Natural zones of the hot belt. The geographic shell of the Earth. Natural zones of the Earth Table on natural zones

At the heart of geographic zoning lies climate change, and above all, differences in solar heat input. The largest territorial units of the zonal division of the geographic shell are geographical zones.

Natural areas - natural complexes occupying large areas characterized by the dominance of one zonal type of landscape. They are formed mainly under the influence of climate - features of the distribution of heat and moisture, their ratio. Each natural zone has its own type of soil, vegetation and wildlife.

The appearance of the natural zone is determined type of vegetation . But the nature of the vegetation depends on climatic conditions - thermal conditions, moisture, lighting.

As a rule, natural zones are elongated in the form of wide strips from west to east. There are no clear boundaries between them, the zones gradually pass one into another. The latitudinal location of natural zones is violated by the uneven distribution of land and ocean, topography, and remoteness from the ocean.

For example, in the temperate latitudes of North America, natural zones are located in the meridional direction, due to the influence of the Cordillera, which prevent the passage of moist winds from the Pacific Ocean into the interior of the continent. In Eurasia, there are almost all zones of the Northern Hemisphere, but their width is not the same. For example, the zone of mixed forests is gradually narrowing from west to east as you move away from the ocean and climate continent increases. In the mountains, natural zones change with height - high altitudeaccuracy . Altitudinal zonation is due to climate change with a rise up. The set of altitude zones in the mountains depends on the geographical position of the mountains themselves, which determines the nature of the nature of the lower zone, and the height of the mountains, which determines the nature of the highest altitude zone for these mountains. The higher the mountains and the closer they are to the equator, the more altitude zones they have.

The direction of the ridges relative to the sides of the horizon and the prevailing winds also affects the location of high-altitude zones. So, the southern and northern slopes of the mountains may differ in the number of altitude zones. As a rule, there are more of them on the southern slopes than on the northern ones. On slopes affected by humid winds, the nature of the vegetation will differ from that of the opposite slope.

The sequence of changes in altitude zones in the mountains practically coincides with the sequence of changes in natural zones on the plains. But in the mountains, the belts change faster. There are natural complexes characteristic only for mountains, for example, subalpine and alpine meadows.

Natural land areas

Evergreen Tropical and Equatorial Forests

Evergreen tropical and equatorial forests are located in the equatorial and tropical zones of South America, Africa and the islands of Eurasia. The climate is humid and hot. The air temperature is constantly high. Red-yellow ferrallite soils are formed, rich in iron and aluminum oxides, but poor in nutrients. Dense evergreen forests are a source of a large amount of plant litter. But organic matter entering the soil does not have time to accumulate. They are absorbed by numerous plants, washed daily precipitation in the lower soil horizons. The equatorial forests are characterized by multi-tiered.

Vegetation is predominantly represented by arboreal forms forming multi-tiered communities. Typically high species diversity, the presence of epiphytes (ferns, orchids), lianas. Plants have hard leathery leaves with devices that get rid of excess moisture (droppers). The fauna is represented by a huge variety of forms - consumers of decaying wood and leaf litter, as well as species that live in the crowns of trees.

Savannahs and woodlands

Natural areas with characteristic grassy vegetation (mainly cereal) in combination with individual trees or their groups and shrubbery. They are located to the north and south of the zones of equatorial forests of the southern continents in the tropical zones. The climate is characterized by the presence of a more or less long dry period and high air temperatures throughout the year. In the savannas red ferrallite or red-brown soils are formed, which are richer in humus than in the equatorial forests. Although nutrients are washed out of the soil during the wet season, humus accumulates during the dry season.

Grassy vegetation predominates with individual groups of trees. Umbrella crowns and life forms are characteristic, allowing plants to store moisture (bottle-shaped trunks, succulents) and protect themselves from overheating (pubescence and wax coating on the leaves, the location of the leaves edge to the sun). The fauna is characterized by an abundance of herbivores, mainly ungulates, large predators, animals that process plant litter (termites). With the distance from the equator in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, the duration of the dry period in the savannah increases, the vegetation becomes more and more sparse.

Deserts and semi-deserts

Deserts and semi-deserts are located in tropical, subtropical and temperate climatic zones. Desert climate is characterized by extremely low rainfall throughout the year.

The daily amplitudes of air temperature are large. According to the temperature regime, they vary quite a lot: from hot tropical deserts to deserts of the temperate climatic zone. All deserts are characterized by the development of desert soils, poor in organic matter, but rich in mineral salts. Irrigation allows you to use them for farming.

Salinization is widespread. The vegetation is sparse and has specific adaptations to an arid climate: leaves are turned into thorns, the root system is much larger than the aerial part, many plants are able to grow on saline soils, bringing salt to the surface of the leaves in the form of plaque. Great variety of succulents. Vegetation is adapted either to "capture" moisture from the air, or to reduce evaporation, or to both. The animal world is represented by forms that can do without water for a long time (store water in the form of fat deposits), travel long distances, experience heat, go into holes or hibernate.

Many animals are nocturnal.

Hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs

Natural zones are located in subtropical zones in a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and humid, mild winters. Brown and red-brown soils form.

The vegetation is represented by coniferous and evergreen forms with leathery leaves, covered with a waxy coating, pubescence, usually with a high content of essential oils. So plants adapt to dry, hot summers. The animal world is greatly exterminated; but herbivorous and leaf-eating forms are characteristic, there are many reptiles, birds of prey.

Steppes and forest-steppes

Natural complexes characteristic of temperate zones. Here, in a climate with cold, often snowy winters and warm, dry summers, the most fertile soils — chernozems — are formed. The vegetation prevails grassy, \u200b\u200bin typical steppes, prairies and pampas - cereal, in dry varieties - wormwood. Almost everywhere, natural vegetation has been replaced by crops. The fauna is represented by herbivorous forms, among which the ungulates are greatly exterminated, mainly rodents and reptiles, which are characterized by a long period of winter dormancy, and birds of prey are preserved.

Broadleaf and mixed the woods

Broad-leaved and mixed forests grow in temperate zones under climatic conditions with sufficient moisture and a period with lower, sometimes negative temperatures. The soils are fertile, brown forest (under broad-leaved forests) and gray forest (under mixed forests). Forests, as a rule, are formed by 2-3 species of trees with a shrub layer and a well-developed grass cover. The fauna is diverse, clearly divided into tiers, represented by forest ungulates, predators, rodents, insectivorous birds.

Taiga

Taiga is widespread in the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere with a wide strip in a climate with short warm summers, long and harsh winters, enough rainfall and normal, in places excess moisture.

In the taiga zone, under conditions of abundant moistening and relatively cool summers, intensive washing of the soil layer occurs, and humus forms little. Under its thin layer, as a result of washing the soil, a whitish layer forms, which in appearance looks like ash. Therefore, such soils are called podzolic. Vegetation is represented by various types of coniferous forests in combination with small-leaved.

A well-developed tier structure, which is also characteristic of the animal kingdom.

Tundra and forest-tundra

Distributed in subpolar and polar climatic zones. The climate is harsh, with a short and cold growing season, long and harsh winters. With a small amount of precipitation, excessive moisture develops. Soils are peaty-gley soils, under them is a layer of permafrost. The vegetation cover is represented mainly by grass-lichen communities, with shrubs and dwarf forms of trees. The fauna is peculiar: large ungulates and predators are common, nomadic and migratory forms are widely represented, especially migratory birds that spend only the nesting period in the tundra. There are practically no burrowing animals, few grain-eaters.

Polar deserts

Distributed on islands in high latitudes. The climate of these places is extremely severe, most of the year is dominated by winter and polar night. The vegetation is sparse, represented by communities of mosses and scale lichens. The fauna is connected with the ocean, on land there is no permanent population.

Altitude Zones

They are located in various climatic zones and are characterized by a corresponding set of altitudinal zones. Their number depends on latitude (in equatorial and tropical regions, it is larger and on the height of the mountain massif), the higher the larger the set of belts.

Table "Natural areas"

Summary of the lesson "Natural areas". Next topic:

The spherical shape of our planet is the cause of the uneven distribution of sunlight. As a result, in some areas the surface of the earth warms up more, in others - much less. As a result, natural zones were formed, each of which has unique properties and climatic conditions.

What are natural areas

Natural complexes are impressive land areas, characterized by the same climate, soil composition, flora and fauna. The main reason for the appearance of natural zones is the uneven separation of heat and moisture on Earth.

Table "Characteristics of natural areas"

Natural area

Climate belt

The average temperature in Celsius (winter / summer)

Antarctic and Arctic Deserts

Antarctic, Arctic

Tundra and forest tundra

Subarctic and Subantarctic

Moderate

Mixed forests

Moderate

Deciduous forests

Moderate

Steppes and forest-steppes

Subtropical and moderate

Temperate deserts and semi-deserts

Moderate

Hardwood forests

Subtropical

Tropical deserts and semi-deserts

Tropical

Savannahs and woodlands

20 + 24 and above

Alternating wet forests

Subequatorial, tropical

20 + 24 and above

Permanently wet forests

Equatorial

This characteristic is concise, since a lot can be said about the features of the natural zones of the world.

Temperate climate zone

  • Taiga . It occupies the largest area - almost 30% of all forests on the planet. Taiga is the kingdom of coniferous forests that can withstand low temperatures. Huge territories of this zone are covered by permafrost.

Fig. 1. Taiga forests occupy vast territories.

  • Mixed forests . They have good resistance to long frosty winters. Although the soil is not fertile, it is already suitable for agriculture, unlike taiga.
  • Deciduous forests . This zone is characterized by mild winters. The soil is fertile, high in humus. A significant part of deciduous forests is represented by deciduous trees. The fauna is very diverse.
  • Temperate deserts and semi-deserts . Their distinguishing feature is the scarce flora and fauna, aridity and sharp temperature jumps in the seasons.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

These are vast territories covered with a thick layer of ice and snow. By and large, the Arctic deserts are a lifeless place. Only on the coast can you find a few representatives of the local fauna: seals, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes and penguins. Mosses and lichens grow on small plots of land not covered by ice.

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Fig. 2. The Arctic desert.

Humid equatorial forests

Very hot climate and stable high humidity created ideal conditions for equatorial forests. The impenetrable jungle is home to 70% of all living creatures that inhabit our planet. Trees remain evergreen throughout the year as they discard foliage gradually.

The flora of this natural zone is incredibly diverse. But what is most striking is the fact that such an abundance of plants has become possible on soils whose humus content is very small.

Fig. 3. The nature of the equatorial forests is rich.

Equatorial and subtropical climate zone

  • Alternating wet forests . Heavy rainfall occurs only during the rainy season, followed by a long dry season. The fauna and flora are also very diverse.
  • Woodlands and savannahs . Appear in those land areas where moisture is already not enough for alternating-humid forests. The rainy season is very long and lasts at least six months.

Hardwood forests

Its name is due to the dense shell of the leaves, contributing to the retention of moisture. This zone is characterized by not too heavy rainfall. Such forests grow along the coasts of the seas and oceans.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are vast territories covered with grass. Steppe soils are the most fertile due to their high humus content, and are often used for farming.

Tundra and forest tundra

It has a harsh climate that even persistent conifers cannot withstand. This zone is characterized by a lack of heat and high humidity, which leads to bogging of the area. The flora of the tundra is represented only by lichens and mosses; there are no trees at all.

Today, the tundra is the most fragile and unstable ecosystem. Active development of minerals has led to the fact that this zone is on the verge of extinction.

What did we learn?

A wide variety of natural zones is due to the uneven distribution of humidity and heat on the planet. Each natural complex has its own unique flora and fauna, soil composition, climate.

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This is the largest natural complex, the surface of the globe, with nature characteristic of the planet.
  One can single out a huge number of smaller large natural complexes - territories with a similar nature, different from other complexes. Oceans, seas, continents, rivers, lakes, swamps and much more are all separate.

Natural areas  - very large natural complexes with similar landscapes, fauna and flora. Natural zones are formed due to the distribution of heat and moisture on the planet: high temperature and low humidity are characteristic of equatorial deserts, high temperature and high humidity are characteristic of equatorial and tropical forests, etc.
  Natural zones are located predominantly sub-latitudinal, but the topography and distance from the ocean affect the location of the zones and their width. In the mountains, there is also a change of natural zones, depending on the height, the change of zones occurs in the same order as the change of land zones from the equator to the poles. The lower natural zone corresponds to the natural zone of the territory, the upper one depends on the height of the mountain range.

Natural land areas

Equatorial and rainforests

Deserts and semi-deserts

This zone is formed in the temperate zone with an average amount of precipitation; it is characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers. In forests, usually two or three tiers, the lower ones are formed by shrubs and grassy vegetation. Forest ungulates, predators, rodents, and carnivorous birds are widespread here. The soils in this zone are brown and gray forest.

This zone is formed in the northern hemisphere in the temperate zone with cold winters, short warm summers and a sufficiently large amount of precipitation. The forests are multi-tiered, many conifers. The animal world is represented by many predators, including some that fall into hibernation. Soils are poor in nutrients, podzolic.

This natural zone is located in the subpolar and polar zones, where it is quite low. The plant world is represented mainly by stunted plants with a poorly developed root system of mosses, lichens, shrubs, and dwarf trees. There are ungulate animals, small predators, many migratory birds. Soils in the tundra are peat-gley, a large area is in the zone.

Arctic deserts

Arctic deserts are found on islands close to the poles. From vegetation there are mosses, lichens, or there is no vegetation at all. Animals found in this zone live most of the time in water, birds fly for several months.

The warmth of the sun, clean air and water - these are the main criteria for life on Earth. Numerous climatic zones have led to the division of the territory of all continents and the water into certain natural zones. Some of them, even separated by vast distances, are very similar, others are unique.

Natural areas of the world: what is it?

By this definition, we should understand very large natural complexes (in other words, parts of the geographic zone of the Earth) that have similar, uniform climatic conditions. The main characteristic of natural zones is the animal and plant world that inhabits this territory. They are formed as a result of an uneven distribution of moisture and heat on the planet.

Table "Natural areas of the world"

Natural area

Climate belt

Average temperature (winter / summer)

Antarctic and Arctic Deserts

Antarctic, Arctic

24-70 ° C / 0-32 ° C

Tundra and forest tundra

Subarctic and Subantarctic

8-40 ° С / + 8 + 16 ° С

Moderate

8-48 ° С / + 8 + 24 ° С

Mixed forests

Moderate

16-8 ° C / + 16 + 24 ° C

Deciduous forests

Moderate

8 + 8 ° С / + 16 + 24 ° С

Steppes and forest-steppes

Subtropical and moderate

16 + 8 ° С / + 16 + 24 ° С

Temperate deserts and semi-deserts

Moderate

8-24 ° C / + 20 + 24 ° C

Hardwood forests

Subtropical

8 + 16 ° С / + 20 + 24 ° С

Tropical deserts and semi-deserts

Tropical

8 + 16 ° С / + 20 + 32 ° С

Savannahs and woodlands

20 + 24 ° C and above

Alternating wet forests

Subequatorial, tropical

20 + 24 ° C and above

Permanently wet forests

Equatorial

above + 24 ° C

This characteristic of the natural zones of the world is only an exploratory one, because you can talk a lot about each of them for a long time, all information will not fit into the framework of one table.

Natural zones of the temperate climatic zone

1. Taiga. It surpasses all other natural zones of the world in occupied land area (27% of the total forest area of \u200b\u200bthe planet). It is characterized by very low winter temperatures. Deciduous trees do not stand them, so taiga is dense coniferous forests (mainly pine, spruce, fir, larch). Very large taiga territories in Canada and Russia are occupied by permafrost.

2. Mixed forests. They are more characteristic for the Northern hemisphere of the Earth. It is a kind of border between the taiga and broad-leaved forest. They are more resistant to cold and long winters. Species of trees: oak, maple, poplar, linden, as well as mountain ash, alder, birch, pine, spruce. As the table “Natural Zones of the World” shows, the soils in the mixed forest zone are gray, do not differ in high fertility, but are still suitable for growing plants.

3. Broad-leaved forests. They are not adapted to severe winters, are deciduous. They occupy most of Western Europe, the south of the Far East, northern China and Japan. Suitable for them is the marine climate or temperate continental with hot summers and fairly warm winters. As the table “Natural Zones of the World” shows, the temperature in them does not fall below -8 ° C even in the cold season. The soil is fertile, rich in humus. The following types of trees are characteristic: ash, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, beech, maple, elm. Forests are very rich in mammals (ungulates, rodents, predators), birds, including commercial ones.

4. Temperate deserts and semi-deserts. Their main distinguishing feature is the almost complete absence of vegetation and the scarce fauna. There are a lot of natural zones of this nature; they are located mainly in the tropics. There are temperate deserts in Eurasia, and they are characterized by sharp changes in temperature over the seasons. Animals are mainly represented by reptiles.

Arctic deserts and semi-deserts

They represent vast areas of land covered in snow and ice. A map of the natural zones of the world clearly shows that they are located in North America, Antarctica, Greenland and the northern tip of the Eurasian continent. In fact, these are lifeless places, and polar bears, walruses and seals, arctic foxes and lemmings, penguins (in the Antarctic) live only along the coast. Where the earth is free of ice, one can see lichens and mosses.

Humid equatorial forests

Their second name is rain forests. They are located mainly in South America, as well as in Africa, Australia and in the greater Sunda Islands. The main condition for their formation is constant and very high humidity (more than 2000 mm of precipitation per year) and a hot climate (20 ° C and above). They are very rich in vegetation, the forest consists of several tiers and is an impenetrable, dense jungle that has become home to more than 2/3 of all species of creatures living on our planet today. These rain forests surpass all other natural areas of the world. Trees remain evergreen, changing foliage gradually and partially. Surprisingly, the soils of moist forests contain little humus.

Natural zones of the equatorial and subtropical climatic zones

1. Variable-humid forests, they differ from rain forests in that rain falls there only in the rainy season, and during the period of drought coming after it, trees are forced to dump foliage. The animal and plant world is also very diverse and rich in species.

2. Savannahs and woodlands. They appear where moisture, as a rule, is already insufficient for the growth of alternating-humid forests. Their development takes place in the interior of the continent, where tropical and equatorial air masses dominate, and the rainy season lasts less than six months. They occupy a significant part of the territory of subequatorial Africa, the interior of South America, partly Hindustan and Australia. A more detailed information about the location is reflected in a map of the world's natural zones (photo).

Hardwood forests

This climate zone is considered the most suitable for human habitation. Hard-leaved and evergreen forests are located along the sea and ocean coasts. Precipitation is not so plentiful, but the leaves retain moisture due to the dense leathery shell (oaks, eucalyptus), which prevents them from falling. In some trees and plants, they are upgraded to thorns.

Steppes and forest-steppes

They are characterized by an almost complete absence of woody vegetation, due to the meager rainfall. But the soils are the most fertile (chernozems), and therefore they are actively used by man for farming. Steppes occupy large territories in North America and Eurasia. The predominant number of inhabitants - reptiles, rodents and birds. Plants have adapted to a lack of moisture and most often manage to complete their life cycle in a short spring, when the steppe is covered with a thick carpet of greenery.

Tundra and forest tundra

In this zone, the breathing of the Arctic and Antarctic begins to be felt, the climate becomes more severe, and even coniferous trees can not stand it. Moisture is abundant, but there is no heat, which leads to swamping of very vast territories. There are no trees in the tundra at all, the plant world is mainly represented by mosses and lichens. It is believed that this is the most unstable and fragile ecosystem. In connection with the active development of gas and oil fields, it is on the verge of an environmental disaster.

All the natural areas of the world are very interesting, whether it seems at first glance absolutely lifeless desert, boundless Arctic ice or millennial rain forests with boiling life inside.

The Russian Federation occupies the first place in terms of area among other countries. For this reason, the country's territory is divided into several natural zones. Their percentage of the area of \u200b\u200bRussia can be traced in the table below.

How many natural zones is the territory of Russia divided

Area study is associated with the name of the famous geographer and traveler Alexander von Humboldt. This man is the progenitor of the whole science of landscape science.

It was Humboldt who introduced the concept of “natural zones”. He attributed Russia to the number of transcontinental (located in several parts of the world) countries. Allocated 10 natural zones. Despite the huge area, namely 17 million square meters. km, in terms of the number of natural zones, Russia is inferior to the United States due to the presence of two states in the tropics.

Table of natural zones of Russia, occupied territory:

Name of the natural area Percentage of the area of \u200b\u200bRussia Annual rainfall average temperature
Arctic deserts 2 % 150 and less -24 -70 ° C in the winter; 0 - + 12 ° С in the summer
Tundra 7 % 100-250 mm -8 - -40 ° С in the winter; +8 - + 12 ° С in the summer
Lesotundra and northern meadows 9 % 150-300 mm -4 - -31 ° С in the winter; + 10 + 14 ° С in the summer
Taiga 62 % 250-1000 mm -8 - -57 ° С in the winter; +3 - + 20 ° С in the summer
Mixed and deciduous forests 3 % 500-700 mm -8 - -26 ° С in the winter; + 16- + 20 ° С in the summer
Forest-steppe 3.5 % 250-500 mm -16 - + 8 ° С in the winter; + 16- + 21 ° С in the summer
Steppes 11 % 200-400 mm +5 - -35 ° С in the winter; +7 - + 35 ° C in the summer
Subtropics 0.5 % 600-800 mm + 8 + 16 ° С in the winter; + 20 + 36 ° С and higher in summer
Semi desert 1 % Less than 250 mm + 2 ° + 24 ° C and above
Desert 1 % Less than 200 mm + 13 + 20 ° С in the winter; + 23 + 50 ° С and higher in summer
  The natural areas of Russia are diverse, due to the vast territory.

Despite the occupied territory (17,000,000 sq. Km), the USA overtakes Russia in the number of natural regions due to the fact that two states are immediately at the equator.

Arctic deserts

The natural zones of Russia, the table of which is given above, begin with an Arctic biome. It is adjacent to the North Pole. Numerous scientific expeditions are currently being conducted on this territory to study the landscape and the living organisms that inhabit the area.

The zone includes: the northern regions of the Taimyr Peninsula, Franz Josef Land, Northern Earth, part of the Arctic seas.

The Arctic desert has many glaciers.  The coastlines of the islands, located in glaciation zones, have flat lowland plains that are common throughout the natural region. They are replaced by table plateaus and huge stalactites in the interior.

Soil and climate

Permafrost, reaching 1000 m in depth, penetrates the soil through. Therefore, it remains frozen most of the year. In the summer, this situation changes somewhat. Abnormally low temperatures are getting higher. This leads to the spill of small lakes that melt water the surface of deserts. The soil layer, although moistened in summer, is thin and poor in organic matter.

In areas with relatively high temperatures, soils contain more organic matter, and therefore are able to provide vital activity of frost-resistant plant species (mosses, lichens). A long frosty winter gives way to a cool summer. In terms of temperature differences, the zone of Arctic deserts surpasses the rest of the country's biomes.

The natural zones of Russia, the table of which is given above, cause different weather at the same time throughout the country.

In the frosty months, the temperature in some regions drops to -70 o С, and in the summer reaches +12 o С (June, July). During the year, it usually stays at a level of from 0 o C to -22 o C. The average annual precipitation does not exceed 150 mm.

Flora and fauna

The natural zone has approximately 700 species of plants and 120 animals, and they are united by the fact that they are able to survive in difficult frosty conditions. The situation is the same with animals. Many are covered with thick fur or have a dense layer of fat that protects them from frost. Some adaptation mechanisms are associated with procreation (reproduction in warm periods), winter migration.

Plant life is very scarce. Its main part consists of varieties of mosses and algae, the only representatives of the flora that can survive. The animal world is more diverse. Mammals live in the Arctic (polar bear and narwhals, sea hare); fish (flounder and cod, haddock); birds (pink gull and guillemot, white owl).

Recreational potential

Despite their scarcity, the Arctic deserts have some prospects. Profitable crafts - hunting, fishing are real types of recreation for lovers of exotic. Another popular activity is the collection of minerals. In terms of the volume of mined rocks and precious stones, the North is not inferior to the Altai Territory or the Ural deposits.

The tourism sector is associated with the Great Arctic Reserve, which is the largest tourist destination. The reserve shows the whole nature of the “Russian” North, the culture of ancient peoples and the life of the main representatives of the flora and fauna. Tourists will be able to truly enjoy the magnificence of the Arctic.

Tundra

Geographer Fismer accurately described this area: "High treeless mountain."

Geographical location and relief

The natural zone of the tundra covers part of the Kola Peninsula, the Urals, Kamchatka, according to the table, occupying 7% of the entire country. Only 2 types of tundra are represented on the territory of Russia - the Arctic and Alpine, differing in some features.

The Arctic tundra has a predominantly flat relief with a partial presence of small mountain formations - hills covered with snow. In turn, the alpine tundra has a mixed relief, both mountains and plains prevail.

Soil and climate

The upper soil layer is more fertile, but still remains poor in organic matter. Therefore, the scarcity of flora and fauna remains. The remote location of the glaciers softens the severity of the climate.

Winter remains just as long and summer is short.  The average temperature in winter is around -17 o C. In summer, the soil can warm up to +12 o C, the amount of annual precipitation does not exceed 250 mm.

Flora and fauna

The plant world is about the same as in the Arctic deserts. Plants - mosses, lichens, dwarf trees.

Animals - northern hare, lemmings, polar bear, elk fox, reindeer, have exactly the same adaptation mechanisms as the inhabitants of the Arctic.

Recreational potential

The richness of the tundra is associated with its mineral resources - oil, iron, nickel, and numerous ores. Profitable pursuits still remain fishing, hunting. For tourists there are special reserves - Lapland, Altai.

Lesotundra and northern meadows

Being the "middle" of the tundra and taiga combines all the features of these regions.

Geographical location and relief

The forest-tundra zone runs along the border with sections of the tundra. The entire territory is located in lowland plains, partially there are plateaus and hills. A large extent is the reason for the diversity of flora and fauna. The width of this zone from north to south is from 20 to 300 km.

The name "forest-tundra" is associated with a feature of the landscape. On some flat areas there are light forests. In appearance, they resemble clusters of forest undersized trees and numerous shrubs hidden under the covers of tall "neighbors". Trees have a solid root system, the average height is up to 6 m. The minimum distance between them is 11 m.

Soil and climate

The upper soil layer is represented by peat-gley and podzolic soils, the fertility of which is low. You can increase it by draining, using artificial fertilizers (phosphates, calcides, nitrogen minerals). The richest on humus are located on the slopes of the soil, the fertility of which is associated with constant exposure to sunlight.

Such lands give very good yields of grain, potato, and fodder.

But after the end of the harvest season, it is necessary to restore soil fertility again. In winter, the forest-tundra is not much different from the Arctic desert or tundra. Climate improvement is associated with the summer period. Despite the short duration of this time of year, the average temperature is at around +10 - +14 o C.

Flora and fauna

A mild climate, suitable conditions contribute to the abundance of flora and fauna. Woodlands are the cause of the development of lichens and mosses. Entering a symbiosis with more powerful trees, these primitive organisms get all the substances they need, while protecting the stem bark from fungi and harmful bacteria.

Other representatives of the flora are - cultivated plants (cereals, fodder), grown on the most fertile soils, dwarf birch, spruce and larch. The main animals living in the forest-tundra zone are arctic foxes and wolves, brown bears and hares, rabbits; birds - partridges, polar owls.

Recreational potential

Relatively suitable climate for growing cultivated plants allows you to engage in agriculture. But this activity in this area brings a lot of expenses and is almost unprofitable. Reindeer husbandry is another matter. The occupation that indigenous peoples have been engaged in for many centuries has become the main income of the forest-tundra. Some deer pastures cover up to 90% of the entire biome territory.

Especially for tourists there is the Taimyr Nature Reserve, which performs the function of protecting the current landscape and exploring nature.

Taiga

“Taiga ... Taiga ... Without end and edge she stretched in all directions, silent, indifferent. From above, it seemed like a dark sea ... ”(Victor Astafiev)

Geographical location and relief

Natural zones of Russia (the table shows that the percentage of taiga from the country's area is more than 60%) determine the inconstancy of weather in the state. Taiga forests cover most of the regions of Altai, the Far East, and the Urals.

In the south, the border passes through the following cities:

  • Pskov.
  • Read.
  • Nizhny Novgorod.
  • Tomsk.

The relief of the taiga is flat. Due to permafrost impacts, hill formations quite often occur as a result of melting of underground glaciers.

Soil and climate

Taiga is characterized by low soil fertility. The exception is those areas that are irrigated by humans. Due to the large extent, the climate is quite diverse. In the western taiga, a mild climate prevails - warm summers and medium-long winters.

  Average temperatures - from +10 o С to -10 o С.  In the east, the situation is different. The winter months are very harsh due to the sharply continental climate. Temperatures drop to -57 o C.

Flora and fauna

The taiga zone has many different plant sites (swamps, windbreaks, dead woods). Deciduous species - birch, oak, aspen form vast areas of forest in which the flora reaches its diversity. Numerous shrubs, herbs, mushrooms, medicinal plants are the main inhabitants of taiga forests.

The animal world is just as wide. Mammals, rodents, birds - most of them are sedentary. They live inside plant biomes, perfectly adapted to conditions.

Recreational potential

Taiga is of great economic importance. This biome is the main source of forest. More than 80% of the wood is mined in coniferous forests. Fur trade, agriculture, mining is the property of the natural zone.

Zone of mixed and deciduous forests

“The combination of taiga anxiety with the heavenly beauty of larch trees” (Vladimir Sorokin).

Geographical location and relief

Plots of biome are scattered and partially found in the Carpathians, the Caucasus, the Far East. The relief is exactly the same as that of taiga - flat with hills.

Soil and climate

Climatic conditions are characterized by humidity, high temperatures, especially in summer. A sufficient amount of heat contribute to the development of "whimsical" broad-leaved species. Soils are sod-podzolic.

Flora and fauna

Mixed forests differ in that in addition to conifers, broad-leaved species are present. Low waterlogging frees up a place for planting and reduces the number of lichens and mosses.

A variety of animals is associated with the appearance of rare species that are now on the verge of extinction - the Amur tiger, marten.

Recreational potential

The main activities are agriculture and hunting. Podzolic soils suitable for planting cultivated plants with proper irrigation give a good harvest. Timber blanks from softer trees are used to create furniture, musical instruments, and decorative elements.

Forest steppe

It is an “intermediate” zone between forests and the steppe.

Geographical location and relief

It covers the south of the Urals, part of Western Siberia and Altai. Combines flat terrain with elements of ravines that complicate agriculture.

  Divided by:

  1. Steppe biome.
  2. Mountain - with forest formations and light forests.

Soil and climate

The upper soil layer is chernozem. For this reason, the soil is very fertile. Average temperatures are kept at around 21 o C in the summer, and up to -26 o C in the winter. The temperature balance is maintained due to the temperate climate.

Flora and fauna

Mountain areas are dominated by oak, maple and linden, steppe have many small shrubs and berry plants, herbs. Animals represented in forests coincide with taiga fauna. The steppe, in turn, has a unique world of organisms.

Antelopes, saigas, falcons, numerous rodents - hamsters, gophers, voles.

Recreational potential

Fertile soils are suitable for farming. As you know, chernozem gives a very good harvest. In the zone of forest-steppes there are several national parks open for visiting - "Chihoy", "Aginskaya steppe".

Steppe

“... how quiet, how inexpressibly quiet all around! Everything woke up and everything is silent ”(Ivan Turgenev,“ Forest and Steppe ”).

Geographical location and relief

They are located in the south of the country and capture part of the Black Sea, the Caucasus and areas of Transbaikalia. Steppe biomes are completely flat; occasionally small beams and ravines come across that are covered with bushes.

Soil and climate

Black soil with sedimentary rocks provides a very high soil fertility (16% humus and humus content). The saturation of the soil layer decreases with increasing temperature, which usually keeps marks from -19 o C to +19 o C. There are frequent deviations from -35 o C to +35 o C.

A small amount of precipitation - up to 400 mm “compensates” these suitable conditions for the development of living organisms.

Flora and fauna

The animal and plant world is represented mainly by small organisms. An exception is some types of horses.  Basically, the entire habitat consists of small rodents, birds, vegetation - cereals, feather grass and other forage, which pasture animals feed on.

Recreational potential

Some activities are difficult due to natural conditions. For example, the cultivation of many types of cultivated plants is impossible due to the dry climate. The main unpretentious crops - vegetables, melons, cereals. Unlike crop production, livestock farming is much more successful. Huge territories for pastures allow to breed all cattle, all kinds of sheep, horses.

Semi desert

It occupies mainly the territory of the south-eastern regions of the country.

Geographical location and relief

The zone is located on the Caspian lowland, the south of the Volga and in the Terek valley.

The features of the relief are associated with a dry continental climate and the influence of wind, whose work is expressed in blowing sand and its deposition in other places (formation of dunes).

Soil and climate

Desert soils are caused by the influence of a dry climate. The semi-desert zone is characterized by very hot summers with minimal rainfall - up to 250 mm, and cold winters.

The only source of moisture is groundwater, which often dries in the summer months.

Flora and fauna

In such climatic conditions, vegetation is sparse and is presented in the form of stunted thickets and bushes (wormwood, tumbleweed).

In these biomes, there are many reptiles of small animals that have been able to adapt to high temperatures (snakes, lizards, lemmings, voles).

Recreational potential

Semi-desert has low economic value. Agriculture is possible only in meadow areas, which are sometimes found in this zone, if they are subjected to artificial irrigation. To preserve flora and fauna, national parks were created - Aral-Paygambar, Tigrovaya Balka.  They are often open to the public.

Subtropics

Biomes cover only a small part of the country, but this does not become less valuable.

Geographical location and relief

The subtropic zone occupies the south of the Black Sea coast in the Caucasus (Sochi), the southern part of Crimea. The relief is truly diverse. There are flat, low mountain and alpine regions.

Soil and climate

Two types of soils prevail - mountain-forest and humus. A dry climate with a small amount of precipitation is typical for dry subtropics. High humidity with moderate climatic conditions is inherent in humid subtropics.

Natural zones of Russia (the table clearly shows that the average temperatures in the subtropic zone are kept at +5 o С to +29 o С) are diverse. A dry climate with a small amount of precipitation is typical for dry subtropics. High humidity with moderate climatic conditions is inherent in humid subtropics.

Flora and fauna

Rich broad-leaved forests consisting of oak, beech, maple, chestnut are mixed with evergreen trees - boxwood, rhododendron. Animals are diverse. In the mountains there are bears, wild boars, wild lynxes, lizards.

Recreational potential

A humid and warm climate that remains unchanged throughout the year is well suited for growing whimsical and southern plants (watermelons, tangerines, oranges, tea, dates). The Black Sea coast is the main resort area of \u200b\u200bthe country. The most famous children's camps, sports complexes are present in this area.

Desert

Despite the high temperatures, the biome is diverse and deserves attention, although it occupies a small patch of the country.

Geographical location and relief

The border starts from the left bank of the Volga and ends with the northern borders of Kazakhstan, from the right bank to the foothills of the Caucasus. The relief is the same as in the semi-desert.

Soil and climate

The soil layer is dry and infertile.

Groundwater is very deep. High temperatures reign all year round and can reach up to +50 o C.

Flora and fauna

Vegetation is distinguished by a wide distribution of cacti, wormwood plants, saxaul, acacia. In the desert there are many animals that lead exclusively nocturnal life, rodents digging deep holes.

Recreational potential

Wormwood and small shrubs are excellent food for animals, but there are very few areas suitable for pasture. Crop production is associated with the cultivation of crops - cotton, some grape varieties, pomegranate.

All natural regions of Russia have their own characteristics. To compile a detailed analysis of each biome, it is necessary to provide a wealth of data and tables describing specific and relevant data.

Each zone is vast and has wide possibilities of application in the household and human activities. It must be remembered that this intervention should not upset the balance of flora and fauna. Otherwise, a malfunction of the entire system may occur.

Article design: Lozinsky Oleg

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