The climate of the continent is Eurasia. What are the climatic zones of Eurasia?

Eurasia is the largest continent on the planet. The climate of the continent is very diverse. What is the reason for this? In what climatic zones is the continent of Eurasia? Let's try to answer all these questions in our article.

Description of the mainland

Three quarters of the world's population lives in Eurasia. This is not surprising, because the size of the continent is the largest on Earth. It occupies 35% of terrestrial land, and its area is about 54 million square meters. Km.

The main part of Eurasia belongs to the Northern Hemisphere, while some of the islands that belong to the mainland are in the southern half of the planet. In ancient times, two parts of the continent - Europe and Asia - were perceived separately. They were even considered different continents. Now the division between the European and Asian parts of the continent is only conditional. Borders for this are the mountains (the Ural mountain chain), the rivers (Emba, Kuma, Manych), the seas (Caspian, Black, Mediterranean, Aegean), and the straits (Gibraltar, Bosporus, Dardanelles).

The continent is washed by the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic oceans. The extreme points of the mainland are the Russian Cape Chelyuskin in the north, the Malaysian Cape Piai in the south. The Portuguese cape of Roca is the extreme point in the west, and in the east - the Russian Cape of Dezhnev.

Factors shaping the climate of Eurasia

The extent to which Eurasia is located in the climatic zones was first of all influenced by: considerable length and geographical location. From the north to the south the continent stretched for 8 thousand km, covering a significant territory.

So, in what climatic zones is Eurasia located? Due to the location between the polar circle and the equator, on the mainland there are all the belts of the Northern Hemisphere. The stretching of the continent from west to east is the main cause of the tremendous variety of natural and climatic zones.

An important climatic factor is the relief. On the continent are some of the most extensive world plains. In these areas, winters are cold, and summers are dry and hot. Numerous mountain systems of the continent create barriers for air masses, not passing warm southern winds to the north, and cold and dry - to the south.

A significant role in the formation of the Eurasian climate is played by oceanic basins and the ruggedness of the shoreline. On the edges of the continent the marine type of climate predominates, in the interior regions it is continental. Warm and cold currents in the oceans affect annual changes in the temperature of coastal areas, as well as the amount of precipitation.

In what climatic zones is the territory of Eurasia

We have clarified the main reasons for the formation of climate on the mainland. Now, in more detail, let's talk about the climatic zones in which Eurasia is located.

Arctic belt. It is located in the extreme north of the continent, including the islands, which are located in the Arctic Ocean. Dry frosty air, piercing winds and high atmospheric pressure are typical features of the arctic climatic zone. Air temperatures here rarely rises above zero throughout the year, precipitation is about 250 mm.

Subarctic belt. It differs by milder climatic conditions, it acts as a kind of buffer zone between the Arctic and temperate zones. It occupies the strip of the northern part of the continent, including Iceland and part of Scandinavia. In the summer it is affected by moderate winds and the temperature does not exceed +20. In winter, cold arctic winds blow here, the temperature can drop to -50 degrees.

Temperate zone. It passes along the entire continent below the subarctic belt. It occupies most of Europe and Central Asia. Within its limits, various types of climate have formed, which largely depend on the proximity to the World Ocean. Seasons clearly change each other, the temperature changes throughout the year are very significant.

Subtropical belt. It covers China and the Japanese islands, Iran, Armenia, Italy, Greece, etc. Winters are mild, cool and humid, and the summers are hot and dry.

The tropical belt. It includes the south-western territory of Asia and is absent in Europe. Characterized by hot summers and very warm winters.

Subequatorial belt. It covers the peninsula of Indochina, the Philippines and the northern part of Sri Lanka. Wet air masses in summer are replaced by dry winters.

Equatorial belt. It occupies the southern part of Sri Lanka, the Malay Islands. Here, high temperatures and abundant rainfall prevail, and winds bring moist sea air.

Conclusion

Most of the continent of Eurasia is located in the Northern Hemisphere. This had a significant impact on the climatic zones in which Eurasia is located. So, on the territory of the continent there are arctic, subarctic, temperate, subtropical, tropical, subequatorial and equatorial belts.