Typical altitudinal zone. How the altitudinal zonation of Russia is formed

Even in ancient times, many geographers and naturalists noticed a strange pattern: as you ascend into the mountains, the composition of the soil, vegetation, wildlife, and climatic conditions change. This pattern was defined as altitudinal zonation.

General characteristics

Altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality is a natural change in natural conditions in the mountains as their absolute height increases. The first who was able to classify and describe these changes in detail was the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt.

When climbing a mountain, the following changes occur:

• decrease in air temperature by approximately 6C per kilometer;
• reduction of air pressure;
• increase in intensity solar radiation;
• change in precipitation.

There are some similarities between altitudinal zones and latitudinal zones. This applies to the placement of soils, vegetation, climatic features. However, some altitudinal zones do not have exact latitudinal analogues. For example, the polar night is characteristic of the natural tundra zone on the plain, but at the same time this phenomenon is not typical for the mountain tundra belt.

On the formation of regions altitudinal zone have an impact the following factors :

• The height of the mountain system. The higher the mountains and the closer they are to the equator, the more diverse the altitudinal zones will be. This is one of the main reasons for the occurrence altitudinal zonation. The most complete range of altitudinal zonation is presented in the mountains located in the tropics and on the equator. Typical representatives of such mountain systems are the Himalayas and the Andes.

Rice. 1. Himalayas.

• Geographical location. The number of altitudinal zones, as well as their height above sea level, are largely determined by the geographic latitudinal mountain system. The distance of the mountains from the seas and oceans also has a significant influence. Thus, when moving from north to south, there is a natural increase in the number of altitudinal zones. The lower zone will always correspond to the latitudinal zone of the area.
• Climate . In mountain conditions, humidity, temperature, pressure, and solar radiation levels change. In accordance with this, the composition of the flora and fauna changes.
• Relief . Depending on the topography of the mountain range, its evenness, dissection and other factors, the distribution of snow cover, the accumulation or removal of weathering products, and the development of vegetation occur.
• Location of mountain slopes . Position of mountain slopes relative to movement air masses, sunlight, renders significant influence on the distribution of moisture, heat, and development of soil cover.

Rice. 2. Mountain slopes.

Altitudinal areas

Change natural complexes in mountainous areas the same thing happens as in the plains. However, mountains are characterized by a sharper and more contrasting change of zones.

There are two main altitudinal groups:

• Primorskaya . Mountain forest belts in this group are located in the lowlands, while in the highlands they are concentrated alpine meadows. A typical example is the mountain ranges of the Western Caucasus, where at the foot of the mountains there is a mountain-forest strip (coniferous and broadleaf forests), above is the alpine zone, and even higher is the nival zone.

Rice. 3. Mountains of the Western Caucasus.

• Continental . In the foothills of this group there is usually a desert-steppe strip, and in the highlands there is a mountain-meadow belt. The continental group is represented by the mountains of the Tien Shan and the Urals, in which there is a natural change of zones from deserts (foothills) to mountain steppes in the highlands. Above them there is also a nival belt.

The nival altitude zone is the highest point of any mountain, covered with eternal snow and ice. Those areas where there is no snow are subject to severe frost weathering, which leads to the appearance of rubble and large stones. The flora and fauna of the nival belt are extremely scarce.

ALTITUDE ZONE (altitudinal zonality, vertical zonality), the main geographical pattern of changes in natural conditions and landscapes with altitude in the mountains. It is caused mainly by changes in the conditions of heat supply and humidification with increasing absolute altitude. The reasons, intensity and direction of these changes differ significantly from the corresponding changes in geographical latitude. As atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude due to a decrease in air density and a decrease in the content of water vapor and dust in it, the intensity of direct solar radiation increases, but its own radiation earth's surface intensifies faster, as a result of which there is a sharp decrease in air temperature with height (on average 0.5-0.65 ° C for every 100 m of rise). The amount of precipitation due to the barrier effect of mountains increases to a certain height(usually higher in dry areas) and then decreases. The rapid change in climatic conditions with altitude corresponds to a change in soils, vegetation, runoff conditions, the set and intensity of modern exogenous processes, relief forms and, in general, the entire natural complex. This leads to the formation of high-altitude zones, distinguished by the predominant type of landscape (mountain forest, mountain steppe). Within them, according to the dominance of a certain subtype of landscape, altitudinal belts, or altitudinal subzones, are distinguished (for example, belts of mixed, broad-leaved or dark-coniferous forests of the mountain forest zone). High-altitude zones and belts are named according to the type of prevailing vegetation - the most obvious component of landscapes and an indicator of other natural conditions. From latitudinal landscape zones and subzones, high-altitude zones and belts differ in their smaller extent, the manifestation of specific exogenous processes in conditions of highly dissected and steeply sloping terrain that are not characteristic of flat landscapes (landslides, mudflows, avalanches, etc.); gravelly and thin soils, etc. Some high-altitude zones and belts have no plain analogues (for example, a mountain-meadow zone with subnival, alpine and subalpine belts).

M.V. Lomonosov was the first to write about the differences in climate and nature of mountains depending on the proximity of the earth’s surface to the “frozen layer of the atmosphere.” Generalizations of the patterns of altitudinal zonation belong to A. Humboldt, who identified the relationship between climate change and vegetation in the mountains. The doctrine of vertical zonation of soils, as well as climate, flora and fauna as the main soil-forming factors, was created by V.V. Dokuchaev, who pointed out the identity of vertical zonation in the mountains and latitudinal zonation on the plains. Subsequently, in order to emphasize the identified differences in the genesis of altitudinal (vertical) zonality from latitudinal one, in Russian landscape science it was proposed to use the term “altitudinal zonality” (A.G. Isachenko, V.I. Prokaev, etc.), widely used in geobotany and soil science. To avoid confusion in terminology, some Russian physical geographers (N. A. Gvozdetsky, A. M. Ryabchikov, etc.) believe that the pattern of distribution of vegetation with height is better called altitudinal zonation, and in relation to changes in natural complexes the term “altitudinal landscape zoning” should be used. , or “altitudinal zonation”. The term "vertical zoning" is sometimes used in modern geography when characterizing the deep zonality of the nature of the oceans.

The structure of altitudinal zones is characterized by a spectrum (set) of altitudinal zones and belts, their number, sequence of location and loss, vertical width, and altitudinal position of boundaries. The type of altitudinal zonation of landscapes is determined by a natural combination of vertically alternating altitudinal zones and belts, characteristic of territories with a certain zonal-sectoral association (see Zoning). The influence of orographic features of mountain systems (stretch, absolute and relative height of mountains, slope exposure, etc.) is manifested in a variety of spectra, reflecting various subtypes and variants of structures within a specific type of altitudinal zone. The lower altitude zone in a mountain system, as a rule, corresponds to the latitudinal zone in which this system is located. IN southern mountains the structure of altitudinal zones becomes more complex, and the boundaries of the zones shift upward. In the longitudinal sectors of one geographical zone, the structures of altitudinal zonation often differ not in the number of altitudinal zones, but in their internal features: mountains in the oceanic sectors are characterized by a large vertical width of altitudinal zones, the unclear nature of their boundaries, the formation transition zones etc.; in the mountains of continental sectors, zone changes occur more quickly, and the boundaries are usually more clearly defined. In mountains of meridional and submeridional extent, the latitudinal zonality is more clearly manifested in the spectra of altitudinal zonation. In latitudinal and sublatitudinal mountain systems, the influence of longitudinal differentiation on the spectra of altitudinal zonality is more clearly expressed. Such mountain systems also emphasize and enhance zonal contrasts due to exposure effects, often serve as climate divides, and their ridges form the boundaries between latitudinal landscape zones and geographical zones. For example, for the Greater Caucasus they allocate various types structures of altitudinal zonation, characteristic of the northern and southern slopes in its western and eastern parts (Figure 1).

Depending on the features of the relief, full and shortened spectra of altitudinal zones are distinguished. A simplification of the structure of altitudinal zonation occurs both due to the insignificant height of the ridges (loss of upper zones in low and medium-altitude mountains) and with an increase in the absolute height of the foothills and bottoms of valleys (loss of lower zones). The greatest diversity of altitudinal zones and zones is characterized by low and middle mountains. In the upper tiers, the structure of altitudinal zones is quite homogeneous due to the uniformity of the climate of the peaks. For example, in the Urals, when different latitudinal zones intersect in the lower parts of the slopes, landscapes corresponding to these zones are formed, and in upper parts Mountain tundra and char are predominant, occurring both in the north and south (Figure 2). At the same time, the width of the bald zone narrows to the south, and its border rises. At long distance The Urals from north to south (over 2000 km) fluctuations in the boundary of the goltsy zone are insignificant - from 750 m in the north to 1050 m in the south.

The exposure of the slopes is associated with the asymmetry of altitudinal zonation, that is, the difference in spectra on slopes of different insolation (relative to the Sun) and circulation (relative to the direction of movement of moist air masses) exposures. The asymmetry of altitudinal zonation is manifested in an increase in the boundaries of altitudinal zones on the southern slopes and a decrease in the width of individual zones - up to their complete pinching out. For example, on the northern slope of the Western Sayan, the upper border of the taiga is located at an altitude of 1300-1350 m, on the southern slope - 1450-1550 m. Exposure differences are more clearly manifested in mountain systems with continental climate, especially if they are located at the junction of latitudinal landscape zones. Circulation exposure enhances the effect of insolation exposure, which is typical for latitudinal and sublatitudinal ridges. On the other hand, different orientations of slopes in relation to the main transport routes of moisture-bearing air masses lead to the formation of unequal spectra of altitudinal zonation. In the area of ​​western transport of moist air masses, precipitation falls mainly on the western slopes, in the area monsoon climate- in the east. The windward slopes of the ridges are characterized by humid landscapes, while the leeward slopes are characterized by arid ones. In dry climates, exposure contrasts appear brighter, especially in mid-mountains - at altitudes where there is rainfall. maximum quantity precipitation.

Inversion of altitudinal zones, that is, the reverse sequence of their change with height, is observed on the slopes framing intermountain basins and large valleys. In areas of heat deficiency and increased moisture, mountain slopes are usually occupied by more southern types of landscapes compared to the bottoms of basins (for example, in the Polar Urals, tundras at the bottoms of basins are replaced by forest-tundras on the slopes). In areas of sufficient heat and lack of moisture, more southern types of landscapes are typical for valleys and basins (for example, in the mountains of Transbaikalia, steppe basins are found among forested lowlands).

The structure of the altitudinal zonation of landscapes is one of the criteria for the physical-geographical zoning of mountainous countries.

Lit.: Dokuchaev V.V. To the doctrine of natural zones. Horizontal and vertical soil zones. St. Petersburg, 1899; Shchukin I. S., Shchukina O. E. Life of the mountains. M., 1959; Ryabchikov A.M. Structure of altitudinal zonation of land landscapes // Bulletin of Moscow State University. Ser. Geography. 1968. No. 6; Stanyukovich K.V. Vegetation of the mountains of the USSR. Shower, 1973; Grebenshchikov O.S. On the zonality of vegetation cover in the mountains of the Mediterranean in the latitudinal band of 35-40 degrees latitude // Problems of botany. L., 1974. T. 12; Gorchakovsky P. L. Plant world of the high-mountain Urals. M., 1975; Gvozdetskikh N. A., Golubchikov Yu. N. Mountains. M., 1987; Isachenko A. G. Landscape science and physical-geographical zoning. M., 1991; Avssalamova I. A., Petrushina M. N., Khoroshev A. V. Mountain landscapes: structure and dynamics. M., 2002.

Since ancient times, many naturalists and geographers have never ceased to be interested in the process of changing soil and vegetation as one ascends the mountains. The first person to draw attention to this was the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt. Since that time, this has been given a simple definition - altitudinal zonation. What is characteristic is that in the mountains, unlike the plains, animals and flora much more diverse in terms of various types. Moreover, several belts are observed in this area. But what is altitudinal zonation, and what types of it exist? Let's figure it out in order.

Definition of the term

In another way, it is also called altitudinal zonation. This definition refers to the process of changing natural conditions and landscape in a natural way as the altitude increases above sea level. All this is due to climate change relative to the height of the mountain:

• The air temperature decreases on average by 6 °C for every kilometer of ascent.
• The pressure level decreases.
• The amount of precipitation and cloudiness decreases.
• Solar radiation, on the contrary, becomes stronger.

This is how altitudinal zones are formed, which are a kind of units of landscape division in mountainous areas. There are some similarities between them and the latitudinal belts. However, not all altitudinal bands have latitudinal analogues. For example, the mountain tundra belt and the latitudinal belt have a significant difference. It lies in the absence of polar nights in the mountains, and therefore completely different hydroclimatic and soil-biological processes take place here.

Separation of mountain zones

The change in altitudinal zones in mountainous areas occurs in almost the same way as on the plain, if you look from south to north. However, the mountains are characterized by a sharp and contrasting change of zones. Moreover, this can be felt at a relatively short distance. Note that all the belts are present only in those mountains that are located in the tropics or on the equator. Examples of this are the Andes and the Himalayas. However, as we approach the poles, some warm zones disappear. Here, as an example, we can cite the Scandinavian mountains, where there are only three belts.

That is, the further south the mountains are, the more they have belts. And this is best noticeable in the mountain system in the Urals, where the heights are lower than in the northern and polar regions. Nevertheless, there are noticeably more altitude zones here, while in the northern part there is only one - the mountain-tundra strip. The rate of change in the altitudinal zone of mountains depends on the nature of the relief and the distance of the mountainous area from the ocean. In other words, for those mountains that are located closest to sea ​​coast, characterized by a mountain-forest landscape. The mountains in the center of the continent are characterized by a small amount of forests.

Some areas are characterized by a more contrasting change in altitudinal zones. A striking example of this is Black Sea coast Caucasus. If you travel by car, you can get from the subtropics to subalpine meadows in less than an hour. However, it does not do without some peculiarities. Usually at the foot of the mountain, conditions are similar to the climate of the nearby plains. Higher up is an area with colder and harsher conditions. Above all is the tier of eternal snow and ice. And the higher, the lower the temperature. IN Siberian mountains everything could be different. That is, in some areas the climatic conditions at the foot are more severe than on the tiers above. This is due to the fact that cold air stagnates in the intermountain basins.

Varieties of zonality

Knowing its types will help you better understand what altitudinal zonation is. Two main groups of altitudinal zones can be clearly distinguished:

• Primorskaya.
• Continental.

In the coastal group, there are mountain-forest belts in the lowlands, and alpine belts are concentrated in the highlands. The continental group usually has a desert-steppe zone in the foothills, while in the highlands there is a mountain-meadow belt.

As for examples, here they are:

• Primorsky type - mountain system of the Western Caucasus. Here the mountain-forest strip is located at the very foot of the mountain, where broad-leaved and coniferous forests. Above is the alpine zone with the inclusion of subalpine crooked forests and tall grass meadows. The nival stripe goes even higher.
• Continental type- the mountains of the Urals and Tan Shan, whose belts change from deserts (the foothills) to mountain steppes on the slopes. In some places there are mountain forests, meadows and high mountain deserts. And above them is the nival belt.

The formation of types of altitudinal zonality, or altitudinal zonality, is directly influenced by several factors. They will be discussed further.

Location

The number of altitudinal zones directly depends on geographical location of a particular mountain system in relation to the seas and oceans. And as you move from north to south, the number of lanes increases.

For example, in the north of the Urals, forests rise to a height of no more than 700-800 meters. Whereas on the southern side the forest belt extends further - up to 1000-1100 meters. In the Caucasus mountains it is even higher - forests can be found at an altitude of 1800-2000 meters. Moreover, the lowest zone is a continuation of the area that is located at the foot of the mountain.

Relief features

It depends on the topography of the mountains:

• snow distribution;
• humidity level; preservation or removal of weathering products;
• development of soil and vegetation cover.

All this leads to diversity natural landscape. At the same time, more homogeneous natural complexes can be formed.

Absolute altitude

What is altitudinal zonation and how does it depend on altitude? The answer is quite simple: the closer the mountains are to the equator, the higher they are. For this reason, there are much more altitude zones here. Each mountain system, depending on its location, has its own set of belts.

Character of mountain slopes

Slope exposure has a significant impact on the distribution of heat, moisture and wind. And therefore, the degree of weathering processes depends on this parameter, which in turn affects the distribution of soil and vegetation cover. As a rule, any mountain on the northern slopes has lower altitude zones than on the southern side.

Climatic conditions

Perhaps this is the one main factor, which has a direct impact on the formation of altitudinal zones in the mountains. With increasing altitude, many parameters change, as was already mentioned at the beginning of the article. Climate determines the distribution and intensity of not only flora, but also fauna. What is altitudinal zonation? This is a whole variety of complexes created by the efforts of nature itself.

Types of mountain bands

The number of mountain stripes (it would be more correct to call them belts) depends not only on the altitude of the area, but also on the geographical location.

There are several types of altitude zones:

1. Desert-steppe. A dry climate prevails here, and therefore desert and steppe vegetation is mainly concentrated. As a rule, it is located at the foot or low mountains. With an increase in altitude, the mountain-desert landscape gives way to a mountain-semi-desert landscape, followed by a transition to a mountain-steppe landscape.

2. Mountain-forest. In this zone the most high level humidity among all others. As for plants, deciduous, coniferous, mixed forests, grasses and shrubs, which is typical for mid-latitudes. The fauna here is home to a variety of herbivores, predators, insects and birds.

3. Mountain meadow. This altitudinal zone unites several belts:

• Subalpine - this belt is characterized by alternating subalpine meadows with woodlands. There are also both open landscapes and crooked forests.
• Alpine - this area is covered with grasses and creeping shrubs. In some places there are rock slides. At the same time, above the forest and crooked forests there is a highland area. For a number of mountain systems, the alpine border is located at different heights: Alps and Andes - 2.2 km, Eastern Caucasus Mountains - 2.8 km, Tien Shan - 3 km, Himalayas - above 3.6 km.

4. Mountain-tundra. Here the winter is quite harsh, and the summer is short and cold. Average monthly temperature usually does not rise above +8 °C. At the same time, there are strong winds that blow snow covers into winter time and dry out the soil in summer. Vegetation here includes mosses, lichens and arctic-alpine shrubs.

5. Nivalny. This is already the uppermost zone of eternal glaciers and snow. Even the term itself, which comes from Latin word nivalis, means "snowy", "cold". The area that is free from snow cover experiences strong impact frosty weathering. As for plants of altitudinal zones, here in such harsh conditions lichens, as well as isolated flowering herbs, find their home. In rare cases, birds, insects, some types of rodents and predators wander into this area.

Thanks to such a number of altitudinal zones, the great diversity of nature itself is obtained. As you know, many people like to travel around the world, recording their location using digital cameras or video cameras. But it’s especially nice to be in the mountains. In one day you can visit different areas: from green forests to snow-white peaks. At the same time, a lot of impressions will accumulate!

Altitudinal zonation of Russia

On the territory of our country, altitudinal zones began to form in the early Pleistocene era during the interglacial period. At that time, the area was subject to repeated climatic transformations. And as a result - a shift in the boundaries of high-altitude zones, and this happened more than once. Scientists have found that the entire mountain system Russian Federation Previously it was 6° higher than it is now.

Subsequently, entire complexes appeared: the mountains of the Urals, the Caucasus, Altai, the Baikal ranges, the Sayans. But as for the Ural Mountains, they are certainly the oldest in the world. It is assumed that they began to form a very long time ago - in the Archean era. And it began about 4 billion years ago.

At that time, the Earth was very hot, there were many volcanoes on it, and it was subject to periodic bombardment of meteorites from space. Thus, in some places there are many years of natural altitudinal zones.

1) How do air temperatures and atmospheric pressure with the altitude of the area above sea level?

Air temperature and pressure decrease with altitude.

2) How does the sequence of zones change when going up into the mountains: the same as when moving along the plain - from north to south - or from south to north?

The sequence of zones when ascending the mountains changes in the same way as when moving along the plain from south to north.

Questions in a paragraph

*Determine in which mountains of Russia the altitudinal zones are most fully represented, explain this.

The belts are most fully represented in the Caucasus Mountains, this is explained by their southern position.

* What is altitudinal zonation?

Altitudinal zonality, altitudinal zonality - a natural change in natural conditions, natural areas and landscapes in the mountains as the absolute height (altitude above sea level) increases. Do you think altitudinal zonation is a deviation from the norm or a confirmation of the law of latitudinal zonation?

Questions at the end of the paragraph

1. Why does the change in natural conditions in the mountains occur vertically and manifest itself more sharply than on the plains?

The change in natural zones in the mountains occurs more sharply than on the plains, since they change faster natural conditions.

2. What altitude zones predominate in the Russian mountains? What areas of the world can they be compared to?

The mountains of Russia are dominated by taiga, tundra zones and arctic desert zones. They can be compared to the northern regions of Eurasia and North America.

3. What determines the set of altitude zones?

The set of altitudinal zones depends on the geographical location of the mountains.

4. If in the north of the Russian Plain there were mountains higher than the Caucasus, would they be richer in the number of altitudinal zones?

The high mountains in the north of the Russian Plain would not be richer in the set of belts of the Caucasus.

5. How do mountains affect human life and health?

Mountains change with height individual components nature and the entire natural complex. As you rise upward, the air temperature decreases, the amount of precipitation increases (especially on the windward slopes of the mountains), and the air humidity changes. All this affects the characteristics of the soil cover and organic world. Compared to the plains, the mountains have their own “nature calendars” - the timing of the development of plants, both cultivated and wild. Life in the mountains is subject to the course of natural processes. The way of life of the people, their clothing, and traditional activities are different here.

The “press” of nature in the highlands, that is, on the highest mountain “floors,” is felt by everyone: permanent residents, observers at weather stations, mine workers, and climbers. It's colder here, lower atmospheric pressure, less oxygen, more ultraviolet rays. Even cars feel the specific climate of the sky: the boiling point of water, the proportions of the combustible mixture in engines, and the properties of lubricating oils change with altitude.

FINAL ASSIGNMENTS ON THE TOPIC

1. Prove that a natural area is a natural complex.

Both natural zones and natural complexes have a unity of natural components. When natural conditions change, both natural complexes and natural zones change.

2. Which Russian scientist was the founder of the doctrine of natural zones?

Vasily Vasilievich Dokuchaev

3. Name all the natural zones of Russia. Prove that they are placed regularly.

On the territory of Russia there is a change from north to south of the following natural zones: arctic deserts, tundras, forest-tundras, taiga, mixed and deciduous forests, forest-steppes, steppes, semi-deserts. Almost all zones of our country stretch for thousands of kilometers from west to east, and yet they retain significant common features, determined by the prevailing climatic conditions, degree of moisture, soil types, and the nature of the vegetation cover. Similarities can also be seen in surface waters and modern relief-forming processes.

4. Name the treeless zones of our country. Where are they located? What are their similarities and what are their differences?

Treeless zones are arctic deserts, tundra, steppes, deserts and semi-deserts. Arctic deserts and tundra are located in the Arctic and subarctic zones, in northern regions. Steppe zone, deserts and semi-deserts are located in the southern regions. Their similarity is the absence of woody vegetation. The differences are that the reason for treelessness in the northern regions is the harsh climate, in the southern regions it is due to insufficient moisture.

5. Which natural zone of our country occupies the largest territory? Find within its boundaries areas that have different natural conditions and think about what explains this.

The taiga zone is the largest natural zone in Russia. In different areas of the vast taiga zone, many natural conditions are different - the overall severity of the climate, the degree of moisture, mountainous or flat terrain, the number of sunny days, soil diversity. Therefore, those forming the taiga are also different coniferous trees, which, in turn, changes and appearance taiga in certain areas. Dark coniferous spruce-fir forests predominate in the European part of the zone and in Western Siberia, where they are joined by cedar forests. Most of the Middle and Eastern Siberia covered with larch forests. Everywhere on sandy and gravelly soils they grow pine forests. The forests of the Far Eastern Primorye have a very special character, where on the Sikhote-Alin ridge the usual conifers - spruce and fir - are joined by such southern species, like Amur velvet, cork oak, etc.

The zone of mixed and broad-leaved forests has the greatest productivity. It has fertile soils, sufficient moisture, and rich flora and fauna.

8. Determine which natural area we're talking about, if they grow in it:

A) dwarf birch, dwarf cedar, moss;

B) larch, cedar, birch, aspen, alder. Name the soils and typical animals characteristic of both zones.

A) tundra. Animals - reindeer, arctic fox, goose, goose.

B) mixed forests. Animals – elk, roe deer, hares, foxes, badgers, lynxes, black grouse, partridges.

9. Name the optimal natural conditions necessary for successful lesson agriculture. In which natural area do you know such conditions exist?

Favorable thermal conditions, sufficient moisture, fertile soils. The thermal regime of the zone of mixed and deciduous forests and the degree of its moisture content are favorable for agriculture. Soddy-podzolic and gray forest soils are distinguished by high fertility.

11. Practical work No. 10. Explanation of the principles of identifying large natural regions on the territory of Russia. Compare the map diagram (Fig. 81) with the physical and climate maps Russia in the atlas.

What natural boundaries do the boundaries of natural areas coincide with?

The boundaries of natural areas coincide with the boundaries large forms relief.

Do they influence climate indicators to draw boundaries?

Climatic indicators also influence the drawing of boundaries.

Draw a conclusion about which components of nature are the main ones when zoning a territory.

The main components of nature when zoning a territory are relief and climate.

The altitudinal zonation of the territory of the Russian Federation is diverse and is closely related to latitudinal zones. With altitude, soil and vegetation cover, climate, geomorphological and hydrological processes are transformed.

Changes in the components of nature provoke a change in natural complexes, in the process of which high-altitude belts are formed. The change in territorial natural complexes depending on altitude is called altitudinal zonation or vertical zonation.

Factors influencing the formation of altitudinal zones

On the formation process different types Altitudinal zone is influenced by the following factors:

1. Geographical location mountain system. The altitude position and number of mountain belts in a particular mountain system depends on the latitude of the territory in which they are located, as well as its position in relation to the nearest oceans and seas. The altitude of the mountain belts of Russia increases in the direction from north to south.

A striking example of this theory is the height of the Ural mountain system, which is located in the northern part of the state. Maximum height The Ural Mountains becomes 1100 m, while for Caucasus Mountains this figure serves as an average height indicator. Every mountain system has different quantities high altitude zones.

2. Relief. The distribution of snow cover, the preservation of weathering products, and the level of moisture determine the relief of mountain systems. It is the relief structure of the mountains that influences the formation of natural complexes, in particular vegetation cover.

3. Climate. Climatic conditions are the most important factor, due to which the formation of altitudinal zones occurs. As altitude increases relative to sea level, significant changes occur in the level of solar radiation, temperature conditions, wind strength and direction, general type weather. The climate affects the flora and fauna of mountain systems, ultimately creating a certain authentic natural complex.

4. Slope exposure. The exposure of mountain slopes plays a significant role in the distribution of moisture, heat, and weathering processes. In the northern parts of mountain systems, the slopes are located much lower than in the southern parts.

History of the formation of the altitudinal zonation of Russia

The formation of altitudinal zones on the modern territory of the Russian Federation originates in the early Pleistocene, during the interglacial period (Valdai and Moscow glaciations). Due to repeated climatic transformations, the boundaries of altitudinal zones shifted several times. Scientists have proven that all modern mountain systems in Russia were originally located approximately 6° above their current position.

The altitudinal zonation of Russia led to the formation of mountain complexes - the Urals and the mountains of the south and east of the state (Caucasus, Altai, Baikal mountain ranges, Sayans). Ural Mountains have the status of the most ancient mountain system in the world; their formation supposedly began in the Archean period. Mountain systems the south is much younger, but due to the fact that they are closer to the equator, they significantly predominate in terms of altitude.