The Russian Plain served for centuries as a territory connecting western and eastern civilizations by trade routes. Historically, two busy trade arteries ran through these lands. The first is known as "the path from the Varangians to the Greeks." According to him, as is known from school history, medieval trade in goods of the peoples of the East and Rus' with the states of Western Europe was carried out.

The second is the route along the Volga, which made it possible to transport goods on ships to Southern Europe from China, India and Central Asia and vice versa. The first Russian cities were built along the trade routes - Kyiv, Smolensk, Rostov. Veliky Novgorod became the northern gate of the way from the "Varangians", guarding the safety of trade.

Now the Russian Plain is still a territory of strategic importance. The capital of the country was located on its lands and Largest cities. The most important administrative centers for the life of the state are concentrated here.

The geographical position of the plain

The East European Plain, or Russian, occupies territories in the east of Europe. In Russia, these are its extreme western lands. In the northwest and west, it is bounded by the Scandinavian Mountains, the Barents and White Seas, the Baltic coast and the Vistula River. In the east and southeast it is adjacent to the Ural Mountains and the Caucasus. In the south, the plain is bounded by the shores of the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas.

Relief features and landscape

The East European Plain is represented by a gently sloping flat relief formed as a result of faults in tectonic rocks. According to relief features, the massif can be divided into three bands: central, southern and northern. The center of the plain consists of vast uplands and lowlands alternating with each other. The north and south are mostly represented by lowlands with occasional low elevations.

Although the relief is formed in a tectonic way and minor shocks are possible on the territory, there are no tangible earthquakes here.

Natural areas and regions

(The plain has planes with characteristic smooth drops.)

The East European Plain includes all natural zones found on the territory of Russia:

• Tundra and forest-tundra are represented by the nature of the north of the Kola Peninsula and occupy a small part of the territory, slightly expanding towards the east. The vegetation of the tundra, namely, shrubs, mosses and lichens, is replaced by birch forests of the forest tundra.
• The taiga, with its pine and spruce forests, occupies the north and center of the plain. On the borders with mixed broad-leaved forests, places are often swampy. A typical Eastern European landscape - coniferous and mixed forests and swamps are replaced by small rivers and lakes.
• In the forest-steppe zone, one can see alternating uplands and lowlands. Oak and ash forests are typical for this zone. Often you can find birch-aspen forests.
• The steppe is represented by valleys, where oak forests and groves, alder and elm forests grow along the banks of the rivers, and tulips and sage blossom in the fields.
• Semi-deserts and deserts are located on the Caspian lowland, where the climate is harsh and the soil is saline, but even there you can find vegetation in the form of various varieties of cacti, wormwood and plants that adapt well to a sharp change in daily temperatures.

Rivers and lakes of the plains

(A river on a flat area of ​​the Ryazan region)

The rivers of the "Russian Valley" are majestic and slowly carry their waters in one of two directions - north or south, to the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, or to the southern inland seas of the mainland. Rivers of the northern direction flow into the Barents, White or Baltic Seas. Rivers of the southern direction - to the Black, Azov or Caspian Seas. The largest river in Europe, the Volga, also "flows lazily" through the lands of the East European Plain.

The Russian Plain is the realm of natural water in all its manifestations. The glacier, which passed through the plain millennia ago, formed many lakes on its territory. Especially a lot of them in Karelia. The consequences of the stay of the glacier were the emergence in the North-West of such large lakes as Ladoga, Onega, Pskov-Peipsi reservoir.

Under the thickness of the earth in the localization of the Russian Plain, reserves of artesian water are stored in the amount of three underground basins of huge volumes and many located at a shallower depth.

Climate of the East European Plain

(Flat terrain with slight drops near Pskov)

The Atlantic dictates the weather regime on the Russian Plain. Western winds, air masses that move moisture, make summer on the plain warm and humid, winter cold and windy. During the cold season, winds from the Atlantic bring about ten cyclones, contributing to changeable heat and cold. But the air masses from the Arctic Ocean are still striving for the plain.

Therefore, the climate becomes continental only in the depths of the massif, closer to the south and southeast. The East European Plain has two climatic zones - subarctic and temperate, increasing continentality towards the east.

Physical geography of Russia and the USSR
European part: Arctic, Russian Plain, Caucasus, Urals

REGIONAL NATURE REVIEWS IN RUSSIA

Chapters of the section "REGIONAL REVIEWS OF THE NATURE OF RUSSIA"

• Natural areas of Russia
• East European (Russian) Plain
  • Climate

EAST EUROPEAN (RUSSIAN) PLAIN

See photos of the nature of the East European Plain: Curonian Spit, Moscow Region, Kerzhensky Reserve and the Middle Volga in the Nature of the World section of our website.

Climate

The climate of the East European Plain is influenced by its position in temperate and high latitudes, as well as neighboring territories (Western Europe and North Asia) and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The total solar radiation per year in the north of the plain, in the Pechora basin, reaches 2700 mJ / m 2 (65 kcal / cm 2), and in the south, in the Caspian lowland, 4800-5050 mJ / m 2 (115-120 kcal / cm 2 ). The distribution of radiation over the territory of the plain changes dramatically with the seasons. In winter, radiation is much less than in summer, and more than 60% of it is reflected by the snow cover. In January, the total solar radiation at the latitude Kaliningrad - Moscow - Perm is 50 mJ / m 2 (about 1 kcal / cm 2), and in the southeast of the Caspian lowland about 120 mJ / m 2 (3 kcal / cm 2). The radiation reaches its greatest value in summer and in July, its total values ​​in the north of the plain are about 550 mJ / m 2 (13 kcal / cm 2), and in the south - 700 mJ / m 2 (17 kcal / cm 2).

All year round the East European Plain is dominated by western air mass transport. Atlantic air brings coolness and rainfall in summer, and warmth and rainfall in winter. When moving east, it transforms: in summer it becomes warmer and drier in the surface layer, and colder in winter, but also loses moisture. During the cold season of various parts Atlantic to the East European Plain comes from 8 to 12 cyclones. When they move to the east or northeast, there is a sharp change in air masses, contributing to either warming or cooling. With the arrival of southwestern cyclones - Atlantic-Mediterranean - (and there are up to six of them in a season), the warm air of subtropical latitudes invades the south of the plain. Then in January the air temperature can rise to 5°-7°C and, of course, thaws come.

The arrival of cyclones from the North Atlantic and the Southwestern Arctic to the Russian Plain is associated with the intrusion of cold air. It enters the rear of the cyclone, and then the arctic air penetrates far to the south of the plain. Arctic air enters freely over the entire surface and along the eastern periphery of anticyclones moving slowly from the northwest. Anticyclones often recur in the southeast of the plain, due to the influence of the Asian High. They contribute to the intrusion of cold continental air masses of temperate latitudes, the development of radiative cooling in cloudy weather, low air temperatures, and the formation of a thin, stable snow cover.

In the warm period of the year, from April, cyclonic activity proceeds along the lines of the Arctic and Polar fronts, shifting to the north. Cyclonic weather is most typical for the northwest of the plain, so cool sea air from temperate latitudes often comes to these areas from the Atlantic. It lowers the temperature, but at the same time it heats up from the underlying surface and is additionally saturated with moisture due to evaporation from the moistened surface.

Cyclones contribute to the transfer of cold air, sometimes arctic, from the north to more southern latitudes and cause cooling, and sometimes frost on the soil. The southwestern cyclones (6-12 per season) are associated with the invasion of the plain of humid warm tropical air, which penetrates even into the forest zone. Very warm but dry air is formed in the cores of the spur of the Azores High. It can contribute to the formation of arid types of weather and droughts in the southeast.

The position of the January isotherms in the northern half of the East European Plain is submeridional, which is associated with greater frequency in the western regions of the Atlantic air and its lesser transformation. The average January temperature in the Kaliningrad region is -4°С, in the western part of the compact territory of Russia it is about -10°С, and in the northeast -20°С. In the southern part of the country, the isotherms deviate to the southeast, amounting to -5 ... -6 ° С in the region of the lower reaches of the Don and Volga.

In summer, almost everywhere on the plain, the most important factor in the distribution of temperature is solar radiation, so isotherms, in contrast to winter, are located mainly in accordance with geographical latitude. In the extreme north of the plain, the average temperature in July rises to 8°C, which is associated with the transformation of the air coming from the Arctic. The average July isotherm of 20°C goes through Voronezh to Cheboksary, approximately coinciding with the border between forest and forest-steppe, and the isotherm of 24°C crosses the Caspian lowland.

The distribution of precipitation over the territory of the East European Plain is primarily dependent on circulation factors (western transport of air masses, the position of the Arctic and polar fronts, and cyclonic activity). Especially many cyclones move from west to east between 55-60°N. (Valdai and Smolensk-Moscow Uplands). This strip is the most humid part of the Russian Plain: the annual precipitation here reaches 700-800 mm in the west and 600-700 mm in the east.

The relief has an important influence on the increase in the annual total precipitation: on the western slopes of the uplands, precipitation is 150-200 mm more than on the lowlands lying behind them. In the southern part of the plain, the maximum precipitation occurs in June, and in the middle lane - in July.

In winter, a snow cover forms. In the north-east of the plain, its height reaches 60-70 cm, and the duration of occurrence is up to 220 days a year. In the south, the height of the snow cover decreases to 10-20 cm, and the duration of occurrence is up to 60 days.

The degree of moistening of the territory is determined by the ratio of heat and moisture. It is expressed by various values: a) the coefficient of moisture, which in the East European Plain varies from 0.35 in the Caspian lowland to 1.33 or more in the Pechora lowland; b) dryness index, which varies from 3 in the deserts of the Caspian lowland to 0.45 in the tundra of the Pechora lowland; c) the average annual difference in precipitation and evaporation (mm). In the northern part of the plain, moisture is excessive, since precipitation exceeds evaporation by 200 mm or more. In the zone of transitional moistening from the upper reaches of the Dniester and Don rivers and the mouth of the Kama, the amount of precipitation is approximately equal to evaporation, and the further south from this zone, the more evaporation exceeds precipitation (from 100 to 700 mm), i.e. moisture becomes inadequate.

The East European Plain is one of the largest on the planet. Its area exceeds 4 million km2. It is located on the continent of Eurasia (in the eastern part of Europe). On the northwestern side, its borders run along the Scandinavian mountain formations, in the southeast - along the Caucasian, in the southwest - along the Central European massifs (Sudet, etc.) There are more than 10 states on its territory, most of it is occupied by Russian Federation. It is for this reason that this plain is also called Russian.

East European Plain: climate formation

In any geographic area, the climate is formed due to some factors. First of all, this is the geographical location, relief and neighboring regions with which a certain territory borders.

So, what exactly affects the climate of this plain? To begin with, it is worth highlighting the ocean areas: the Arctic and Atlantic. Due to their air masses, certain temperatures are set and the amount of precipitation is formed. The latter are unevenly distributed, but this is easily explained by the large territory of such an object as the East European Plain.

Mountains have no less impact than the oceans. along its entire length is not the same: in the southern zone it is much larger than in the northern one. Throughout the year, it changes, depending on the change of seasons (more in summer than in winter due to mountain snow peaks). In July, the highest level of radiation is reached.

Considering that the plain is located in high and temperate latitudes, it mainly dominates on its territory. It prevails mainly in the eastern part.

Atlantic masses

The air masses of the Atlantic dominate the East European Plain throughout the year. In the winter season, they bring rainfall and warm weather, and in the summer, the air is saturated with coolness. Atlantic winds, moving from west to east, change somewhat. Being over earth's surface, they're in summer time become warmer with little moisture, and cold in winter with little rainfall. It is during the cold period that the East European Plain, whose climate directly depends on the oceans, is under the influence of Atlantic cyclones. During this season, their number can reach 12. Moving eastward, they can change dramatically, and this, in turn, brings warming or cooling.

And when Atlantic cyclones come from the southwest, the southern part of the Russian Plain is influenced by subtropical air masses, as a result of which a thaw occurs and in winter the temperature can rise to + 5 ... 7 ° С.

Arctic air masses

When the East European Plain is under the influence of the north Atlantic and southwestern Arctic cyclones, the climate here changes significantly, even in the southern part. In its territory comes a sharp cooling. Arctic Air Forces tend to move in a north-west direction. Due to anticyclones, which lead to cooling, the snow lies for a long time, the weather is set to be cloudy with low temperatures. As a rule, they are distributed in the southeastern part of the plain.

winter season

Considering how the East European Plain is located, the climate in the winter season differs in different areas. In this regard, the following temperature statistics are observed:

• Northern regions - winter is not very cold, in January, thermometers show an average of -4 ° C.
• In the western zones of the Russian Federation, the weather conditions are somewhat more severe. The average temperature in January reaches -10 °С.
• The northeastern parts are the coldest. Here on thermometers you can see -20 ° C and more.
• In the southern zones of Russia, there is a temperature deviation in the southeast direction. The average is a revenge of -5 ° C.

Temperature regime of the summer season

In the summer season, under the influence solar radiation is the East European Plain. The climate at this time depends, directly, on this factor. Here, oceanic air masses are no longer of such importance, and the temperature is distributed in accordance with geographic latitude.

So, let's look at the changes by region:

Precipitation

As mentioned above, most of the East European Plain has a temperate continental climate. And it is characterized by a certain amount of precipitation, which is 600-800 mm / year. Their loss depends on several factors. For example, the movement of air masses from the western parts, the presence of cyclones, the location of the polar and arctic fronts. The highest humidity index is observed between the Valdai and Smolensk-Moscow Uplands. During the year, about 800 mm of precipitation falls in the west, and a little less in the east - no more than 700 mm.

In addition, the relief of this territory has a great influence. On the uplands located in the western parts, precipitation falls by 200 millimeters more than on the lowlands. The rainy season in the southern zones falls on the first month of summer (June), and in the middle lane, as a rule, it is July.

IN winter time snow falls in this region and a stable cover is formed. The elevation level may vary, given the natural areas of the East European Plain. For example, in the tundra, the snow thickness reaches 600-700 mm. Here he lies for about seven months. And in the forest zone and forest-steppe, the snow cover reaches a height of up to 500 mm and, as a rule, covers the ground for no more than two months.

Most of the moisture falls on the northern zone of the plain, and evaporation is less. In the middle band, these indicators are compared. As for the southern part, here moisture is much less than evaporation, for this reason drought is often observed in this area.

types and brief characteristics

The natural zones of the East European Plain are quite different. This is explained extremely simply - by the large size of this area. There are 7 zones on its territory. Let's take a look at them.

East European Plain and West Siberian Plain: Comparison

The Russian and West Siberian plains have a number of common features. For example, their geographical location. They are both located on the Eurasian continent. They are influenced by the Arctic Ocean. The territory of both plains has such natural zones as forest, steppe and forest-steppe. There are no deserts and semi-deserts in the West Siberian Plain. The prevailing Arctic air masses have almost the same effect on both geographic areas. They also border on mountains, which directly affect the formation of the climate.

The East European Plain and the West Siberian Plain also have differences. These include the fact that although they are on the same mainland, they are located in different parts: the first is in Europe, the second is in Asia. They also differ in relief - the West Siberian is considered one of the lowest, so some of its sections are swampy. If we take the territory of these plains as a whole, then in the latter the flora is somewhat poorer than that of the East European.

The climate of the Russian Plain is very peculiar, because a variety of factors influence its formation. In order to better understand the main climatic features of this region, it is first necessary to consider it in detail. geographical location and relief.

Geographical position

The Russian or East European Plain is located in the east of Europe.

On its vast lands are such countries:

• Russia;
• Kazakhstan;
• Estonia;
• Lithuania;
• Latvia;
• Bulgaria;
• Romania;
• Finland;
• Ukraine;
• Moldova;
• Poland.

The total area is about 4 million km2. This is the largest plain on the Eurasian continent. The total length from north to south is 2.5 thousand km, and from west to east - over 1 thousand km.

In size, this territory is second only to the Amazonian lowland in South America. The average height above sea level is 170 m, and the maximum reaches 479 m on the Bugulma-Belebeevskaya Upland in the Cis-Urals. The lowest elevations are observed on the Caspian coast, where they are only 27.6 m.

In the northwest, the borders of the flat terrain are guarded by the Scandinavian mountains. In the north, the plain is washed by the White and Barents Seas. In the west and southwest, it peacefully neighbors the mountains of Central Europe and the Carpathians, and in the south and southeast - with the mountain ranges of the Caucasus. The natural eastern border is the Urals.

Terrain and climate

The entire territory is dominated by gently undulating or hilly terrain.

TO the highest elevations relate:

• Bugulminsko-Belebeevskaya;
• Central Russian;
• Valdai;
• Stavropolskaya and others.

Among the lowlands, the most prominent are the Caspian, Black Sea, Dnieper, Oka-Donskaya. The spelling is not uniform. It clearly shows the central, northern and southern stripes.

Max Height Central Russian Upland is 305 m, and Bugulma-Belebeevskaya - 479 m. The lowest areas are concentrated in the south near the Caspian Sea. In the central part, various forms of relief are observed, since here the folded foundation of the ancient platform protrudes to the surface, forming various hills, plateaus and ridges.

The hilly relief is largely due to the peculiarities of the geological structure. The tectonic structure is mainly confined to the Russian platform with an ancient Precambrian basement. The southern part is located on the northern margin of the Scythian plate with a Paleozoic folded base. The estimated age of the Lower Proterozoic layer is 2550-1600 Ma.

Almost all folding processes are of deep tectonic origin. The uneven topography of the Precambrian basement includes strata of Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks. Glaciation had a significant impact on the formation of the relief.

After the passage of the glacier, many lakes were formed, among which the most famous are:

• White;
• Pskov;
• Chudskoye and others.

Numerous deep bays of the Kola Peninsula also have a glacial origin.

Due to the peculiarities of the relief and the complete absence of active volcanoes on the flat terrain, strong earthquakes are completely excluded, however, such dangerous natural phenomena like floods and tornadoes.

The climate is temperate continental with distinct cold and warm seasons. Unlike the Central Siberian Plateau and the entire West Siberian region, climatic conditions in the Eastern European part of Russia are less severe. Milder winters are due to the features of the relief and the special geographical location.

Average summer temperatures range from + 8 °С in the far north to +24 °С in the Caspian lowland. The lowest winter rates are observed in northern and eastern latitudes. There they can sometimes reach below -25 °C. In the western and southern regions, winters are often milder with an average January temperature of about -4 °C.

Snow cover is everywhere. If in the south the duration of snow occurrence is on average 60 days, then in the colder northern regions it increases by about 3-4 times.

The distribution of precipitation is uneven. Heavy rains and fogs are most characteristic of the northwestern part. The southern and southeastern regions are more prone to spring, summer and autumn droughts. Rainy and cloudy weather is mainly set in the autumn-winter period. Maximum amount summer precipitation in the south falls in June, and in the middle lane - in July.

Water resources and climate impact

The lake-river system is very developed. Due to the peculiarities of the relief, flat rivers with a mixed or snow type of food predominantly dominate. Many lakes are of glacial origin, especially in Karelia, Finland and the Kola Peninsula. Most of the Eastern European reservoirs are characterized by spring floods, the main reason for which is the intensive melting of the snow cover.

Almost all river arteries belong to the basins of two large oceans: the Arctic and the Atlantic. In addition, there is also an internal drain belonging to the Caspian Sea.

The largest rivers are:

• Volga;
• Pechora;
• Ural;
• Dnieper;
• Western and Northern Dvina;
• Kama;
• Vyatka.

The main watershed passes through the Valdai and Lithuanian-Belarusian uplands.

Among the lakes, the most distinguished by their size are:

• Ladoga;
• Onega;
• Ilmenskoye;
• Chudskoye;
• Pskov.

Most of the lake basins are located in the northwest. Groundwater is distributed evenly throughout the territory. In the northern regions of the tundra and forest-tundra, there are many swamps.

abundance water resources has a significant impact on the formation of the local climate. Evaporation from the surface of open reservoirs not only significantly humidifies the air, but also largely contributes to the cooling of warm air masses in the hot summer months.

Weather

Depending on the time of year, the weather regime differs markedly. To a greater extent, it is under the influence of Atlantic cyclones, which annually bring both sharp cooling and sudden warming.

In winter, winds from the Atlantic usually set warm weather, while in summer, on the contrary, they saturate the air with coolness. Cyclones from the southwestern Arctic also have a great influence on the weather. They almost always contribute to a sharp decrease in air temperature.

Winter

Within the entire Eastern European region, a temperate continental climate prevails, so winters here are quite cold and snowy. Heavy snowfalls and 30-degree frosts are typical, sometimes replaced by a sudden thaw down to -5 ˚С. Precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow. The depth of cover in the northern and eastern regions reaches 60-70 cm, and in the south it usually does not exceed 10-20 cm.

In the northern regions, the winter season is longer and more severe, since the predominantly subarctic climatic zone dominates here. The average January temperature is at least -20 ˚С.

Spring

The spring months are usually a transitional time of the year when daylight hours gradually increase and temperatures begin to rise. Humidity drops to 70-80% as the snow cover slowly breaks down. The soil thaws, the vegetable and animal world.

Since the end of April, the weather has been consistently warm, but with the advent of anticyclones, frosts and cold snaps are possible. In the northern regions, spring is usually colder and longer than in the central and southern regions. This time of year is also characterized by intermittent rains and thunderstorms.

Summer

The calendar summer begins on June 1, when stable sunny weather is established almost everywhere with temperatures above +10 ˚С. The main characteristic feature of the summer season is the predominance of fairly warm and comfortable weather, which largely contributes to the active growth of plants and the general revival of nature.

The average monthly temperatures in July are about +20 ˚С, but in the far north they are much lower. Thus, the distribution of heat is uneven, but in accordance with the geographical latitude.

Autumn

With the advent of autumn, the air temperature gradually begins to drop. If in September in the central regions it averages at least +16 °C, then by the end of November the air in some areas warms up to only +2 °C.

This time of year is characterized by frequent drizzling rains, sometimes accompanied by strong chilly winds. Due to the high humidity, fog often forms in the mornings. Daylight hours are getting shorter. At the end of November, many reservoirs are covered with ice, and a stable snow cover begins to form on the soil.

Minerals

Thanks to a special geological structure mineral resources Eastern European region are characterized by great diversity.

A short list of the largest deposits:

• Iron ore - Mikhailovskoye, Lebedinskoye, Stoilenskoye, Gubkinskoye;
• Hard coal - Pechora basin;
• Potassium-rock salts - Verkhnekamsk and Iletsk basins.

There are significant oil and gas deposits in the Caspian lowland and the Volga-Ural region. In addition, such popular building materials as gravel, clay, sand and limestone have become widespread.

Flora and fauna

Due to the well-defined latitudinal zonality and various natural conditions, on the territory of the Eastern European region there are a wide variety of representatives of flora and fauna. In the table you can see the most common ecosystems.

The most impressive area is the forest zone. It occupies a vast area in the central and southern parts. Steppe and semi-desert territories are located only in the extreme south and east.

Test

1. What natural areas are most characteristic of Eastern Europe?

• Tropical deserts and semi-deserts
• Tundra, taiga, mixed, coniferous and broad-leaved forests
• Savannahs and variable rainforests.

Answer: Tundra, taiga, mixed, coniferous and broad-leaved forests

2. What climate prevails in the Eastern European region?

• temperate continental
• Tropical
• Equatorial.

Answer: temperate continental

3. What is the largest flat area on the mainland of Eurasia?

• Eastern European;
• West Siberian;
• Central Yakutsk.

Answer: East European

4. What is the maximum height of the Bugulma-Belebeevskaya Upland.

• 694 m;
• 479 m;
• 257 m

Answer: 479 m. you will find the answer in the link.

Video

From this video you can learn about the various natural features Eastern European region.

In geography, the Russian Plain is considered to be an area that is the eastern, predominant in size part of the East European Plain, which is located on the territory of the Russian state. The plain is represented by a combination of alternating elevations (hills) and lowlands. The channels of large rivers are confined to the latter.

The climate of the territory under consideration is determined by a combination of the following factors:

• large extent from north to south;
• relief features: on the flat territory there are practically no natural obstacles for the free movement of air masses;
• close proximity to two oceans.

The peculiarity of the climate of the Russian Plain owes its formation to two aspects: the uneven distribution of the level of solar radiation, which is associated with the meridional elongation of the territory, and the unhindered advection of oceanic air masses.

Air masses of the maritime Arctic type form over the surface of the northern seas (Kara, Barents Seas), and the sea air of temperate latitudes owes its formation to the seas of the Atlantic basin (Baltic, White).

Scientific geography identifies the Russian Plain as a separate physical and geographical area based on:

• location on a single plate of the Precambrian East European platform;
• uniform temperate continental climate type with characteristic features the influence of the seas of the Atlantic;
• a clear latitudinal zoning is observed throughout the territory: from the tundra to the steppe, natural zones successively replace themselves from north to south.

The climate of the plain is dominated by air masses of the continental type, the influence of the advection of marine masses of the marine type on it is most characteristic of the winter months, when they bring characteristic warming, accompanied by a large amount of precipitation. In summer, the arrival of marine air masses from the seas of the Atlantic basin brings, in addition to increasing humidity and precipitation, cooling. Characteristically, the movement of air masses from east to west, or - western movement. The continentality of air masses naturally increases as it moves to the east.

Cyclonic activity also depends on the season: in winter, cyclones are usually located along the Arctic front, however, without encountering relief obstacles on their way, they often go quite far to the south. In summer, several areas of cyclones form: arctic, polar-arctic occlusion zones in the north and temperate tropical - in the south of the plain.

Scientific geography within the Russian Plain, based on the criteria of an integrated zonal-azonal approach, additionally distinguishes 2 large natural regions: northern and southern.

Northern climatic region

The climate of the northern part of the Russian Plain consists mainly of three components: the influence of Arctic and polar air masses, the western movement of Atlantic air masses and the direct influence of the flat territory, which causes the formation of continental-type air masses. Sometimes, mainly in summer, tropical-type air masses get here.

Cold arctic air moves freely in a southerly direction, gradually heating up and transforming into air of temperate latitudes. Extremely rare, in summer period time, under the condition of a long standing of the anticyclone in the south of this geographical area, it can be successively converted to tropical air.

This climatic region is characterized by a long, rather cold winter with a large amount of precipitation in the form of snow. The average values ​​of January temperatures range from -20 0 С in the north-east of the territory to -10 0 С in its south-western part.

As already noted, in winter, the climate of the territory is significantly influenced by the Atlantic, so the west of the region is characterized by much warmer winters than its east: for example, in Kaliningrad, the average January temperature does not reach -5 0 C.

In summer, the solar radiation factor dominates the climate of the northern region. In the north, its deficiency causes a short cold summer with an average July temperature of about -8 -10 0 C. In the south of the allocated area, the air warms up much better, and the summer here is naturally much longer and warmer.

Southern climatic region

The difference between the southern climatic region of the Russian Plain and the northern one is due to the stable power of anticyclones, which causes a lesser influence of the Atlantic masses on the climate, a sharper increase in the continentality of the climate in the west-east direction and a constant transformational dynamics that occurs here between the air masses of temperate latitudes and marine tropical masses, which the plains practically do not penetrate into the northern region and do not have a significant impact on the climate.

Marine tropical masses, invading the territory of the southern part of the Russian plain in the winter season, causing periods of sharp warming to positive temperatures with precipitation a large number precipitation.

In summer, their arrival is also indicated by an increase in humidity and precipitation, but their transformation occurs very quickly, the influence is great. high level solar radiation, therefore, for the south of the Russian plain, an alternation of short-term rainy episodes with squally winds and thunderstorms with rather long hot dry periods is typical. The average annual rainfall is estimated to be low.

The irregularity of rainfall in the summer is a problem for agricultural activities here, despite the warm climate and flat terrain, the fields need to find ways to irrigate in case of a drought.

Average temperatures in the selected area: January - from -10 0 C in the north to -5 0 C in the south, July - from +18 0 C in the north to + 24 0 C in the south.

Climatic features of the nature of the Russian Plain

Within the arctic, subarctic and temperate climatic zones of the northern climatic region of the Russian Plain, typical natural complexes tundra, forest-tundra, taiga and mixed forests.

The tundra is formed in conditions of low average annual temperatures and high humidity with high rainfall, it extends from the coast Barents Sea to the Polar Urals.

The forest-tundra, which replaces the tundra, passes into the so-called forest zone of the Russian plain. It was formed in a warm and humid climate and is conditionally divided into subzones: taiga and mixed forests. The taiga zone of the Russian Plain, formed in a milder and more humid temperate climate, differs significantly from the natural zone of the same name, located east of the Ural Range: flora and fauna of the European taiga much more diverse and has more similarity with the zone of mixed forests, into which it directly passes, than with the taiga of the West Siberian type, with its peculiar, nowhere else repeated biogeocenosis.

The forest-steppe zone was also formed in conditions of warmth and a sufficient amount of moisture, as evidenced by the abundance of moraine lakes here, which are the remains of the once-giant Valdai glacier that melted.

The steppe zone, located in the southern part of the plain, is characterized by a more pronounced continental climate, especially in summer, but sudden warming in winter and short-term cooling in summer with precipitation a large number rainfall influenced its formation. There are less droughts here, the flora and fauna are much richer compared to Asian regions.

Thus, on the territory of the Russian Plain, it is possible to conditionally distinguish the Arctic and temperate climatic zones and five climatic natural areas inside them.