Change of natural components with altitude. Natural complexes

Differences in the relationship between air temperature and precipitation in different parts Lands determine the diversity of soils and fauna. Therefore, our planet is a delightful variety of “pictures of nature.”

What is a natural complex?

The interaction of natural components: rocks, air, water, flora and fauna - leads to the formation of natural complexes.

Any natural complex is characterized by a special composition of components and has a unique appearance.

Natural complexes in the mountains, replacing each other with height, are called altitudinal zones. Their number depends on the geographical location and height of the mountains. The higher the mountains, the closer they are located, the greater the set of altitude zones.

In the World Ocean, along with zonal ones, shallow and deep-water natural complexes are distinguished.

Anthropogenic complexes

Today, natural-anthropogenic complexes—territories that have been significantly altered by humans—are increasingly encountered. These are drained swamps, plowed steppes, artificial forest belts, parks and gardens, irrigated and watered desert areas, mining areas. In cities, major ports, along highways and railways, where the natural environment is completely changed by man, anthropogenic complexes are formed.

The natural complexes of the Earth are very diverse. These are hot and icy deserts, evergreen forests, endless steppes, bizarre mountains, etc. This diversity is the unique beauty of our planet. You already know how the natural complexes “continent” and “ocean” were formed. But the nature of each continent, like each ocean, is not the same. Their territories contain various natural zones.

A natural zone is a large natural complex that has common temperature and moisture conditions, soils, vegetation and fauna. The formation of zones is determined by climate, on land - by the ratio of heat and moisture. So, if there is a lot of heat and moisture, i.e. high temperatures and a lot of precipitation, a zone of equatorial forests is formed. If temperatures are high and there is little precipitation, then a tropical desert zone is formed.

Natural land areas differ in appearance from each other in the nature of their vegetation. The vegetation of the zones, of all the components of nature, most clearly expresses all the most important features of their nature, the relationship between the components. If changes occur in individual components, then externally this affects primarily the change in vegetation. Natural land areas are named according to the nature of their vegetation, for example desert zones, equatorial forests, etc.

The World Ocean also has natural zones (natural zones). They differ in water masses, organic world etc. Natural zones of the ocean do not have clear external differences, with the exception of ice cover, and are named by their geographical location, like climatic zones.

In placement natural areas On the earth's surface, scientists have discovered a clear pattern that can be clearly seen on the map of natural zones. To understand this pattern, let us trace on the map the change in natural zones from north to south along 20° east. e. In the subarctic zone, where temperatures are low, there is a zone of tundra and forest-tundra, giving way to taiga to the south. There is enough heat and moisture here for the growth of coniferous trees. In the southern half of the temperate zone, the amount of heat and precipitation increases significantly, which contributes to the formation of a zone of mixed and deciduous forests. Somewhat to the east, the amount of precipitation decreases, so the steppe zone is located here. The Mediterranean coastline in Europe and Africa is dominated by a Mediterranean climate with dry summers. It favors the formation of a zone of hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs. Next we find ourselves in the tropical zone. Here, in the sun-scorched expanses, the heat is scorching, the vegetation is sparse and stunted, in some places completely absent. This is a tropical desert area. To the south it gives way to savannas - tropical forest-steppes, where there is already a wet season and a lot of heat. But the amount of precipitation is not enough for forest growth. In the equatorial climate zone there is a lot of heat and moisture, so a zone of humid equatorial forests with very rich vegetation is formed. IN South Africa zones, like climate zones, repeat themselves.

In Antarctica there is a zone of the Antarctic desert, characterized by exceptional severity: very low temperatures and strong winds.

So, you are apparently convinced that the alternation of natural zones on the plains is explained by changing climatic conditions - geographic latitude. However, scientists have long noted that natural conditions change not only when moving from north to south, but also from west to east. To confirm this idea, let us trace on the map the change of zones in Eurasia from west to east along the 45th parallel - in the temperate zone.

On the coast Atlantic Ocean, where marine air masses coming from the ocean dominate, there is a zone of broad-leaved forests, beech, oak, linden, etc. grow. When moving to the east, the forest zone is replaced by a zone of forest-steppes and steppes. The reason is a decrease in precipitation. Even further to the east, precipitation becomes less and the steppes turn into deserts and semi-deserts, which further to the east again give way to steppes, and near Pacific Ocean- zone of mixed forests. These coniferous-deciduous forests amaze with their richness and diversity of plant and animal species.

What explains the alternation of zones at the same latitude? Yes, all for the same reasons - a change in the ratio of heat and moisture, which is determined by the proximity or distance to the direction of the prevailing winds. There are changes at the same latitudes and in the ocean. They depend on the interaction of the ocean with land, the movement of air masses, and currents.

The location of natural areas is closely related to climatic zones. Like climate zones, they naturally replace each other from the equator to the poles due to a decrease in solar heat reaching the Earth's surface and uneven moisture. This change of natural zones - large natural complexes is called latitudinal zoning. Zoning is manifested in all natural complexes, regardless of their size, as well as in all components of the geographical envelope. Zoning is a basic geographical pattern.

A change in natural zones, as you know, occurs not only on the plains, but also in the mountains - from the foot to their peaks. With altitude, temperature and pressure decrease, up to a certain altitude the amount of precipitation increases, and lighting conditions change. Due to changing climatic conditions, natural zones are also changing. The successive zones seem to encircle mountains at different altitudes, which is why they are called altitudinal zones. The change in altitudinal zones in the mountains occurs much faster than the change in zones on the plains. It is enough to climb 1 km to see this.

The first (lower) altitudinal belt of mountains always corresponds to the natural zone in which the mountain is located. So, if the mountain is located in the taiga zone, then when climbing to its peak you will find the following altitude zones: taiga, mountain tundra, eternal snow. If you have to climb the Andes near the equator, then you will begin your journey from the belt (zone) of equatorial forests. The pattern is this: the higher the mountains and the closer they are to the equator, the more altitude zones there are and the more diverse they are. In contrast to zonality on the plains, the alternation of natural zones in the mountains is called altitudinal zonation or altitudinal zonation.

The law of geographic zonation also manifests itself in mountainous areas. We have already considered some of them. Also, the change of day and night and seasonal changes depend on geographic latitude. If the mountain is located near the pole, then there is a polar day and a polar night, a long winter and a short cold summer. In the mountains at the equator, day is always equal to night, there are no seasonal changes.

1. Natural complexes are very diverse. Which of them are called natural areas?

The natural complex of land, as well as the complex of the geographical shell as a whole, is a heterogeneous formation and includes natural complexes of lower ranks, differing in the quality of the natural components that make up the complex. These lower-ranking natural areas are. After studying the map of natural zones, you will be able to independently name these natural zones and trace the patterns of their location.

2. Highlight the main features of the concept “natural zone”.

Each natural zone differs from others in the quality of its constituent soils, flora and fauna. And the quality of these components, in turn, depends on the climate, the combination of light, heat and moisture received.

3. What are the features of the location of natural zones on continents and in the ocean?

The boundaries of natural zones on land are most clearly visible by the nature of vegetation. It is no coincidence that vegetation is taken as the basis for the name of natural land areas.

Natural zones are also distinguished in the World Ocean, but the boundaries of these zones are less clear, and the division into zones in the ocean is based on the qualitative characteristics of water masses (salinity, temperature, transparency, etc.).

4. What is latitudinal zonation and altitudinal zonation?

The pattern with which natural zones are located on the Earth's surface is called latitudinal zonation. Changes in the quality of the components that make up the natural zone occur depending on their geographic location, especially on the geographic latitude, on which the amount of heat and moisture received depends.

In the mountains, unlike flat areas, natural zones change with altitude. The change in natural zones from the foot of the mountains to their peaks is similar to the change in natural zones from the equator to the poles. The pattern of changes in natural zones with altitude in the mountains is called altitudinal zonality or altitudinal zonality.

5. Which mountains have the largest number of altitudinal zones, and which ones have the smallest? Why?Material from the site

The number of natural zones in the mountains depends on the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator and on their height. On the southern slopes of the Himalayas, almost all natural zones alternate: from humid equatorial zones at the foot to arctic deserts at the peaks. In mountains located at higher latitudes, the number of natural areas will be smaller. Thus, it is possible to trace the relationship that exists between the number of natural zones in the mountains and the geographical position of the mountains in relation to the equator. The reason for this pattern is the amount of heat and moisture received.

The geographical envelope is not tripled equally everywhere; it has a “mosaic” structure and consists of individual natural complexes (landscapes). Natural complex – this is a part of the earth's surface with relatively homogeneous natural conditions: climate, relief, soils, waters, flora and fauna.

Each natural complex consists of components between which there are close, historically established relationships, and a change in one of the components sooner or later leads to a change in the others.

The largest, planetary natural complex is the geographic envelope; it is divided into natural complexes of a smaller rank. The division of the geographical envelope into natural complexes is due to two reasons: on the one hand, differences in the structure earth's crust and the heterogeneity of the earth's surface, and on the other hand, the unequal amount of solar heat received by its different areas. In accordance with this, zonal and azonal natural complexes are distinguished.

The largest azonal natural complexes are continents and oceans. Smaller - mountainous and flat areas within the continents ( West Siberian Plain, Caucasus, Andes, Amazonian lowland). The latter are divided into even smaller natural complexes (Northern, Central, Southern Andes). Natural complexes of the lowest rank include individual hills, river valleys, their slopes, etc.

The largest of the zonal natural complexes are geographical zones. They coincide with climatic zones and have the same names (equatorial, tropical, etc.). In turn, geographical zones consist of natural zones, which are distinguished by the ratio of heat and moisture.

Natural area is a large area of land with similar natural components - soils, vegetation, fauna, which are formed depending on the combination of heat and moisture.

The main component of a natural area is climate, since all other components depend on it. Vegetation has a great influence on the formation of soils and fauna and is itself dependent on soils. Natural zones are named according to the nature of their vegetation, since it most obviously reflects other features of nature.

The climate naturally changes as it moves from the equator to the poles. Soil, vegetation and fauna determined by climate. This means that these components should change latitudinally, following climate change. The natural change of natural zones when moving from the equator to the poles is called latitudinal zonality. There are humid equatorial forests near the equator, and icy forests near the poles. arctic deserts. Between them are other types of forests, savannas, deserts, and tundra. Forest zones, as a rule, are located in areas where the ratio of heat and moisture is balanced (equatorial and most of the temperate zone, eastern coasts of continents in the tropical and subtropical zone). Treeless zones form where there is a lack of heat (tundra) or moisture (steppes, deserts). These are continental regions of the tropical and temperate zones, as well as the subarctic climate zone.

The climate changes not only in latitude, but also due to changes in altitude. As you go up the mountains, the temperature drops. Up to an altitude of 2000-3000 m, the amount of precipitation increases. A change in the ratio of heat and moisture causes a change in soil and vegetation cover. Thus, different natural zones are located in the mountains at different altitudes. This pattern is called altitudinal zone.

The change in altitudinal zones in the mountains occurs in approximately the same sequence as on the plains, when moving from the equator to the poles. At the foot of the mountains there is a natural area in which they are located. The number of altitudinal zones is determined by the height of the mountains and their geographical location. The higher the mountains, and the closer they are located to the equator, the more diverse the set of altitudinal zones. Vertical zonality is most fully expressed in the Northern Andes. In the foothills there are moist equatorial forests, then there is a belt of mountain forests, and even higher - thickets of bamboo and tree ferns. With an increase in altitude and a decrease in average annual temperatures, coniferous forests appear, which are replaced by mountain meadows, often turning into rocky areas covered with moss and lichens. The peaks of the mountains are crowned with snow and glaciers.

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1. Object and subject of research in landscape science. The place of landscape science in the system of other sciences.

2. Natural components as components of the landscape. The concept of “Natural factors”.

3. Lithogenic base as a landscape component.

4. Air masses as a component of the landscape.

5. Natural waters as a component of the landscape.

6. Soils as a component of the landscape.

7. Biota as a component of the landscape.

8. The concept of “Natural-territorial complex and geosystem”. Properties, structure of geosystems.

9. Hierarchy of geosystems.

10. Landscape. Definition. Vertical and horizontal structure.

11. Morphological parts of the landscape. Hierarchical structure of landscapes.

12. Elementary natural complex, its organization, characteristic dimensions, classification.

13. Tracts and sub-tracts as components of the landscape. Dimensions, organization, properties.

14. Terrain as a morphological part of the landscape.

15. Mono- and polydominant landscapes (concept, structure, properties, examples).

16. Zoning as a pattern of landscape differentiation of land.

17. Sectorality of the landscape sphere.

18. Altitudinal zone.

19. Expositional differentiation of the land landscape.

20. The concept of landscape dynamics.

21. Functioning of landscapes.

22. Landscape sustainability. Resistance to anthropogenic influences.

23. Classification of landscapes.

24. Anthropogenic impact on the structure and functioning of the landscape.

25. Anthropogenic landscapes.

26. Cultural landscape.

27. Landscape research methodology.

28. Goals and objectives of applied landscape science.

29. Landscapes of the Orenburg region.

6.2.2 Task for conducting intermediate certification. Interim certification – exam in the form of electronic testing (option 42 questions from a total base of 250 questions)

1. The natural change of natural zones from the equator to the poles is called latitudinal geographic ___________.

Answer: zoning

2. Uneven supply of solar energy to the Earth’s surface, different moisture content of territories are factors

A) zonality

b) azonality

c) sectorality

d) altitudinal zone

3. The change in natural components and geosystems from the equator to the poles is called

A) latitudinal zonation

b) meridional zoning

c) tiered differentiation

d) altitudinal zone

4. Natural areas are named according to the type of predominant

b) climate

c) relief

D) vegetation

5. ... manifests itself in changes in natural components and geosystems from the periphery of continents to their internal parts

a) altitudinal zone

b) azonality

B) meridional zoning

d) latitudinal zonation

6. The sector is due

a) uneven flow of heat to the surface

b) geological and geomorphological differences

B) the interaction of oceans and continents

d) tiered structure of the landscape shell

7. Changes in humidity, sea currents - factors

a) zoning

b) azonality

c) altitudinal zone

D) sectorality

8. Changes in geosystems in connection with geological and geomorphological differences between territories manifest

A) azonality

b) zoning

c) sectoring

d) altitudinal zone

9. In connection with the tiered structure of the landscape shell, the main high-rise tiers are distinguished

lowland

low-lying

exalted

D) flat

D) mountain

10. Altitudinal zonation manifests itself in changes in natural components

from the equator to the poles

B) from the bottom to the top

c) from the periphery deep into the continent

d) due to geological and geomorphological differences

11. Decrease in heat balance with altitude, change in humidification in accordance with the barrier effect - factors

latitudinal zonality

sectorality

azonality

D) altitudinal zone

12. The number of altitude zones in the mountains depends on

A) geographic latitude of the area

b) geological structure of the area

B) absolute height of mountains

d) provisions in the physical-geographical sector

13. Sequence of altitudinal zones from the foot to the top in the mountains of the forest-steppe zone

4 a) coniferous forests

3 b) coniferous-deciduous forests

6 c) glacial-nival

2 d) broad-leaved forests

1 d) forest-steppe

5 g) mountain meadows

14. The sequence of physiographic zones from the equator to the pole in the northern hemisphere is correct

2 a) subequatorial

4 b) subtropical

5 c) moderate

1 d) equatorial

3 d) tropical

6 g) subarctic

7 h) arctic

15. Sequence of physiographic belts from the equator to the pole in the southern hemisphere

2 a) subequatorial

4 b) subtropical

5 c) moderate

1 d) equatorial

3 d) tropical

6 f) subantarctic

7 g) Antarctic

16. The process of identifying, systematizing and describing regional geosystems is called physiographic ___________.

Answer: zoning.

17. The following correspondence is correct: 1) Regional geosystems 2) Local geosystems

1 a) landscape;

2 b) tracts;

1 c) landscape areas;

2 d) facies;

1 e) landscape areas;

2 g) areas.

18. The largest regional geosystems are

2) landscape provinces;

3) landscape districts;

4) physical and geographical sectors;

5) physical-geographical zones.

19. The ratio of heat and moisture, expressed in terms of radiation balance, humidification coefficient is the main criterion

a) physical-geographical zones;

B) landscape areas;

c) landscape areas;

d) physical and geographical sectors.

20. Regional geosystems that form due to the unequal influence of the ocean on the continent are called

a) physical and geographical countries;

b) landscape districts;

B) physical-geographical sectors;

d) landscape provinces.

21. Regional geosystems corresponding to a large morphostructure are called

a) landscape provinces;

b) landscape areas;

B) physical-geographical countries;

d) physical-geographical zones.

22. A large part of a physical-geographical country, isolated as a result of differentiated tectonic movements, transgressions and regressions, processes of sedimentation and denudation, is called

A) landscape area;

b) landscape province;

c) landscape district;

d) landscape area.

23. A segment of a natural zone within a landscape area is called:

a) landscape area;

b) landscape district;

B) landscape province;

d) landscape subzone.

24. A regional geosystem, homogeneous in sector, zonal and azonal characteristics is ______________.

Answer: landscape.

25. The lowest level of regional division of the landscape shell is _________.

Answer: landscape.

26. According to zonal characteristics in the system of physical-geographical zoning there are

A) physical-geographical zones

B) natural areas

c) physical and geographical sectors

d) physical and geographical countries

27. In the system of physical-geographical zoning, according to azonal characteristics,

A) physical and geographical countries

B) landscape areas

c) natural areas

d) natural subzones

28. Geosystems at the regional and local level of an organization are studied by the scientific discipline of _______________.

Answer: landscape science.

29. Natural (geographical) components are

A) the mass of the earth's crust

B) water masses of the hydrosphere

c) population, equipment, technology

D) atmospheric air masses

D) communities of living organisms

E) soil as a bio-inert system

a) Vernadsky V.I.

b) Isachenko A.G.

B) Sochava V.B.

d) Reimers N.F.

31. Geosystem is ..... system

a) geoecological

B) geographical

c) geophysical

d) geochemical

32. The ability of natural systems to maintain or restore structure and function after exposure is called:

A) stability

b) integrity

c) emergence

d) openness

33. Landscape science - section

A) physical geography

b) economic geography

c) historical geology

d) engineering hydrology

34. Geographical envelope - object of study

a) ecology

b) geology

c) soil science

D) geography

35. A synonym for geosystem is the term

36. The term geosystem has been used since ………year

37. A natural combination of natural components interconnected by metabolism and energy, forming an inextricable unity in a certain territory or water area, is called ______________.

Answer: geosystem

Answer: PTK

38. The internal unity of the geosystem, due to the close relationships between its component parts, characterizes ...... systems

a) stability

B) integrity

c) openness

d) emergence

39. The set of components that make up a geosystem and the connections between them are called ..... systems

A) structure

b) functioning

c) integrity

d) stability