How many natural zones are there in Eastern Siberia? Territories of Siberia

Here, harsh tundras, mountains, steppes and snow-covered deserts stretch for thousands of kilometers. In the southern part of the region there are such mountain systems as Altai, Salair, Shoria, Alatau. The nature of this corner of the Earth is of great interest.

Travelers and tourists often like to stay in small forests and some areas of the steppe, enjoying the pristine and at the same time harsh nature with its endless snowy expanses and rare wild animals. However, one of the main nuances that you need to know before going on a hike is detailed characteristics natural zones of Western Siberia. Without the proper skills and knowledge, you can invite disaster in these deserted places.

The beauty of the tundra

This area is the least developed by tourists due to its impassability. In Western Siberia vegetation zones a huge variety, but first of all, the tundra is beautiful and unique. There is only one reason for this - here nature has still remained in its original form. That is why there are many exotic birds and animals in the tundra.

Most of the territory is covered with shrubs: blueberry, podbel, alder, princeling, crowberry, marsh wild rosemary, lingonberry, etc. In rare cases, you can find plants with flowers, for example, buttercups, orange lights, purple mynids, poppies, cloudberries, white bells, valerian pink. Edible berries include lingonberries and blueberries, and mushrooms include moss mushrooms and boletus.

Animal world The tundra is rich in a wide variety of species: deer, wolves, weasels, arctic foxes, voles, owls, partridges, swans, ducks, and waders live here. Favorite pastime local residents is fishing for peled and perch.

Forest-tundra of Siberia

The main feature of the area is its geographical component. The point is that this forest zone Western Siberia is a narrow strip that stretches from the mouth of the Ob to the Urals along the coast of the Ob Bay. It covers peninsulas such as Gydansky and Yamal. It borders with open forest, tundra and taiga.

This temperate region is characterized by heavy swampiness and hummocky peatlands. The trees are located in groups in the middle of a vast area of ​​​​green mosses. The most common stem plants are spruce and dwarf birch.

Most of the forest-tundra is occupied by centraria and klyadonia shrubs, as well as peat bogs, bearberries, pobelly and lichens. In the lowlands there are entire glades of multi-colored sphagnum mosses.

The fauna of the area is represented by tundra animals and birds. These are arctic fox, deer, lemming, weasel, fox, ermine, marten, wolf, elk, sable, hare, otter, lynx, partridge, goose, duck, sandpiper, swan, great snipe, woodpecker, thrush, crane, wood grouse, etc.

Nature of the woodland

The northern region of Western Siberia stretches from the spurs of the Urals to the Yenisei itself. Open forests include areas of the basins of rivers such as the Pur, Kyzym, Taz and Nadym. The main reason for short stature of trees is excess moisture and severe soil frost. That is why only mosses grow well here. However, in the southern areas of the open forest there are small groups of trees, but their height does not exceed 6 meters.

The main location of the bushes is the coast of lakes and swamps. The local natural zones of Western Siberia can be briefly described as frozen and flooded. This is by far the most dangerous area of ​​Siberia for travelers, as much of the territory is covered by quicksand swamps hidden under a thick layer of moss. Other plants include cloudberries, cranberries, blueberries and porcini mushrooms.

The open forest zone is home to animals such as sable, squirrel, Brown bear, elk. The most common birds you can find are woodpecker, hazel grouse, wood grouse, sandpiper, duck and nutcracker.

Mountain-forest belt

The northern part is dominated by forest lands, which begin at an altitude of 400 meters. Such natural zones in Western Siberia are dangerous because they border on impenetrable taiga where wolves live. Therefore, tourists are highly discouraged from going deep into the forest, especially to the east.

The highest point of the mountain forest is 2.4 kilometers and is located in the south of the belt. Within the zone, larches, cedars, spruces, pines, and firs grow. You can often find entire forest belts of aspens, birches and laurel-leaved poplars. However, the most dominant coniferous trees, especially Siberian fir.

On the river banks, colorful thickets of miricaria, sea buckthorn, Kurai willow are moderately distributed and, closer to summer, rowan berries, currants, rose hips, meadowsweet, and blueberries begin to bloom.

The fauna is represented by deer, roe deer, mountain goats, minks, squirrels, sables, bears, lynxes, wolverines, chipmunks, otters. There is also a diversity of birds. Woodpeckers, wood grouse, jays, nutcrackers and crossbills live here.

Aspen-birch forests

The region occupies a width of up to 100 kilometers, being one of the most significant in Western Siberia. The northern border of the area merges with the taiga, and the southern border with the forest-steppe. Such natural areas of Western Siberia have always attracted increased attention from romantics and creative people due to the indescribable beauty and majesty of these lands. The forest is dominated by warty birches, and a little closer to the north, dense and fluffy aspens stretch for tens of kilometers.

This natural area is distinguished by its herbal diversity. During the flowering period, the meadows are full of violets, orchids, peas, blueberries, meadowsweet and strawberries. In addition, the flora of the aspen-birch region is represented by burnet, tansy, corydalis, meadowsweet, and honey mushrooms. This perfect place for family fun and creative inspiration.

Nature of the taiga

The region occupies a huge space, which stretches for 1000 km from north to south and 2000 km from east to west. Two-thirds of the taiga zone of Western Siberia is covered with impassable swamps. Most of flora is represented by trees. It is worth noting that every year there is less and less forest land due to endless deforestation, especially in the southern region.

The northern zone of the taiga is characterized by permanent permafrost. This area is dominated by shrubs and mosses. In general, forests are represented by such species as pine, larch, cedar, spruce, willow, fir, and birch. Large accumulations of trees are observed in the valleys of dried up rivers.

The fauna is represented by brown bears, chipmunks, wolverines, ermines, squirrels, sables, hazel grouse and nutcrackers.

Features of the steppe

The territory extends all the way to the foothills of Altai and occupies more than 30 thousand square meters. km. Many natural zones of Western Siberia are characterized by a harsh climate and sparse flora; in the steppe region, on the contrary, many cereal crops- alfalfa, wormwood, cinquefoil, thyme, thyme, kochia, etc.

In the valleys of the Irtysh and Ob rivers there are huge water meadows where sea buckthorn, viburnum, and bird cherry grow. In the middle part, ribbon forests and reeds prevail. Siberian steppe lands have long been developed in agriculture. A significant area of ​​the zone is plowed and sown with various crops. In the forested areas, sea buckthorn and serviceberry are grown, which grow well between tall poplars and birches.

The fauna here is poorer than in other regions of Siberia. Mostly rodents and large predators are found.

Forest-steppe zone

The area occupies about 250 thousand square meters. km. The forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia consists of one third of aspens and birches, which grow in small groups in depressions. The rest of the land is occupied by shrubs such as rose hips, currants, and meadowsweet. In the center of the zone there are large concentrations of thick-stemmed oaks. Among other flora, one can distinguish the presence large quantity edible mushrooms and berries.

The fauna is represented by such inhabitants as hare, roe deer, flying squirrel, squirrel, hedgehog, elk, badger, ermine, ferret, fox, muskrat, weasel, gopher, wild boar, etc. The most common birds you can find are ducks, geese, black grouse and swans.

Foothill steppes

This zone is dominated by rocky slopes and basins. The soil is very fertile, so the local population often sows it

In the foothill zone there are often meadows with thyme, thyme, cutthroat, sainfoin and even poisonous aconite. In summer, the meadows are covered with pink, blue, white and purple fragrant flowers.

In the depressions there are small groups of birch and aspen trees, between which grow rowan and bird cherry. Most of the fauna consists of small rodents.

polar desert

The zone stretches along to All other natural zones of Western Siberia are rich in various species, but the polar desert cannot boast of anything similar. Most of the territory is occupied by bare expanses of ice, cracked by severe frost. Rare plants they hide in ridges and depressions, where they are at least somehow protected from the polar wind. Other flora include poppies, blue forget-me-nots, and yellow grass.

Due to permanent frost, the fauna is limited to only a few species: deer, lemmings, arctic foxes, polar bears, owls, ducks, and seagulls.

Siberia unites several natural zones. In geography, it is customary to distinguish Western and Eastern Siberia. Western Siberia runs from the Urals to the Yenisei, and Eastern Siberia - from the Yenisei to Pacific Ocean.

Western Siberia

The area of ​​Western Siberia is about 2.5 thousand square kilometers. Every tenth Russian lives here. Most of Western Siberia is located on West Siberian Plain. The climate here is of the continental type. In winter in Western Siberia there are bitter frosts, and the temperature of the warmest summer month can reach +35 degrees.

This region is divided from north to south into several natural zones. Closer to the Arctic Ocean is the tundra zone, followed by forest-tundra, forest, forest-steppe zone and steppe.

The forest zone of Western Siberia is very swampy. Here is one of the largest swamps on the continent, which is called the “Vasyugan swamps”. Vasyugan swamps their area exceeds the area of ​​Switzerland and stretches from west to east for more than 570 kilometers.

Eastern Siberia

Eastern Siberia is located on the Asian territory of our country. Its area is more than 4 million square kilometers. This is where the zone is predominantly located. In the north of Eastern Siberia there is a small area occupied by forest-tundra.

Eastern Siberia is characterized by the presence permafrost. Under the soil layer there is a layer of ice that does not melt for years and even millennia. The climate in Eastern Siberia is sharply continental. Compared to Western Siberia, there is less precipitation here, so in winter the snow depth is relatively low.

Eastern Siberia also consists of several natural zones. Here you can find arctic deserts and the deciduous forests, and steppes.

The northern regions of this part of Siberia are characterized by long and cold winters. In February, the thermometer here often drops to -50 degrees. Summer, on the contrary, is very hot. Closer to the Pacific Ocean, the climate of Eastern Siberia becomes moderate. Thanks to the southern wind blowing from the ocean, unique natural conditions. Many endemic plants grow here and rare species animals.

Forests of Eastern Siberia make up almost 50% of all forest resources Russian Federation. As a rule, they are represented by coniferous species - pine, larch, cedar, fir.

“Deserts and semi-deserts in Russia” - Semi-deserts are poor in fresh water. Geographical position. Large areas are occupied by orchards and vineyards. Baskunchakskoye field table salt is located in the Astrakhan region near the city of Bogdo. Unlike the tundra and taiga, the zone does not form a continuous latitudinal strip. Without irrigation, farming is almost impossible.

"East European Plain" - Tectonics and mineral resources Russia. The height of some hills and plateaus reaches 600-1000 meters. Russian plain. Satellite view. Glaciation left its mark on the formation of the relief of the East European Plain. Independent work. Lesson plan: The East European Plain almost completely coincides with the East European Plate.

“West Siberian Plain” - The sources of the river begin in glaciers, and are replenished below with melted snow waters. The Sokolovsko-Sarbaiskoye and Kacharskoye deposits produce iron ore. A lot of minerals are found in the West Siberian Plain. The length of the Irtysh on Kazakhstan territory is 1400 km. Minerals. Geological structure.

“Territory of the Russian Plain” - Travel through the territory of the Russian Plain. Complete the assignments using maps, textbook, and additional material. How are the rivers distributed across the territory of this plain? Kareliya. Why are there so many wonderful natural spots in this area? Travel along the Russian Plain. Homework. Neighborhoods of Pskov.

“Siberian Plain” - Flat lowland region. Neither hit nor fall. Sit straight, freely, without straining. Excessive moisture. ? ? ? ? Flood on the rivers. Features of the climate of the West Siberian Plain. How can a person protect himself from annoying insects? Young plate, sedimentary rocks. Protecting people from annoying insects.

Eastern Siberia occupies an impressive area - more than 4 million square meters. km. The diversity of local landscapes is due to the large extent of the region from north to south on the Asian territory of the Russian Federation. Natural areas Eastern Siberia is represented by arctic deserts, forests and steppes, but the taiga zone occupies the largest area.

Climate

The climatic features of Eastern Siberia are determined by its geographical location:

  • great distance from the Atlantic Ocean;
  • isolation from the Pacific Ocean;
  • location in high latitudes.

The climate of this region is sharply continental, consistently harsh. Its characteristic features are significant daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations, low cloudiness and insufficient moisture levels.

In the Far North of the region in winter time The polar night reigns, when the sun does not appear above the horizon for two months. But with the onset of summer, the sun, on the contrary, shines constantly, even at midnight, for several weeks.

Rice. 1. Polar night.

Continental air currents cool very quickly in the ground layers, which leads to incredibly low temperatures in winter. -60 degrees Celsius and prevailing arctic winds are not uncommon for winter in Eastern Siberia.

Summer is quite cold; the air temperature in July rarely exceeds +15 degrees. In addition, it is very short, and the growing season in these parts is 2-2.5 months.

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Vegetable world

Due to its large extent in the meridional direction, the nature of Eastern Siberia, as well as natural areas Central Siberia, lies in three climatic zones:

  • arctic;
  • subarctic;
  • moderate.

The predominant territory of Eastern Siberia is occupied by taiga. Fir, larch, pine, and cedar grow here.

Rich taiga forests, several thousand kilometers long, account for almost half of the total forest resources of the Russian Federation.

Rice. 2. The endless taiga forests of Eastern Siberia.

Also, an impressive part of the region is occupied by the tundra zone. Poor soils, excess moisture and low temperatures are not created by the most Better conditions for the development of vegetation. Dwarf trees, saxifrage, cotton grass, and poppy grow here.

Animal world

Almost all regions of Eastern Siberia are not distinguished by great diversity of fauna. The main reason for this is the poor development of plants, lack of food in the required quantities and permafrost.

From large predators The brown bear, wolverine, and lynx should be highlighted. There are also foxes, deer, moose, sables, ermines, ferrets, and badgers. Due to the constantly cold soils, very few rodents live in this region. The world of birds, on the contrary, is very diverse. The wood grouse, woodpecker, crossbill, goose, nutcracker, crow, sandpiper and many other bird species live here.

Rice. 3. Wolverine.

What have we learned?

Eastern Siberia occupies a very large territory. Thanks to geographical location natural zoning its clearly expressed. The largest area is occupied by two zones: taiga and tundra. Eastern Siberia is especially valued for its impressive forest areas coniferous trees.

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1. Geographical location.

2. Geological structure.

3. Relief.

4. Climate.

5. Water and permafrost.

6. Soils, flora and fauna.

7. Natural areas.

Geographical position

Central Siberia is located between the Yenisei River and the western foot of the Verkhoyansk Range. In the north it is washed by the Laptev and Kara seas, in the south it borders on the Eastern Sayan Mountains, the Baikal ridge, the Patom and Aldan highlands. The greatest length from north to south is 2800 km (or 25˚), from west to east 2500 km (at the latitude of Yakutsk). The area of ​​this country is about 4 million km2. Most of the country lies on the Siberian Platform, in the north the North Siberian Lowland and the Taimyr Peninsula. Unlike Western Siberia, the boundaries of Central Siberia on maps are not clearly drawn. Taimyr and especially the Aldan Highlands are controversial. Scientific research Central Siberia began in the 18th century: the Great Northern Expedition. Huge contribution A.F. contributed to the study of this country in the 19th century. Middendorf.

Geological structure

The tectonic basis of Central Siberia is the ancient Siberian platform. At the same time, its Aldan Shield is not included in Central Siberia. The foundation of the Siberian Platform is composed of Archean and Proterozoic folded complexes and has a dissected surface. In the area of ​​the shields, basement rocks (gneisses, quartzites, granites, marbles) come to the surface. The Yenisei Ridge belongs to the Baikal fold. The foundation has deflections: Tunguska, Khatanga, Angaro-Lensky, Vilyuisky. These depressions are filled with rocks of the sedimentary cover, the thickness in some places is up to 8-12 km. The formation of the cover began in the early Paleozoic with marine transgression. Then almost the entire territory became dry land. In the late Paleozoic, the lake-swamp regime dominated, at which time coal strata were being formed. By the beginning of the Mesozoic, fissure magmatism began to appear, and the foundation experienced faults and movements. This process led to the formation of traps. Associated with the traps are igneous intrusions, basaltic (lava) sheets, and explosion tubes (ring structures). At the end of the Mesozoic, almost all of Central Siberia was an area of ​​demolition (at this time the Putorana Plateau rose) and active denudation. In the Cenozoic, the country slowly rose, which led to erosion processes and the formation of a river network. Neotectonic movements led to the uplift of the Byrranga, Putorana, Anabar and Yenisei mountains. IN quaternary period Glaciation developed on the Putorano plateau. There was glaciation in Taimyr, but vast areas of Central Siberia were under periglacial conditions. Cold climate contributed to the formation of permafrost and underground ice.

Relief

The main orographic structure of the country is the Central Siberian Plateau. It is characterized by significant elevation and contrast of the relief. Altitudes range from 200 m to 1700 m, and average height plateaus 500-700 m. The surface is close to flat, but with deep incised river valleys. The highest altitude of the plateau is in the area of ​​the Putorana plateau (1700 m). To the east of the plateau lies the Vilyui and Central Yakut plains. In the extreme southeast is the Leno-Aldan Plateau, and in the southwest is the Yenisei Ridge (remnant mountains), the average heights here are 600-700 m. In the extreme north lie the Byrranga Mountains, these are low-mountain blocky massifs with a leveled surface (800-1000m) . The morphostructures of Central Siberia can be divided into 4 groups: 1) Plateaus, ridges, low mountains - Anabar Plateau, Yenisei Ridge, Byrranga Mountains. 2) Stratified hills and plateaus - the Angara and Prilensk plateaus, the Anagarsko-Lena plain. 3) Volcanic plateaus – Putorana, Central Tunguska, Vilyui. 4) Accumulative – Central Yakut and North Siberian lowlands. Almost the entire territory of Central Siberia is characterized by cryogenic landforms: thermokarst, solifluction, mounds, hydrolaccoliths, etc. In mountainous areas, kurums (placers of stones) are typical. River valleys have big number terraces (6-9). In some places in the south of the country there is karst.

Climate

The climate is sharply continental, which is due to the distance from the Atlantic and the isolation of mountain barriers from the Pacific Ocean. The highest degree of continentality is achieved in central Yakutia. Annual amplitudes average temperatures around 60˚C (extremes almost 100˚C). There is little precipitation and winters are very cold. Total solar radiation varies within the country from 65 kcal/cm2 (north of Taimyr) to 110 kcal/cm2 (Irkutsk). In winter, the Asian maximum dominates; to the northwest the pressure decreases. Therefore, almost the entire territory, except the north-west, has an anticyclonic weather regime: clear, calm and frosty. Winter lasts 5-7 months. During this time, the surface cools down greatly, and temperature inversions, which is also facilitated by the terrain. Cyclones dominate only in Taimyr. The lowest average January temperatures are observed in the Central Yakut Lowland and the northeast of the Central Siberian Plateau -42˚-45˚C. In the lowlands the absolute minimum is -68˚C. To the north and west the temperature rises to -30˚C. There is little precipitation in winter, 20-25% of the annual amount (100-150 mm), and in Central Yakutia - 50 mm. Thus, the thickness of the snow cover in Central Yakutia is no more than 30 cm by the end of winter. Toward the periphery of the country, the snow thickness increases to 50 cm, and in the Yenisei part to 80 cm. Spring is short and friendly (May). In summer, the pressure drops over Central Siberia. They rush from the Arctic Ocean air masses, but the Arctic air quickly transforms and turns into temperate continental air. July isotherms take a sublatitudinal direction and vary from +2˚C at Cape Chelyuskin, +12˚C near the ledge of the Central Siberian Plateau and to +18˚C in Central Yakutia, +19˚C in Irkutsk. In summer there is 2-3 times more precipitation than in winter, especially in the second half of summer. Autumn is short (September). In total, precipitation in a year ranges from 600 mm in the pre-Denisei part of Central Siberia (on the Putorana plateau, Tunguska plateau approximately 1000 mm), to 350-300 mm in Central Yakutia. In Central Yakutia in the lower reaches of Aldan and Vilyuy k1.

Water and permafrost

The rivers of Central Siberia are rich in water, there are lakes, permafrost is everywhere, and there are swamps in the north. The river network is well developed. Permafrost contributes to an increase in river flow. According to the nature of the flow, the rivers of Central Siberia occupy an intermediate position between mountain and lowland ones. In Central Siberia there is a large part of the basins of the Yenisei and Lena rivers (Lower Tunguska, Podkamennaya Tunguska, Angara; Vilyui, Aldan, Amga, etc.). Olenek, Anabar, Khatanga, Pyasina and others flow directly into the sea. water regime all rivers belong to the East Siberian type. The nutrition is mixed, with the leading role of snow, the role of rain is not significant, and groundwater flow provides only 5-10% (due to permafrost). The freeze-up is powerful and long-lasting, and the flood is very high. In the lower reaches of the Lena, the water rise in May exceeds 10 m, on the Yenisei - 15 m, on Lower Tunguska up to 30 m. In winter there is low water on the rivers. Ice formation on many rivers begins not from the top, but from the bottom, and then the ice rises to the surface. Ice formation begins in October, and only the Angara freezes in December. The ice thickness on the rivers is 1-3 meters. Small rivers freeze to the bottom. On many rivers in winter, ice forms, which leads to the formation of ice fields in river valleys. The largest river is Lena, its length is 4400 km, the basin area is 2490 thousand km2. The source of the Lena on the western slope of the Baikal ridge, the river flows into the Laptev Sea, forming a huge delta (32 thousand km2). There are fewer lakes in Central Siberia than in Western Siberia. Most of the lakes are located in the North Siberian Lowland and the Central Yakut Lowland; these are predominantly thermokarst lakes. Large tectonic and glacial-tectonic lakes are located on the Putorana plateau: Khantaiskoye, Lama, etc. The largest lake is Taimyr (area 4560 km2, maximum depth - 26 m). Permafrost is widespread almost everywhere in Central Siberia. Its formation occurred back in ice age, for several thousand years. Permafrost is a relict formation, but even now modern climatic conditions In some places they contribute to the formation of permafrost. The southern border of continuous permafrost runs from Igarka, Nizhnyaya Tunguska and in the Lena Valley near the mouth of the Olekma. The thickness of frozen soils here is 300-600 m (maximum 800-1200 m). South of this boundary, the permafrost is of an island nature (taliks). Occasionally found underground ice, hydrolaccoliths (ice intrusions). Permafrost promotes the development of cryogenic landforms and complicates erosion processes. About 75% of Central Siberia is occupied by the East Siberian artesian pool, which lies beneath a layer of permafrost in the bedrock.

Soils, flora and fauna

The soils are developed mainly on the eluvium of bedrock, so they are stony and gravelly. Soils are formed on permafrost. In the far north, arcto-tundra soils are common here, which give way to tundra-gley soils. In the forest zone, taiga-permafrost soils are formed, in which there is no soil profile. Due to permafrost, the soil regime is non-percolative, which prevents the removal of chemical elements beyond the soil profile. Taiga-permafrost soils are characterized by gleying, weak aeration, and the absence of clear genetic horizons. The soil reaction is acidic, but in places where pale-colored permafrost-taiga soils are developed, their reaction is neutral. In the south, where the permafrost is discontinuous, soddy-podzolic soils develop. In the Central Yakut Lowland there are saline soils: solods, solonetzes.

Vegetation, like soils, is subject to latitudinal zonality. On the sea coast there are arctic deserts, to the south there are typical tundras and shrub tundras of dwarf birch, willow, etc. Due to the severity of the climate, the floristic composition is not rich. From tree species Daurian larch dominates; it is characteristic of both forest-tundra and taiga, where light-coniferous forests form. In the south, pine is added to it, and in the west, cedar and spruce. Larch forests along river valleys they reach Taimyr (almost 73˚N) - this is the northernmost distribution of forests in globe. In places in the south of Central Yakutia there are areas with meadow-steppe vegetation (they are a relict of the xerothermal period and exist now due to the dry climate).

The fauna of Central Siberia is characterized by greater antiquity than the fauna of Western Siberia. The complex of taiga animals is widely represented here, but a number of European-Siberian species (marten, mink, brown hare, hedgehog, mole, etc.) are absent. East of the Yenisei the eastern elk is typical, reindeer, bighorn sheep, musk deer, weasel, northern pika, long-tailed ground squirrel, black-capped marmot, capercaillie, carcass, crow, rock pigeon, etc. As in the Western Siberian taiga, sable, chipmunk, squirrel, ermine, fox, arctic fox, wolf, wolverine live, brown bear, etc.

Natural areas

Compared to Western Siberia, natural zones in Central Siberia are mixed to the north. This applies primarily to the northern zones. Forests occupy up to 70% of the country's territory, reaching almost to state border. A narrow strip is forming on the coast of the Arctic seas arctic deserts with polygonal arctic soils. More than 70% of the surface is occupied by bare soil. The predominant plants are mosses and lichens, dryad (partridge grass), cotton grass, and sedges. To the south there are typical tundras, and even further south there are shrubs. The southern border of the tundra reaches Lake Pyasino, the valley of the Kheta River and the north of the Anabar Plateau. The width of the zone is 100-600 km. Unlike the tundra of Western Siberia, there are fewer swamps here, and the climate is more continental. Arctic continental air masses dominate throughout the year. Precipitation ranges from 450 mm in the north-west of the zone to 250 mm in the south-east of the tundra. Cyclones reach only the lower reaches of Khatanga; they do not penetrate further east. Winter lasts about 8 months. Most cold month– January (on the coast – February). Average temperatures in winter are -30˚-35˚C. Snow cover lasts for about 9 months. Summer lasts 2 months. July temperatures vary from +1˚C at Cape Chelyuskin to +10˚C at the southern border of the zone. Excessive moisture. Evaporation is only 50 mm per year. There are many lakes, all rivers are full of water. The permafrost thickness is 600-800 m. Cryogenic relief forms predominate. The soils are tundra-gley. In addition to mosses and lichens, the vegetation cover includes dryads, cassiopeia, polar poppy, and to the south there are shrubs - skinny birch, low-growing willows. Among the animals, lemmings, voles, arctic foxes, reindeer live; in the mountains - bighorn sheep, partridges, plantains; many geese, ducks, loons, eiders, gulls, waders, etc. arrive in the summer.

Forest-tundra extends along the southern edge of the North Siberian Lowland, a strip of 70-100 km, but some authors combine this zone with the subzone of northern sparse forests (tundra forests) in the north of the Central Siberian Plateau. Within these boundaries, the forest-tundra extends to the Arctic Circle, and in some places to the south of it. The climate is subarctic continental. Winter is very harsh and lasts 8 months. Winter temperatures 5-7˚C lower than in the tundra. Summer is warmer +11˚+12˚C. The soils are frozen-tundra and tundra-peat. In this zone, woody vegetation joins the typical tundra vegetation.

Dahurian larch dominates, in the west Siberian larch. In addition, skinny birch, shrubby alder and willow, and wild rosemary grow well. The fauna has both tundra and taiga species.

The taiga stretches from north to south for more than 2000 km, occupying the entire Central Siberian Plateau and reaching the borders of the country in the south. The climate is sharply continental. Amplitude average monthly temperatures 50-60˚C, and extreme temperatures up to 102˚C (Yakutsk). Winter 6-7 months. Average January temperatures range from -25˚C in the southwest to -45˚C in the east. Temperature inversions are characteristic. In winter, an anticyclone dominates. Spring is short. Summer, due to the elevation of the territory, is cooler than at the same latitudes in Western Siberia. Average July temperatures are +16˚C+18˚C. In summer, cyclonic activity occurs, but less actively than in Western Siberia. The annual precipitation varies from 800 m on the elevated slopes of the relief to 300 mm on the plains. Permafrost is ubiquitous, and therefore permafrost terrain is also widespread. The erosion relief is less developed; lateral erosion predominates over deep erosion. The river network is well developed and the rivers are full of water. The food is predominantly snowy. There are relatively few lakes and swamps. Acid permafrost-taiga soils predominate. The light-coniferous taiga of larch dominates, in places with an undergrowth of rowan, willow, birch, alder, bird cherry, juniper, honeysuckle, etc. In the south of the taiga, pine, cedar, spruce, fir and pure pine forests appear, with a well-developed undergrowth of shrubs. The taiga massifs are interspersed with numerous patches of alas - cereal-sedge meadows. In the extreme south of Central Siberia, forest-steppe is found in places, which is an alternation of pine forests with areas of meadow steppes on leached chernozems. On plateaus and plateaus, the taiga gives way to mountain tundra. The fauna of the forests of Central Siberia is typically taiga: brown bear, wolverine, wolf, lynx, fox, sable, ermine, weasel, weasel, chipmunk, squirrel, mountain hare, muskrat, voles, shrews. Among the ungulates, elk and, less commonly, musk deer are ubiquitous; in the north of the taiga – reindeer; in the south – maral and roe deer. Birds include capercaillie, hazel grouse, woodpeckers, owls, blackbirds, scops owls, nightjars, lentils, flycatchers, and waterfowl on reservoirs. Most birds come only for the summer. Nature reserves have been created on the territory of Central Siberia: Taimyrsky, Ust-Lensky, Central Siberian, Putoransky.

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