South America is crossed by the equatorial, two subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate climatic zones (Fig. 113).
AT equatorial belt is the western part of the Amazonian lowland and the northwestern coast of the Pacific Ocean. The climate here is constantly hot and humid.
AT subequatorial belt the Orinoc Lowland and the Guiana Plateau, the eastern and southern parts of the Amazonian Lowland, the northern and central parts of the Brazilian Plateau are located. This zone has hot, humid summers and dry, sometimes very hot winters. Especially a lot of precipitation is observed on the eastern slopes of the plateaus.
tropical belt covers the southeastern part of the Brazilian plateau, the northern part of the La Plata lowland. Here, depending on the seasons, the contrasts in temperatures increase, as well as in the amount of precipitation in coastal and inland areas. In the east of the Brazilian Plateau, the climate tropical wet, and in the hinterland and on the western coast of the mainland - tropical continental (desert). Such, in particular, as in the Atacama Desert, where there is no rain for several years in a row.
AT subtropical zone there are also differences in climate. In the east it is warm and evenly wet throughout the year, and in the interior - dry continental. formed on the Pacific coast Mediterranean climate type.
Unlike Africa and Australia, the southern part of South America is located in temperate zone. The climate here is formed under the influence of the western transfer of air masses and is characterized by clearly defined seasons. Climate in the west temperate maritime. Cyclones moving to the mainland from the west bring a lot of precipitation here. Their number annually is about 3000 mm. The temperature during the year is never negative.
In the east of the temperate zone is formed dry continental type of climate, which is characterized by sharp fluctuations in temperature. In winter, there are even frosts down to -3 ° C. Precipitation is much less: 250-300 mm.
in the Andes climatic conditions change not only from north to south, but also with height. Here is formed alpine climate type. material from the site
Wind from the pampas. This is the name of pampero - a piercing cold south-west wind, formed during the invasion of cold Antarctic air from the south. This wind moves from the Andes through the pampas of Argentina and on to the Atlantic coast. Pampero is accompanied by rain and thunderstorms, the cooling rate reaches 30 ° C per day, Atmosphere pressure increases rapidly, and the clouds dissipate. A strong pampero breaks even the anchors of ships.
- Climate of South America quite diverse and varies from equatorial to moderate.
- In the Andes, the climate changes with altitude.
On this page, material on the topics:
Climatic zones, regions in South America
The position of South America in climatic zones and regions of climate
subtropical belt continental region south america
Description temperate belt in south america
South America climate zones
Questions about this item:
The climate of South America, unlike Africa and Australia, is more humid.
The main factors that influence climate formation are: geographical position, territory configuration, relief, ocean currents, atmospheric circulation. (Study the ocean currents off the coast of the mainland on the map and draw a conclusion about their impact on climate.)
Geographical position between 12° N. sh. and 56°S sh. defines high level solar radiation almost throughout the mainland, with the exception of the extreme south. The mainland is warming up. The air pressure over it is always lower than over the surrounding oceans, from which the trade winds and westerly winds of temperate latitudes bring a lot of moisture. Warm Guiana and Brazilian currents off the coast increase the humidity of the air entering the mainland. South America- the wettest continent. The Andes serve as an important climatic barrier, isolating the western territories from the influence of Atlantic Ocean, and the eastern - from the Pacific. The western coast of the mainland (10°-30° S) receives incomparably less rainfall. The extreme south of the mainland is affected by the westerly winds of temperate latitudes.
Climatic zones of South America
South America is located within six climatic zones: equatorial, two subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate.
The equatorial belt covers the entire Amazonian lowland and the adjacent slopes of the Andes. Uniform heat air (+26 ... +28 ° С) and heavy rainfall throughout the year (1500-2500 mm). On the slopes of the Andes and on the Pacific coast, the amount of precipitation increases to 5000 mm per year.
Subequatorial belts
The belt of the Northern Hemisphere occupies the entire northern part of the mainland, including the Orinok lowland, the Caribbean coast, and the Guiana Plateau. The belt of the Southern Hemisphere occupies the southern part of the Amazonian lowland, the north of the Brazilian Plateau, and part of the Pacific coast. Distinctive feature belts - clearly expressed seasonality in the distribution of precipitation. In summer, moist equatorial air brings showers. In the Southern Hemisphere, the rainy season associated with the action of the equatorial monsoon lasts approximately from December to May. In winter, dry tropical air prevails, and precipitation may be completely absent for several months. The total amount of precipitation reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. Air temperatures are high throughout the year +20 ... +30 °С.
The tropical zone consists of three climatic regions: humid, continental and desert. (Find their position and amount of precipitation on the map.)
In the humid type of climate (east of the Brazilian Plateau), the trade winds blowing to the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean and bringing heavy rainfall have a great influence. Rain falls on the coast and on the slopes of the Brazilian Plateau. The climate allows the cultivation of maize, melons, pumpkins, tobacco and other agricultural crops.
As we move westward, the climate becomes more continental. In the tropical continental climate on the Gran Chaco plain, temperatures are +12 ... +15 °С in winter, +28 ... +30 °С in summer. It was here that the absolute maximum temperature on the mainland was recorded - +47 ° С. The amount of precipitation decreases from east to west from 1000 to 500 mm.
The climate of coastal deserts (garua) is typical for west coast between 5° and 28°S sh. Less than 50 mm of precipitation falls here. More moisture comes from dew (up to 200 mm). The temperature in summer is +20 °С, in winter +15 °С. This climate is most pronounced in the Atacama Desert.
In the Atacama, water can only be found in the roots and trunks of trees, the stems of cacti. Often dew is the only source of moisture. The Peruvian cold current cools the lower atmosphere and prevents precipitation.
The subtropical belt is formed south of 30°S. sh. The southeast of the mainland (the southern outskirts of the Brazilian Plateau, the interfluve of the Parana and Uruguay, the eastern part of the Pampas) lies in a subtropical humid climate. In summer, northeast trade winds bring moisture. In winter, precipitation falls due to cyclones along the polar front. Summers are hot here (+24 °С), and winters are mild (0 °С). For areas inside the mainland (Western Pampa), a subtropical continental climate is typical (no more than 500 mm per year). There are sharp fluctuations in temperature.
On the Pacific coast from 28 to 36 ° S. sh. dominated by a subtropical Mediterranean climate with dry, but not very hot summers (up to +20 °C) and humid warm (about +10 °C) winters. The climate is favorable for life and economic activity of people.
In the temperate zone is the narrowest part of the south of the mainland. On the west coast, westerly winds constantly blow, conditionally called the winds of the "roaring forties" latitudes for their great strength. On the western slopes of the Andes, they bring a large amount of precipitation - more than 2500 mm per year. It is no coincidence that the southern part of Chile is called the "wet corner" of South America. A temperate maritime climate is formed with humid cool summers (+15 °С) and relatively warm winter(+5 °С).
On the eastern coast, the climate is temperate continental with dry, warm summers (+20°C) and cool winters with little snow (0°C). Precipitation falls only 300-400 mm per year.
In the Andes, altitudinal climatic zonality is clearly expressed. When climbing the mountains with height, there is a change in climatic conditions: from the characteristic belt at the foot of the mountains to the polar one. The change of climatic zones occurs not only when climbing mountains, but also with geographic latitude when moving south (from the equatorial zone to the temperate zone).
The main part of South America receives a huge amount solar heat. The mainland receives a lot of precipitation, but not regularly. Thanks to this climate, all heat-loving crops ripen almost everywhere on the continent. In the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical humid climates are grown perennials, mostly woody and shrubby. Collect, as a rule, several harvests per year of cocoa, coffee, tea. One common crop is sugarcane. In South America field work conducted throughout the year almost everywhere. The exceptions are areas where the dry season is pronounced. In the Andes, conditions for the cultivation of cultivated plants are not everywhere favorable.
Most of South America has a warm and humid climate. There are no vast arid territories here, as in Africa and Australia. The Andes Mountains serve as a climatic barrier dividing the mainland into western and eastern parts, which differ in climatic conditions. In general, the climate of South America, which is characterized by an abundance of heat and moisture, creates favorable conditions for farming.
South America: geographical location. Two continents - South and North America - form a single part of the world under the common name America. These continents are interconnected by the Isthmus of Panama, through which in 1920 the navigable Panama Canal was dug, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. South America is located in the Western Hemisphere and is washed by the waters of the Pacific (in the west) and Atlantic (in the north and east) oceans. Mainland area approx. 18 million sq. km. In its shape, South America is similar to a triangle, tapering to the south. The length of South America from north to south along 70 degrees W. — 7350 km, and from west to east along the 10th degree north latitude. — 4655 km.
Extreme points of South America:
- Northern - Cape Galinas 12°25′ N, 71°39′ W
- Western - Cape Parinas 4°40′ S, 81°20′ W
- Eastern - Cape Cabo Branco 7°10′ S, 34°47′ W
- South - Cape Froward 53°54′ S, 71°18′ W
In the east, the mainland is washed by the waters Pacific Ocean, in the north and west - Atlantic. Coastline cut very weakly. Only in the southeast there are several not very large bays: La Plata, San Matias, San Jorge and Baia Grande. To the north is the only Caribbean Sea.
Relief and geological structure.
The relief of South America is represented by plains and plateaus in the east and mountain ranges in the west of the mainland. The relief of the eastern part is based on the ancient South American platform. Large low-lying plains formed on it - the Amazonian, Orinokskaya, La Platskaya, composed of strata of marine and continental sediments. The Brazilian and Guiana highlands are confined to shields (raised sections of the platform), with a height of 500 to 2500 m. Faults earth's crust divided the highlands into separate massifs, cut by gorges.
In the west of the mainland, the Andes, or Andean Cordillera, stretch for 9000 km from north to south, separating the rest of the continent from the Pacific Ocean. This is a folded region of Alpine age; is a continuation of the North American Cordillera and consists of parallel ranges. Between the ridges are the Central Andean highlands and plateaus. The mountain-building processes in the Andes have not ended, so earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent here.
The largest peaks
: Aconcagua – 6960m(Argentina), Ojos del Salado- 6880m (Chile), Tupungato- 6800m (Argentina-Chile), Huascaran - 6768m (Peru), Ankouma - 6550m (Bolivia), Illimani - 6402m (Bolivia).
The largest volcanoes
: Lullaillaco – 6723m(Argentina-Chile), Sajama- 6520m (Bolivia), Koropuna- 6425m (Peru), San Pedro - 5974m (Chile).
Climate.
The geographic location and configuration of the mainland determine how a large number warmth throughout the year. South America - the wettest continent on the ground. A lot of moisture is brought from the Atlantic Ocean trade winds. The Andes block the way for air masses from the Pacific Ocean.
South America is located in equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and moderate climatic zones.
Most of the Amazonian lowland and the northeast coast of the mainland are located in equatorial belt. The air temperature during the year is +25-28 °С. The amount of precipitation is from 1500 to 3500 mm, in the foothills of the Andes - up to 7000 mm.
subequatorial belt The northern and southern hemispheres are connected on the east coast, fringing the equatorial climatic zone. There is a seasonality in the distribution of precipitation. A large number of them - 2000 mm - falls in the summer. The rainy season in the Northern Hemisphere is from May to December, in the Southern Hemisphere from December to May. Air temperature +25 °С. Winter comes with the advent of tropical continental air. Precipitation is practically non-existent; air temperature +20 °С.
Tropical climate zone.
Located only in the Southern Hemisphere. Air temperature +20 °С. It is divided into two types of climate. Humid tropical climate formed in the east and southeast of the Brazilian Highlands under the influence of trade winds that bring moisture. Precipitation is less than in the subequatorial zone. To the west, precipitation decreases and forms dry tropical climate. Big influence here has a cold Peruvian current. There is an inversion of temperatures: the air is saturated with moisture, but it is very cold, as a result of which precipitation does not fall. Here is the coastal desert Atacama.
subtropical belt located south of 30º S. sh., within its limits three types of climate are formed. On the west coast subtropical mediterranean climate with dry, cool summers (+20°С) and humid warm winters (+10°С, cloudy rainy weather prevails). As we move deeper into the mainland, the climate becomes continental subtropical. Precipitation falls only 500 mm. Formed on the east coast subtropical humid climate: January summer temperature +25 °C, and winter temperature July +10 °С, precipitation falls up to 2000 mm per year.
temperate climate zone located south of 40º S. Formed on the west coast maritime temperate type climate: warm humid winter (+5 °С), humid cool summer (+15 °С); precipitation - up to 2000 mm and more. In the eastern part of the belt - temperate continental type climate: winter is colder (0 °С), summer is warm (+20 °С). Precipitation - 300 mm.
formed in the Andes mountain type climate. Here, climatic zones replace each other according to the law of vertical zonality. At the foot of the mountains, the climate does not differ from the surrounding areas. As you rise, the temperature and precipitation change.
Land waters.
South America is rich inland waters. Most of the rivers are fed by rain, some get water from the melting of snow and ice in the mountains. The largest river Earth Amazon(6400 km). The area of its river basin is 7 million km2- This is almost 40% of the mainland. Being in a zone of high humidity, the river is full of water all year round. The river floods twice a year: in May during rains in the Southern Hemisphere and in October-November in the Northern Hemisphere.
Unlike the Amazon River Orinoco(2730 km) and Paraná(4380 km) have a pronounced seasonal runoff. The flood period on the rivers falls on the summer wet season. Flowing down from the Andes rivers in the upper reaches form waterfalls. On one of the tributaries of the Orinoco is the highest waterfall in the world - Angel (1054 m); On one of the tributaries of the Parana is the Iguazu Falls.
Since the equator passes through the northern part of South America, the mainland is mainly located in the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical climatic zones. Only the southern part of the mainland is in the subtropical and temperate zones. (Fig. 109).
AT equatorial climate zone during the year, equatorial air masses dominate and an area of low atmospheric pressure is formed. Throughout the year, the air temperature almost does not change and is about +24 °C. It rains daily from noon to four o'clock in the afternoon. Here they are even used to making appointments without naming the time, but simply saying: “after the rain”. During the year, 1500-3000 mm of precipitation falls.
subequatorial belt It is influenced by two air masses: humid and warm equatorial air masses in summer, dry and hot tropical air masses in winter. Therefore, here, as in similar climatic zones in Africa and Australia, there is a wet period in summer and a dry period in winter. Wet summer here is called inverio, dry and hot winter verano.
Tropical climate zone in South America it occupies much smaller territories than in Africa and Australia. Within its boundaries, two climatic regions are distinguished. Large spaces takes maritime area, located on the territory of the Brazilian flat-rya. Under the influence of the Southeast trade winds, more than 1003 mm of precipitation falls here throughout the year. Annual amplitudes of air temperature fluctuations are small. Dry and sultry continental area stretches in a narrow strip along the western coast, as if repeating the outlines of the cold Peruvian Current. Here, in the Atacama Desert, there are significant daily temperature differences (20-25 ° C). To the almost complete absence of precipitation (37 mm per year) rarefied air, ultraviolet radiation and hurricane winds are added.
AT subtropical zone there are also certain differences. A typical subtropical Mediterranean climate is formed only on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Here, under the influence of tropical air masses, summers are dry and hot. Winter is cooler (+10...12 °С ) and humid, which is caused by the inflow of air masses from temperate latitudes. In the east of the mainland, which is influenced by the trade winds, the climate nautical, warm and humid throughout the year, in the interior - dry continental.material from the site
AT temperate zone There are two types of climate: nautical in the west and continental in the east. On the western slopes of the Andes in the temperate zone, where wet sea air, there is a lot of precipitation (from 2000 to 7000 mm per year). Here warm winter (+8 ° C) and cool summer (+16 ° FROM). Beyond the mountains, on the Patagonia plateau, there is little rainfall. They are brought only by the wind that crosses the Andes. The annual rainfall is up to 300 mm per year. Summer is warm (+18 °С), winter is cold (0 °С). There are frosts, and sometimes snow falls.
In the Andes, climatic conditions depend on altitudinal zones. The higher the mountains, the colder. Humidity first increases with height and then decreases. At the foot of the mountains, the climatic conditions correspond to the climatic conditions of the zone within which they are located. The tops of the mountains are often covered with snow and ice.
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