The natural or physical-geographical zone is part of the geographic envelope of our planet. Due to its large territory, Russia is located in many zones that replace each other.
How many natural zones is the territory of Russia divided into?
Alexander von Humboldt, a German geographer and naturalist, in 1807 began to study various natural zones. And in 1899, the Russian geologist Vasily Dokuchaev proposed the Doctrine of Natural Zones.
Basic and subzones are distinguished, and they got the name according to the most common type of vegetation. Our country covers 7 base zones (from north to south):
- arctic desert;
- tundra;
- taiga;
- zone of mixed and deciduous forests;
- steppe;
- desert;
- subtropics.
Due to the smooth transition from one region to another, 3 subzones are also distinguished:
- forest tundra;
- forest steppe;
- semi-desert.
Thus, the territory of the Russian Federation is located in 10 zones. It is also worth separately highlighting the mountain regions. Being within different natural zones, they differ in other climatic conditions. Therefore, the mountains are spoken of as high-altitude zones.
Interesting fact: Russia is the second country in the world by the number of occupied natural zones after the United States. In America, two states are located in the tropical zone.
Arctic desert
The most northern zone, which is characterized by an arctic climate. The territory is of great interest to scientists, researchers. It is a constant object of scientific expeditions.
Geographical location and relief
It occupies 2% of the total area of the country. Includes the Northern Earth, the northern part of the Taimyr Peninsula, partially covers the Arctic seas, as well as the Franz Josef Land. A characteristic feature of the zone is glaciers, which occupy more than 80% of the entire territory. The coastal part is represented by flat territories. There are also highlands, plateaus.
Soil and climate
The harsh climate is due to the almost complete absence of soil as such. Instead of it - permafrost. The freezing depth is about 1 km. In the summer, the situation does not change significantly. An increase in temperature only allows glaciers to thaw out - small lakes appear on the surface.
There are areas with a higher temperature in the Arctic desert. Thin layers of soil are observed there. How variable this zone is is evidenced by the difference in average annual temperatures. The average temperature in the year is from 0 to -22 ℃. The maximum values in summer are + 12 ℃, and the winter minimum is about -70 ℃.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna are represented only by those species that have adapted to survive under such conditions. Among plants, only algae and moss are common. The fauna is very diverse:
- fish (cod, flounder);
- mammals (narwhal, polar bear);
- birds (white owl, guillemot, gull).
Tundra
The tundra zone borders on the Arctic desert (area - 7% of the entire territory). It is usually divided into 3 parts: arctic, middle and southern. The tundra is characterized by the absence of forests, many swamps, peat bogs, permafrost.
Geographical location and relief
It occupies Kamchatka, the Urals, the Kola Peninsula and makes up 7% of the RF area. Highlight the mountain tundra, which is also characteristic of our country. If the arctic part is more flat, the mountainous part combines both plains and elevations.
Soil and climate
Compared to the Arctic desert, the tundra soil is more fertile. However, most plants are still difficult to adapt to such conditions. Winter lasts much longer than summer: 9 frosty months versus 1-3 warm months when snow melts.The average temperature is about + 12 ℃ in summer, but winters are much warmer than in the Arctic desert - about -17 ℃.
Interesting fact: polar days and nights are characteristic of the tundra zone. The polar night lasts from December to February, and the polar day begins in July.
Flora and fauna
In addition to mosses, lichens, dwarf trees grow here. Common for local plants is stunting. The animal world is represented by polar bears, reindeer, white hares, moose, arctic foxes, etc.
Forest tundra
The intermediate strip between the taiga and the tundra occupies 9% of the area. Combines the features of both zones: along with marshy areas, rare forests grow here. In general, the climate is milder than in previous zones.
Interesting fact: the nature of the forest-tundra needs protection. To this end, the Taimyr Nature Reserve operates - one of the largest in the country.
Geographical location and relief
By geographic location, the forest-tundra is located just on the border between the tundra and taiga. It occupies the territory between the Kolyma Territory and the Kola Peninsula. The width of the strip varies between 20-200 km.
Plains predominate here, but hills and plateaus are sometimes found. There are no full forests in this zone - instead of them there are separate clusters of trees surrounded by meadows and swamps.
Soil and climate
Forest-tundra stands an order of magnitude higher than the northern natural zones in terms of soil quality. But here, the diversity of vegetation is meager. Peatlands, gley soils, podzolic are widespread. The only way to use local soil for agricultural purposes is to process it with fertilizers and also carry out drainage.
Winter in the forest-tundra is almost the same as in the tundra. Constant cold wind, temperature around -40 ℃, snow cover. This period takes up to 8 months per year. In summer, the temperature rises to an average of + 14 ℃. The amount of precipitation is small, but because of the marshland there is high humidity.
Flora and fauna
Woodland is represented by deciduous and coniferous tree species (birch, spruce). Mosses, lichens, and meadow vegetation are found everywhere. Trees have a strong root system.
Forest-tundra is rich in a variety of bird fauna. Waterfowl (swans, loons, ducks) live here. Owls, partridges, peregrine falcons, Siberian cranes, etc. are also common. For many of them, the zone serves as a permanent home. The fauna is also represented by deer, wolves, arctic foxes.
Taiga
Dense coniferous forests, as well as many swamps, are characteristic. Along with tropical forests, taiga conifers are considered “light” of our planet. The zone is divided into two categories: light coniferous and dark coniferous (more common).
Interesting fact: in Russia, taiga is the most extensive area (62%), and it began to form even before the formation of glacial masses.
Geographical location and relief
The taiga covers all of Siberia - it stretched from the Baltic Sea to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. In the south, the border runs near Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Chita, etc. The area retained its most natural appearance, as it was little exposed to human exposure. The relief is mostly flat.
Soil and climate
Many lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. In the taiga, the amount of precipitation varies greatly throughout the year and can range from 200 to 1000 mm (the highest rate among all zones). Podzolic soil with a high level of humus, minerals.
Summer is warm and winter is cold. Heat is kept for about 4-5 months with a temperature of + 16 ℃. In winter, the thermometer shows from -10 to -50 ℃. In general, the climate can be described as stable.
Flora and fauna
Pine, spruce, fir and cedar prevail. Distributed meadow vegetation. In comparison with the northern zones, life is in full swing here. A diverse fauna represented by birds, mammals, amphibians:
- Lynxes
- Wolves
- the Bears;
- hazel grouse;
- grouse.
Broadleaf and mixed forests
Sometimes this zone is divided into two independent ones.Broad-leaved forests are formed by trees that have wide leaf plates. This zone is characterized by stable weather conditions and a temperate continental climate. And in the mixed forest there is a richer flora and fauna.
Geographical location and relief
They occupy a small part - only 3%. A narrow zone, but it runs from the East European Plain to the Far Eastern part of the Russian Federation and is partially scattered throughout this territory. The relief types here are the same as in the taiga zone: the plains alternate with hills.
Soil and climate
Podzolic type soils are combined with burozems and chernozems. The climate is quite favorable and promotes the spread of lush vegetation. In winter, the air temperature ranges from -26 to -8 ℃. In summer, there is a high temperature and humidity - about 16-20 ℃ of heat. About 500-700 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Flora and fauna
Flora is represented by all kinds of trees, both coniferous and deciduous. Also common are herbs, shrubs, lichens, mosses (in darkened, humid areas).
Due to the temperate climate, forests are actively used by people, which negatively affects the wildlife. Therefore, species diversity is best preserved in pristine areas. Forests are home to predators (wolves, foxes), wild boars, raccoons, moose. Also, there are many birds, reptiles.
Forest-steppe zone
The transition zone between forests and the steppe, combining the features of both zones. It occupies 3.5% of the area. The farther towards the south, the less trees are found, and the average temperature gets higher. The forest-steppe is most actively subjected to anthropogenic impact, agriculture, therefore, needs protection.
Geographical location and relief
The zone occupies the South Urals and the plains - Western European and Eastern European. The relief is represented by various forms: plains, hills and ravines. Two biomes can be distinguished in the forest-steppe zone: mountain and steppe.
Soil and climate
Thanks to fertile chernozem soils, the forest-steppe is so actively used by people. A temperate climate is the cause of stable weather conditions. The area has warm summers and cold winters. In summer, the temperature is 16-21 ℃, and in winter - from -16 to + 8 ℃. Precipitation is moderate - up to 500 mm.
Flora and fauna
Herbs and trees are combined in the zone. Oaks, linden, maples are inherent in the European part. Birch, aspen - for the Asian. The conditions are excellent for cultivating crops: wheat, corn, rye.
Interesting fact: the natural forest-steppe complex is endangered. Vegetation and landscapes do not have time to recover from the damage caused by human activity. The main negative consequences: pollution with nitrates, toxins, drainage.
The fauna is more like a steppe zone. Rodents, martens, steppe birds (bustards and others), hares, squirrels, and moose predominate.
Steppe zone
The steppes are vast plains in area. There is a minimal number of trees or their complete absence. Since the climate of the steppes is drier, the local vegetation is adapted to survive in such conditions. And in terms of wildlife, the steppe is more like a desert zone.
Geographical location and relief
The steppe occupies 11% of the area. The zone is located in the southern part of the country. It covers the southern part of Western Siberia, the Black Sea coast, and the East European Plain. The relief is represented by plains, but sometimes ravines are found.
Soil and climate
The steppes are also characterized by the presence of fertile chernozems, but the climate here is hotter and drier. If we talk about Russia, then the eastern steppes are colder than the western ones. There are chestnut soils.
Interesting fact: the lack of forests is bad for the state of steppe agricultural land.Therefore, trees are planted artificially in the form of long stripes. They protect the fields from dry winds, heavy snowfalls.
The climate in the steppe is very contrasting with severe frosts in the winter and hot, arid summer months. The temperature in winter is from -35 to 5 ℃, in the summer - 7-35 ℃ (an average of about 20 ℃). There is little precipitation - from 200 to 400 mm.
Flora and fauna
Steppe vegetation is represented by various herbs, meadow plants. Common tumbleweed, feather grass, clover, wild oats. Agricultural crops are also grown: wheat, barley.
The fauna of the steppes of the Russian Federation is represented by rodents, snakes, many species of birds (hawks, owls, loonies), wolves, foxes, ferrets. The animals living here are well adapted to the food supply, and to the climatic conditions of the steppe.
Semi deserts and deserts
The semi-desert and desert zones of Russia are usually considered together. The first is characterized by mixed features of the steppe zone and desert. Rare vegetation is still found in the semi-desert, while in the desert only some species resistant to drought may exist.
Geographical location and relief
In Russia, these zones occupy 1% of the area each. They are located in the southern part of the country: from the Caspian lowland to the territories bordering Kazakhstan. Landforms are mostly flat. However, due to the constant strong winds, dunes and hills are formed here.
Soil and climate
Climatic conditions are quite difficult especially in the southernmost regions. It is cold in winter - the temperature can drop to -15 ℃. Due to the lack of snowfall, the soil freezes to a considerable depth.
The summer is hot - the thermometer column often rises to + 50 ℃ and higher. The average temperature is 25 ℃. Precipitation is very small - up to 250 mm, and they occur in the spring. The soil is infertile - there are brown mountainous soils, but for the most part it is sand, salt marshes.
Flora and fauna
Despite the meager diversity of flora, some plant species can be found only in these zones. These include cacti, acacia, remaria, camel cabbage. With a prolonged absence of precipitation, the plants wither outside, but their underground organs are preserved. Common grass is black wormwood.
Interesting fact: a tree that can be found in the desert - saxaul. There are almost no leaves on it, so moisture evaporates slowly.
The animals living here are nocturnal. These include jerboas, ground squirrels and other species. Geckos, boas, wolves, foxes, saigas and camels are also found. They are not afraid of heat and birds: larks, pigfish.
Subtropics
The subtropical zone, although it covers a small area, also deserves attention. It is characterized by warm weather all year round, as well as specific vegetation and wildlife.
Geographical location and relief
Subtropics are located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, as well as in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula. The zone has a truly diverse relief. There are both flat plains and low mountains, high mountains.
Soil and climate
In the subtropics humus and mountainous soils, yellow soils. The climate is marine, warm, humid. The temperature in summer is from 20 to 36 ℃. In the winter season, the cold also does not occur - the temperature ranges from 8-16 ℃. On average, up to 800 mm falls per year.
Flora and fauna
Flora is represented by exotic plants that have adapted to heat and humidity: palm trees, persimmons, boxwoods. The fauna is similar to a zone of mixed forests, since the subtropics are rich in a variety of trees. There are wolves, foxes, brown bears, raccoons, deer. All sorts of birds are also found: falcons, kings, black grouse, hoopoes, etc.
Altitude Zone
The zone of altitudinal zonation is an interesting phenomenon - natural zones vary with height. It is located in the mountainous regions.Thus, if ordinary natural zones replace each other horizontally, then in zones of altitudinal zonation this occurs vertically.
For example, at the top of the mountain there is low temperature, snow, ice, and a complete lack of vegetation. And at the foot at the same time everything is covered with greenery and high temperature prevails.
Table of natural zones of Russia
