Eurasia is the largest continent on the planet. The climate of the continent is very diverse. What is the reason for this? In which climatic zones is the continent of Eurasia located? Let's try to answer all these questions in our article.
Mainland description
Three quarters of the world's population live in Eurasia. This is not surprising, because in size the mainland is the largest on Earth. It occupies 35% of the Earth’s land, and its area is about 54 million square meters. km
The bulk 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 antiquity, two parts of the continent - Europe and Asia - were perceived separately. They were even considered different continents. Now the separation between the European and Asian parts of the continent is carried out only conditionally. The borders for this are mountains (Ural mountain range), rivers (Emba, Kuma, Manych), seas (Caspian, Black, Mediterranean, Aegean), as well as straits (Gibraltar, Bosphorus, 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 Pai in the south. The Portuguese cape of Roca is the extreme point in the west, and in the east - the Russian cape Dezhnev.
Climate formation factors of Eurasia
The climatic zones in which Eurasia is located were primarily affected by its considerable length and geographical location. From north to south, the continent stretched for 8 thousand km, while covering a significant territory.
So, in what climatic zones is Eurasia located? Due to the location between the Arctic Circle and the equator, all the zones of the Northern Hemisphere are present on the mainland . The elongation of the continent from west to east is the main reason for the amazing diversity of natural and climatic zones.
An important climate-forming factor is the topography. On the continent are some of the most extensive plains of the world. In these areas, winters are cold and summers are dry and hot. The numerous mountain systems of the mainland create barriers to air masses, not passing the warm south winds to the north, and the cold and dry ones to the south.
A significant role in the formation of the Eurasian climate is played by oceanic basins and the indented coastline. At the edges of the continent, the marine type of climate prevails, 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 which climatic zones is the territory of Eurasia
We found out the main reasons for the formation of climate on the mainland. Now let’s talk in more detail in which climatic zones Eurasia is located.
Arctic belt. It is located in the far north of the mainland, including islands that are located in the Arctic Ocean. Dry, frosty air, piercing winds and high atmospheric pressure are typical features of the Arctic climate zone. Air temperatures here rarely rise above zero throughout the year, with precipitation of about 250 mm.
Subarctic belt. It is characterized by milder climatic conditions, it acts as a kind of buffer zone between the Arctic and temperate zones. It occupies a strip of the northern part of the continent, including Iceland and part of Scandinavia. In summer, moderate winds influence it and the temperature does not exceed +20. In winter, cold arctic winds blow here, the temperature can drop to -50 degrees.
Temperate zone. It runs 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 proximity to the oceans. Seasons clearly replace each other, temperature differences during the year are very significant.
Subtropical belt. It covers China and the Japanese islands, Iran, Armenia, Italy, Greece and others. Winters are mild, cool and humid, and summers are hot and dry.
Tropical belt. It includes the southwestern territory of Asia and is absent in Europe. It is characterized by hot summers and very warm winters.
Subequatorial belt. Covers the Indochina Peninsula, the Philippines and northern Sri Lanka. Wet air masses in the summer give way to dry in the winter.
Equatorial belt. Occupies the southern part of Sri Lanka, Malay Islands. High temperature and heavy rainfall prevail here, 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, in the continent there are Arctic, subarctic, temperate, subtropical, tropical, subequatorial and equatorial belts.