On Earth, there are various climatic zones, each of which is accompanied not only by a certain temperature regime, but also by completely different representatives of flora and fauna, original relief and many other features. Their study allows us to better imagine the diverse nature of the planet. For example, the subequatorial belt. What characterizes him?
Key Features
There are two subequatorial belts on the planet, one in each hemisphere. They cover an area between 20 and 30 degrees. In the oceans, the subequatorial belt coincides with the boundary of the trade winds. Its climate is characterized by monsoons and a change in air masses according to the season. In summer, a humid wind blows in the territory, in winter - dry and tropical. The average temperature of the cold season ranges from 15 to 32 degrees, accompanied by frost and snowfall only in the highlands. Ocean water in this zone always has a temperature of plus 25. In combination with increased salinity, this leads to a rather low biodiversity in the basin.
Territorial differences
The characteristic of the subequatorial belt marks its main features, but there are also differences due to each specific place. For example, in areas located at the equator, the maximum number of rains occurring for nine months and creating up to two thousand millimeters of precipitation. On mountain ranges, this figure increases six times. However, in some regions periods of drought are possible. For example, in Africa, water level fluctuations are so strong that lakes and rivers that are full of water in summer simply disappear.
Vegetable world
The subequatorial climate zone is characterized by red or yellow soils, in which organic matter decomposes rapidly . This leads to the appearance of special plants. They are well adapted to local humidity and rainfall - they grow in many tiers and are distinguished by dense thick leaves and a powerful root system. Biodiversity is impressive: here you can find many species of trees with edible fruits or valuable bark, there are coffee trees, palm trees. The subequatorial belt includes savannah zones. They are distinguished by separately growing trees with extensive bushes and tall grass. The savannah has more fertile red-brown soil. Vegetation is represented by such species as acacia, palm trees, baobabs, mimosa. In the driest areas they are replaced by aloe. The abundance of herbs is also characteristic of the savannah regions.
Animal world
The diversity of fauna directly depends on the vegetation, which differs subequatorial belt. In areas of tropical forests in loose soil, all kinds of invertebrates and microorganisms live. In the lower tier you can find forest pigs, okapi, small ungulates and even elephants. Dwarf hippos and gorillas live in areas with water bodies. A variety of primates, rodents, birds and insects live on the trees, of which ants and termites are most common. The largest predator is the leopard. In the conditions of the savannah, various species of ungulates live, these are buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and rhinos. There you can also find elephants, hippos, giraffes. Predators are also diverse: cheetahs, lions, hyenas, jackals live in the savannah. The world of birds is represented by ostriches, secretary birds, marabou storks. Of the birds, ostriches can also be noted, which are sometimes found even in the Sahara. In the most deserted regions there are many lizards and small snakes, small antelopes live there.