Precipitation in South America. In what climate zones is South America located? South America position of the territory in the climate zone
South America is considered the wettest continent on the planet, as it receives a large amount of rain every year. The northern part of the mainland lies in the equatorial zone. It is characterized here, especially in summer, by heavy rains, which fall more than 3000 mm per year. The temperature during the year practically does not change, ranging from +20 to +25 degrees Celsius. There is a huge forest area in this area.
subequatorial belt
The subequatorial belt is located above and below the equatorial zone, located in the southern and northern hemispheres of the Earth. The further inland, the more the climate becomes continental. On the border with the equatorial belt, rainfall is up to 2000 mm per year, and variable-humid forests grow here. In the continental zone, less and less precipitation falls: 500-1000 mm per year. The savanna begins in this area. The rainy season falls in June-August in the north of the mainland, and in the south - in December-February. The cold season comes at different times of the year, depending on the distance from the equator.
tropical belt
South of the subequatorial lies the tropical belt in South America. The climatic conditions here are significantly different from the tropics of Australia and Africa. There is a significant influence of warm currents here, which contributes to uniform moistening of the territory and prevents the appearance of large deserts, only in the west there is the Atacama Desert with a unique climate, which is isolated from humid air. The continental region of the tropical climate occupies central part continent. About 1000 mm of precipitation falls here annually, and there are savannahs. In the east, there are variable-moist forests with high rainfall. Summer temperature is above +25 degrees, and winter from +8 to +20.
subtropical belt
Another climate zone South America- This is a subtropical zone, located below the tropics. Here the air is drier and steppes begin, and semi-deserts and deserts form in the depths of the mainland. The average level of precipitation per year is 250-500 mm. In the west, more rain falls and evergreen forests form. In January, the temperature reaches +24 degrees, and in July, the figures can be below 0.
The southernmost part of the continent is covered by a temperate climate zone. It was here that a large number of deserts were formed from the influence of cold air masses. Precipitation falls no more than 250 mm per year. The temperature in this area is always low. In January, the highest figure reaches +20, and in July the temperature drops below 0.
South America is the fourth largest continent, divided by the equator into two sectors. Most of it is located in the equatorial belt, subtropics and tropics. This geographical location determined the specific climate of South America, which is characterized by high humidity and stable warm weather.
Description of the climate
South America is the wettest continent on the planet. Inland waters continents are annually replenished with a large amount of precipitation, which is especially abundant in the Amazon delta. This is explained by most of The continent is located in the equatorial zone.
The following factors influence climate formation:
- relief features;
- circulation of atmospheric masses;
- ocean currents.
The mainland is located six geographical zones, short description which are presented in the table and climatograms.
Table “Characteristics of the climatic zones of South America”
climate zone |
air masses |
Average temperature in January, C |
Average temperature in July, C |
Annual rainfall, mm |
Equatorial |
equatorial |
Up to 5000 throughout the year |
||
subequatorial |
Equatorial in summer, tropical in winter |
Around 2000 in summer |
||
Tropical |
Tropical |
From less than 100 in the west to 2000 in the east |
||
Subtropical |
Tropical in summer, temperate in winter |
From 100 in the west to 1000 in the east |
||
Moderate |
Moderate |
From 250 in the east to 5000 in the west |
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Rice. 1. Climatograms of South America
equatorial belt
In the conditions of the equatorial belt, a consistently warm and very humid climate is formed. The amount of precipitation falls up to 5000 mm throughout the year.
High humidity, reaching almost 100%, is caused by such factors:
- warm ocean currents;
- the relief of the mainland - the plains located in the east, allow moist air masses to freely move deep into the continent, where they linger at the foothills of the Andes and fall out in the form of heavy showers.
Throughout the year, very warm weather prevails in this region, and the air temperature never drops below 20-25C.
On the territory of the equatorial belt of South America there is a unique natural complex - constantly wet forests or selva. Incredibly abundant vegetation, occupying an impressive area, is the "lungs of the planet", because it produces a large amount of oxygen.
Rice. 2. Selva forests
subequatorial belt
Subequatorial belts adjoin the equatorial belt of South America on both sides. There is already less precipitation here (up to 1500-2000 mm per year). At the same time, they fall out in seasons, and as they move deeper into the mainland, they become even smaller - about 500-1000 mm.
The rainy season is in the summer, but it should be remembered that if June-August is considered the summer period in the north of the mainland, then in the south it is already December-February.
Throughout the year, the weather changes very little, and even in winter the air temperature is kept within 15-25 degrees Celsius.
tropical belt
The tropics of South America differ in many ways from the tropics of other continents. Despite the fact that a transitional seasonally humid climate is forming in this region and the duration of the dry winter period is significantly increasing, it is still characterized by sufficient humidity.
This is due to the predominance of flat terrain in the east and the influence of warm currents. As a result, there are practically no desert areas in the South American tropics, with the exception of a small area in the western part.
Rice. 3. Atacama Desert
subtropical belt
The subtropics of South America occupy a small area of the mainland. Being under the influence of cold currents, the climate in this region is characterized by aridity - no more than 400-500 mm falls here per year. atmospheric precipitation.
On the territory of the subtropics of South America there are 3 types of natural zones:
- steppes (pampas or pampas);
- deserts and semi-deserts;
- evergreen hardwood forests.
Temperate zone
The marginal part of the continent is located in the temperate zone. Almost all of its territory is occupied by deserts, which is not typical for it at all. However, this imbalance is strong impact cold currents that block the entire territory from moist air masses.
The air temperature in the region is not too high due to the influence of the Arctic: in summer it does not exceed 20C, and in winter it drops to 0C and below. The amount of precipitation is quite small - less than 250 mm. in year.
What have we learned?
When studying one of the interesting topics in the 7th grade geography program, we learned in which climatic zones South America is located, and also briefly reviewed the main features of each of them.
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South America is crossed by the equatorial, two subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate climatic zones (Fig. 113).
AT equatorial belt the western part of the Amazonian lowland and the northwestern coast are located Pacific Ocean. The climate here is constantly hot and humid.
AT subequatorial belt the Orinoco Lowland and the Guiana Plateau, the eastern and southern parts of the Amazonian Lowland, the northern and central parts of the Brazilian Plateau are located. This zone has hot, humid summers and dry, sometimes very hot winters. Especially a lot of precipitation is observed on the eastern slopes of the plateaus.
tropical belt covers the southeastern part of the Brazilian plateau, the northern part of the La Plata lowland. Here, depending on the seasons, the contrasts in temperatures increase, as well as in the amount of precipitation in coastal and inland areas. In the east of the Brazilian Plateau, the climate tropical wet, and in the hinterland and on the western coast of the mainland - tropical continental (desert). Such, in particular, as in the Atacama Desert, where there is no rain for several years in a row.
AT subtropical zone there are also differences in climate. In the east it is warm and evenly wet throughout the year, and in the interior - dry continental. formed on the Pacific coast Mediterranean climate type.
Unlike Africa and Australia, the southern part of South America is located in temperate zone. The climate here is formed under the influence of the western transfer of air masses and is characterized by clearly defined seasons. Climate in the west temperate maritime. Cyclones moving to the mainland from the west bring a lot of precipitation here. Their number annually is about 3000 mm. The temperature during the year is never negative.
In the east of the temperate zone is formed dry continental type of climate, which is characterized by sharp fluctuations in temperature. In winter, there are even frosts down to -3 ° C. Precipitation is much less: 250-300 mm.
In the Andes, climatic conditions change not only from north to south, but also with height. Here is formed alpine climate type. material from the site
Wind from the pampas. This is the name of pampero - a piercing cold south-west wind, formed during the invasion of cold Antarctic air from the south. This wind moves from the Andes through the pampas of Argentina and on to the Atlantic coast. Pampero is accompanied by rain and thunderstorms, the cooling rate reaches 30°C per day, the atmospheric pressure increases rapidly, and the clouds dissipate. A strong pampero breaks even the anchors of ships.
- Climate of South America quite diverse and varies from equatorial to moderate.
- In the Andes, the climate changes with altitude.
On this page, material on the topics:
Climatic regions in the tropical zone of America
Table type of climate, climatic zones of North America table
Winds of the subtropical belt of North America (Mediterranean
South America position of the territory in the climate zone
south america climate zones table temperate continental
Questions about this item:
Since the equator passes through the northern part of South America, the mainland is mainly located in the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical climatic zones. Only the southern part of the mainland is in the subtropical and temperate zones. (Fig. 109).
AT equatorial climate zone during the year, equatorial air masses dominate and an area of low atmospheric pressure is formed. Throughout the year, the air temperature almost does not change and is about +24 °C. It rains daily from noon to four o'clock in the afternoon. Here they are even used to making appointments without naming the time, but simply saying: “after the rain”. During the year, 1500-3000 mm of precipitation falls.
subequatorial belt It is influenced by two air masses: humid and warm equatorial air masses in summer, dry and hot tropical air masses in winter. Therefore, here, as in similar climatic zones in Africa and Australia, there is a wet period in summer and a dry period in winter. Wet summer here is called inverio, dry and hot winter verano.
Tropical climate zone in South America it occupies much smaller territories than in Africa and Australia. Within its boundaries, two climatic regions are distinguished. Takes up large spaces maritime area, located on the territory of the Brazilian flat-rya. Under the influence of the Southeast trade winds, more than 1003 mm of precipitation falls here throughout the year. Annual amplitudes of air temperature fluctuations are small. Dry and sultry continental area stretches in a narrow strip along the western coast, as if repeating the outlines of the cold Peruvian Current. Here, in the Atacama Desert, there are significant daily temperature differences (20-25 ° C). To the almost complete absence of precipitation (37 mm per year) rarefied air, ultraviolet radiation and hurricane winds are added.
AT subtropical zone there are also certain differences. A typical subtropical Mediterranean climate is formed only on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Here, under the influence of tropical air masses, summers are dry and hot. Winter is cooler (+10...12 °С ) and humid, which is caused by the inflow of air masses from temperate latitudes. In the east of the mainland, which is influenced by the trade winds, the climate nautical, warm and humid throughout the year, in the interior - dry continental.material from the site
AT temperate zone There are two types of climate: nautical in the west and continental in the east. On the western slopes of the Andes in the temperate zone, where moist sea air comes with westerly winds, there is a lot of precipitation (from 2000 to 7000 mm per year). It's a warm winter here (+8 ° C) and cool summer (+16 ° FROM). Beyond the mountains, on the Patagonia plateau, there is little rainfall. They are brought only by the wind that crosses the Andes. The annual rainfall is up to 300 mm per year. Summer is warm (+18 °С), winter is cold (0 °С). There are frosts, and sometimes snow falls.
In the Andes, climatic conditions depend on altitudinal zones. The higher the mountains, the colder. Humidity first increases with height and then decreases. At the foot of the mountains, the climatic conditions correspond to the climatic conditions of the zone in which they are located. The tops of the mountains are often covered with snow and ice.
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Wetter.
The main factors that influence climate formation are: geographical position, territory configuration, relief, ocean currents, atmospheric circulation. (Study the ocean currents off the coast of the mainland on the map and draw a conclusion about their impact on climate.)
Geographical position between 12° N. sh. and 56°S sh. defines high level solar radiation almost throughout the mainland, with the exception of the extreme south. The mainland is warming up. The air pressure over it is always lower than over the surrounding oceans, from which the trade winds and westerly winds bring much moisture. The warm Guiana and Brazilian currents off the coast reinforce the flow to the mainland. South America is the wettest continent. The Andes serve as an important climatic barrier that isolates western territories from influence, and the eastern ones from the Pacific. The western coast of the mainland (10°-30° S) receives incomparably less rainfall. The extreme south of the mainland is affected by the westerly winds of temperate latitudes.
Climatic zones of South America
South America is located within six:, two subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate.
The equatorial belt covers the entire Amazonian lowland and the adjacent slopes of the Andes. Uniform heat air (+26 ... +28 ° С) and heavy rainfall throughout the year (1500-2500 mm). On the slopes of the Andes and on the Pacific coast, the amount of precipitation increases to 5000 mm per year.
Subequatorial belts
The belt of the Northern Hemisphere occupies the entire northern part of the mainland, including the coast, the Guiana Plateau. The belt of the Southern Hemisphere occupies the southern part of the lowland, the north of the Brazilian Plateau, part. Distinctive feature belts - clearly expressed seasonality in the distribution of precipitation. In summer, moist equatorial air brings showers. In the Southern Hemisphere, the rainy season associated with the action of the equatorial monsoon lasts approximately from December to May. In winter, dry tropical air prevails, and precipitation may be completely absent for several months. The total amount of precipitation reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. Air temperatures are high throughout the year +20 ... +30 °С.
The tropical zone consists of three climatic regions: humid, continental and desert. (Find their position and amount of precipitation on the map.)
In wet type climate (east of the Brazilian Plateau) is greatly influenced by the trade winds blowing on the mainland from Atlantic Ocean and bringing heavy rainfall. Rain falls on the coast and on the slopes of the Brazilian Plateau. The climate allows the cultivation of maize, melons, pumpkins, tobacco and other agricultural crops.
As we move westward, the climate becomes more continental. In the tropical continental climate on the Gran Chaco, temperatures in winter are +12 ... +15 °С, in summer +28 ... +30 °С. It was here that the absolute maximum temperature on the mainland was recorded - +47 ° С. The amount of precipitation decreases from east to west from 1000 to 500 mm.
The climate of coastal deserts (garua) is typical for the western coast between 5 ° and 28 ° S. sh. Less than 50 mm of precipitation falls here. More moisture comes from dew (up to 200 mm). The temperature in summer is +20 °С, in winter +15 °С. This climate is most pronounced in the Atacama Desert.
In the Atacama, water can only be found in the roots and trunks of trees, the stems of cacti. Often dew is the only source of moisture. Peruvian cools the lower ones and prevents precipitation.
The subtropical belt is formed south of 30°S. sh. The southeast of the mainland (the southern outskirts of the Brazilian Plateau, the interfluve and, the eastern part of the Pampas) lies in a subtropical humid climate. In summer, northeast trade winds bring moisture. In winter, precipitation falls due to the polar front. Summers are hot here (+24 °С), and winters are mild (0 °С). For areas inside the mainland (Western Pampa), a subtropical continental climate is typical (no more than 500 mm per year). There are sharp fluctuations in temperature.
On the Pacific coast from 28 to 36 ° S. sh. subtropical dominates with dry, but not very hot summers (up to +20 °C) and humid warm (about +10 °C) winters. The climate is favorable for life and economic activity of people.
In the temperate zone is the narrowest part of the south of the mainland. On the west coast, westerly winds are constantly blowing, conventionally called the "roaring forties" latitudes for their great strength. On the western slopes of the Andes, they bring a large amount of precipitation - more than 2500 mm per year. It is no coincidence that the southern part of Chile is called the "wet corner" of South America. A temperate climate is formed with humid cool summers (+15 °С) and relatively warm winters (+5 °С).
On the eastern coast, the climate is temperate continental with dry, warm summers (+20°C) and cool winters with little snow (0°C). Precipitation falls only 300-400 mm per year.
In the Andes, altitudinal is clearly expressed. When climbing into the mountains, a change occurs with height: from the characteristic belt at the foot of the mountains to the polar one. The change of climatic zones occurs not only when climbing the mountains, but also with geographical latitude when moving south (from the equatorial belt to the temperate one).
The main part of South America receives great amount solar heat. The mainland receives a lot of precipitation, but not regularly. Thanks to this climate, all heat-loving crops ripen almost everywhere on the continent. In the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical, perennial plants are grown, mainly trees and shrubs. Collect, as a rule, several harvests per year of cocoa, coffee, tea. One common crop is sugarcane. In South America, field work is carried out throughout the year almost everywhere. The exceptions are areas where the dry season is pronounced. In the Andes, conditions for the cultivation of cultivated plants are not everywhere favorable.
Most of South America has a warm and humid climate. There are no vast arid territories here, as in Australia. The Andes Mountains serve as a climatic barrier dividing the mainland into western and eastern parts, which differ in climatic conditions. In general, the climate of South America, which is characterized by an abundance of heat and moisture, creates favorable conditions for farming.