The average temperature of January and July of the Russian plain. East European Plain: main characteristics. Average temperature, ° С

The East European Plain is located on the territory of the eastern part of Europe, and includes 10 countries at once, but most of it is located in the west of Russia, which is why its second official name is the Russian Plain.

Figure 1. Climate of the Russian Plain. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

The climate of this area directly depends on several key factors:

geographical position;
the proximity of the ocean;
relief.

Radiation plays a central role in the formation of climatic processes in the Russian Plain. Advection is also essential. The continentality of this area increases mainly to the east, and the absence of mountains in the west and north contributes to the rapid penetration of arctic maritime air from temperate latitudes. The transformed air masses reach the Urals, and the air from the Arctic comes from the Kara and Barents Seas.

Researchers and geographers define the Russian Plain as a physical and geographical state, and the basis for its elevation to this rank is:

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an elevated, hilly and stratal plain formed on the plate of the ancient East European Platform;
continental-Atlantic, insufficiently humid and predominantly temperate climate, which is formed in full under the influence of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans;
clearly defined main natural zones, the structures of which were greatly influenced by neighboring territories and flat relief.

Interestingly, when dividing the Russian Plain into large-scale natural complexes Two approaches were taken into account - azonal and zonal. Within the area under consideration, continental air dominates, and the effect of advection is most noticeable in winter than in summer.

The cyclonic functional manifests itself most actively in winter along the entire Arctic front, which is often located in the north of the plain, but often shifts to the Black Sea coast. In the summer half of the year, three zones of cyclone activity are formed at once. The first zone is observed across the Arctic front, the second zone acts on polar-frontal occlusions, and the third zone occupies a whole strip from the Crimea to the Middle Volga.

Northern climatic region

The northern climatic region is located not far from the northern zone of high atmospheric pressure, therefore, it is characterized by the dominance of western wet winds throughout the year. The western transformation of air masses prevailing in this zone increases due to the systematic recurrence of cyclones of the polar and arctic fronts.

Remark 1

In the formation of climatic phenomena in the Northern region, the Arctic air plays a huge role, which is gradually transformed when moving south. Sometimes at the height of summer, hot tropical air comes in from the south.

It should be noted that sometimes continental tropical air can form in the south of the Northern Region, which acts under the influence of polar air. However, this phenomenon can only be observed in anticyclonic weather, so in last time the transformation of polar air masses was recorded in 1936 in the Moscow region.

Winters in this climate zone are snowy and cold. In the northeast, the average January temperature reaches -15-20°C, and the snow cover, which is 70 cm high, pleases local residents up to 220 days a year. Winters are much milder in the south-western region: the average air temperature in winter does not fall below -10 °, and the duration of the white ice sheet is reduced to 4 months a year.

The entire territory of the Northern Region belongs to the subarctic, arctic and temperate climatic zones. These natural zones with forest-tundra and tundra climate types cover the coast of the Barents Sea and the islands of the Arctic. The temperate belt here has two types of terrain - taiga and mixed forests.

Southern climatic region

The southern climatic region extends along the southern band of high atmospheric pressure. The direction of air masses in this area is not stable, since the westerly winds prevailing in the warm season transform into southeast cold winds in winter.

Remark 2

Under the conditions of constant anticyclones, the processes of movement of air masses intensify, as a result of which the western humid air is quickly transformed into temperate continental.

In summer, all processes of transformation of the polar air in the territory of the Southern Region end with the formation of a tropical climate.

From the side mediterranean sea tropical marine air gradually enters in a transformed form. The systematic recurrence of temperate tropical cyclones in summer sharply distinguishes the southern region of the Russian Plain from the northern one, where tropical air masses are observed only as exceptions.

The absence of sharp contrasts between the polar and continental tropical air is explained by the passivity of the cyclones that originate here and the low humidity of the moving air masses, which ultimately does not provide the required amount of precipitation.

Such a ratio of moisture and heat in the south of the Russian Plain is an unfavorable element for Agriculture that needs sustained moisture. Prolonged absence of precipitation automatically causes drought - one of the most peculiar and characteristic phenomena Southern climatic region.

Climatic features of the nature of the Russian Plain

On the Russian Plain, one can observe such natural zones: forest-tundra and tundra, forest-steppe, forest, steppe, semi-desert and desert. The tundra and forest-tundra zones are moderately cold and humid climatic processes and occupy the entire coast of the Barents Sea. The tundra completely covers the Kanin Peninsula, and then its border goes to the Polar Urals and Naryan-Mar.

The forest-steppe in the zone of the Russian Plain is characterized by humid and warm weather, since it is simultaneously affected by the non-freezing part of the Barents Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In winter, a minimum of passing cyclones can be observed here. This is clearly reflected in the division of the annual amount of all precipitation that formed the permafrost (from 0° to -3°), which has now been transformed into glacial, marine, deltaic, river and lake deposits.

Definition 1

The forest zone is a moderately humid and warm zone of the Russian Plain, which extends south of the forest tundra with a strip of 1000-1200 km.

The forest zone of the East European Plain is conventionally divided by researchers into two subzones: mixed forests and taiga. The taiga of the Russian Plain is very different from the Siberian one, since its geographical position is determined by the history of the development of this territory. Close proximity to Atlantic Ocean and the warmest zone of the Arctic determined the growth of powerful multiple ice sheets and a temperate continental climate, which contributes to the spread of animals and European plants across the plain.

Taking into account all the features of the radiation regime and the universal circulation of the atmosphere, it is necessary to distinguish two main climatic zones on the territory of the Russian Plain - temperate and subarctic, and within their boundaries - five climatic zones. In all areas, an increase in the continentality of the climate from west to east is observed. Differences in the climate of the East European area directly affect the nature of vegetation and the presence of pronounced soil zoning.

The climate is one of the most important physical and geographical characteristics of the territory. Climate is a long-term weather pattern characteristic of a particular area on Earth. In this case, the multi-year regime is understood as the totality of all weather conditions in a given area over a period of several decades; typical annual change of these conditions and possible deviations from it in individual years; weather combinations characteristic of its various anomalies (droughts, rainy periods, cooling, etc.).

The climate of the East European Plain is influenced by its position in temperate and high latitudes, as well as by the connection of the territory ( Western Europe and North Asia) and water areas (Atlantic and Arctic Oceans) (Appendix 4).

The Russian Plain is located in temperate and high latitudes, where seasonal differences in the arrival of solar radiation are especially large. 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. The radiation balance in winter, with the exception of the extreme southern regions, is negative. It falls in the direction from the southwest to the northeast and depends mainly on the amount of cloudiness. Summer radiation balance is positive everywhere. It reaches its greatest value in July in the south of Ukraine, in the Crimea and the Sea of Azov. The total solar radiation increases from north to south from 66 to 130 kcal/cm2 per year. In January, the total solar radiation at the latitude of Kaliningrad-Moscow-Perm is 50, and the Ciscaucasia and the southeast of the Caspian lowland is about 150 MJ/m 2 .

All year round over the East European Plain, the western transfer of air masses dominates, and the Atlantic air of temperate latitudes brings coolness and precipitation in summer, and warmth and precipitation in winter. When moving to the 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, from 8 to 12 cyclones come from different parts of the Atlantic to the East European Plain. 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, 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. Anticyclones often recur in the southeast of the plain, due to the influence of the Asian High.

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 distribution of precipitation over the territory of the Russian Plain is primarily dependent on circulation factors. Cyclonic activity is observed mainly in the west, in the area of the Barents Sea. On the mainland Atmosphere pressure It is distributed in such a way that Arctic and Atlantic air flows into the plain, with which large clouds and significant precipitation are associated. The western transfer of air masses prevailing here is intensified due to the frequent recurrence of cyclones of the Arctic and Polar fronts. Especially often cyclones move from west to east between 55-60°N. sh. (Baltic, Valdai, upper reaches of the Dnieper). This strip is the most humid part of the Russian Plain: the annual amount of precipitation here reaches 600-700 mm. in the west and 500-600 mm in the east.

Winter cyclonic precipitation forms a snow cover with a height of 60-70 cm, which lies up to 220 days a year, to the south-west, the duration of the snow cover is reduced to 3-4 months a year, and its average long-term height is reduced to 10-20 cm. As we move deeper into the mainland, cyclonic activity and the associated western transport in the south of the East European Plain weakens. Instead, the frequency of anticyclones increases. Under conditions of stable anticyclones, the processes of transformation of air masses intensify, as a result of which moist western air is quickly transformed into continental air. Because of this, precipitation in the southern part of the plain falls 500-300 mm per year, and their amount rapidly decreases in the southeast direction to 200 mm. and sometimes less. The snow cover is thin and lies for a short time: 2-3 months in the southwest. Relief influences the increase in annual precipitation. For example, in the Donetsk ridge falls 450 mm. precipitation, and in the surrounding steppe - 400 mm. The difference in the annual amount of precipitation between the Volga Upland and the low-lying Trans-Volga region is about 100 mm. In the southern half of the plain, the maximum precipitation occurs in June, and in the middle lane - in July. The southern half is characterized by the smallest, and the northern half by the greatest relative humidity. The moisture index in the north of the territory is more than 0.60, and in the south 0.10.

Precipitation practically falls from all air masses, but most of it is associated with the Atlantic air of temperate latitudes. Tropical air brings a lot of moisture to the southwest. Precipitation is mainly due to the circulation of air masses on the arctic and polar fronts, and only 10% of them are produced by intramass processes in the summer.

The degree of moistening of the territory is determined by the ratio of heat and moisture. It is expressed in different quantities:

a) moisture coefficient. On the East European Plain, it reaches values from 0.55 (the Crimean plains) to 1.33 or more (in the Pechora lowland);
b) dryness index - 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 moisture from the upper reaches of the Dniester, Don and the mouth of the Kama, the amount of precipitation is approximately equal to evaporation, and the further south from this zone, the more and more evaporation exceeds precipitation (from 100 to 700 mm), i.e. insufficient moisture sets in.

Differences in the climate of the East European Plain affect the nature of the vegetation and the presence of a fairly clearly expressed soil-vegetation zonality.

B.P. Alisov, taking into account the radiation balance and atmospheric circulation (transport of air masses, their transformation, cyclonic activity), distinguishes three climatic regions in the European part:

1) northern Atlantic-Arctic;
2) the middle Atlantic-continental region;
3) southern continental 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 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 are formed over the surface of the northern seas (Kara, Barents), 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 climatic type with characteristic features of 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. AT summer time year, 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 time of year: 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 areas: 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 rarely, in the summer period, if the anticyclone stays in the south of the given geographical area for a long time, it can be successively transformed into tropical air.

This climatic region is characterized by a long, rather cold winter with a lot of snowfall. 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 lack 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 a large amount of 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 management here. economic activity, 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 of tundra, forest tundra, taiga and mixed forests successively replace each other.

The tundra is formed in conditions of low average annual temperatures and high humidity with a large amount of precipitation, it extends from the coast of the 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 subdivided into subzones: taiga and mixed forests. animal world The European taiga is much more diverse and has more similarities 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 zones within them.

The main role in the formation of the climate of the Russian Plain belongs to the radiation factor. Advection is of particular importance. Continentality increases towards the east, southeast. The absence of mountains in the north and west contributes to the penetration of arctic and sea air from temperate latitudes. Atlantic air masses, transformed, reach the Urals. Arctic air comes from the Barents and Kara seas.

Within the plain, especially in its eastern part, the continental air of temperate latitudes dominates. The effect of advection is stronger in winter than in summer. Tropical air in the south and southeast is of some importance.

Cyclonic activity is most actively manifested in the winter half of the year along the Arctic front, usually located in the north of the plain, but often moving towards the Black Sea. In the summer half of the year, three zones of cyclonic activity are formed. The first zone is along the Arctic front, which often shifts to the middle zone of the Russian Plain. The second zone is polar-frontal occlusion along the polar front. The third zone of cyclonic activity occupies a strip from the Crimea to the Middle Volga.

Most of the plain is characterized by winds blowing from southwest to northeast in winter, with the exception of the Caspian lowland, where winds blowing from east to west prevail. In the Lower Volga region, they change direction to the north. Winds blowing from the northwest and west to the southeast and east are characteristic of summer. The high barometric pressure axis has a significant influence on the direction of the wind.

underlying surface; its flat character contributes to the zonal distribution of radiant energy and the manifestation of advection, which causes a shift in zonal boundaries. The dissection of the plains redistributes heat and moisture and causes a flattened altitudinal zonality and inversions.

Winter on the plain is characterized by stable negative temperatures; in the north it lasts for 6-7 months, in the south for 1-2 months. Localities closer to the Atlantic Ocean or under the influence of the Gulf Stream (Kola) have average January temperatures close to those of Astrakhan.

The vast majority of the territory is characterized by stable snow cover. An increase in annual precipitation is observed in areas with more active cyclonic activity and, conversely, less precipitation occurs in the eastern part of the plain, where the anticyclonic weather regime is more characteristic. Precipitation increases over higher elevations. Precipitation of the warm season usually makes up 50-70% of the annual amount.

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).

The lack of moisture during the period of active life of plants leads to droughts, which periodically recur in a significant part of the Russian Plain, especially in the east of the forest-steppes and steppes.

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.

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 Russian 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 temperature distribution is solar radiation, so the isotherms, unlike winter, are located mainly in accordance with geographical latitude. In the extreme north of the plain, the average July temperature 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 Russian 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 moisture from the upper reaches of the Dniester, Don 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.

Differences in the climate of the Russian Plain affect the nature of the vegetation and the presence of a fairly clearly expressed soil-vegetation zonality. B.P. Alisov, taking into account the peculiarities of the radiation regime and atmospheric circulation (transport of air masses, their transformation, cyclonic activity), distinguishes two climatic zones on the East European Plain - subarctic and temperate, and within them five climatic regions. In all areas there is an increase in the continentality of the climate to the east. This is due to the fact that processes associated with the influence of the Atlantic and more active cyclogenesis predominate in the western regions, while the influence of the continent affects the eastern regions. This regularity in climate change is explained by the manifestation of sectorality.

Differences in the climate of the East European Plain affect the nature of the vegetation and the presence of a fairly clearly expressed soil-vegetation zonality. Soddy-podzolic soils are replaced to the south by more fertile ones - a variety of chernozems. The natural and climatic conditions are favorable for active economic activity and population living.

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

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 adjoins 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.

The largest hills are:

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.

The maximum height of the Central Russian Upland is 305 m, and the 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 relief of the Precambrian basement includes 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 features 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, the 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. The maximum amount of 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.

The abundance of 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 is thawing, flora and fauna are awakening.

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. home feature 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 Construction Materials like gravel, clay, sand and limestone.

Flora and fauna

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

Name of the natural area	Geographical position	Flora	Fauna
Tundra	North of the Kola Peninsula	Moss, cloudberry, blueberry, cranberry, sedge, cotton grass, lichen, polar poppy, dwarf willow, birch	Foxes, wolves, martens, minks, beavers, muskrats, harp seals, white and tundra partridges
Taiga	Northwest Russia	Balsam and white fir, black and gray spruce, banksa pine, virginian juniper, larch, white poplar	Arctic hares, snowy owls, bald eagles, white geese, chipmunks, brown bears, stoats
mixed forests	North and east of Belarus, Meshcherskaya lowland	Rowan, viburnum, elm, linden, spruce, pine, oak, hawthorn, maple, alder, willow, ash	Hares, foxes, wolves, beavers, otters, forest squirrels, badgers, black ferrets, hazel grouses, nightingales, bullfinches
broadleaf forests	Masovian-Podlaskie Lowland	Oak, small-leaved linden, wild maple, wild apple, pear, elm, ash, beech	Roe deer, wild boars, hedgehogs, spotted and red deer, fallow deer, elk, nutria, moles, shrews
Forest-steppe	Oka-Don and Tambov lowlands	Birch, hornbeam, aspen, bluegrass meadow, real bedstraw	Squirrels, hares, roe deer, martens, woodchucks, hamsters, lizards, black grouse
Steppes and semi-deserts	Caspian, Kuban and Black Sea lowlands	Cereals, feather grass, kipets	Jerboas, ground squirrels, voles, bustards, larks, hamsters

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.