What is a natural area? Types and features. Natural zones on the territory of Russia (what, how many), description

What determines the formation of natural areas? What natural areas stand out on our planet? You can answer these and some other questions by reading this article.

Natural zoning: formation of natural zones in the territory

The so-called planet of ours is the largest natural complex. It is very heterogeneous, both in the vertical section (which is expressed in vertical zonation) and in the horizontal (latitudinal) section, which is expressed in the presence of various natural zones on Earth. The formation of natural areas depends on several factors. And in this article we will talk specifically about the latitudinal heterogeneity of the geographical envelope.

This is a component of the geographical envelope, which is distinguished by a certain set of natural components with its own characteristics. These components include the following:

• climatic conditions;
• the nature of the relief;
• hydrological grid of the territory;
• soil structure;
• organic world.

It should be noted that the formation of natural areas depends on the first component. However, natural zones usually get their names from the nature of their vegetation. After all, flora is the most striking component of any landscape. In other words, vegetation acts as a kind of indicator that displays the deep (those that are hidden from our eyes) processes of the formation of a natural complex.

It should be noted that natural area- this is the highest level in the hierarchy of the physical-geographical zoning of the planet.

Factors of natural zonation

Let us list all the factors in the formation of natural zones on Earth. So, the formation of natural zones depends on the following factors:

1. Climatic features of the territory (this group of factors includes the temperature regime, the nature of moisture, as well as the properties of the air masses dominating the territory).
2. The general nature of the relief (this criterion, as a rule, affects only the configuration and boundaries of a particular natural zone).

The formation of natural areas can also be influenced by proximity to the ocean, or the presence of powerful ocean currents off the coast. However, all these factors are secondary. The main root cause natural zoning is that different parts (belts) of our planet receive unequal amounts of solar heat and moisture.

Natural areas of the world

What natural zones do geographers identify today on the body of our planet? Let's list them from the poles to the equator:

• Arctic (and Antarctic) deserts.
• Tundra and forest-tundra.
• Taiga.
• Broad-leaved forest zone.
• Forest-steppe.
• Steppe (or prairie).
• Semi-desert and desert zone.
• Savannah zone.
• Tropical rainforest zone.
• Wet zone (hylaea).
• Rain (monsoon) forest zone.

If we look at the map of the natural zonality of the planet, we will see that all natural zones are located on it in the form of belts in a sublatitudinal direction. That is, these zones, as a rule, extend from west to east. Sometimes this sublatitudinal direction can be violated. The reason for this, as we have already said, is the topography of a particular territory.

It is also worth noting that there are simply no clear boundaries between natural areas (as shown on the map). Thus, almost each of the zones smoothly “flows” into the neighboring one. At the same time, border “zones” can very often form at the junction. For example, these are semi-desert or forest-steppe zones.

Conclusion

So, we have found out that the formation of natural areas depends on many factors. The main ones are the ratio of heat and moisture in a particular area, the properties of the prevailing air masses, the nature of the relief, and so on. The set of these factors is the same for any territory: continent, country or small region.

Geographers identify on the surface of our planet over a dozen large natural zones, which are elongated in the form of belts and replace each other from the equator to the polar latitudes.

Natural zones of the Earth or natural-living zones are large areas of land with the same characteristics: relief, soil, climate and special flora and fauna. The formation of a natural zone depends on the relationship between the level of heat and moisture, that is, as the climate changes, the natural zone also changes.

Types of Natural Areas of the World

Geographers identify the following natural zones:

• Arctic desert
• Tundra
• Taiga
• Mixed forest
• broadleaf forest
• Steppe
• Deserts
• Subtropics
• Tropics

Rice. 1. Mixed forest

In addition to the main zones, there are also transitional zones:

• Forest-tundra
• Forest-steppe
• Semi-desert.

They share the features of two neighboring main zones. This is the complete official list of zones.

Some experts also identify such natural areas as:

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• Savannah;
• Monsoon forests;
• Equatorial forests;
• Highlands or altitudinal zones.

High belt zones have their own internal divisions.

Here are the following areas:

• Broad-leaved forest;
• Mixed forest;
• Taiga;
• Subalpine belt;
• Alpine belt;
• Tundra;
• Zone of snow and glaciers.

Location of zones- strictly vertically, from the foot to the top: the higher, the more severe the climatic conditions, lower the temperature, lower the humidity, higher the pressure.

The names of natural areas are not accidental. They reflect their main characteristics. For example, the term "tundra" means "plain without forest." Indeed, only a few dwarf trees can be found in the tundra, for example, polar willow or dwarf birch.

Zone placement

What are the patterns of location of natural climatic zones? It's simple - there is a strict movement of the belts along latitudes from the North (North Pole) to the South (South Pole). Their placement corresponds to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface.

You can observe a change in natural zones from the coast inland, that is, relief and distance from the ocean also affect the location of natural zones and their width.

There is also a correspondence between natural zones and climatic zones. So, within what climatic zones are the above natural zones located:

• Equatorial belt- humid equatorial forests with areas of humid evergreen forest and rain forest, where short dry periods are observed;
• Subequatorial belt- monsoon forests and savannas with areas of oceanic rain forests and monsoon deciduous forests;
• Tropical zone- savannas, tropical forests, tropical deserts and semi-deserts;

Rice. 2. Savannahs

• Subtropical zone- zone of evergreen forest, steppe and desert;
• Temperate zone- deserts, semi-deserts, steppe zone, mixed, deciduous and coniferous forest zone;
• Subtropical zone- forest-tundra and tundra;
• Arctic belt- tundra and arctic desert.

Based on this relationship, differences in climate, soil type and landscape can be observed in the same natural area.

Geographical position

Knowing where a particular natural area is located, you can indicate its geographical location. For example, the Arctic desert zone occupies the territories of Antarctica, Greenland and the entire northern tip of Eurasia. The tundra occupies large areas of countries such as Russia, Canada, and Alaska. The desert zone is located on continents such as South America, Africa, Australia and Eurasia.

Characteristics of the main natural areas of the planet

All natural areas differ in:

• relief and soil composition;
• climate;
• animal and plant world.

Adjacent zones may have similar characteristics, especially where there is a gradual transition from one to another. Thus, the answer to the question of how to define a natural area is very simple: note the climate features, as well as the features of flora and fauna.

The largest natural zones are: forest zone and taiga (trees grow everywhere except Antarctica). These two zones have both similar characteristics and differences inherent only to the taiga, mixed forest, broad-leaved forest, monsoon and equatorial forests.

Typical characteristics for a forest zone:

• warm and hot summers;
• large amounts of precipitation (up to 1000 mm per year);
• the presence of deep rivers, lakes and swamps;
• predominance of woody vegetation;
• diversity of the animal world.

The largest areas are equatorial forests; they occupy 6% of all land. The greatest diversity of flora and fauna is characteristic of these forests. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live here, many of which are unique.

Rice. 3. Equatorial forests

The role of natural areas

Each natural zone plays its own special role in the life of the planet. If we consider natural zones in order, we can give the following examples:

• arctic desert, despite the fact that it is almost completely an icy desert, it is a kind of “pantry” where multi-ton reserves of fresh water are stored, and also, being the polar region of the planet, it plays a key role in shaping the climate;
• climate tundra keeps the soils of the natural zone frozen for most of the year and this plays an important role in the planet’s carbon cycle;
• taiga, as well as equatorial forests are a kind of “lungs” of the Earth; they produce the oxygen necessary for the life of all living things and absorb carbon dioxide.

What is the main role of all natural areas? They store a large amount of natural resources that are necessary for human life and activity.

The global geographical community has long come up with both color symbols for natural areas and emblems that define them. So arctic deserts are indicated by blue waves, and simply deserts and semi-deserts are indicated by red waves. The taiga zone has symbol as coniferous tree, and a zone of mixed forests in the form of coniferous and deciduous trees.

What have we learned?

We learned what a natural area is, defined this term and identified the main features of the concept. We learned what the main zones of the Earth are called and what intermediate zones exist. We also found out the reasons for such zonality of the geographical shell of the Earth. All this information will help you prepare for a geography lesson in 5th grade: write a report on the topic “Natural zones of the Earth”, prepare a message.

Test on the topic

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A natural area is a part earth's surface with the same type of relief, soil, flora and fauna. The main forming factor of a natural zone is climate. Eight natural complexes have formed on the territory of Russia. They replace each other from north to south. The largest territory is occupied by the taiga zone, and the smallest by semi-deserts and deserts. Below is a distribution map and geographical description all natural zones in Russia, as well as a table with a brief description of each natural zone.

Map of Natural Areas of Russia

Arctic desert

The upper boundary of the region runs along the Franz Josef Land archipelago, the lower boundary - on Wrangel Island. Main feature is the presence of ice and snow throughout the year. The average temperature in winter is about -50º C. During this period, a lot of snow falls and strong winds blow. The polar night lasts 4 months. Summer temperatures average +4º C. August is considered the warmest month of the year.

There are no lakes or swamps. The flora is represented mainly by lichens. Here you can count several endemics: arctic willow, cotton grass, forget-me-not and chickweed. few due to sparse flora. Polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer and lemmings thrive in the cold desert. The rocky coasts are favored by eiders, guillemots and other birds. The shores of some islands are complete bird colonies.

Tundra

The natural complex stretches from Kola Peninsula to Chukotka. Its area is an eighth of the entire area of ​​Russia. characterized by plains, only mountains and hills appear near the Urals. This region is characterized by harsh winter with average temperatures of about -32º C and a duration of more than six months. During the winter season, strong winds blow, which remove layers of snow from the soil. Because of this, the soil freezes and becomes waterlogged during the thaw. The polar night lasts from December to February.

The sun has not set since mid-summer. It does not rise high above the horizon, therefore, most of the rays are scattered in the atmosphere. The so-called polar day is coming. Average summer temperatures in the tundra do not exceed +5º C. Among the vegetation, lichens of all kinds and mosses are especially widespread. Perennial crops are represented by saxifrage, lingonberry, wild rosemary, cassandra and cloudberry. are a food source for reindeer and hares. In addition to them, wolves, arctic foxes and partridges. During short summer You can watch loons, waders and geese.

Forest-tundra

The region stretches from the tundra to the taiga. The climate in this transition zone is much milder than in the neighboring northern one. In January, the thermometer does not rise above -40º C, and cold winds constantly blow. However, there is constant snow cover. Winter lasts up to eight months. The average summer temperature is 15º C. Due to high humidity and relatively low summer temperatures, the soil is very swampy.

Forest-tundra is characterized by forests consisting of deciduous trees, birch and spruce. Another feature of the plant world is meadows. In late spring, medicinal herbs bloom on them. The marshy area is rich in peat and mosses. In this natural area moss grows, which is a source of food for deer. The world of mammals is more diverse than in the tundra. You can observe wolverines, bears, wolves and arctic foxes. Swamps, lakes and rivers are inhabited by waterfowl: ducks, swans and loons. The forest-tundra is home to unique birds: peregrine falcons, Siberian Cranes and geese. Some birds, such as the snowy owl and partridge, live in this natural area all year round without flying anywhere.

Taiga

Stretches from the western borders to the Pacific coast. The area of ​​the biome is about 15 million km². Most of the territory is occupied by forests. For the most part, the area is virtually untouched by humans. Taiga winter is cold, the average temperature is -29° C. The snow cover does not melt for more than three months. Summer temperatures average +18º C. Precipitation comes in the form of heavy rains, which increases the humidity level.

The natural zone is represented by numerous rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. The soil layer consists of humus and a large amount of minerals. and unique. Coniferous and deciduous forests are widely represented in the taiga zone. In addition to them there are wetlands and meadows. Thanks to the stable climate and the absence of extreme temperatures, most animals do not change their habitat all year round. The hazel grouse, nutcracker, and capercaillie do not fly away, but constantly nest in the taiga.

The climate turned out to be harsh. A few frogs and lizards go into suspended animation with the onset of persistent frosts. The world is represented by wolverine, lynx, elk, brown bear, and sable. The taiga is full of blood-sucking insects that swarm in huge numbers. Frequently, midges are carriers of infectious diseases.

The territory extends from the East European Plain to the Far East. The biome is characterized by a mild climate. Winter temperatures do not exceed -25° C. Numerous anticyclones form over the Far East during this period. Snow evenly covers the entire territory of the natural complex. Summers are mostly mild and humid. The July air warms up to +20º C. The warm period lasts 4 months. At this time the maximum amount of rain falls.

The area of ​​mixed and deciduous forests is known for its water potential. There are long flood rivers and lakes here. There are practically no swamps. The earth is saturated with nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and aluminum. Korean cedar, Manchurian walnut, Amur linden, and larch grow in the forests. A lot of bushes. Mosses and lichens cover the soil only in dark and damp places. The forests are rich in fruit and berry plants and mushrooms. This creates conditions for comfortable living for many species of animals. These forests are most used by humans in their activities. The greatest species diversity is found in lands untouched by humans.

Among the inhabitants, one can distinguish the viper, viviparous lizard, and snake. The forests are home to various birds: hazel grouse, black grouse, crossbill, eagle owl, and owl. The natural area is rich in predators - wolves, stoats, foxes, martens are its permanent inhabitants. Recently, the number of deer has decreased significantly. The forests remain home to hedgehogs, badgers, nutria, moles, hares and marsh turtles.

Forest-steppe zone

The territory that unites the East European Plain, the West Siberian Plain and the Southern Urals is transitional between forests and steppes. Winter in the western part of the natural area is very mild and snowy. Temperatures in the east drop to -20° C and little snow falls. Summer temperatures average +18º C, and there is little rainfall.

It is characterized by a combination of forests and grass cover. In the European part, maple, oak, and linden grow. In the Asian zone, aspen and birch trees predominate. The steppe regions are rich in bluegrass and clover. Almost the entire steppe is used for agriculture. People cultivate corn, rye, and wheat. Animals such as squirrel, marten, gopher, bustard, and elk live here.

The anthropogenic factor has led the forest-steppe zone to desertification; the land and water bodies are polluted with toxic substances and nitrates. Unstable vegetable world cannot recover from human activity. The natural forest-steppe complex is gradually disappearing in Russia.

Steppe zone

The natural zone is located on the East European Plain and Western Siberia. In winter, the eastern part of the zone is colder than the west. In summer, the average temperature is +20° C. Maximum precipitation occurs in June. There is an alternation of wet and dry seasons. The soil is chernozem, well suited for growing cereals. Some areas are undergoing erosion.

The steppe is dominated by herbaceous vegetation: clover, bluegrass, and wild oats. Sometimes there are shrubs in the area: broom, spirea, wolfberry and blackthorn. All plants are excellent food sources for animals. In the steppes there are a large number of voles, marmots and pikas. The world is represented by ferrets, foxes and wolves. This natural complex is home to birds of prey: owls, hawks, harriers and buzzards.

Semi-deserts and deserts

The territory stretches from Caspian lowland to the borders with Kazakhstan. In winter, the thermometer drops to -16º C, and gusty winds blow. There is practically no snow, so the soil freezes deeply. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs during the short spring period. The average temperature in summer is +25° C. The lands are saline, there is a lot of sand and salt marshes.

The flora is not diverse. Only here you can see remaria, malcomia, acacia, camel thorn, cacti and some cereals. During drought, some plants wither, preserving underground organs. The most recognizable desert tree is saxaul. There are practically no leaves on it, which significantly reduces moisture evaporation. Of the herbaceous plants, black wormwood is famous, which covers the ground, protecting it from drought.

Desert Dwellers Lead. Ground squirrels, jerboas and gerbils may hibernate when the weather gets hot. The amphibian world is represented by geckos, boas and monitor lizards. Predators include corsairs, wolves and foxes. Saiga antelope and camel are considered large. Birds include lark, sajja and lapwing.

Table of natural zones of Russia

Name of the natural area	Geographical location	Climate	Soils	Animals and plants
Arctic desert	The upper boundary of the zone runs along the Franz Josef Land archipelago, the lower boundary - on Wrangel Island.	The average temperature in winter drops to -50ºС. Summer temperatures average +4ºC. August is considered the warmest month.	Permafrost	Animals: polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, lemmings, eiders and guillemots; Plants: lichens, arctic willow, cotton grass, forget-me-not and chickweed.
Tundra	The tundra stretches from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka, and occupies an eighth of the entire area of ​​Russia.	The region is characterized by harsh winters with average temperatures around -32º C and lasting more than six months. Summer average temperatures in the tundra do not exceed +5º C.	Tundra-gley and peaty	Animals: wolves, arctic foxes, hares, reindeer and partridges. During the short summer you can observe loons, waders and geese. Plants: lichens and mosses. Perennial plants are represented by saxifrage, lingonberry, wild rosemary, cassandra and cloudberry.
Forest-tundra	The region extends from the tundra to the taiga.	The climate is much milder than in the tundra. In January, the thermometer does not rise above -40º C, and cold winds constantly blow. The average summer temperature is 15º C.	Peat-gley, peat-swamp and gley-podzolic	Animals: lemmings, shrews, reindeer, brown bears, arctic foxes, partridges, polar owls, a variety of species of migratory and waterfowl. Plants: forests consisting of deciduous trees, birch and spruce. Grasses grow in the meadows, and the marshy areas are rich in mosses and lichens.
Taiga	The taiga zone stretches from the western borders of the country to the Pacific coast. The area of ​​the taiga is about 15 million km²	Winter is cold, the average temperature is -29° C. The snow cover does not melt for more than three months. Summer temperatures average +18º C. Precipitation comes in the form of heavy rain and snow.	Sod-podzolic	Animals: lynxes, wolverines, wolves, foxes, brown bears, otters, sables, weasels, stoats, hares, shrews, beavers, chipmunks, mice, voles, squirrels, flying squirrels, reindeer and red deer, moose, roe deer. Plants: coniferous and deciduous trees, juniper, honeysuckle, currants, blueberries, lingonberries and various types of herbs.
Broad-leaved and mixed forests	The territory extends from the East European Plain to the Far East.	The climate of the zone is mild. Winter temperatures do not exceed -25° C. Snow evenly covers the entire territory of the natural complex. Summers are mostly mild and humid. The July air warms up to +20º C. The warm season lasts 4 months. At this time the maximum amount of precipitation falls.	Sod-podzolic	Animals: wolves, stoats, foxes, martens, hedgehogs, badgers, nutria, moles, hares, marsh turtles, vipers, viviparous lizards, grass snakes, hazel grouse, black grouse, crossbills, eagle owls, owls. Plants: Korean cedar, Manchurian walnut, Amur linden, larch. There are a lot of shrubs and herbs. Mosses and lichens cover the soil only in dark and damp areas. The forests are rich in fruit and berry plants and mushrooms.
Forest-steppe	Transitional zone between forests and steppes.	Winter in the western part of the natural area is very mild and snowy. Temperatures in the east drop to -20° C and little snow falls. Summer temperatures average +18º C.	Chernozem	Animals: squirrels, martens, ground squirrels, bustards, moose. Plants: In the European part, maple, oak, and linden grow. In the Asian region, aspen and birch trees predominate. The steppe regions are rich in bluegrass and clover. People cultivate corn, rye, wheat, etc.
Steppe	The natural zone is located on the East European Plain and Western Siberia.	In winter, it is colder in the eastern part of the steppe than in the west. In summer, the average temperature is +20° C. Maximum precipitation occurs in June. There is an alternation of wet and dry seasons.	Chernozem	Animals: voles, marmots, pikas, ferrets, foxes, wolves, owls, hawks, harriers and buzzards. Plants: clover, bluegrass, wild oats, broom, spirea, wolfberry and blackthorn.
Semi-deserts and deserts	The territory stretches from the Caspian lowland to the borders with Kazakhstan.	In winter, the thermometer drops to -16º C, and gusty winds blow. There is practically no snow, so the soil freezes deeply. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs during the short spring period. The average temperature in summer is +25° C.	The soils are saline, there is a lot of sand, solonetzes and salt marshes.	Animals: gophers, jerboas, gerbils, geckos, boa constrictors, monitor lizards, corsairs, wolves, foxes, saigas, larks, sajs and lapwings. Plants: remaria, malcomia, acacia, camel thorn, cacti, cereals, saxaul and black wormwood .

Published: 06.04.2018 Category: Author's essay

In 1807, German geographer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt discovered a science called landscape science. After his research in world geography, the concept of “natural areas” was born. Russia (as a transcontinental country) got 9 of them. After all, this is a sixth of the land, equal in area to 17,125,191 square kilometers. Despite this, our country is ahead of the United States in terms of the number of PZs. The fact is that two states and a couple of dependent territories of this state are already in the tropics. This review will present characteristics of natural zones in Russia.

Arctic desert

Natural zones of Russia begin with the huge archipelagos of the Arctic - Novaya and Northern Lands. Such biocomplexes also have “branches” in the far north of the Urals and in Siberia - in the lower reaches of the deep Ob, Khatanga, Lena, Indigirka, Kolyma.

The named groups of islands lie in the Arctic, representing a wasteland covered with snow and ice, in places crossed by ravines and hills. In total (including the Asian areas) the “dubious wealth” amounts to 9,000,000 sq. km.

Soils and climate

Summer in this zone is short and very cold. Zero degrees can only be expected in August. That is, snow and ice are a year-round phenomenon. Those spaces that are still free of glaciers are bound by permafrost. The absolute minus in January exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. There is little precipitation throughout the year, up to 400 mm. The so-called “polar night” lasts 150 days. The soil here is least humified, giving life only to primitive forms of lichens and mosses (cladonia, nephroma, parmelia).

Flora and fauna

Biota is all fungi and microorganisms. Of the mammals, unusual, polar animals live. There are many natural areas in Russia, but you will find some species of seals, walruses, seals, and northern fish (for example, killer whale) only here. The same goes for birds (snowy owl, pink gull and guillemot). Polar bears are also found exclusively in snowy expanses - on the northernmost pieces of Russian land. Or in Antarctica! Arctic waters are home to 25% of salmon and almost the entire reindeer population. Representatives of the indigenous population of those regions of Russia that are occupying Arctic lands are allowed to hunt this species.

Recreational potential

Only 2 places are open for tourists in the Arctic - Wrangel Island and Bolshoi Island. Arctic Reserve. They are the northernmost protected natural areas in our Fatherland. Affordable recreation is educational. The most popular excursion is to the islands where tiny creatures live - lemmings. Since July 15, fishing tourism has become famous in these places, permitted at a special training ground (a rather expensive tour is called “Fishing at the ends of the earth”). Some operators organize snowmobile races.

Tundra

The natural areas of Russia, located at the northern tip of Eurasia, are called tundra. In fact, this is the northernmost steppe on the planet. Similar landscapes exist on the upper “floors” of mountains or on very high plateaus.

Geographical location and relief

This refers to the geographic area north of the dendrosphere (tree zone). In Russia, it covers the Arctic Circle, as well as adjacent strips of land. This is the northern quarter European Russia and the northern third of Siberia. The desired natural region has mountainous areas and lowlands (usually swampy). In the Russian Federation, tundra and forest-tundra together occupy about 19,000,000 square kilometers (on both continents).

Soils and climate

Natural zones of Russia, like this one, are distinguished by extremely low precipitation (up to 300 mm per year) and cold temperatures (although it is already warmer here than in the Arctic). In July-August the thermometer can rise to 10 degrees Celsius, but at the height of the “polar night” (almost as long as in the Arctic) -30°C reigns here.

Flora and fauna

This circumstance is the reason for the poor biocenosis. Lichens and mosses are joined only by angiosperms, and in the south of the subarctic climate zone - stunted shrubs (birnie, bush willow and marsh sedge).

In such an environment live the same reindeer, arctic fox, fox, wolf, bighorn sheep, lemming and even brown hare (in the far south). Among the winged animals, the most common are the red-breasted pipit, the bunting, the white-winged plover and, of course, the polar owl. The ichthyofauna is represented by vendace, omul, whitefish, and nelma. It is the relict species of the animal world that are listed. Scientists consider the threat of environmental disaster to be the main biotopic difference of the tundra. This belt is home to the most exploited oil and gas fields. Where people come, more and more species of flora and fauna disappear. In particular, the original landscape has been severely damaged by the appearance of so-called “burning lakes” - ignited oil spills.

Recreational potential

Protected places - “gates” to the tundra natural belts Russia. Among the gas conservancies located here are Taimyrsky, Ust-Lensky, Laplandsky and Pasvik. In addition to the familiar ecological and educational tourism, extreme adventures are practiced - river rafting, jeep safari, and in winter - dog and reindeer sled racing. The low mountains of these surroundings (especially in Murmansk region) are increasingly becoming of interest to speleologists and climbers. Fishing and hunting (especially photographic) are popular. Big number Russians come to photograph the northern lights. The southern “branch” of the tundra is the Lagonaki plateau. This is a fragment of the Caucasian State Reserve in southern Adygea, where there is a famous ski infrastructure and countless tourist centers. However, the northern tundra can also boast of hospitality. For example, Pasvik is a territory in the contiguous lands of the Russian Federation and Norway, which is the border of the tundra and taiga (in the west the forest rises to high latitudes...). There are several tourist areas on both sides of the border. There is also a small building of an ecological museum (the village of Rajakoski), as well as a waterfall of the same name.

Forest-tundra and northern meadows

Forest-tundra and taiga are the largest natural zone in Russia, stretching from the south of the Kola Peninsula to the tip of Kamchatka. The main feature of the part named in the title is oppressed open forests and shrubs, the presence of “northern meadows” in the south Kamchatka region. The zone is typical for a third of the US states and most of Canada.

Geographical location and relief

A map of Russia’s natural zones immediately makes clear the enormous scale of the “kingdom” of low-growing birch, dwarf spruce, shrubs and tall marsh grass. This is the 3rd part of all Siberia (middle), Southern Kamchatka, part of the Arkhangelsk region and the Komi Republic. More than 20 million sq. km. In terms of altitudinal division, this land is a plain with big amount swampy lowlands and shallow river channels. Hills, however, are present in Komi - the northern end of the Ural Mountains, as well as the Timan ridge... Geological formations of approximately the same stratification are also found in the south of Kamchatka.

Soils and climate

The weather in this area is the same as in other tundra zones, with the only difference being that the above-mentioned elevations protect the adjacent locations from many winds, creating a microclimate rich in dwarf forest vegetation.

Local soils contain a lot of peat, and in the south of the landscape they are already podzolic - this is where the so-called “white soils” begin, which are already considered a “cushion” for the boreal forests going south. Their “business card” is an 85% layer of so-called silica.

Flora and fauna

This area contains all those plants of natural zones of Russia that have one feature. The grass here is as tall as a tree. Because the trees are short. The conversation turned to Karelian birch, dwarf spruce, tall birch and larch. In the north, their trunks are often bent to the ground. And sometimes it is so bizarre that such a pseudo-forest is called “dancing”. In the south they are straighter and higher. At the southern geographic boundary, tall open forest begins, in places interspersed with full-fledged pines, cedars and fir trees. The fauna is actually no different from the tundra. However, there is an animal that is found exclusively in the North Siberian Lowland. Putorana "variety" bighorn sheep. After all, here is the Putorana Plateau, famous for biologists, where the reserve of the same name is located. We will talk about it in the next paragraph.

Recreational potential

The Putorana Plateau State Reserve is known as the “lakeiest” within the forest-tundra. Its most famous is the Khantai reservoir (Kutarmo). The length reaches 80 kilometers, and the depth is as much as 420 meters. A few tourists wander along the shores of a small “sea” (made up of rocks from a glacial basin), stopping at the village of Khantayskoe Lake (west of the mouth of Khatancha). And yet, the most pronounced landscapes of the described natural-climatic region are the tracts of the Kronotsky (Southern Kamchatka) and Pechero-Ilychsky reserves, as well as the Yugyd Va State Nature Reserve (Komi Republic). The first is known for thermal springs in the craters of volcanoes, on the shores of which unnaturally bright greenery grows (grass as tall as a person), as well as a huge population of bears.

The second two are of interest to extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of North Ural ethnic music. It is possible to find tourist centers in an unguarded area. Many of them are intended for hunters and fishermen. Moreover, “Yugyd-Va” gives travelers the chance to book a visit directly on the national park’s website. The most popular hike is to the hill called Narodnaya. Its upper level is picturesque Alpine meadow, which is simply impossible to forget! The environmental trend captivates “hikers”. There are parking spaces. There are historical trips to GULAG sites. For example, ordinary tourists from Arkhangelsk have access to a tour to the historical museum-reserve on the Solovetsky Islands. They are located right in the forest-tundra zone - at the exit from the famous Onega Bay.

Taiga

The natural zones of Russia, traditional for our ancestors (Proto-Slavic, Proto-Baltic and Finno-Ugric), are associated with coniferous forests. In geography it is designated by the word “taiga”. It is divided into southern (found in the Caucasus and Crimea) and northern. The latter occupies the space from the southern limits of the Murmansk Pasvik Nature Reserve and Veliky Novgorod in the west to Kamennaya Kolyma and the tip of Kamchatka in the south.

Geographical location and relief

This nickel of the planet was in first position in the ranking of landscapes of the northern forest (forest-tundra and taiga). After all, it occupies 15,000,000 square kilometers, stretching in a strip of 800 km. (European part of the Russian Federation), and then 2150 km. (Eastern Siberia).

The geological history of the region of the Earth where the boreal forest grows is associated with increased mountain formation, as well as the appearance of the deepest rivers at the junctions of different platforms. In fact, there are lowlands, hills, mountains, foothills, plains, and deep river beds. But the varied topography partially explains some natural areas in Russia. In this piece of Eurasia, all conditions have been created for the growth of huge coniferous thickets. More on this below.

Soils and climate

Taiga is located in the “kingdom” of a cold-temperate, and partly mid-temperate climate. "Coniferous". At the height of summer, the temperature here ranges from +20 to +25°C, in January - from -15 to -30°C (the exception is parts of the “Mediterranean” taiga, where it is much warmer in winter). In the west, rainfall is almost double that of the eastern tip of this geographical country. In the middle – average humidity (climatic norm). The soils are podzolic (they are described in the chapter above), and the swampy part of the dense spaces is rich in peat. Bad weather reigns in the Murmansk, Leningrad and Novgorod regions. This is where the influence of the cloudy Atlantic comes into play.

Flora and fauna

The boreal vegetation of natural zones of Russia includes all types of coniferous flora (cedar, fir, larch, spruce, pine) with frequent inclusions of birch trees. In the southern (Caucasian and Crimean) taiga, yew dominates (in Crimea - berry yew, Crimean pine and Steven maple, included in the Red Book). Trees of this family grow only on slopes. Do not fall under direct sunlight... Cedar is more of a Siberian phenomenon. Extraction of his cones (with the rich in useful material nuts) is the most common type of Siberian gathering. In “northern Russian Asia” there is a lot of pine and birch. Different types.

Recreational potential

The southern taiga is better characterized by the coniferous protected areas “Crimean” and “Caucasian”. These reserves include many tourist routes of varying difficulty, mountaineering and speleological attractions, starting points for extreme river rafting, objects of historical value (such as cave cities in the upper part of the slopes of the South Coast Mountains or dolmens in Adygea). Both GZs have shelters (numbered) on their climbing trails. And at the start of famous routes there are cozy recreation centers. Northern taiga brands include the nature reserves of southern Karelia, the Kologrivsky Forest (Kostroma region), as well as arboretums Kirov region. And yet the most famous is considered to be... Barguzinsky GZ. These are the shores of Lake Baikal, the cleanest and deepest in the world. There is a tour “The Charm of Olkhon”, during which you will reveal all the secrets of this area of ​​the continent, and also take a wellness course at the Davsha thermal spring. Similar sanatoriums include “Berezki” (GZ “Caucasian”) and “Martialnye Vody” (Karelia).

Zone of mixed and deciduous forests

We would place this one in the rating of “the most beautiful natural areas of Russia”. The mixed thickets are especially striking in the fall, shimmering with green, golden, yellow and brown hues at the same time. In the literature, the European section of this region is called “central Russia.” In its north is her “Golden Ring”.

Geographical location and relief

When there is a map of Russia’s natural zones on the table, it is immediately clear that the territory described occupies its historical core, starting from the southern half of the Novgorod and northern half of the Belgorod regions in the west, and ending with Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands in the east. Separate sections of this natural reserve are the northern half of Kamchatka, as well as Western and Central Ciscaucasia. It is worth noting that in Siberia the taiga strongly presses this described biotope to the south, cutting it greatly in the Far East.

Most of the world's mixed and broadleaf forests lie on the plains, hills, shallow lowlands, and middle strata of the mountainous uplands of Eurasia.

Soils and climate

This PZ gravitates towards a zone of medium-temperate climate, the areas of which are no different from each other in terms of warmth. The exception is the Novgorod and Pskov regions, where cloudy days and a little more precipitation. And the most striking example is the Moscow and Vladimir regions. Summer in these regions of the federation is ideal - sunny days alternate evenly with slightly rainy days, average temperature +22°C. In winter, the temperature ranges from – 10°C to – 20°C. The winds are often squally, but not hurricane-force. In January they lead to frost of only – 25°C. Humidity is above normal in the west.

Flora and fauna

The greatest diversity of flora and fauna - words about “ middle lane Russia." Relict arboretums contain both northern inhabitants (pine, spruce, fir and birch) and “taiga-deciduous” black alder. To the south grow ash, linden, poplar, oak and maple. Even closer to the forest-steppe is the heat-loving elm. Lilac, apple tree, hazel, honeysuckle, rowan, and hazel get along well. And in the riverbeds a weeping willow bent towards the water. In swamps and forests grows rich in species composition berry habitat. A lot of mushrooms. The grass cover in forests, around fields, in swamps, as well as in water meadows is denser, “juicier” and more varied. It's about about the northern frontier of gardening, floriculture and gardening. In dachas and on the outskirts of villages, viburnum blooms red, and in the Amur region frost-resistant grapes grow! The difference between the local vegetation is the richest undergrowth, consisting of hundreds of species of ferns and shrubs (including berries).

Fauna - the habitat of bear, deer, elk, and roe deer. And also a wolf, a brown hare and a white hare. There are also foxes, weasels, stoats, beavers, hori, raccoon dogs and 4 species of rodents. In this geographical area we will meet more than 170 types of avifauna, and in its reservoirs - hundreds of “varieties” of fish. Excessively active forms of fishing and hunting (the area has been overpopulated since the century before last) led to the fact that many of the listed fish and animals began to quickly disappear here. Now populations are being restored artificially, including by limiting the hunting regime.

Recreational potential

For obvious reasons, the most common type of recreation here is cultural and educational. You can tour the estates yourself. And you can visit the historical cities of Russia “in bulk”, using the tourism product “ Golden ring Russia" (by the way, this could also be a cruise). There is a rural cluster. After all, 3 years ago, studying the ethnic characteristics of the local agricultural complex became a trend among Moscow operators. In second place is forest trekking with tents. The third is multi-day fishing and hunting. In the Siberian half of this reserve, as well as on the middle “floors” of the Crimean and Caucasus mountains, speleological and mountaineering activities, river rafting and jeep safaris are practiced. Speaking about the Far East, one cannot help but mention the Ussuriysk State Plant (Shkotovsky district of Primorsky Krai). Only the latter is home to the Ussuri tiger. Saving its population is one of the tasks set by the President of our country, V. Putin. As for flora, the forests of the Ussuri region are probably the richest in species composition. Judge for yourself: cedar, southern pine and fir get along with linden, maple, walnut and wild apple trees. Among the “short plants” there are rose hips, viburnum, hazel, and honeysuckle. In the south, the variety is complemented by cherries, maakia and bird cherry.

Hundreds of forest sanatoriums are considered to be medical resorts in the strip of the specified natural reserve. The most typical health resorts practicing climatotherapy are located around such natural parks in Western Russia as Botchinsky, Bryansk Forest, Vishera, Voroninsky, Daursky, Belogorye and Kaluga Zaseki. The Central Federal District is known for its unique sanatoriums in the Moscow region - “Orbita”, “Izumrud”, “Podmoskovye” and “Sosny”. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the Gorky Sea sports complex is popular - on the shore of the reservoir of the same name. In addition to forest walks, various procedures are practiced here. But the broad-leaved forests of Western and Central Ciscaucasia are of particular value, where most of the thermal mineral springs. Most of them have sanatoriums built (Mineralnye Vody area, Goryachiy Klyuch, KBR).

Forest-steppe

From the latitude of the northern and eastern Black Earth Region, the natural zones of Russia fragmentarily transform into the “kingdom of the steppes.” Moreover, in the western half they are all already plowed. In terms of territory size, this geographical sphere is larger than only desert and semi-desert.

Geographical location and relief

The forest-steppe covers several administrative units of the state. Part of Oryol, Orenburg and Chelyabinsk. All Belgorod, Voronezh, Tambov, Lipetsk, Saratov and Penza. This natural reserve is also found in the foothills of Altai, decorating the beds of the largest rivers of this picturesque mountain system.

Geological biography explains one fact to us. Mostly forest-steppe is located on a hilly plain, representing part of the southeast of the Russian Platform.

Soils and climate

A transitional climate prevails - from medium-temperate to sharply continental (arid). The standard of the local variety of temperate climate is the weather in the Lipetsk region. The average winter temperature is −10 °C, summer +22 °C. Precipitation is normal. Half the days are sunny. The soil composition of the forest-steppe is characterized by the presence of the so-called “northern”, and in Belgorod region– “saturated” chernozems. As for the “northern” soils, we are talking about podzolic-humus-rich substance (“gray” soils). The 2nd variety is an example of chernozem saturated with organic matter, second only to the Stavropol and Krasnodar soil (the reason for the phenomenon is the rich cultural layer).

Flora and fauna

In the forest-steppe, oaks, linden, willow and ash are more common. Only in the extreme south are elm and acacia. Pyramidal poplar and hornbeam begin to appear. The latter prefers loose soils rich in humus (as in the Belgorod and Voronezh regions). However, northern birch and pine trees are still widely scattered even here (although not as densely as in the mixed forest zone). Moreover, pine loves sand. The “Central Russian” animals of Russia’s natural zones live here - the same representatives of the running, crawling, flying and swimming fauna that we talked about in the previous chapter. There is only one difference – a slightly larger number of field rodents. After all, the agricultural areas on the south side " Central Russia» more – in the south there are already black soils.

Recreational potential

In this “region” there are five protected areas that have become popular among travelers. There are also little-known ones. So, about the top five. These are the reserves: Forest on Vorskla (very old oaks of the Belgorod region), Voronezh (the border of the Voronezh and Lipetsk regions - vegetation on unique sandy terraces). As well as national parks: Khvalynsky (coniferous forest on chalk ravines overlooking the Volga), Volga forest-steppe ( Penza region, a community of meadows and 9 species of trees), as well as “Arkaim” (steppe and forest-steppe territories with the remains of ancient settlements of the Sintashta culture). Recreation in all reserves is ecological and historical. There are the most protected biological reserves, as well as, on the contrary, hunting and fishing grounds.

The agricultural direction is represented mainly by trips to Michurinsk (Tambov region). In its suburbs there is a large museum-reserve demonstrating what the famous Russian geneticist Michurin, as well as his outstanding students, did. The main difference is that the transition zone to the steppe contains many archaeological excavations (with museums at the entrance), as well as wild boar hunting grounds. Fans of water extremes will find ideal rivers for rafting: the Don, Sosna, Vorskla, Khoper and Oskol, and in the Saratov region there are the quiet upper reaches of the Medveditsa and Bolshoy Irgiz. The forest-steppe zone has quite a few resort establishments, being an agricultural complex.

The only exception is the sparsely forested part of the Chelyabinsk region. First of all, we are talking about a recreational zone on the border of the Ural and Uvelsky regions, located between countless lakes. The Ural hospital (Lake Podbornoe) is world famous - the “Ural Artek”, where absolutely everything is treated, and also develops intelligence and motor skills! On the border of mixed forest and forest-steppe there are five lakes that “create” wonderful landscapes.

Steppe

From 53 degrees northern latitude(in the east to the south) the natural zones of Russia turn into the steppe - a plain with exclusively grass vegetation. These are not only agricultural lands (53 and 52 degrees latitude), but also virgin lands of 4 types... At the moment, there is only one Black Sea steppe in the Russian Federation - in the north of the Republic of Crimea.

Geographical location and relief

The peculiarities of the natural zones of Russia in the south lie in their shorter extent from west to east. This is how Russian Eurasia works. Other states wedge in from the west, and in the east the Pacific coast goes southwest, not south. The steppes run in a sharply narrowing strip from some hills of the Crimea and Belgorod in the west to the Ob itself in the east. In Western (Altai) and in Eastern Siberia(Transbaikalia) they are also present, but in the form of 7 areas isolated from each other, interspersed with forest.

Soils and climate

The weather here is sharply continental. Summer is prone to extreme heat and drought, while winter is prone to frost. It's a little warmer in the North Caucasus. The best black soils are found on the plains and foothills of this strip. This piece of land looks like a picturesque rural idyll... Every year, tall grass, feather grass, xerophytic and mountain (subalpine) plains are blown by winds from all sides. The area from the Belgorod region, Taganrog and the steppe Crimea to the Volga is black soil. In the Volga region the steppes are non-chernozem. And they continue to the north - from the Saratov region (where humus is diluted with loess), moving to the Orenburg region... The soil composition of the Trans-Volga and Siberian steppes is somewhat different than the western ones. In terms of soil, it is closer to semi-desert. We are talking about chestnut soils, the level of humus in which is only 3%, and the main layer is clay. For centuries there were only pastures here.

Flora and fauna

“Desert-plain” plants of natural zones of Russia are divided into 4 groups, which have already been listed above. It is clear that there is more fauna in the black earth west of the zone.

In the steppes there are wolves, foxes, brown hare, wild boar, roe deer, polecats and a lot of rodents. Among the birds are marsh-meadow and raptors (including three species of eagle and heron).

Recreational potential

Tourists call the most popular parts of the steppe the natural parks “Donskoy”, “Ust-Medveditsky” and “Nizhnekhopersky” (Volgograd region), the reserve of the Saratov region “Snake Mountains”, as well as the state reserve in the Rostov region - “Sholokhovsky”. All this is an example of a classic steppe landscape, where ecological recreation, horseback riding, rafting on safe rivers (some sections of the Don, Khopru, Medveditsa and Buzuluk), as well as fishing, are available. In winter, skiing, sledding and snowboarding are common on the Saratov “Snake Mountains”. All Volgograd and Rostov protected areas provide guides who talk about the Cossacks... The fact is that in the Volgograd and Rostov regions, most regional museums and almost half of the exhibitions in large cities are related to Cossack material culture and traditions. In Volgograd, Kamyshin (Kamyshinsky district) and Engels, there are institutions that tell the story of the Volga Germans who once lived here.

Semi-desert

In the left bank part of the Volgograd region, throughout the Astrakhan region and Kalmykia, as well as in the southeast of Dagestan, the natural zones of Russia are being transformed into a semi-desert - an arid biotope, a transition from steppe to desert. As for the first two subjects of the federation, they even have salt marshes.

Geographical location and relief

In Russia, the semi-desert is found only in Kalmykia, the Astrakhan region, on the left bank of the Volgograd region (north of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain), and also in the tiny southeastern corner of Dagestan, which is the gap between the Nogai steppe and the coast of the Caspian Sea. These are the wide lower reaches of the Sulak River. The entire zone is an absolutely flat section of the East European Plain, with the exception of the Elton Lowland (a salt marsh in the southeast of the Palassovsky district of the Volgograd region).

Soils and climate

This area of ​​the continent is a zone of harsh continental climate. It differs from the steppe in that in summer it is 4-5 degrees warmer here. By the way, only northern and eastern winds reach the lower reaches of Sulak, since its delta is surrounded from the west and south by the Caucasus, which is rapidly gaining altitude. The semi-desert is a storehouse of only chestnut soils.

Flora and fauna

The “kings” of the semi-desert are wormwood, prickly cocklebur, fescue, twig and tumbleweed. In spring, ephemeris appear in some areas - snowdrops, poppies and tulips. Those animals of the natural zones of Russia that inhabit the east of the northern half of the Southern Federal District are best represented by field rodents, brown hares and wild boars. Most birds, for obvious reasons, are predators. The white-tailed eagle, steppe eagle, imperial eagle, vulture, and black vulture are protected by the Red Book. There are endangered species among the floodplain avifauna - the mute swan and the whooper swan. In the Lower Volga due to higher level Sturgeon species are disappearing due to poaching. The Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is the largest “transit” bird habitat in the world.

Recreational potential

The Lower Volga (especially the oasis in the semi-desert - the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain) attracts fishermen. People with pulmonary diseases are attracted to the Eltonsky Nature Reserve, where a sanatorium has been set up near the salt lake Elton.

Not only lovers of salt and healing mud, but also speleologists flock to another salt marsh - Baskunchak (Bolshaya Bagdo Mountain has interesting caves). Talking about the borderlands of the 61st and 34th regions, I would like to inform the reader that there is a green sea here. The Tsimlyansk Reservoir blooms at the end of summer. The algae generates so much heat that even at night you sleep on the sand without a tent or sleeping bag! By the way, in the Tsimlyansky Sands natural park (a hotbed of semi-desert in the middle of the steppe), tent camps with equipment rental, viewing of mustangs and a tour of the former habitats of the Old Believers are available. People go to the Kalmyk “Black Lands” to hunt and see Buddhist datsans and mustangs. And the end of April is the traditional photo hunt for tulips. There is a Chess City in Elista.

They head to the lower reaches of the Dagestan Sulak to look at the remains of ancient Shamkhal (the former capital of the Kumyk principality). They also plunge into the Caspian Sea - on the shore. From a historical point of view, Derbent is more interesting. Caucasian Islam began in the southernmost city of the Russian Federation. The village of Kubachi is now the “jewelry and weapons” center of the North Caucasus. Iranian shahs bought sabers and daggers from local craftsmen. Tours from Volgograd, Astrakhan, Rostov-on-Don and Makhachkala are dedicated to each of the phenomena.

Subtropics

A color map of Russia's natural zones demonstrates the diversity on the southern border of Russian Europe and Russian Asia. As you guessed, we were talking about the urban districts of the Southern Coast of Crimea, the municipality of Sudak and the Caucasus mountain system (or, more precisely, the Watershed Range itself and the Caspian coast of the Republic of Dagestan). There are three types of subtropics.

Geographical location and relief

This refers to the urban districts of Sudak, Alushta, Yalta, Western Caucasus(Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi districts) and Dagestan (precisely the lower Samur).

Soils and climate

Oddly enough, the Russian subtropics represent three different climatic zones.

Dry (“Mediterranean” climates, which are essentially a transition from a temperate to a subtropical climate) include the South Coast, Sudak (Crimea) and the Western Caucasus (except for Greater Sochi). Semi-humid - 9 kilometers of the lower reaches of the Samur River (low-lying border of Dagestan with Azerbaijan). And Greater Sochi is considered wet.

The Russian “Mediterranean” is distinguished by the fact that in summer there is dry air formed in the zone high pressure descends onto a layer of sea air characterized by variable humidity. Thanks to this, there is no precipitation here. Instead there are only thunderstorms. And the heat is no stronger than “steppe”. In winter, the thermometer does not drop below -16°C, since the area is sheltered from cold (eastern and northern) winds by mountains (yayla in the Crimea and the Watershed Range in the Caucasus).

The Samur forest lies in the belt of semi-humid or “oceanic” subtropics. They are more susceptible to attacks by sea winds and currents. At the height of summer, it is not hot and windy here... The humidity is ideal (there is a normal amount of precipitation). In winter, temperatures range from -1°C to +4°C, and are only affected by the eastern winds of the hot Central Asian deserts. The problem is the wind.

Finally, humid subtropics are similar to semi-humid ones only in winter. There's just no wind here. In summer there are clouds almost every day. But the fact is that they quickly dissipate, just like constant, but very fine and short-term rain. The humidity here is high, the average July temperature ranges from +21°C to +27°C. And spring is very long and rainy. It ends, in fact, only in the first third of June.

All these pieces of Russia on the southern border of Russian Europe and Asia are tightly squeezed between high mountains and the sea. This means they are represented by so-called mountain soils. Such soil consists of a thin meadow layer, under which there is a pebble surface.

Flora and fauna

Natural belts of Russia like this are the habitat of birds of prey and quite large (including poisonous) snakes. Mountain goats, mouflons, bison, lynxes, aurochs, Caucasian chamois, roe deer, wild boars, jungle cats and dangerous forest cats. All these animals are found on the slopes of the mountains, most species - on their lower (seaside) “floor”. In Crimea, such a stratum is represented by pistachio obtufolia, juniper, Crimean pine and Crimean cistus. In the Western Caucasus, beech and yew can be added to them. In Greater Sochi, this company is joined by hornbeam thickets, Caucasian oak and plane tree. The Samur Forest is the owner of the only liana forest in Russia! It’s worth talking about it in more detail in order to instill tourist interest in it. Quite tall “green brothers” are entwined with vines: cork trees, wild apple trees, walnuts and hornbeams. Between their trunks you can find huge flowers of extraordinary beauty and plants whose leaves look like water lilies (on the rocky banks of river rapids).

Recreational potential

The map of Russian natural zones clearly tells us that the majority of protected natural landscapes in our state are located precisely in the subtropical zone. There are so many of them, they are small, different from each other. Therefore, they are a topic for a separate discussion (read the article “Reserves of Russia” and others). For a northern country, subtropical terrain is exotic. Therefore, resort and ecological tourism is more developed here. And even sports and recreation (dozens of health paths have been set up in Crimea, Tuapse, the mountain and coastal cluster of Sochi). And all extreme sports, of course, are associated with sea recreation (windsurfing, kiting, yachting and diving) or mountain recreation (trekking, mountaineering and jumping). By the way, the Imereti port has the largest yacht marina in Russia (more than 700 places!), and Krasnaya Polyana is the largest network of ski resorts in the CIS.

There are also many coastal and mountain resorts available to vacationers. In Crimea, in the regions of Saki and Yevpatoria, there are the most Russian mud baths (this area is located in the middle of salty estuaries and deposits of healing mud). There are small mud volcanoes in Taman (there are also lotuses), and here and there in the Anapa urban district. The Adler microdistrict (Sochi) is the only place where banjo jumping is officially practiced (Sky Park extreme entertainment complex, Kazachiy Brod). The coastal (humid subtropical) zone of the Caucasian State Park is called “Sochi National Park”. It has 9 indigenous tourist routes of varying difficulty and dozens of historical and natural attractions. There are even more of them in the dry subtropical zone of Crimea - these are botanical gardens around noble estates and royal residences, and museums on the site of Scythian settlements, and the remains of ancient city policies, and Karaite caves, and bizarre rocky tracts. Savage tourists have chosen 75 Crimean bays, half of which are protected.

Desert

This is the smallest natural zone in Russia, the smallest object on the entire list.

Geographical location and relief

The conversation will be about about a hundred dunes of the Kumtorkalinsky massif in the Republic of Dagestan. The location is equal in area to only the Bryansk region (approximately 30,000 square kilometers). It is located west of the Makhachkala agglomeration. The largest of the dunes has the simple name Sary-Kum. From the Turkic language it is translated as “yellow sand”. It lies further south than the others. This point is the highest sand mountain in the world, having a height of 262 meters. Sand deposits are asymmetrical. The leeward side of each has a concave appearance, the opposite is curved and manages to be covered with vegetation. Only Sary-Kum is completely naked.

Soils and climate

Once in a space where the weather is unfamiliar to them, the sands of Dagestan have properties that greatly distinguish them from their counterparts from Central Asia (they, by the way, are separated by 300 kilometers of the Caspian Sea). For example, the surface of Sary-Kum does not move at all under the influence of wind. Moreover, a real... river flows through the dune! The dunes are a product of the weathering of neighboring mountains, the former sides of an ancient river bed.

The surface of the specified tract is sand. However, on the windward side of the desert hills grows flora that is not characteristic of a desert, but of a semi-desert. In some places there is even a dry stand of trees! This will be discussed in more detail in the next section. Mountain "Yellow Sands", which has the size of an average Russian village, lies in a sharply continental (arid), but still temperate climate. Therefore, in January it is not above zero, and at the height of summer - no more than 31 degrees. At the same time, for several summer days 576 hectares of the surface of the Sarykum sands still heat up to 60 degrees Celsius. You might even get burned!

Flora and fauna

The natural zones of Russia in the south of the country are more closely intertwined with each other. The result of this was a special zoological diversity in their rugged expanses (mountains and large wastelands). The Sarykum Dunes desert is the southwestern part of this massif. It is located 18 kilometers northwest of Makhachkala. As said, only it can be called “classic”. Among the plants there are only xerophytic shrubs related to saxaul, as well as some wormwood-grass vegetation. Monitor lizards and smaller lizards live on the sandy waves. At the same time, in the remaining tracts of the Kumtorkalinsky massif we will find a landscape transitional to semi-desert - a lot of wormwood, dry trees, shiblyak thickets. The most common flowers here are astragalus - Karakuginsky and Lemana. The sands are home to 21 species of reptiles (among them the funny Mediterranean turtle), 194 species of birds (as well as eagles - steppe and imperial eagle) and 251 species of terrestrial vertebrates (usually rodents).

Recreational potential

The sandy hills of the Kumtorkalinsky massif are part of the Dagestansky nature reserve. In fact, the most carefully protected recreation in the region. First of all, educational tourism is developed here. And no wonder. The protected area includes adjacent areas of 6 landscapes at once - steppes, semi-deserts, deciduous forests (on the foothills and in the valleys of large rivers), as well as mountain and sandy desert. It is not for nothing that it is fashionable to call the place “the center eco travel" However, in the southernmost geographical region of the Russian Federation, extreme types of recreation are also exploited. These include speleology, mountaineering, sand skiing and several types of trekking. Please know: the Sulak River is suitable for rafting in spring. And travelers, in order to begin exploring the sands, must first get to the village of Korkmaskala (along the Caucasus highway) or to the Shamkhal station (on the Kizil-Yurt - Makhachkala railway route).

As you understand, natural areas of Russia have not only a latitudinal or meridian vector of movement. They also change in the altitudinal direction. Large elevations have strata where the distance from sea level corresponds to movement to the north. Continuing to develop the topic of relief, it is worth pointing out that some microlandscapes in the south, due to their isolation, may have features of the natural zones of northern Russia. And vice versa. We hope this information will help you on your journey.

3

Natural areas of the Earth

A comprehensive scientific study of nature allowed V.V. Dokuchaev in 1898 to formulate the law of geographical zoning, according to which climate, water, soil, relief, vegetation and fauna on certain territory are closely interrelated and must be studied as a whole. He proposed dividing the Earth's surface into zones that naturally repeat in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Different geographical (natural) zones Earth characterized by a certain combination of heat and moisture, soils, flora and fauna and, as a consequence, characteristics economic activity their population. These are zones of forests, steppes, deserts, tundra, savanna, as well as transitional zones of forest-tundra, semi-deserts, forest-tundra. Natural areas are traditionally named according to the predominant type of vegetation, reflecting the most important features of the landscape.

A regular change in vegetation is an indicator of a general increase in heat. In the tundra the average temperature is warm month in the year - July - does not exceed + 10°С, in the taiga it fluctuates between + 10... + 18°С in the strip of deciduous and mixed forests + 18...+20°С, in the steppe and forest-steppe +22. ..+24°С, in semi-deserts and deserts - above +30°С.

Most animal organisms remain active at temperatures from 0 to +30°C. However, temperatures from + 10°C and above are considered the best for growth and development. Obviously, such a thermal regime is typical for the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic zones of the Earth. The intensity of vegetation development in natural areas also depends on the amount of precipitation. Compare, for example, their number in the forest and desert zones (see atlas map).

So, natural areas- these are natural complexes that occupy large areas and characterized by the dominance of one zonal type of landscape. They are formed mainly under the influence of climate - the distribution of heat and moisture, their ratio. Each natural zone has its own type of soil, vegetation and animal life.

The appearance of a natural area is determined by the type of vegetation cover. But the nature of vegetation depends on climatic conditions - thermal conditions, moisture, light, soil, etc.

As a rule, natural zones are extended in the form of wide stripes from west to east. There are no clear boundaries between them; they gradually transform into one another. The latitudinal location of natural zones is disrupted by the unequal distribution of land and ocean, relief, distance from the ocean.

General characteristics of the main natural zones of the Earth

Let us characterize the main natural zones of the Earth, starting from the equator and moving towards the poles.

There are forests on all continents of the Earth, except Antarctica. Forest zones have both common features and special ones, characteristic only of taiga, mixed and broad-leaved forests or tropical forests.

The general features of the forest zone include: warm or hot summers, a fairly large amount of precipitation (from 600 to 1000 or more mm per year), large deep rivers, and the predominance of woody vegetation. Equatorial forests, occupying 6% of the land, receive the greatest amount of heat and moisture. They rightfully hold first place among the forest zones of the Earth in terms of the diversity of plants and animals. 4/5 of all plant species grow here and 1/2 of all land animal species live here.

The climate of the equatorial forests is hot and humid. Average annual temperatures+24... + 28°С. The annual precipitation is more than 1000 mm. It is in the equatorial forest that you can find the largest number of ancient animal species, such as amphibians: frogs, newts, salamanders, toads or marsupials: possums in America, possums in Australia, tenrecs in Africa, lemurs in Madagascar, lorises in Asia; Ancient animals include such inhabitants of equatorial forests as armadillos, anteaters, and lizards.

In equatorial forests, the richest vegetation is located in several tiers. The treetops are home to many species of birds: hummingbirds, hornbills, birds of paradise, crowned pigeons, numerous species of parrots: cockatoos, macaws, Amazons, African Grays. These birds have tenacious legs and strong beaks: they not only fly, but also climb trees very well. Animals that live in treetops also have prehensile paws and tails: sloths, monkeys, howler monkeys, flying foxes, tree kangaroos. The largest animal that lives in the treetops is the gorilla. Such forests are home to many beautiful butterflies and other insects: termites, ants, etc. There are various types of snakes. Anaconda is the largest snake in the world, reaching a length of 10 m or more. The high-water rivers of the equatorial forests are rich in fish.

The largest areas of equatorial forests occupy in South America, in the Amazon River basin, and in Africa - in the Congo River basin. The Amazon is the deepest river on Earth. Every second it carries 220 thousand m3 of water into the Atlantic Ocean. The Congo is the second most water-rich river in the world. Equatorial forests are also common on the islands of the Malaysian archipelago and Oceania, in the southeastern regions of Asia, and in northeastern Australia (see map in the atlas).

Valuable tree species: mahogany, black, yellow - the wealth of equatorial forests. Harvesting valuable timber threatens the conservation of the Earth's unique forests. Satellite images have shown that in a number of areas of the Amazon, forest destruction is proceeding at a catastrophic pace, many times faster than their restoration. At the same time, many species are disappearing unique plants and animals.

Variably wet monsoon forests

Variably humid monsoon forests can also be found on all continents of the Earth except Antarctica. If in the equatorial forests it is summer all the time, then three seasons are clearly defined here: dry cool (November-February) - winter monsoon; dry hot (March-May) - transitional season; humid hot (June-October) - summer monsoon. The hottest month is May, when the sun is almost at its zenith, rivers dry up, trees shed their leaves, and the grass turns yellow.

Summer monsoon arrives at the end of May hurricane winds, thunderstorms, torrential rains. Nature comes to life. Due to the alternation of dry and wet seasons, monsoon forests are called variable-wet.

India's monsoon forests are located in the tropical climatic zone. Valuable tree species grow here, characterized by the strength and durability of the wood: teak, sal, sandalwood, satin and ironwood. Teak wood is not afraid of fire and water, it is widely used for the construction of ships. Sal also has a durable and strong wood. Sandalwood and satin trees are used in the manufacture of varnishes and paints.

The fauna of the Indian jungle is rich and diverse: elephants, bulls, rhinoceroses, monkeys. Lots of birds and reptiles.

Monsoon forests of tropical and subtropical regions are also characteristic of Southeast Asia, Central and South America, northern and northeastern regions of Australia (see map in the atlas).

Temperate monsoon forests

Temperate monsoon forests are found only in Eurasia. Ussuri taiga- a special place in the Far East. This is a real thicket: multi-tiered, dense forests, intertwined with vines and wild grapes. Cedar, walnut, linden, ash, and oak grow here. The lush vegetation is the result of abundant seasonal rainfall and a fairly mild climate. Here you can meet the Ussuri tiger - the largest representative of its species.
The rivers of the monsoon forests have rain power and overflow during the summer monsoon rains. The largest of them are the Ganges, Indus, and Amur.

Monsoon forests have been heavily cut down. According to experts, in Eurasia Only 5% of the former forest areas have survived. Monsoon forests have suffered not only from forestry, but also from agriculture. It is known that the largest agricultural civilizations appeared on fertile soils in the valleys of the Ganges, Irrawaddy, Indus rivers and their tributaries. The development of agriculture required new territories - forests were cut down. Agriculture has adapted for centuries to alternating wet and dry seasons. The main agricultural season is the wet monsoon period. Crops are dedicated to it most important crops- rice, jute, sugar cane. In the dry, cool season, barley, legumes, and potatoes are planted. During the dry hot season, farming is possible only with artificial irrigation. The monsoon is capricious, its delay leads to severe droughts and destruction of crops. Therefore, artificial irrigation is necessary.

Temperate forests

Temperate forests occupy significant areas in Eurasia and North America (see map in the atlas).

IN northern regions- this is the taiga, to the south - mixed and deciduous forests. In the forest zone of the temperate zone, the seasons of the year are clearly defined. Average temperatures in January are negative throughout, in some places down to - 40°C, in July + 10... + 20°C; the amount of precipitation is 300-1000 mm per year. The vegetation of plants stops in winter, and there is snow cover for several months.

Spruce, fir, pine, and larch grow both in the taiga of North America and in the taiga of Eurasia. The animal world also has a lot in common. The bear is the owner of the taiga. True, in the Siberian taiga it is called - Brown bear, and in the Canadian taiga - grizzly bears. You can meet red lynx, elk, wolf, as well as marten, ermine, wolverine, and sable. Flow through the taiga zone largest rivers Siberia - Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, Lena, which in terms of flow are second only to the rivers of the equatorial forest zone.

To the south, the climate becomes milder: mixed and broad-leaved forests grow here, consisting of species such as birch, oak, maple, linden, among which there are also conifers. Characteristic of the forests of North America are: white oak, sugar maple, yellow birch. Red deer, elk, wild boar, hare; Among the predators, the wolf and the fox are representatives of the animal world of this zone known to us.

If the northern taiga is considered by geographers to be a zone slightly modified by humans, then mixed and broad-leaved forests have been cut down almost everywhere. Their place was taken by agricultural areas, for example, the “corn belt” in the United States; many cities and transport routes are concentrated in this zone. In Europe and North America, the natural landscapes of these forests have been preserved only in mountainous areas.

Savannah

Savannah is a natural zone of low latitudes in the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Occupies about 40% of the territory of Africa (sub-Saharan Africa), distributed in South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Australia (see map in the atlas). The savanna is dominated by herbaceous vegetation with isolated trees or groups of trees (acacia, eucalyptus, baobab) and bushes.

The fauna of African savannas is surprisingly diverse. To adapt to the conditions of endless dry spaces, nature endowed animals with unique properties. For example, the giraffe is considered the tallest animal on Earth. Its height exceeds 5 m, it has a long tongue (about 50 cm). The giraffe needs all this in order to reach the high branches of the acacia trees. The crowns of acacias begin at a height of 5 m, and giraffes have practically no competitors, calmly eating tree branches. Typical savannah animals are zebras, elephants, and ostriches.

Steppes

Steppes are found on all continents of the Earth, except Antarctica (in temperate and subtropical zones Northern and Southern Hemispheres). They are characterized by an abundance of solar heat, low precipitation (up to 400 mm per year), and warm or hot summers. The main vegetation of the steppes is grass. Steppes are called differently. In South America, the tropical steppes are called pampa, which in the Indian language means “a large area without forest.” Animals characteristic of the pampa are the llama, the armadillo, and the viscacha, a rodent similar to a rabbit.

In North America, steppes are called prairies. They are located in both temperate and subtropical climatic zones. "Kings" of the American prairies for a long time there were bison. TO end of the 19th century centuries they were almost completely exterminated. Currently, through the efforts of the state and the public, the number of bison is being restored. Another resident of the prairies is the coyote - the steppe wolf. Along the banks of rivers in the bushes you can find a large spotted cat - a jaguar. Peccaries are a small boar-like animal also typical of the prairies.

The steppes of Eurasia are located in the temperate zone. They are very different from the American prairies and African savannas. It's drier here, sharper continental climate. In winter it is very cold (average temperature - 20°C), and in summer it is very hot (average temperature + 25°C), with strong winds. In summer, the vegetation of the steppes is sparse, but in spring the steppe is transformed: it blooms with many varieties of lilies, poppies, and tulips.

The flowering time does not last long, about 10 days. Then drought sets in, the steppe dries out, the colors fade, and by autumn everything turns yellow-gray.

The steppes contain the most fertile soils on Earth, so they are almost completely plowed. The treeless spaces of the temperate steppes are characterized by strong winds. Wind erosion of soils occurs very intensively here - dust storms are frequent. To preserve soil fertility, forest belts are planted, organic fertilizers and light agricultural machinery are used.

Deserts

Deserts occupy vast areas - up to 10% of the Earth's land area. They are located on all continents and in different climatic zones: temperate, subtropical, tropical and even polar.

The desert climates of the tropical and temperate zones have common features. Firstly, an abundance of solar heat, secondly, a large amplitude of temperatures between winter and summer, day and night, and thirdly, a small amount of precipitation (up to 150 mm per year). However, the latter feature is also characteristic of polar deserts.

In the deserts of the tropical zone, the average summer temperature is +30°C, winter + 10°C. The greatest tropical deserts on Earth are located in Africa: the Sahara, Kalahari, Namib.

Plants and animals of deserts adapt to dry and hot climates. For example, a giant cactus can store up to 3000 liters of water and “not drink” for up to two years; and the Welwitschia plant, found in the Namib Desert, is capable of absorbing water from the air. The camel is an indispensable helper for humans in the desert. It can be without food and water for a long time, storing it in its humps.

The largest desert in Asia, Rub al-Khali, located on Arabian Peninsula, is also located in the tropical zone. The desert regions of North and South America and Australia are located in the tropical and subtropical climate zones.

The temperate deserts of Eurasia are also characterized by low precipitation and a large temperature range, both annual and daily. However, they are characterized by lower winter temperatures and a pronounced flowering period in the spring. Such deserts are located in Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. The fauna is represented here various types snakes, rodents, scorpions, turtles, lizards. A typical plant is saxaul.

Polar deserts

Polar deserts are located in the polar regions of the Earth. The absolute minimum temperature recorded in Antarctica is 89.2 °C.

On average, winter temperatures are -30 °C, summer temperatures are 0 °C. Just like in the deserts of the tropical and temperate zones, the polar desert receives little precipitation, mainly in the form of snow. The polar night lasts almost half a year here, and the polar day lasts almost half a year. Antarctica is considered the highest continent on Earth, given the thickness of its ice shell at 4 km.

The indigenous inhabitants of the polar deserts of Antarctica are emperor penguins. They cannot fly, but they swim perfectly. They can dive to great depths and swim vast distances to escape their enemies - seals.

The northern polar region of the Earth - the Arctic - got its name from the ancient Greek arcticos - northern. The southern, as if opposite, polar region is Antarctica (anti - against). The Arctic occupies the island of Greenland, the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, as well as the islands and waters of the Northern Arctic Ocean. This area is covered with snow and ice all year round. The polar bear is rightfully considered the owner of these places.

Tundra

Tundra is a treeless natural area with vegetation of mosses, lichens and creeping shrubs. The tundra is distributed in the subarctic climate zone only in North America and Eurasia, which are characterized by harsh climatic conditions (little solar heat, low temperatures, short cold summers, low precipitation).

The moss lichen was called “reindeer moss” because it is the main food of reindeer. Arctic foxes and lemmings - small rodents - also live in the tundra. Among the sparse vegetation there are berry bushes: blueberries, lingonberries, blueberries, as well as dwarf trees: birch, willow.

Permafrost in the soil is a phenomenon characteristic of the tundra, as well as the Siberian taiga. As soon as you start digging a hole, at a depth of about 1 m you will encounter a frozen layer of earth several tens of meters thick. This phenomenon must be taken into account during construction, industrial and agricultural development of the territory.

Everything grows very slowly in the tundra. This is precisely why the need for careful attention to its nature is connected. For example, pastures overrun by deer are restored only after 15-20 years.

Altitudinal zone

Unlike flat areas, climatic zones and natural zones in the mountains change according to the law of vertical zonation, i.e. from bottom to top. This is due to the fact that the air temperature decreases with altitude. Consider, as an example, the greatest mountain system in the world - the Himalayas. Almost all natural zones of the Earth are represented here: tropical forest grows at the foot, at an altitude of 1500 m it is replaced by broad-leaved forests, which in turn turn into mixed forests at an altitude of 2000 m. Further, as you rise into the mountains, coniferous forests of Himalayan pine begin to predominate, fir and juniper. In winter, there is snow here for a long time and frosts persist.

Above 3500 m, shrubs and alpine meadows begin; they are called “alpine”. In summer, the meadows are covered with a carpet of brightly blooming herbs - poppies, primroses, gentians. Gradually the grasses become shorter. From approximately 4500 m altitude there is eternal snow and ice. Climatic conditions It's very harsh here. Rare species of animals live in the mountains: mountain goat, chamois, argali, snow leopard.

Latitudinal zonation in the ocean

The world's oceans occupy more than 2/3 of the planet's surface. Physical properties and the chemical composition of ocean waters are relatively constant and create an environment favorable for life. It is especially important for the life of plants and animals that oxygen and carbon dioxide coming from the air dissolve in water. Photosynthesis of algae occurs mainly in the upper layer of water (up to 100 m).

Marine organisms live mainly in the surface layer of water illuminated by the Sun. These are the smallest plant and animal organisms - plankton (bacteria, algae, small animals), various fish and marine mammals(dolphins, whales, seals, etc.), squid, sea ​​snakes and turtles.

There is life on the seabed too. These are bottom algae, corals, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are called benthos (from the Greek benthos - deep). The biomass of the World Ocean is 1000 times less than the biomass of the Earth's land.

Distribution of life in world ocean unevenly and depends on the amount of solar energy received on its surface. Polar waters are poor in plankton due to low temperatures and the long polar night. The largest amount of plankton develops in the waters of the temperate zone in summer. The abundance of plankton attracts fish here. The temperate zones of the Earth are the most fishy areas of the World Ocean. In the tropical zone, the amount of plankton decreases again due to the high salinity of the water and high temperatures.

Formation of natural areas

From today's topic, we learned how diverse the natural complexes of our planet are. The natural zones of the Earth are replete with evergreen forests, endless steppes, various mountain ranges, hot and icy deserts.

Each corner of our planet is distinguished by its uniqueness, varied climate, relief, flora and fauna, and therefore different natural zones are formed on the territories of each continent.

Let's try to figure out what natural areas are, how they were formed, and what was the impetus for their formation.

Natural zones include those complexes that have similar soils, vegetation, fauna and similar temperature conditions. Natural zones received their names based on the type of vegetation, and are called such as taiga zone or deciduous forests, etc.

Natural areas are diverse due to the uneven redistribution of solar energy on the Earth's surface. This is where it lies main reason heterogeneity of the geographical envelope.

After all, if we consider one of the climatic zones, we will notice that those parts of the belt that are located closer to the ocean are more humidified than its continental parts. And this reason lies not so much in the amount of precipitation, but rather in the ratio of heat and moisture. Because of this, on some continents we experience a more humid climate, while on others we experience a drier climate.

And with the help of the redistribution of solar heat, we see how the same amount of moisture in some climate zones leads to excess moisture, and in others to a lack of moisture.

For example, in a hot tropical zone, a lack of moisture can cause drought and the formation of desert areas, while in the subtropics, excess moisture contributes to the formation of swamps.

So you learned that due to the difference in the amount of solar heat and moisture, different natural zones were formed.

Patterns of natural zones location

Natural zones of the Earth have clear patterns of their location, extending in the latitudinal direction and changing from north to south. Most often, a change in natural zones is observed in the direction from the coast making its way inland.

In mountainous areas there is an altitudinal zone, which changes from one zone to another, starting from the foot and moving towards the mountain peaks.

In the World Ocean, zones change from the equator to the poles. Here, changes in natural areas are reflected in the surface composition of waters, as well as differences in flora and fauna.

Features of the natural zones of the continents

Since planet Earth has a spherical surface, the Sun heats it unevenly. Those areas of the surface over which the Sun is high receive the most heat. And where the sun's rays only glide over the Earth, a more severe climate prevails.

And although on different continents Vegetation and animals have similar characteristics, but are influenced by climate, topography, geology and humans. Therefore, historically, due to changes in relief and climate, different species of plants and animals live on different continents.

There are continents where endemics are found, where only a certain type of living beings and plants live, which are peculiar to these continents. For example, polar bears can only be found in nature in the Arctic, and kangaroos can only be found in Australia. But in African and South American shrouds there are similar species, although they have certain differences.

But human activity contributes to changes that occur in the geographical environment, and under such influence natural areas also change.

Questions and tasks to prepare for the exam

1. Draw up a diagram of the interaction of natural components in a natural complex and explain it.
2. How do the concepts “natural complex”, “geographical envelope”, “biosphere”, “natural zone” relate to each other? Show with a diagram.
3. Name the zonal type of soil for tundra, taiga, mixed and deciduous forest zones.
4. Where is the soil cover more difficult to restore: in the steppes of Southern Russia or in the tundra? Why?
5. What is the reason for the difference in the thickness of the fertile soil layer in different natural zones? What does soil fertility depend on?
6. What types of plants and animals are characteristic of the tundra and why?
7. What organisms live on the surface of the waters of the World Ocean?
8. Which of the following animals can be found in African savannah: rhinoceros, lion, giraffe, tiger, tapir, baboon, llama, hedgehog, zebra, hyena?
9. In what forests is it impossible to determine its age from the cut of a cut tree?
10. What measures, in your opinion, will help preserve the human habitat?

Maksakovsky V.P., Petrova N.N., Physical and economic geography of the world. - M.: Iris-press, 2010. - 368 pp.: ill.