2000$ mm. On the windward oceanic slopes their number increases and reaches $5000$-$8000$ mm.

Polar climate zones(Arctic and Antarctic). In the Northern Hemisphere arctic the belt begins north of the $70$ parallel, and Antarctic south of the $65$ parallel. Both zones are characterized by polar nights and polar days. Eternal ice and snow emit enormous amounts of solar heat, causing the air to become very chilled. Atmosphere pressure It is high all year round and easterly winds prevail. Located in Antarctica pole of cold planets. In summer, the average air temperature is $30$ degrees, and in winter -$70$. At the Russian polar station " East"The temperature drops to -$88.3 degrees. On the Antarctic coast, average monthly summer temperatures range from -$1$ to -$5$ degrees, and winter temperatures from -$18$ to -$20$ degrees. Above the Greenland ice sheet in Arctic climatic conditions similar, but softer. In the Atlantic regions Arctic and to the pole, the summer temperature is about $0$ degrees, and with warm air invasion it rises to +$5$. Average winter temperatures are around -$20$ degrees. American The Arctic sector is more severe with temperatures of -$50$ degrees in winter and -$10$ degrees in summer. Largest quantity precipitation falls on European sector of the Arctic, where $300$-$350$ mm falls, and in Asian and American sector from $160$-$250$ mm.

Transitional climatic zones.

Between the main climatic zones there are zones transition zones. There are $6$ and they are characterized by seasonal changes in the prevailing air masses, i.e. In summer, one air mass dominates there, and in winter, another. The names of all transition zones are appended with the prefix “ sub", which translated from Latin means " under", i.e., a belt located under main.

Transitional belts include:

• Two subequatorial belts;
• Two subtropical zones;
• Subarctic belt;
• Subantarctic belt.

Subequatorial climate zone. These belts are located south and north of the equatorial one. As a result of the shift in climate zones according to the seasons of the year, humid equatorial air comes here in the summer, and dry tropical air comes here in the winter. Summer for subequatorial belts it will be wet, A winter is dry. Despite this, the average annual precipitation is excessive and reaches $1500$ mm per year. On the slopes of the mountains, precipitation falls even more - $6000$-$10000$ mm per year. The difference between summer and winter temperatures is small, but the difference with equatorial belt is felt. Summer temperatures range from $22$-$30$ degrees. In addition to the oceans, the subequatorial belt passes through South America, Central Africa, Hindustan, Indochina, Northern Australia.

Subtropical climate zones. They are located within $30$-$40$ degrees of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the south, the subtropics border on the tropical zone, and in the north on the temperate zone in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, there is a tropical zone to the north of the subtropics, and a temperate zone to the south. Thermal regimes alternate in half a year - in winter there is a moderate regime, and in summer - tropical. For the subtropics, frosts are already possible. Within the ocean, the belts differ high temperature and high salinity of water.

Subarctic climate zone. This transitional belt is closest to North Pole Earth. Temperate and arctic air masses replace each other throughout the year. The belt occupies Northern Canada, Alaska, the southern tip of Greenland, northern Iceland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Within Russia, it passes through the northern part of Western and Central Siberia, as well as Far East.

Subantarctic climate zone. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this belt occupies a number of Antarctic islands and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The belt is characterized by short summers with temperatures below + $20$ degrees. Cold air masses in winter reduce temperatures to negative values. And it stays below zero for most of the year. The same is typical for the subarctic zone. There is little precipitation and it decreases from $500$-$250$ mm and below.

Climate-forming factors

The formation of the planet's climate is greatly influenced by external and internal factors. Most external factors influence the total amount of incoming solar radiation and its distribution across seasons, hemispheres and continents.

External factors include the parameters of the earth’s orbit and the earth’s axis:

• Distance between the Sun and Earth. It determines the amount received solar energy;
• The inclination of the rotation of the earth's axis to the orbital plane, which determines seasonal changes;
• Earth's orbital eccentricity. Affects heat distribution and seasonal changes.

Internal factors include:

• Configuration of oceans and continents and their relative positions;
• The presence of active volcanoes that can change the climate until a volcanic winter;
• Albedo of the Earth's atmosphere and its surface;
• Air masses;
• The proximity of oceans and seas that moderate the climate, with the exception of cold currents;
• The nature of the underlying surface;
• Human economic activity;
• Heat flows of the planet.

Climate zones represent continuous or discontinuous areas that are located parallel to the latitudes of the planet. They differ among themselves in the circulation of air flows and the amount of solar energy. The terrain, proximity to or are also important climate-forming factors.

According to the classification of the Soviet climatologist B.P. Alisov, there are seven main types of Earth’s climate: equatorial, two tropical, two temperate and two polar (one each in the hemispheres). In addition, Alisov identified six intermediate zones, three in each hemisphere: two subequatorial, two subtropical, as well as subarctic and subantarctic.

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone

Arctic and Antarctic climate zone on the world map

The polar region adjacent to the North Pole is called the Arctic. It includes the territory of the Arctic Ocean, the outskirts and Eurasia. The belt is represented by icy and, which are characterized by long, harsh winters. The maximum summer temperature is +5°C. Arctic ice affects the Earth's climate as a whole, preventing it from overheating.

The Antarctic belt is located in the very south of the planet. The nearby islands are also under its influence. The pole of cold is located on the mainland, so winter temperatures average -60°C. Summer temperatures do not rise above -20°C. The territory is in the zone arctic deserts. The continent is almost completely covered with ice. Land areas are found only in the coastal zone.

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone

Subarctic and Subantarctic climate zone on the world map

The subarctic zone includes Northern Canada, southern Greenland, Alaska, northern Scandinavia, northern regions of Siberia and the Far East. The average winter temperature is -30°C. With coming short summer the mark rises to +20°C. In the north of this climate zone it dominates, which is characterized by high air humidity, swampiness and frequent winds. The south is located in the forest-tundra zone. The soil has time to warm up during the summer, so shrubs and woodlands grow here.

Within the subantarctic belt are the islands of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. The zone is subject to seasonal influence of air masses. In winter, arctic air dominates here, and in summer masses come from the temperate zone. The average winter temperature is -15°C. Storms, fog and snowfalls often occur on the islands. During the cold season, the entire water area is occupied by ice, but with the onset of summer they melt. Indicators for warm months average -2°C. The climate can hardly be called favorable. Vegetable world represented by algae, lichens, mosses and forbs.

Temperate climate zone

Temperate climate zone on the world map

A quarter of the entire surface of the planet lies in the temperate zone: North America, and. Its main feature is the clear expression of the seasons of the year. The prevailing air masses produce high humidity and low pressure. The average winter temperature is 0°C. In summer the mark rises above fifteen degrees. The prevailing cyclones in the northern part of the zone provoke snow and rain. Most of the precipitation falls as summer rain.

Areas inland of continents are prone to drought. represented by alternating forests and arid regions. In the north it grows, the flora of which is adapted to low temperatures and high humidity. It is gradually replaced by a zone of mixed broad-leaved forests. A strip of steppes in the south encircles all continents. The semi-desert and desert zone covers western part North America and Asia.

Temperate climates are divided into the following subtypes:

• nautical;
• temperate continental;
• sharply continental;
• monsoon.

Subtropical climate zone

Subtropical climate zone on the world map

In the subtropical zone there is part of the Black Sea coast, southwest and, south of Northern and. In winter, areas are influenced by air moving from the temperate zone. The mark on the thermometer rarely drops below zero. In summer, the climate zone is affected by subtropical cyclones, which warm the earth well. In the eastern part of the continents it dominates wet air. There are long summers and mild winters without frost. The western coasts are characterized by dry summers and warm winters.

In the interior regions of the climate zone, temperatures are much higher. The weather is almost always clear. Most precipitation falls during the cold period, when air masses shift to the side. On the coasts there are hard-leaved forests with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. In the northern hemisphere, they are replaced by a zone of subtropical steppes, smoothly flowing into the desert. IN southern hemisphere the steppes turn into broad-leaved and deciduous forests. Mountainous areas represented by forest-meadow zones.

In the subtropical climate zone, the following climate subtypes are distinguished:

• subtropical oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate;
• subtropical inland climate;
• subtropical monsoon climate;
• climate of high subtropical highlands.

Tropical climate zone

Tropical climate zone on the world map

The tropical climate zone covers certain territories in all except Antarctica. All year round An area of ​​high pressure dominates over the oceans. Because of this, there is little rainfall in the climate zone. Summer temperatures in both hemispheres exceed +35°C. Average winter temperatures are +10°C. Average daily temperature fluctuations are felt in the interior of the continents.

Most of the time the weather here is clear and dry. The bulk of precipitation falls on winter months. Significant temperature changes provoke dust storms. On the coasts the climate is much milder: winters are warm and summers are mild and humid. Strong winds practically absent, precipitation occurs in the calendar summer. The dominant natural areas are tropical forests, deserts and semi-deserts.

The tropical climate zone includes the following climate subtypes:

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

Subequatorial climate zone

Subequatorial climate zone on the world map

The subequatorial climate zone affects both hemispheres of the Earth. IN summer time zone are influenced by equatorial humid winds. In winter, trade winds dominate. The average annual temperature is +28°C. Daily temperature changes are insignificant. Most of the precipitation falls in the warm season under the influence of the summer monsoons. The closer to the equator, the heavier the rains. In summer, most rivers overflow their banks, and in winter they dry up completely.

The flora is represented by monsoon mixed forests and woodlands. The foliage on trees turns yellow and falls off during drought. With the arrival of rains it is restored. Grasses and herbs grow in the open spaces of savannas. The flora has adapted to periods of rain and drought. Some remote forest areas have not yet been explored by humans.

Equatorial climate zone

Equatorial climate zone on the world map

The belt is located on both sides of the equator. A constant flow of solar radiation creates a hot climate. Weather conditions are affected by air masses coming from the equator. The difference between winter and summer temperatures is only 3°C. Unlike other climate zones, the equatorial climate remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. Temperatures do not fall below +27°C. Due to heavy precipitation, high humidity, fog and cloudiness occur. There are practically no strong winds, which has a beneficial effect on the flora.