Continentality of climate in Siberian region

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze existing indicators of climate continentality in the Siberian region. The study of climate continentality is a relevant objective because continentality imposes restrictions on territorial development. Methods. There are many indicators for quantification of climate continentality however within a great multiplicity of those methods there is none that is impeccable and versatile. It is therefore proposed to use a coefficient of a total annual continentality by taking into account average January and July temperatures, winter and summer precipitation and latitude of area to estimate climatic conditions. Results. The chart of distribution of proposed coefficient was developed and analyzed. It shows a complex picture of continentality changes in space. Analysis highlights 6 zones that extend from the northwest to the southeast of Siberia. The lowest coefficient is the case for the most of Western Siberia and the west of Krasnoyarsk territory. The maximum values are characteristic of mountainous regions of Tuva Republic and Altai, southern part of Zabaykalsky Krai. The results showed that climatic conditions are most adverse in the north and east of Siberia. The west is characterized by relatively comfortable climatic conditions compared to other regions. Conclusion. Climatic conditions are particularly relevant in Siberia. Since continental climate is underresearched, existing are rather general and normally characterize the area as a whole. Indices obtained by different methods of calculating show increase in climate continentality from the northwest to the southeast. The “negative potential” of resource development should be taken into account to fully assess geographical location of the region and its assessment should begin with the climate.