Savannahs and woodlands are found, as a rule, in subequatorial belts. These zones are found in both hemispheres. But areas of savannah can be found in the subtropics and tropics. This zone is characterized by a number of signs. The climate in the savannah is always seasonally humid. There is a clear change in periods of drought and rain. It is such a seasonal rhythm that determines all natural processes. Sparse woodlands and savannahs are characterized by ferrallite soils. The vegetation of these zones is sparse, with separate groups of trees.
Climate Savannah
Savannahs and woodlands have climatic features. Firstly, it is a clear, rhythmic change of two periods: drought and heavy rains. Each of the seasons, as a rule, lasts about six months. Secondly, the savannah is characterized by a change in air masses. Wet equatorial comes after a dry tropical. Climate is also affected by frequent monsoon winds. They bring seasonal torrential rains. Savannahs are almost always located between dry desert zones and wet equatorial forests. Therefore, these landscapes are constantly influenced by both zones. It is important to note that moisture does not last long enough in these territories. Therefore, tiered forests do not grow here. But relatively short winter periods do not allow the savannah to turn into a desert.
Soil savannah
Savannah and woodlands are characterized by a predominance of red-brown, as well as merged black soils. They differ primarily in the low content of humic masses. Soils are saturated with bases, so their pH is close to neutral. They are not fertile. In the lower part, in some profiles, glandular nodules can be found. On average, the thickness of the upper earth layer is approximately 2 meters. In the area of predominance of red-brown soils in places of lowering relief appears dark-colored montmorillonite soil. Especially often, such combinations can be found in the Deccan Plateau in its southern part.
Savannah Australia
The savannahs and woodlands of Australia occupy a significant area of the mainland. They are concentrated in the northern part of the continent. They also occupy large spaces on the island of New Guinea, capturing almost the entire southern part. The Australian savannah has its own differences. She does not look like either African or South American. During the rainy season, bright flowering plants cover its entire territory. Here prevail families of buttercup, orchid and lilac. Also, cereals are often found in this zone.
The Australian savannah is also characterized by woody plants. First of all, eucalyptus, casuarins and acacia. They are concentrated in separate groups. Casuarines have very interesting leaves. They consist of individual segments and resemble needles. Interesting trees with thickened trunks are also found on this territory. In them, they accumulate the necessary moisture. Because of this feature, they are called "bottle trees." The presence of such peculiar plants makes the Australian savannah unique.
Savannahs of africa
The savannahs and woodlands of Africa from the north and south border on tropical forests. The nature here is unique. In the border strip, forests are gradually thinning, their composition is becoming noticeably poorer. And among the solid forest, a spot of savannah appears. Such changes in vegetation occur due to a reduction in the rainy season and an increase in the dry season. As the distance from the equatorial zone, the drought becomes longer.
There is a factual opinion that such a widespread tall grasslands, which are replaced by mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, are directly related to human activities. For a long enough time, vegetation was constantly burned in these territories. Therefore, the inevitable disappearance of the closed tree layer occurred. This contributed to the arrival on these lands of numerous herds of ungulate mammals. As a result, restoration of woody vegetation has become almost impossible.
Savannahs and woodlands of Eurasia
Savannahs are not common in Eurasia. They are found only in most of the Hindustan Peninsula. Also, woodlands can be found in Indochina. In these places the monsoon climate prevails. Lonely acacias and palm trees grow mainly in European savannahs. Grasses are generally tall. In some places you can find parts of the forest. The savannahs and woodlands of Eurasia are different from African and South American. The main animals in these territories are elephants, tigers, antelopes. There is also an abundance of different species of reptiles. Rare areas of forests are represented by deciduous trees. During the dry season, they discard foliage.
Savannahs and woodlands of North America
The savannah zone in North America is not as widespread as in Australia and Africa. The open spaces of woodlands are mainly occupied by grassy grass species. Tall grass alternates with small scattered groves.
The most common woody species that characterize the savannahs and woodlands of North America are mimosas and acacias. During the dry season, these trees dump their foliage. Herbs dry out. But during the rainy season, the savannahs bloom. From year to year, the area of woodlands is only increasing. The main reason for this is the active economic activity of man. Savannahs form on the site of a cut down forest. The fauna of these zones is much poorer than on other continents. There are some species of ungulates, cougars, rodents and a large number of snakes and lizards.
Savannas of south america
The savannas and woodlands of South America are bordered by rainforests. Due to climate change, which is associated with the emergence of a long drought season, these zones move one into another. In the highlands of Brazil, savannahs are located in a large part of it. They are concentrated mainly in the interior. Here you can also find a strip of almost pure palm forest.
Savannahs and woodlands also occupy large areas on the Orinok lowland. They are in the Guiana Highlands. In Brazil, typical savannahs are better known as campos. The vegetation is represented mainly by cereal species. There are also many representatives of the family Asteraceae and legumes. Wood forms in places are completely absent. In some places, you can still find remote areas of small thickets of mimosa. Tree-like cacti, milkweeds, and other succulents and xerophytes also grow here.
Brazilian kaatinga
Savannahs and woodlands in northeast Brazil are represented by a sparse forest, in which drought-resistant shrubs and trees grow mainly. This area is called kaatinga. The soils here are red-brown. But trees are of more interest. In the dry period of the year, many of them drop leaves, but there are also species that have a swollen trunk. In it, the plant accumulates a sufficient amount of moisture. Such species include, for example, a quack. Kaatinga trees cover vines and other epiphytic plants. There are several types of palm trees in these areas. The most famous of them is the carnauba wax palm. Vegetable wax is obtained from it.