Having visited Crimea, the Chilean poet and politician Pablo Neruda enthusiastically wrote: “Crimea is an order on the chest of the planet Earth!” And indeed, if you look at it from a bird's eye view, you will see that the diamond-shaped Crimean Peninsula really resembles an order attached to the European mainland by a narrow chain of the Perekop Isthmus and the Arabat Spit. Historian Neil Asherson called Crimea "the big brown diamond"; The climate and nature of the peninsula were admired by all scientists, writers, poets and artists who visited Tauris. Let's try to talk about wealth in a few words Crimean nature and its features.
Position: between geography and geopolitics
Geographically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Crimea took a little bit from each of these parts of the world: in the north of the peninsula there are Asian steppes, and in the south - mountains and subtropics, reminiscent of the resort areas of Greece and Italy. The steppe zone, covering most of the central, western and eastern Crimea, begins in the Crimea - and stretches far to the east, up to Mongolia and Northern China. Not without reason in the Middle Ages this gigantic territory was called the Wild Field - it was from there that countless hordes of Scythians, Sarmatians, Huns, Khazars, Mongols and other nomads came to Europe. Crimea is connected to the continent only by a few narrow strips of isthmuses and sandbars, by waterways through the Sivash salt lakes in the north and east, as well as by a long strip of the Arabat Spit. Neil Asherson divided the Crimea into three historical zones: the steppe north, inhabited by nomads (body zone); the south, with its cities and civilizations (the zone of the mind); the mountains located between them - the zone of the spirit, where the mountain principalities and monasteries were located. In his opinion, the steppe zone of the body always attacked the southern coastal civilizational zone of the mind, and the mountainous zone of the spirit was the buffer territory between them. Since May 2018, in the east, Crimea has been connected to the continent by the famous “construction of the 21st century” - the Kerch (or Crimean) bridge.
From the warm and humid southern coast of Crimea, the steppe zone is reflected by three ridges of the Crimean mountains: External, Internal and Main. Each of them looks typologically the same: gently sloping from the north, these ridges are steep from the south side. The outer (northern) ridge is the lowest (up to 350 m); The inner (otherwise - the second) ridge is up to 750 m high. The most picturesque is the Main (third, or southern) ridge with peaks more than a kilometer high: Chatyr-Dag (1527 m), Demerdzhi (1356 m) and Roman-kosh (1545 m). Another curious feature of the Crimean mountains is the fact that almost all of them end not with sharp peaks, but, on the contrary, with undulating plateaus, called the Turkic term "yayla" (in translation - "summer pasture for cattle"). total area yaila zones - 1565 km². V Soviet time various projects were put forward for the reclamation of these high-mountain plateaus for subsequent use for agricultural purposes. For various reasons, they were not implemented, and now most of the yailas are nature reserves.
Water resources
The Crimean peninsula is washed by the waters of two seas - the Black and Azov. The length of the Crimean coastline is quite long - 2500 km, however, about half of this space falls on the Sivash area, which is practically unsuitable for recreation and swimming. Generally, water resources Tauris is more than diverse: there are mountain rivers, lakes, estuaries, waterfalls, reservoirs, and much more. Unfortunately, all this diversity is completely insufficient to provide residents and visitors of the peninsula fresh water. The situation became doubly tense in 2014 due to the shutdown of the North Crimean Canal, cut off from Crimea by decree of the Ukrainian authorities. The longest river of the peninsula is the Salgir, which stretches for 232 km from Mount Chatyrdag to Sivash, however, the most full-flowing rivers are the Black and Belbek. In the summer, many Crimean rivers almost completely dry up. Another curious specific feature of the Crimea is the abundance of salt lakes with therapeutic mud; especially a lot of them in the north of Crimea. Despite the fact that it is possible to develop a medical and tourism industry here, similar to Israel, this resource is still underused.
The flora of Crimea is amazing and diverse: in total, about 2,500 species of wild higher plants grow here, many of which are listed in the Red Book. What distinguishes and distinguishes the Crimean vegetation? Firstly, about 250 species of so-called endemics grow in the Crimea - i.e. plants that are found only in the Crimea and nowhere else. Secondly, there are also many relics in the Crimea, i.e. vegetation species that have not changed for many millions of years and have been preserved in their original form. Thirdly, the Crimean vegetation has analogues among the plants of other Black Sea and Mediterranean regions - because of the similar climate, and also because about 1000 plant species were brought to Crimea by colonists from their place of residence. It is for this reason that the flora of the Crimea has its current, diverse and amazing character. Of the most remarkable plants of the Crimea, it is worth highlighting Steven's maple, Stankevich's pine, yew berry, juniper, pyramidal cypress, Crimean thyme, Poyarkova hawthorn, wormwood, feather grass and many others. [C-BLOCK]
The Crimean flora, as well as the fauna, can also be divided into steppe, mountain and south coast. In the northern Crimea and on the Kerch Peninsula, steppe vegetation and stunted shrubs predominate. Further, in the foothills, the steppe is replaced by the forest-steppe: not only shrubs, but also trees such as oak, juniper, hornbeam and pear are already appearing here. Further south, in the zone of the Inner Ridge, the woody diversity becomes richer, with oak and beech forests, hawthorn, sumpia, dogwood, ash and linden. At an altitude of 1000 m, already in the area of the Main Ridge, the trees disappear: the majestic spaces of the yayla are almost treeless and resemble high-altitude steppe expanses. It is there that about 25% of Crimean endemics grow. On the southern coast of Crimea you can find a belt of pine forests, which, in general, is not very typical for the peninsula. In addition to natural forests, a significant part of the Crimea is also occupied by artificial plantings, parks and botanical gardens. The most famous of them are the Alupka and Massandra parks, as well as the Nikitsky Botanical Garden founded by H. H. Steven back in the 19th century.
The animal world of Crimea is no less unique. Since the peninsula is actually isolated from the mainland, a unique complex of animal species has formed on it, different from species composition nearby Ukraine and mainland Russia. A specific feature of the Crimean fauna is high level endemism, i.e. the presence of species inherent only in the Crimea. On the other hand, it is extremely curious that in the Crimea there are not many animals living in neighboring territories. In general, more than 60 species of mammals live in the Crimea. The largest of them are the Crimean red deer, fallow deer and wild boar. For a long time there were no wolves in the Crimea at all, however, in last years there is a movement of gray predators to the Crimea from the territory of southern Ukraine. As a politically illiterate animal, the wolf does not pay attention to the state border drawn between Crimea and Ukraine in 2014. Three species of dolphins and - extremely rarely - a monk seal are found in the Black and Azov Seas. There are more than 300 species of birds in Crimea. The largest are the crane, bustard, swans, geese and large predators: steppe eagle, black vulture, golden eagle, peregrine falcon and eagle owl. The best place for birdwatching in Crimea is the Lebyazhy Islands nature reserve in the northwest of the peninsula.
Insects
Entomofauna (insects) of the Crimea has, according to various estimates, from 10 to 15 thousand species. There are about 2000 species of butterflies alone in the Crimea! No wonder the lover of Lepidoptera felt so good in the Crimea - Vladimir Nabokov - whose first article on English language was just dedicated to the Crimean butterflies. Of the most remarkable endemic insect species, it is worth highlighting the Crimean ground beetle, the Black Sea marigold butterfly, the brilliant beauty dragonfly and Smirnov's horsefly. It is especially pleasant that both among the animals and among the insects of the Crimea there are practically no poisonous ones, and those that live there (for example, centipede, scorpion, tarantula, salpuga, steppe viper) are so rare that attacks on people are rare.
This is how the natural beauties of the Crimean peninsula look in brief. There is everything for the most demanding traveler: mountains, sea, bays, waterfalls, steppes, salt and fresh lakes, natural and artificial caves, nature reserves and parks, unique endemic plants, trees, animals and insects. To see this - pack your bags, put things off, buy tickets - and explore our treasure peninsula on your own. Crimea is waiting for you!
1. What natural resources did primitive man use?
Primitive man used only what was close to him on the surface of the earth or in the shallow depths of water bodies. They did not yet know how to explore the bowels or great depths, to develop fossils.
They collected vegetation for food, used trees for fires and building dwellings, made tools and the same building materials from stones.
You can’t do without water, especially fresh water. Also, aquatic inhabitants and earthly animals were used for food, clothing and household utensils.
2. What natural resources do people use to sustain life?
For life and development, mankind uses a lot of the riches of nature: the resources of the oceans; gifts of forests, fields; soil fertility; mineral substances from the depths.
All natural resources need careful use and protection. It is necessary to prevent the complete disappearance, as well as the inclusion in the Red Book as endangered, of many species of plants and animals. The next generations of people should not only see all the possible gifts of nature, but also increase them.
3. What are the differences between natural conditions and natural wealth?
There are significant differences between these two concepts, here are some of them:
1. Involvement in economic activity. natural resources, as opposed to natural conditions, are almost always involved in the economic activity of mankind.
2. The central characteristic in the concept. For natural conditions main characteristic is that they are a combination of factors, but natural resources, the understanding of the term is built through the fact that it is a set of non-anthropogenic factors of production.
That is, natural wealth is the result of activities in natural conditions.
4. What natural resource is most needed by mankind?
The answer to this question is unambiguous - water. This is one of those resources without which the existence of a person is simply impossible, but at the same time, in its absence, it will not be replaced by anything, unlike other vital resources.
5. Based on Fig. 218 of the textbook, determine what types of natural resources are in our area. Give examples.
Resources can be exhaustible (forests, rivers, etc.) and inexhaustible (sun, air, etc.); renewable and non-renewable.
The Chelyabinsk region has rich and diverse natural resources.
Mineral resources are concentrated in more than 300 mineral deposits, the most important of which are deposits of iron and copper-zinc ores, gold, refractory raw materials, talc, graphite and quartz.
The Chelyabinsk region is a monopolist in Russia in the extraction and processing of graphite (95%), magnesite (95%), talc (70%), metallurgical dolomite (71%).
The area has an unlimited supply of facing stone with a wide range of colors and patterns.
6. List the rich continents: oil and gas, non-ferrous metals, water resources, biological resources.
The richest continents, in terms of oil and gas deposits, include: North America and Eurasia.
Most non-ferrous metals are found in Eurasia, and also, despite their small size, Australia.
Of course, South America is the richest in water resources, Eurasia is in second place after this continent.
According to the criterion of the amount of biological resources, the leaders are also Eurasia and South America, just in a different order.
7. List the resources of the oceans that a person is able to use today and in the future.
In the future, mankind will be able to use only the inexhaustible and renewable resources of the ocean, since the exhaustible ones can be completely used up. The reserves of oil and gas, minerals mined on the shelf will run out. Biological resources can be used in the future only with rational use today, i.e. it is necessary to prevent the complete extermination of many species of inhabitants of the ocean. Without restrictions, it will be possible to use the energy of tides, waves and currents, temperature differences, as well as sea water and the substances that it contains.
9. Establish a correspondence between the type of use of natural resources and sectors of the economy.
Direct use of natural resources - 1,2,3,4,5,8
Processing and processing of natural resources - 4,5,6,12,13
Do not use natural resources - 7,9,10,11,14
School of Geographer-Country Studies
Make a forecast of changes in the nature of the Earth, subject to the disappearance of the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica.
Most of the continents of our planet will be flooded, only a small part of Eurasia will remain on the surface.
Russia is a truly vast country. To get to know her well, it is necessary to devote many years to traveling to various places. Her extraordinary nature will never cease to amaze. This is true, since Russia combines many different natural and climatic zones. Many regions are very different from each other. The natural wealth of our country is also great and quite diverse. The article will talk about what kind of resources Russia has, will talk about their types and features.
Natural wealth - what is it?
To begin with, it is worthwhile to deal directly with this term. In a broad sense, natural wealth is those resources that can be obtained in a certain place. Thus, we can say that these are all the things and benefits that a person can receive from nature. All of them are constituent parts environment where the person gets them from. These resources have been used by man for various purposes for many years; without them, the development of society and the emergence of new technologies in all industries would be impossible.
Probably, many will be interested in what the natural resources of Russia include. The answer to this question can be very broad. Among such resources, one can separately distinguish forest, water, biological, recreational, minerals, fertile soils and much more. All these components are actively used by people for various purposes. Thus, it becomes clear that the wealth of natural resources in our country is truly great. It has been actively developed for many centuries.
Oil, gas and coal reserves
Of course, the first thing worth talking about is the raw materials and fuel and energy reserves of our country. Russia's natural wealth includes a large number of deposits of such important resources as oil, coal, natural gas. Tin, aluminum, gold, nickel, platinum, mica and many other materials are also actively mined.
Interestingly, more than 20 thousand different deposits are already known in our country. If we compare Russia with other countries in terms of mineral reserves, we can see really interesting data. Our country is in 1st place in the world in terms of the amount of natural gas and in 6th place in terms of the amount of oil reserves. Basically, their deposits are located in the northern part of Russia.
It is also necessary to talk about such an important resource as coal. Russia is in 3rd place in the world in terms of its reserves. There are several areas where active coal mining is carried out. The main ones are the Kuznetsk, South Yakutsk and Pechora coal basins.
Other minerals
It is important to note other reserves of various raw materials in our country. Russia is rich not only in oil and gas, but also in peat, shale, and iron ores.
Peat in Russia is mined in many regions, both in the European part and in the Asian part. The largest deposits of this material are located in the Northern Urals and Western Siberia.
Shale sources are also being actively exploited. They are mainly located in the European part of the country. The largest of them is located in the St. Petersburg region. In addition to it, there are 3 more large shale basins in Russia.
Another natural wealth of our country is iron ore. On the territory of Russia there are many sources, for the most part they lie deep. Large deposits are located in the European part, the most famous of them is called the Kursk magnetic anomaly.
Forest resources
We got acquainted with the minerals of Russia. Now it is worth talking about forest resources, which also constitute the natural wealth of our country.
If we talk about large green areas, they make up more than 40% of the territories Russian Federation. Coniferous forests are more common. They are found in about 80%. The rest of the forests are deciduous. Most often they are located in the European part of Russia. coniferous forests mainly represented by spruces, firs, cedars, pines. Many types of wood have great importance for industry and production. There is also one feature - this is the uneven distribution of forests on the territory of the country. Most of green spaces account for Far East and Siberia.
Of course, the industrial value of forest resources is quite large. However, they are also used for other purposes. Some forests play an important role in nature conservation. They are water protection and sanitary zones. Some of them have the status of national parks or nature reserves.
Another group of forests are habitat-forming and protective. They allow you to maintain the right ecological balance in places where it is most needed, such as large cities and other places with a large population, dense buildings and developed transport networks.
Water resources
So, we discussed the minerals and forest resources of Russia. Of course, their list does not end there. The main natural resources include water resources, which are also very abundant in our country. These include all reservoirs that are used in the national economy. This includes lakes, rivers, reservoirs, canals, seas, groundwater and some other sources. Rivers have long been considered the most important, since they served as trade routes. The main settlements were located along the rivers, and large cities began to appear around them.
Now, most of the water resources are used to generate electricity. Many hydroelectric power plants operate on the territory of Russia. They provide electricity to a large proportion of the country. In addition to these purposes, water resources are also used for water supply, transportation of goods, navigation, recreation and others.
Biological resources
Of course, it is necessary to pay attention to such an important component as biological resources. This is another element that makes up natural wealth. Man has long been interested in animals and vegetable world. Then biological resources began to be used for the benefit of society. These include various types of plants and animals that are involved in human economic activities. We can say that they are evenly dispersed throughout the country. Lands are included in this group. The most efficient of them are meadows, as they are used in animal husbandry as pastures and occupy a large share of the territory of our country.
No country in the world can compare with the Soviet Union in terms of natural wealth - in terms of land suitable for Agriculture, abundance of minerals, energy sources.
The greatest treasure of our nature is a vast fertile land, on which wheat and rice, flax and cotton, sugar beet and sugar cane, corn and grapes, tea and subtropical crops are grown. Huge pastures in all zones of the Soviet country - in the tundra, in the forest zone, in the steppes, in semi-deserts, in mountain alpine meadows - and developed field foraging make it possible to breed a variety of livestock and get meat, lard, wool, leather, milk, butter and others. products. Agriculture and animal husbandry - suppliers of raw materials for food and light industry. No wonder it is said that agriculture and animal husbandry feed and clothe us...
Everything living and dead on our planet, as you know, consists of the elements presented in the periodic table, and of their combinations. Any country always has a need for some element - iron, zinc, copper, tin or uranium, manganese, titanium, molybdenum or niobium.
Many countries are forced to import from abroad the minerals they lack. Our Motherland is an exception: in its bowels there is everything to fill all the cells of the periodic table. Moreover, we have everything necessary for the national economy in industrial quantities.
There is, perhaps, nothing surprising in this: after all, our Motherland is a sixth part of the world. Consequently, it must also possess a sixth of all natural wealth.
But this is where the most amazing begins! It turns out that not one sixth of the forests the globe grows on Soviet soil, and one-fourth. Canada has the second largest forest area in the world after Soviet Union, but it has three times less forests than ours. The total stock of wood in our forests is determined by an astronomical figure - 50 billion m 3.
The most valuable trees are wealth only if they benefit people, and do not rot aimlessly in the bud. The most fertile lands become valuable only when they are occupied by the most useful plants. And any fossil, be it iron ore, oil, coal or peat, becomes really useful only when it serves people.
No other country in the world has such large areas under grain and industrial crops as in the Soviet Union. And from these areas we collect not one sixth, but about a third of the world harvest of wheat and beets; not one-sixth, but two-thirds of all hemp, four-fifths of all flax, and nine-tenths of all sunflowers grown on earth.
The deposits of minerals are also productively used in our country. They are also generously released to us by nature. Our country owns two thirds of the world's peat deposits. A iron ore in the bowels of the USSR more than in all countries of the world combined. Our country owns one-fifth of the world's coal reserves, and geological exploration finds new deposits every year. More than half of the manganese in the earth's crust is stored in our bowels.
Copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, tantalum, niobium, beryllium, uranium, silver, gold - all non-ferrous and rare metals are in our country. Any wealth is usually converted into gold. But even in terms of the reserves of this precious metal, there is no country equal to the Soviet Union.
However, our wealth is not limited to metals, oil, peat, coal or timber...
Such a deposit of a fertility stone - apatite, as in the Khibiny tundra, is not found anywhere on the globe. Phosphate fertilizers are obtained from apatites, and aluminum is obtained from their "waste", nepheline. We also have raw materials for phosphate fertilizers in other parts of the country, especially in Kazakhstan.
The USSR also possesses gigantic reserves of potash salts. They are nine tenths
world reserves. Grandiose deposits and table salt, mirabilite, asbestos, mica, sulfur, graphite, marble, fluorspar, asphalt, cement raw materials ... The Yakut diamond deposits are famous all over the world.
All these minerals need to be extracted from deep bowels, lifted up, extract metals from ores, process them ... For this, machines and mechanisms are needed. They are also needed in order to develop hundreds of millions of hectares of fertile lands, sow them, and harvest. Many machines and mechanisms are also needed for processing our forest resources, for developing giant peat bogs, for laying railways and highways, for building plants and factories, new residential and public buildings, new cities ... Without machines it is impossible to transport goods and people across our vast country. Many machines and mechanisms require industry.
And for all these mechanisms and machines to work, energy is needed, a lot of energy. In terms of its reserves, contained in coal, oil, peat, oil shale, gas, and in terms of water resources, our Motherland occupies a leading position among all countries of the world.
But there is another type of energy - wind, or, as it is called, "blue coal". The energy of the air currents over our country is fantastically great, it surpasses all the energy of our flowing waters and fuel deposits. Scientists have calculated that "on the territory of the USSR, with the help of a dense network of wind turbines, it is technically possible to produce about 20 trillion kWh of cheap electricity annually." So much energy could be given by two thousand such gigantic hydroelectric power stations as the Volga hydroelectric power stations - them. V. I. Lenin and them. XXII Congress of the CPSU.
One of the most important treasures of nature is water. This is the main lever of life, the basis of the country's welfare. No wonder the famous geologist A.P. Karpinsky, who from the first years of the revolution headed the Academy of Sciences, said: "There is no more precious fossil in the world than water." And our Motherland also possesses this treasure in abundance. 150,000 rivers flow through Soviet soil, among which are such powerful ones as the Yenisei, Lena, Ob, Amur, Volga ... There are over 250,000 lakes in our country. Among them are the deepest lake in the world - Baikal and the largest lake in the world - the Caspian, which is so huge that it has been called the sea since time immemorial.
Everyone who at least once in his life was lucky to visit our country, in any part of it, will agree with the statement that the nature of Russia is not only amazing, but in some places even completely unique. Why do we now take as a basis the opinion of the guests of our state, and not the Russians themselves? The answer is much simpler than it might seem at first glance. The thing is that, having been born, say, in Siberia or Kamchatka, we sometimes do not pay attention to local beauties, taking them for granted. But in vain ...
In general, I would like to note that since the territory of our homeland is quite extensive, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the flora and fauna of one area sometimes differs significantly from the flora and fauna of the neighboring territory. For example, the nature of Central Russia is significantly different from its northern or, say, southern regions.
This article is aimed at telling in as much detail as possible about the characteristic features of the various territories of our country. The nature of Russia will appear before readers in all its colors, shades and variations.
Arctic Desert State
The Arctic deserts of Russia have such characteristic features as a huge amount of ice and snow, as well as high air humidity, averaging 85%.
But on the rocky shores you can see numerous nesting seabirds.
To date, many scientists are working on the question of how to preserve the nature of Russia in this area. Moreover, it should be noted that this must be done as soon as possible, otherwise you can forever lose entire species of unique animals and plants.
What is it, tundra?
The tundra zone is located mainly along the coast of the seas of the Arctic Ocean. It is a territory of strong winds, cold, polar day and night, and large clouds.
The winter here is severe and long (8-9 months), but the summer is short and cold. It happens that the temperature in the Asian tundra reaches even 52 ° C. About 70% of the entire territory of the tundra is swampy. This was due to the constant perennial freezing of the soil.
On the coast you can find a young flat relief, a little to the south there is a hilly area, ridges of glacial origin and uplands. The terrestrial surface of the tundra is almost completely dotted with shallow lakes.
As for the flora, its basis is formed by lichens, mosses, various undersized plants (herbs, shrubs, shrubs). The following species are especially common: dwarf birch, willow, alder, sedge, lingonberry.
In general, we note that the tundra is divided into three so-called subzones: arctic, lichen-moss, southern shrub.
Characteristic features of the forest tundra
The forest-tundra is a zone where the tundra gradually begins to turn into a forest. In this place, the nature of Russia, the geography of the region plays an important role, it is quite diverse. Her characteristics- these are the so-called sparse island forests located on the interfluves and consisting mainly of Siberian spruce, larch and birch.
Such sparseness of the forests is explained by the harsh climate conditions, although here the summer is much warmer than in the tundra, and the wind speed is much lower.
One more characteristic feature forest tundra is considered to be a large number of sphagnum peat bogs.
For about 9 months, this area is covered with snow. In summer, the slopes of the river valleys are covered with variegated and colored meadows. Ranunculus, valerian and berries grow everywhere. By the way, the local meadows serve as excellent pastures for deer. In addition, the nature of Russia in this area is considered an excellent habitat for many animals (usually arctic foxes and lemmings) and birds.
Here you can easily find big variety waterfowl: geese, ducks and swans. But for the winter, there are very few birds left here - only a snowy owl and a partridge.
Endless taiga
The taiga zone in Russia occupies the largest area among the others. It extends from the western borders of the Russian Federation up to the coast of the Sea of Japan. Geographically, the taiga is located in the subarctic and temperate climatic zone.
It is here that many rivers of Russia originate, for example, the Volga, Vyatka, Onega, Kama, Lena, Vasyugan, Pur, Taz, Vilyui, etc.
This zone is characterized by the presence of many swamps, groundwater, lakes, large reservoirs. The main type of vegetation in the taiga are forests, both light coniferous and dark coniferous. Larch trees also dominate around, a little less pine, spruce, fir and cedar.
Among the forests, meadows and various swamps are located in sufficient quantities.
Are you really interested in the wild nature of Russia? Siberia is just the place to go. Animal world here is very heterogeneous. The eastern taiga is richer in fauna, where you can easily see hazel grouse, sable, stone capercaillie, waterfowl, brown bear, wolverine, squirrel, lynx, elk and hare.
Unfortunately, today in this area there is an active logging. How to save the nature of Russia in this situation remains a practically insoluble mystery.
Mixed and broad-leaved forests of the country
The zone is much warmer and wetter compared to the taiga. There is a long and warm summer, and the winter is not particularly severe, which, by the way, favors the emergence of such a huge number of broad-leaved trees.
Note that the rivers here are full of water, which means that the waterlogging of the soils is very low. In general, this zone is characterized by soddy-podzolic and brown forest soils rich in minerals.
In most cases, forests are represented by oak, spruce, maple, linden, pine, ash, hazel, Korean cedar, birch, aspen and shrubs.
The nature of central Russia is very generous to its inhabitants. To date, such animals as bison, elk, wolf, wild boar, wolf, marten, dormouse and muskrat are massively found here. Of the birds, you can meet the oriole, grosbeak, woodpeckers, etc.
Unfortunately, now many species of plants and animals living in the Far Eastern mixed and broadleaf forests, are extremely rare, or even disappear altogether. For example, in wildlife it is almost impossible to meet spotted deer and Amur tiger, and on the slopes you most likely will not find real ginseng anymore.
Russian forest-steppe
The forest-steppe zone is a kind of transition between the forest and the steppe. Here, broad-leaved, small-leaved and pine forests on gray soils alternate with forb meadow steppes formed directly on chernozems.
The nature of Russia in this area is divided into western and eastern forest-steppe. Hills and valleys are separated by numerous ravines and gullies.
Oak dominates everywhere here, sometimes there are birch groves, herbs, and cereals. It should be noted that a significant part of the population lives in the forest-steppe, here industrial and grain crops are cultivated in huge quantities.
steppe zone
The steppe zone is characterized by dry summers, cold winters and very modest rainfall. About once every three years for a long time there is no rain at all, which means that a severe drought sets in.
A characteristic feature of the steppe zone is treelessness. Before the plowing of the steppe territories, herbaceous vegetation was found everywhere here, with a predominance of feather grass, bluegrass, fescue, and steppe oats. Now the situation has changed somewhat and, unfortunately, not for the better.
Soils in the north of the steppe zone are typical chernozems. Rodents live here everywhere, most often there are ground squirrels, marmots, mole rats, hamsters. Ferrets, foxes, weasels feed on them. Of the birds, you can see eagles, larks and demoiselle crane.
To date, it is the steppe that is most mastered by people. It is rightfully considered the main zone of agriculture.
Desert and semi-desert zones
Semi-deserts and deserts occupy a very small area in Russia, which is located purely within the Caspian lowland.
It should be noted that it is here that the highest level of the so-called annual solar radiation (120 kcal / cm 2) is observed.
Summers are hot, but winters are cold and with little snow. This zone is characterized by zonal grass-wormwood vegetation, solonetzes and areas of semi-fixed sands.
Here, wheatgrass, fescue, thin-legged, blue-green algae, hairy feather grass, etc. grow in huge quantities.
Among the animals there are many rodents, and the most common are jerboas, gerbils, ground squirrels and a hare. In addition, wolves, foxes, ferrets and badgers live in the zone of deserts and semi-deserts.
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