The influence of nature on human economic activity examples. The influence of natural conditions and natural resources on the territorial organization of society

Direct impact is primarily the impact of climatic conditions, primarily affecting the thermal state of a person, which not only affects well-being and performance, but can also be accompanied by certain changes in the body and diseases. Climate zoning according to its impact on the human body is called anthropoclimatic zoning.

Methods for assessing the impact of climate on the human condition

Methods for assessing the impact of climate on the thermal state of a person are based on taking into account the combined influence of four factors: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. At the same time, the change in these indicators by seasons of the year should also be taken into account, since it is of a pronounced seasonal nature. The duration of the seasons is also important, which varies by region. For example, it is believed that in Western Siberia winter lasts from 240 days a year in the north to 135 days in the south, and summer lasts from 30 to 140 days, respectively. Summer is defined as a period with average daily air temperatures above 10°, and winter - below 0°. The summer period allocated according to this criterion lasts up to 240 days a year on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, about 180-200 days - in the North Caucasus, 120-150 days - in the Moscow region and about 90 days - in Arkhangelsk.

In anthropoclimatic zoning, indicators such as the degree of weather variability (which is important for assessing the possibility of adverse reactions in humans), the duration of the period with ultraviolet starvation, the number of days with precipitation, and so on are also used. The assessment of the contrast of the seasons of the year is also interesting: winter and summer may either not differ too much from each other (for example, on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, where the average temperatures of July and January differ by 15 °), or they can be sharply different (in Verkhoyansk, the amplitude is 66 ° : minus 48° in winter and plus 18° in summer).

Geochemical conditions - the content in the environment of certain elements and their compounds, the lack or excess of which causes deviations in the state of public health. The main line of influence is biochemical: trace elements contained in rocks are absorbed by plants and animals through water and soil, and then enter the human body through food of plant and animal origin. At present, the impact of natural geochemical anomalies on the health of the population has significantly decreased, since knowledge of the geochemical situation makes it possible to carry out preventive measures and, in addition, products from other areas play an increasing role in the nutrition of the population. But technogenic changes in the geochemical environment are becoming increasingly important.

Biotic conditions (the nature of flora and fauna) can have a direct impact on a person through pathogens of various diseases, that is, through natural foci of diseases. A significant part of these centers in our country has either been completely destroyed, or their danger to the population has been sharply reduced. If these foci persist, then the population needs to take special protective measures (for example, against tick-borne encephalitis and others).

In some cases, individual representatives of the animal world are not so much dangerous as carriers of infections, but simply interfere with being outdoors. For example, Viktor Ivanovich Perevedentsev considers the abundance of blood-sucking insects (gadflies, mosquitoes and midges, united under the general name "gnus") one of the most difficult living conditions for the population in the taiga part of Siberia, and sometimes in the forest-steppe. In some periods, in many places in Siberia, the number of midges is so great that without special protective measures it is impossible to work in the open air. The use of special clothing and nets is associated with a number of inconveniences, greatly interferes with work, reduces productivity, and significantly worsens the well-being of workers.

Target:

To form and generalize knowledge about the relationship between the environment and public health. Show examples of development of territories with extreme living conditions

I. Organizing time

II. Learning new material

The study of new content includes two generalizing blocks:

  1. Interaction between the environment and human health.
  2. Development of territories with extreme conditions.

1. Getting Started first block Students' attention is drawn to the question: What do we know about the relationship between nature and human health?;

a) As a result of a conversation with students, the following scheme emerges

Part of nature with which humanity interacts in its life and production activities -

Natural factors affecting human health

Temperature and humidity. Atmosphere pressure
- Proximity or distance from water bodies, quality of drinking water;
- The condition of landscapes and the sanitary condition of the soils on which edible vegetables and fruits are grown

The beauty of the surrounding landscapes

  1. sea ​​coasts
  2. clean air
  3. healing mud and mineral waters

b) Practical work"Study of the degree of favorable natural conditions for human life." (see Appendix No. 1)

This practical work allows us to conclude that unfavorable conditions for the life and economic activity of the population prevail on the territory of Russia. Russia is the coldest country on the planet (not counting Antarctica).
Territory with favorable conditions for people to live in Russia occupy only 1/3 of its area.

in) Work with the textbook.

The analysis of bar graphs makes it possible to compare the territory of Russia in terms of the availability of areas with favorable conditions with
other leading countries of the world.

Area favorable for the life of the population of territories by country of the world
(in million sq. km)

Conclusion:

Difficult natural conditions create great difficulties in the development of territories, require significant material costs for the construction and maintenance of a certain standard of living.

G) Working with cartographic material.

Comparison of the map-scheme of the textbook (p. 266, fig. 108) "Natural conditions of life of the population" and the map of the atlas "Population density in Russia". Identification of the degree of influence of natural conditions on the distribution of the population throughout the country.
The result of the work is the determination of the resettlement of people in connection with natural conditions.
The maximum population density is observed in areas with favorable natural conditions for life:

  1. North Caucasus and South-West of the European part of Russia (the most favorable conditions);
  2. The central regions of the East European Plain, the South of Western Siberia, the foothills of the mountains of Southern Siberia, the extreme South of Central Siberia and the Far East (favorable conditions).

The minimum population density is typical for areas with extreme natural conditions (64% of Russia's territories).

e) Computer work, (see Appendix No. 2)

2. Studying the material of the second block.
"Development of territories with extreme conditions"

a) Conversation with students(discussion)

"Attention! Problem."
“Can a person completely free himself from the influence of the natural environment on his life and work”

b) Teacher's explanation- systematization and generalization of knowledge.

Students must justify their point of view.
As a result of the discussion of this problem, students conclude that it is necessary to develop new territories, despite the fact that human life is difficult there due to the presence of extreme natural conditions (low or very high temperatures, strong winds, the presence of animals or insects - carriers of life-threatening diseases etc.).
A person cannot completely free himself from the influence of the natural environment, but he adapts adapts to the conditions in which he lives and engages in economic activities.

in) Computer work.

"The influence of natural conditions on the lifestyle of the population of different regions of Russia" (see Appendix No. 3)

III Fixing the material.

1) Work in notebooks. Building a diagram reflecting the results of the work
students in the lesson.

EnvironmentWednesday

Ways to protect againstadverse environmental impact

Medicalgeography

Nosogeography

Recreational geography

  • Climate and weather
  • Relief
  • Landscapes and soil composition
  • Flora and fauna
  • The nature of inland waters
  • natural areas
  • Natural resources
  • natural phenomena
  1. Dwellings
  2. clothing
  3. Food
  4. Electricity
  5. Changing the environment (construction of engineering structures, drainage of swamps, irrigation of lands, etc.)
  6. healthcare
  7. The development of geography, knowledge about the environment. environment

The study of the natural features of the territories in order to determine their impact on the health of the population

Studying the patterns of the spread of diseases associated with the characteristics of the environment The science of the influence of natural factors on recreational activities, the territorial organization of recreation

IV Homework § 46

  • 7. The historical aspect of the relationship between society and nature. Stages of the formation of the relationship between nature and society.
  • 8. Prospects for the development of relationships between nature and society.
  • 9. Global social and environmental problems of mankind and ways to solve them.
  • 10. Human behavior. Levels of regulation of behavior.
  • 12. Human adaptation in the natural and social environment.
  • 13. Human behavior in the natural environment.
  • 14. Human behavior in the social environment.
  • 15. Human behavior in critical and extreme situations.
  • 16. Human living environment and its components.
  • 17. Housing environment.
  • 19. Working environment and its characteristics.
  • 20. Recreational environment and its characteristics.
  • 21. Socio-ecological problems of mankind and ways to solve them. Population growth, population explosion. Environmental consequences of the activities of the military-industrial complex and the armed forces in peacetime.
  • 22. The problem of providing food. Increasing aggressiveness of the environment.
  • 23. Changing the gene pool: factors of mutagenesis, genetic drift, natural selection.
  • 24. Migration of the population is one of the most important problems of social and environmental problems.
  • 25. The impact of wars on the life of society. Ecological consequences of wars.
  • 26. Environmental ethics. Nature as a value. Anthropocentrism and Naturocentrism.
  • 27. Non-violence as a form of attitude towards nature and as a moral principle.
  • 28. Environmental psychology as a science.
  • 29. Ecological culture of the individual. Ecological education and personality education.
  • 30. Ecologization of education.
  • 31. Socio-ecological policy and issues of social ecology. Political aspects of social ecology.
  • 32. Features of the development and implementation of environmental policy in different countries.
  • 33. Human ecology as a science. Purpose, tasks. Connection with other sciences.
  • 34. Research methods of human ecology.
  • 35. Rules and axioms of human ecology.
  • 36. Anthropoecosystem. Levels, structure.
  • 37. The evolution of man as a biological species.
  • 38. Morphophysiological and ecological features of Homo sapiens as a species.
  • 39. A complex of natural conditions that affect a person.
  • 40. Influence of physical factors (light, temperature, humidity, climate) on human health.
  • 41. Influence of chemical factors on human health (chemical composition of air near water, compounds of heavy metals, oil, synthetic influences).
  • 42. Impact on human health of radioactive electromagnetic radiation, noise.
  • 43. Influence of biotic factors (predators, parasites) on the human body.
  • 44. Infectious diseases and their pathogens.
  • 45. Biological poisons and their effects on humans.
  • 46. ​​The concept of human adaptation and acclimatization to environmental conditions.
  • 47. The hypothesis of adaptive types of population. Mechanisms of adaptation in humans.
  • 48. Human gene pool and aggressive environmental factors.
  • 49. Ecology of public health.
  • 50. Public health, types of health and subtypes of health.
  • 51. Rationing the quality of the human environment.
  • 52. Ecological aspects of medicine. Population health indicators. Environmental factors of health.
  • 53. Diseases caused by anthropogenic pollution.
  • 54. The concept of healthy lifestyle and its components.
  • 55. Human behavior. Levels of regulation of behavior.
  • 56. Activity and reactivity as fundamental components of behavior.
  • 58. Human behavior in the natural and social environment.
  • 59. The human environment and its elements as subjects of social and environmental interaction.
  • 60. The relationship of nature and society. Historical aspect.
  • 61. Human behavior in critical and extreme situations.
  • 62. Practical activities in the field of human ecology (legislative and economic activities).
  • 39. A complex of natural conditions that affect a person.

    Natural conditions are the bodies and forces of nature that, at a given level of development of the productive forces, are essential for the life and activity of society, but do not directly participate in material production (for example, the relief, climate of the area, its geographical location). Natural conditions from the components of the natural environment, as a rule, include: climate, soil, relief, geological structure, flora and fauna of the area. A very important component of natural conditions is also the physical and geographical position of the area, in particular its location in a particular natural zone of the earth. Natural conditions affect almost all aspects of everyday life and economic activities of people. Their impact on the health and cost of living of the population (costs of housing, clothing, food), the productivity and specialization of agriculture, the methods and efficiency of mining, the economics of construction, water transport, and technological characteristics of production are especially great. The influence of natural conditions on life, work and household characteristics of the population is determined by the level of their comfort for a person, for which many indicators are used: the duration of climatic periods, temperature contrast, climate humidity, wind regime, the presence of natural foci of infectious diseases, etc. The assessment of natural conditions is widespread in relation to various spheres and branches of economic activity of people (transport, industry, agriculture, construction industry).

    It is of particular importance for agriculture, where production is directly related to the use of land, solar energy, moisture and other components of the natural complex. Agricultural assessment of natural conditions is based on a comparison of the parameters of their main characteristics with the requirements of various types of cultivated plants and animals to life factors: heat, moisture, soils, natural types of vegetation that make up the food base for domestic animals, etc. To account for thermal resources, the sum of active (average daily) temperatures for the entire period of growth (vegetation period, vegetative period) of plants. At the same time, periods with temperatures above +5, +10, +15 °С are distinguished. This is because different crops start and end their growing cycle at different temperatures. The conditions for moisturizing a particular area are estimated by the amount of precipitation (the amount of atmospheric precipitation per year in millimeters) and the amount of their possible evaporation. For this purpose, the ratio of these quantities is used, referred to as the evaporation coefficient. Soil conditions - another important component of the natural characteristics of the region (country, region), are also of great importance in plant life. An indicator of the value properties of soils is its fertility, i.e. the ability to provide the plant with digestible nutrients, moisture and yield.

    40. Influence of physical factors (light, temperature, humidity, climate) on human health.

    Everyone knows that the power of the sun Sveta so great that he is able to control the cycles of nature and human biorhythms. Light is actually connected to our emotions, to feelings of comfort, security, as well as anxiety and worry. However, in many areas of modern life, light is not given the attention it deserves.

    We now spend most of our time indoors with artificial light. Many components of the natural light spectrum important for our health are lost when passing through glass. According to the light therapist Alexander Wunsch, throughout the evolution of human beings have adapted to the spectrum of solar radiation and for good health it is necessary for them to receive exactly the full spectrum. Many compensate for the lack of sunlight with walks in the park, along the beach or relaxing on the balcony. Observations show that there is a specific relationship between lighting and comfort. They also show that natural lighting is always more favorable and convenient for all normal activities.

    Temperature The environment is the main factor on which the vital activity of the organism depends.

    When the ambient temperature is low, the body reduces heat loss and increases heat production. Then the vessels of the skin, mucous and subcutaneous tissue narrow. The lips of a frozen person acquire a bluish tint, the face turns pale, the so-called goose bumps appear. This is due to the fact that there is an involuntary contraction of her muscles. When heated, the capillaries expand, the skin turns pink, the body relaxes. In unhardened or unhealthy people, the heat-regulating system may not be able to cope with its task, so even a slight cooling causes colds, a runny nose, and exacerbates chronic ailments in them. However, even healthy and strong people with high humidity and drafts can catch a cold.

    In heat, the vessels of the skin expand reflexively. The pulse and breathing become more frequent. The temperature of the skin rises. In this case, the body is protected from overheating by sweating. The intensity of cooling depends on the rate and volume of sweat evaporation. In the inhabitants of the hot zone, the sweat and sebaceous glands work intensively, therefore they are more developed than in people who live in the north. The fatty substances secreted by the sebaceous glands also contribute to faster evaporation of moisture on the skin.

    In addition, the sensation of heat or cold largely depends on the nervous system, body weight, hardening, general health. Sometimes lightly dressed people in the cold feel just as comfortable as those who are tightly wrapped in scarves.

    It is known that the sensation of cold and heat depends on the wind flow, temperature and humidity air. The conditions of comfort for each person are different. Ambient temperature, dependent on air humidity, has a significant impact on humans.

    At a certain temperature, but with high humidity, an ideal environment is formed for the development of airborne infections. With an excessively high moisture content in the air, the balance of fluid exchange in the human body is disturbed. As a result, you feel unwell. And at high humidity, but low temperatures, the cold is felt more strongly.

    Saturated moist air is very useful. That is why a person feels good on the shore of a lake or river. Such air saturates the human body, relieving headaches and other ailments. It is no coincidence that during the holidays many people are drawn to the sea coasts.

    When the optimal humidity parameters change, immunity decreases. Human health is deteriorating, there is a feeling of fatigue and lethargy. At home, where the climate is changed, the natural balance of humidity is disturbed. This is especially felt in winter. It is at this time that the difference in humidity is the most significant. The air entering the room is dried due to the general heating in the rooms.

    Lack of moisture causes a feeling of dryness in the mouth, as well as drying out of the skin of the face and body. The development of many diseases is possible: tonsillitis, irritation of the nasal mucosa. With an excess of dryness, a person loses concentration, fatigue increases.

    The environment affects human life and health. Moreover, such an important factor as climate. Its change can both help cure a certain disease, and, on the contrary, lead to the development of an ailment. When going on vacation or moving to a new place of residence, make sure that the local climate does not harm you.

    Many people go to the sea not only to soak up the sun, but also to improve their health. A warm but mild climate, a fresh breeze that saturates the air with iodine, sea water, the composition of which is close to that of human blood, and hot sand can work wonders. They cure chronic colds, fatigue and depression, they are excellent in the treatment of skin diseases.

    Staying in the mountains gives a different effect. Strive for the heights should be people suffering from anemia. Discharged mountain air and low atmospheric pressure contribute to an increase in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. In addition, a person's metabolism is accelerated and hyperventilation of the lungs occurs.

    The desert climate is dry and hot, and for a resident of temperate latitudes, it may seem simply extreme. For a day spent in the desert, a person is able to lose about ten liters of fluid. However, this feature can also be used to improve health. In such a climate, there are specialized resorts aimed at treating kidney diseases.

    The harsh climate of the northern latitudes also has its effect on people. Due to the constant low temperature, the vessels constrict, and the blood flow increases, thereby increasing the pressure in the body. Due to the constant heat generation in a person, the metabolism is accelerated. The speed of nervous reactions also increases.

    However, living in a cold climate has its downsides. The long duration of the dark time of the day and the lack of sunlight contribute to the development of depression, a decrease in the rate of regeneration of damaged tissues, and a decrease in overall tone.

    Scientists consider the temperate climate the most suitable for human life. A person does not have to spend energy on protection from heat or cold, which means that all of it can be directed to productive activity.

    INTRODUCTION

    Natural conditions have played and continue to play an important role in the life and development of human society.

    Natural conditions are understood as a set of the most important natural characteristics of the territory, reflecting the main features of the components of the natural environment or local natural phenomena. ecological energy war poverty

    Natural conditions directly affect the life and economic activity of the population. On them depend: the resettlement of the population, the development and distribution of productive forces, their specialization. They determine the cost and, consequently, the competitiveness of manufactured products, which is especially important for countries with a significant distribution of extreme natural features, including Russia.

    INFLUENCE OF NATURAL CONDITIONS ON THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF PEOPLE

    Natural conditions are objects and forces of nature that are essential at a given level of development of society for the life of management, but are not directly involved in material activity.

    The influence of various natural conditions on different branches of economic activity is changeable. It manifests itself in different ways in different sectors of the economy, in different economic conditions. In any particular situation, favorable or unfavorable conditions can accelerate or delay the pace of economic development, promote the formation of certain types of activity or slow it down. Natural conditions have a direct impact on open-air industries, agriculture and forestry, the efficiency and specialization of which are largely related to soil fertility, climate, and water regime. Many other activities are also influenced by them. So, in the extraction of minerals, not only the reserves and quality of ores are taken into account, but also the totality of the conditions for their occurrence, which affect the method, scale and cost of extraction.

    It may turn out that not the richest, but poorer deposits located in favorable conditions will be the most economical. The cost of capital construction largely depends on the strength and water content of the soil, the degree of seismicity or swampiness of the territory, the presence of permafrost and the mountainous terrain. Nature also influences the organization of communal services.

    The main elements of natural conditions, in terms of their impact on the economy, can be considered:

    • Territory, its position on the mainland, size;
    • the climate
    • Relief (geological and geomorphological conditions);
    • soil cover;
    • · water resources;
    • · Flora and fauna.

    Natural conditions of Russia. Within Russia, natural zonality is distinguished, manifested in differences in soil cover, vegetation and wildlife. The boundaries of the zones are mainly elongated along the parallels (sublatitudinal). On the vast territory of the country, the following natural zones are sequentially presented from north to south (Figure 1): arctic desert, tundra, forest-tundra, forest, forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert and desert zone. Altitude zonation is clearly expressed in mountainous regions.

    Significant restrictions on economic activity in Russia are:

    • seasonal climate with large temperature fluctuations;
    • · permafrost (on 2/3 of the territory of the Russian Federation);
    • · seismic and volcanic activity (for mountain areas, including volcanic activity for the Kamchatka Peninsula).
    • · The combination of river basins with the main forms of the surface formed large natural and geographical regions on the territory of the country, which, in turn, acquired common economic features during the history of development and settlement of the country. Such regions are: East European (or the European part of Russia), West Siberian, Central Siberian (in economic geography it is called East Siberian) and Far East.

    The concept of natural conditions is always associated with one or another type of human activity, but it is not at all constant, it changes from one era to another, it strongly depends on the nature and level of production. For a long time, the study of natural conditions was mainly associated with an assessment of their impact on various branches of economic activity. For example, mining can start sooner at deposits located in more favorable natural conditions, as it will be more economical. The cost of capital construction largely depends on the strength and watering of the soil, the degree of waterlogging of the territory, the presence of permafrost and the mountainous terrain. The cost of water supply, heating, lighting of dwellings and their construction is different in areas of warm and cold, humid and dry climates, in conditions of short and long daylight hours.

    The natural environment must be "weighed in economic terms." The influence of natural conditions, reflecting on the productivity of social and individual labor, largely determines the amount of material costs.

    Natural conditions also need to be assessed from the standpoint of the living conditions of the population. They are one of the most important factors facilitating or hindering the settlement and development of a territory, largely determining the scale, ways and forms of using its natural resources and economic opportunities. The favorable or unfavorable of these conditions, both in their natural form and those changed as a result of anthropogenic transformations of nature, has a strong and diverse effect on all aspects of the life of the population: its way of life, work, rest, and health. The solution of many socio-economic and economic problems largely depends on the correct assessment of natural conditions. According to experts, the cost of arranging one person in different regions of Russia can vary by 7-10 or even more times. Features of the settlement of people from the first steps of the formation of human society were limited by environmental factors.

    The total assessment of the natural conditions of people's lives lies in the level of comfort. To determine the level of comfort, it is possible to evaluate about 30 parameters of the natural environment (the duration of various climatic periods with comfortable and uncomfortable temperatures relative to the season, assessment of the thermal insulation required for each season, clothing, the presence of natural foci of infectious diseases, etc.).

    The connection between natural conditions and human health is obvious. From the quality of water, air, soil, climatic conditions depends on the state of human health, its ability to work and longevity.

    Remember in which regions of our country the largest number of centenarians lives. Guess what explains it.

    It has long been noted that beautiful landscapes have a positive effect on a person: the sea, mountains, fields, forests, steppes, lakes, rivers, etc. The best proof of this is the rest and treatment of people in resorts, as well as the widespread use of such forms of recreation tourism.

    In maintaining people's health and treating various diseases, an important role belongs to natural factors: sunlight, sea, forest, mountain air, sea water, mineral waters, healing mud.

    Name the famous resort areas in our country. Explain their placement.

    There is a special branch of science - medical geography, which studies the patterns of the geographical distribution of human diseases and develops measures to combat these diseases. Medical geography studies the natural features of the territory in order to determine their impact on the health of the population, contributes to a more complete and comprehensive assessment of natural conditions in the design and implementation of a set of measures to transform nature.

    Attention to people, concern for their health, rest requires a reasonable, careful attitude to nature and its riches.

    Favorable conditions for human life and activity. Part of the territory of our country is distinguished by favorable conditions for human life and health: warm sunny summers, moderately cold winters, sufficient rainfall, and an abundance of attractive picturesque landscapes.

    The climate of the middle and southern part of the European territory, the south of Western Siberia, and the North Caucasus is very favorable for health. For example, for a resident of temperate latitudes, the following conditions are most favorable: temperature in winter -8 ... -10 ° С, in summer + 23 ... + 25 ° С, wind speed in winter reaches 0.15 m / s, in summer - 0, 2-0.4 m/s, the relative humidity is 40-60%, respectively. These territories have long been mastered and have a high population density.

    Development of territories with extreme conditions. However, in our country there are many places with unfavorable conditions for human life.

    Extreme conditions (from Latin extremus - extreme, extreme, severe) are conditions that are extremely unfavorable for the human body: with very low temperatures in winter, with very high temperatures in summer, with strong winds, with very high humidity.

    Rice. 136. The degree of favorable natural conditions for people's lives

    On the territory of our country, the following territories with extreme conditions can be distinguished: tundra, deserts, regions of a sharply continental climate in Siberia, the Far Eastern monsoon zone.

    In Primorye, for example, there is a very damp summer: people suffer from shortness of breath, everything iron quickly rusts.

    The coldest regions of the Northern Hemisphere are located in Eastern Siberia, where it is extremely difficult to build any buildings due to the presence of permafrost soils. In winter, the thermometer shows -50...-60°C, and in summer sometimes more than +30°C. Here are the largest annual temperature ranges on our planet: 95°С in the south and 105°С in the north, the highest atmospheric pressure in Russia is observed in winter. Frosts at -45... -50°C can stand here continuously from 1.5 to 3 months.

    Rice. 137. The degree of discomfort in the cold season (according to F. Reimers)

    Natural conditions have a great influence on human life and health. Looking at Figure 137, you can determine which areas of the country are typical for certain buildings, types of clothing.

    Such conditions create great difficulties not only for the people living in them, but also for the tools of labor. Temperature -45°C is critical for mechanisms. For the northern regions, it is necessary to make them from special frost-resistant materials.

    The development of territories with extreme conditions requires significant expenditures of funds, as well as the enthusiasm of people.

    Rice. 138. The structure of the concept, "natural goods" (according to N. F. Reimers)

    When developing these territories, the use of the achievements of science and technology is of great importance.

    Give examples of the development of territories with the help of the achievements of science and technology, known to you from the courses of physics, chemistry, as well as from the materials of the periodical press.

    Natural natural phenomena and their causes. Significant difficulties in human life and activities are associated with natural disasters. Natural phenomena are usually understood as unexpected, terrible in their consequences for a person, violations of the normal course of natural processes.

    Natural disasters can be catastrophic. The types of natural disasters are very diverse (Fig. 139). Often these phenomena cause superstitious fear in people, give rise to faith in supernatural forces. Volcanic eruptions have always inspired people with particular fear. Here, the “forces of hell” escaping from the bowels of the Earth appeared with their own eyes: red-hot lava, hot ash, scorching clouds, mud flows. Air whirlwinds are infamous - tornadoes: they turn over cars, cut down forests, carry almost unruffled stacks of hay, destroy buildings and can cripple and even kill people.

    In order to understand and explain the causes of various natural phenomena, it is necessary to know the laws of development of the Earth's shells.

    Rice. 139. The relationship of natural phenomena in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

    Analyzing the diagram (see Fig. 139), indicate what causes this or that natural disaster. (Check your answers against §44.)

    Tell us what are the consequences of these natural phenomena (you can use the materials of the periodical press).

    Geography of natural phenomena. Many natural phenomena - earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc. are associated with areas of active mountain building. In Russia, such areas are located in the Caucasus and the Far East. Avalanches, landslides, mudflows are also formed in mountainous regions in the Caucasus, as well as in the Urals, in the Khibiny.

    River floods occur mainly on rivers with unregulated flow. With the construction of dams and reservoirs, the risk of floods is drastically reduced.

    Tornadoes occur in the center of the European part of the country; their formation is associated with sharp pressure drops, a change in air masses, but such manifestations, as in the classic "tornado country" - the southern states of the United States, are prevented by forests.

    Surge floods occur when a headwind closes river mouths, raises the water level in the bay into which the river flows, makes it turn back. Such, for example, are the famous floods of St. Petersburg.

    Depending on which area, inhabited or undeveloped, this or that natural phenomenon occurs, it is either classified as a natural disaster or not. In a populated area, it causes great material damage, and sometimes leads to the death of people, which is why it is called a disaster.

    Measures to combat natural disasters. In order to combat spontaneous natural phenomena, one must first of all know well the causes of their origin. Scientists who study and try to predict natural phenomena come to the aid of people. This is a very difficult and complex work, despite the fact that it uses the latest achievements of science and technology, in particular space methods.

    In our country, forecasts of volcanic eruptions in Kamchatka are being successfully carried out, local forecasts of avalanches, mudflows, and floods are being carried out. To protect people from some of the natural disasters, special structures are being created.

    People have already learned how to predict droughts and floods, hurricanes and storms, snowstorms and snow drifts in advance. But there remains a lot of unknown, requiring great efforts in the study of natural elements.

    Great help in understanding the formidable forces of nature will be provided by more detailed space methods of their study, because they allow one to obtain new operational information about the formidable natural phenomena. In the future, people will conduct regular observations covering the entire Earth and make a forecast of natural processes, and in some cases even warn them.

    To protect the country's population from natural and man-made disasters, a special Ministry for Emergency Situations has been created. Well-trained and equipped professionals quickly move to the disaster area and provide assistance to the victims.

    Questions and tasks

    1. Name natural phenomena that prevent a person from mastering nature.
    2. What environmental conditions are considered extreme?
    3. In what areas of our country and why do natural disasters occur? What measures are taken to combat them?
    4. Draw in your notebook and complete the table.

    Table 11. The degree of comfort of territories for people's lives