1. Collapse of a building is not the biggest danger during an earthquake. Buildings begin to deform, starting from 7 points on the intensity scale, and collapse at 8-9 points. And then, brick houses are more susceptible to serious destruction. Modern buildings that began to be built starting from the middle of the 20th century (including Khrushchev buildings) withstand the potential danger of total collapse even at 9 points, not to mention modern monolithic buildings. IN seismically active zones pay Special attention special design technologies that will allow the building to withstand even shocks of maximum force.
2. Based on existing experience and statistics of damage during an earthquake, it becomes obvious - The greatest threat to life and health is posed by flying and falling objects, such as lamps, glass, TV, bookshelves, dishes and the like. The chances of serious injury and even death from a collision with such ordinary objects are much greater than from the collapse of a building.
What to do in case of an earthquake
1. First of all, however, as in any emergency situation, under no circumstances it is forbidden panic . Your safety and salvation depend on your calmness and thoughtful actions.
2. Wherever the cataclysm finds you, stay where you are. If you are unable to leave the room within the first 10 seconds, trying to leave the building to escape a possible collapse may cause more trouble than staying inside. If shaking finds you on the street, stay away from buildings, move away, to the most open space. Beware of poles, trees and power lines. If you are in a car, again, you need to drive away from houses and any objects that may be knocked down. Turn off the engine and stay inside.
3. As they say, there is no truth in the legs, especially with strong shaking. That's why the first thing to do in an earthquake is to fall to the floor. In this position, it is easier to move while maintaining minimal stability.
5. Protect your head and neck by covering them with your hands. If possible, hide under a massive table or bed. Only if there is no suitable shelter nearby, you should move to an internal wall or low furniture that is not able to collapse on you. The head and neck, in any case, should be covered with your hands.
6. Stay in your sanctuary in baby pose, and remain in this position until the earthquake ends. However, you should be prepared for the fact that you will be thrown in different directions, as well as surrounding objects.
7. As a rule, after the first wave of oscillations, the second comes. So if the tremors have stopped, do not rush to leave the shelter. It is likely that after the break another wave will follow, most likely stronger than the first.
Fact. According to world experts in the field of rescue in emergency situations, the principle of “Fall, Hide and Freeze” allows you to escape and survive an earthquake with the least damage to yourself. Even if the building is in danger of collapse. The only exception to this rule is if you are in a village house or on the ground floor of an unfortified brick building. In such a situation, it is necessary to leave the premises as soon as possible.
What to do if you find yourself under rubble after an earthquake
1. Do not try to light the space with matches or a lighter.. This will burn up your available oxygen supply and increase the likelihood choke before you are discovered and rescued.
2. Do not make sudden movements or try to get out on your own. By moving even a small brick, you can provoke another blockage.
3. Cover your mouth while breathing to prevent dust from entering your larynx which can cause choking or vomiting. Try not to breathe nose- you may start sneezing, which is why dust will scatter and fill the entire space, and convulsive movements of the body, again, can lead to a collapse.
4. Periodically tap on accessible objects, trying, of course, to choose those that produce better sound: wood and metal. You should only use your voice as a last resort.
What to do after an earthquake
1. Gather your thoughts. When the earthquake ends, you will most likely be confused and not immediately figure out what actions to take. And a lot needs to be done.
2. Turn off the electricity and water supplies, close the gas pipeline. Check the condition of the communications. If you smell gas, open the windows to ventilate the room.
3. Examine your loved ones and those around you, some of them could have been hurt. Provide first aid if necessary.
4. Turn on the radio. Perhaps one of the stations will broadcast about the incident, and the authorities will voice the necessary recommendations.
5. If the building has been destroyed, leave the premises as soon as possible, not forgetting to take documents and money. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. This must be done carefully and carefully; walk along the edge of the steps, pressing closer to the wall.
6. Watch your step, avoiding sharp debris and broken glass. If the situation allows, it is better to change shoes to a more durable one.
7. Keep a significant distance from destroyed areas. Especially from beaches and coastlines. Strong earthquakes ways to cause a tsunami. Based on this, it would not be a bad idea to climb to a hill, no lower than 30 meters. Or move a considerable distance away from the water, preferably at least 3 kilometers.
8. Try to use mobile communications as little as possible. Unless absolutely necessary, it is better not to use the phone at all. After a disaster, telephone lines will be overloaded; by occupying one of them, you can deprive someone who needs it more than you from this opportunity.
Although serious shifts of tectonic plates occur quite rarely in domestic regions, you should know that Everyone needs to know how to escape and what to do during an earthquake. Share this information with your friends and family. Take care of yourself.
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Behavior during an earthquake. Rules of conduct in case of an earthquake. Recommendations for survival.
Introduction
Earthquakes- this is a common phenomenon on our planet. Earthquakes happen on Earth every day. Majority earthquakes do not harm either people or environment. Due to the fact that man has mastered almost the entire territory globe- this natural phenomenon haunts him throughout his entire existence and everywhere. Earthquake Survival- a mission that implies not only safe place, far from the epicenter. This is a set of specific measures that respond to complete specific question - how to survive an earthquake? Most of the Earth's surface is subject to tremors, so information about earthquake survival will not be superfluous for anyone.
So, knowing that earthquakes tend to occur at the boundary of the intersection of lithospheric plates, the risk of being a victim of an earthquake can be assessed using seismic zone maps. Residents suffer the most big cities with many buildings, where there is a very high risk of ending up under the rubble of destroyed buildings, large structures or underground (subways, mines, canals, tunnels). Any building or structure is potentially dangerous in the event of an earthquake, and you should also stay away from power lines.
In addition, it should be remembered that earthquakes that occur at the bottom of oceans or seas can cause another equally destructive natural phenomenon - tsunami. So, one of the most large tsunamis in human history happened in 2004, as a result powerful earthquake in the Indian Ocean. More than 250 thousand dead, hundreds of thousands injured in 14 countries, almost the entire coastline felt the power of nature.
Warning the population about an earthquake
Despite rapid development information technologies and science, people still cannot know in advance where and when exactly the next powerful earthquake, to warn the population, to give time to thoroughly prepare, thereby significantly reducing the number of victims. Hundreds of seismic stations around the world monitor hundreds of tremors and disturbances beneath the earth's crust, always ready to report a serious threat. More often major earthquake accompanied first by a series of smaller ones, the strength of which gradually increases. Due to the fact that the planet is shaken daily by tremors, it is almost impossible to predict the real threat to a particular area. Therefore, everyone who is in a seismic zone should be aware of rules of conduct in case of an earthquake, always be ready to take action to survive, help loved ones and people who need help and survive the cataclysm.
How to find out about a future earthquake?
Despite the impossibility of predicting earthquakes using modern technologies and studies of the dependence of the ongoing deformations of lithospheric plates, there are other signs of the upcoming natural disaster.The fauna “knows” more than any station about a future earthquake: Among the obvious signs are anxiety and unusual behavior birds, animals, domestic animals, mass migration of reptiles (in winter, during hibernation, snakes and lizards even crawl out into the snow).
When the earthquake gains momentum and the series of tremors continues to grow, emergency services report the risk of disaster to all headquarters civil defense.
Information about the disaster spreads very quickly. Sirens, beeps from enterprises, emergency messages on radio, television, SMS notifications from telecom operators - the risk territory is completely covered in a matter of minutes.
What to do in case of an earthquake?
When receiving an alarm. Depending on your specific situation and developments, consider the following: tips and tricks for surviving an earthquake:
- turn on the radio, TV, any direct broadcast source, preferably from the civil defense headquarters, in order to finally be convinced of the serious threat of an earthquake, as well as receive recommendations for action and the latest information on the current situation;
- inform loved ones, relatives, neighbors, people on the street within reach about the threat of a disaster, while limiting yourself to short phrases without unnecessary emotions, saving time and not panicking others. It is best to limit yourself to advice to turn on the radio or TV to get more complete information. Contact those important to you who are on the road or in other remote places; optionally, if you have access to the Internet, send messages to everyone who might find this information useful, but remember that every second counts, so in each of the listed situations you should not get carried away or give vent to emotions;
- gather all your family members, with whom you live, in order to distribute responsibilities for collecting and preparing for a possible evacuation;
What to do if you need to evacuate?
1. Pack your essentials in a backpack or any container convenient for you., passports, other important documents, money, valuables.
2. Fill a container with water, prepare a small amount of canned food;
3. Prepare the room for conservation(lock and latch all windows, balconies, turn off gas and water, turn off electrical appliances from the network), lock the entrance doors;
4. Take personal protective equipment, if available. (respirators, gas masks, gauze bandages and so on.);
5. Take some clothes(a warm set is required);
6. Help people with disabilities in the neighborhood, the elderly and sick, help other people who need help;
Actions in case of earthquake threat.
- Turn off the electricity in the room, close all windows, doors, balconies.
- Notify neighbors, if you have, collect essentials, documents, money, valuables, water, food, a portable receiver (depending on the situation and personal preferences, the list of the most important things may be supplemented or modified), lock the doors, go out as soon as possible street, taking with you children, loved ones and anyone who needs help and cannot cope with the evacuation on their own.
- Move further away from buildings and power lines, open space with clear skies- 90 percent life saved in case of an earthquake. Listen to information on the receiver about the development of the situation.
What to do in case of a sudden earthquake?
If you encounter an earthquake face to face, follow these guidelines:
- At the first shocks, try to leave the building as quickly as possible. If you can get out into the open within 15-20 seconds, don't hesitate, just run as fast as you can. Every second counts in such a situation.
- On the way to the street, knock on all the doors, dial by phone your friends and relatives, relatives, children, if they are not with you. In the event of a mass evacuation, grab small children in your arms and, following the same scenario, move to an open space. It is strictly not recommended to use the elevator - only by stairs!
- If you decide to stay in an apartment or house, in any building from which you cannot get out in half a minute, stand in a doorway or corner of the room(near the load-bearing wall). As far as possible from windows, chandeliers, hanging shelves, mirrors, cabinets. If you don’t know what a load-bearing wall is or it’s much easier for you to lie down, then settle down under a table or bed, while you warn yourself from collapsed pieces of plaster, bricks, broken glass and other troubles, turn away from the window, cover your head with your hands .
- After the main impact of the earthquake, if you and those who were nearby were spared the trouble and you can move around, try to leave the building as quickly as possible, pressing your back against the wall, if they are still there. Along the way, someone may need help, depending on your physical condition, provide all possible first aid to the victims, help with the evacuation of other people, if it is within your power.
- If you decide not to evacuate immediately, but with the necessary set of the most important things, pack everything in a backpack or bag, take some water and food, a first aid kit, turn off the gas and water, turn off electrical appliances from the network, close all doors and windows. Of course, some of this list may be damaged after an earthquake, so use your own discretion. Lock the door with the key.
- As you leave the building or after all your belongings have been removed, provide all possible assistance to everyone who needs it. If you hear screams, break down the doors, provide first aid, call an ambulance and continue to look for victims. Try not to leave the disaster zone - if you are able to help, your assistance will be of great service to the victims. Use any suitable tool to clear the rubble: shovels, crowbars, jacks, hammers, boards, etc. After removing the victims, provide first aid; in case of a threat to life, send the person to the hospital department as soon as possible using accessible transport, or wait for the doctors to arrive if the ambulance is already informed.
- Be careful when seeking and providing help. There may be repeated earthquakes, so assess the situation soberly, without giving in to panic, make a decision - to go to help or stay on the street.
- If an earthquake catches you driving, stop, leave the car or motorcycle until the tremors end. If you find yourself in public transport, do not panic, ask the driver to stop and open the doors if he has not done so himself. It is advisable to leave the salon after shocks.
- If an earthquake hits you in the subway or on railway, do not panic, in this case, everything depends largely on the drivers and the work of specially trained people to prevent accidents. Grab the handrails, wait for notifications from the driver, and during an emergency evacuation, follow everyone, avoiding panic and crush.
- If you are in coastal zone, keep an eye on the reports information services and headquarters emergency situations. In the event of a powerful earthquake, a tsunami can occur. In case of notification of a possible tsunami, move as quickly as possible perpendicular to the coastline; if there is transport, sit down and press on the gas. Depending on the situation, you may have some time to evacuate, which you will spend preparing the most necessary things, documents, and clothing.
- Whenever possible, remain calm in any of the above situations.. Panic during an earthquake, as deplorable experience shows, only causes harm.
- If your building is destroyed or uninhabitable after an earthquake, keep an eye on your local government for updates on relief efforts and the overall situation.
- Constantly monitor the situation in your region after a disaster(radio, TV, internet). After earthquakes, there is a threat of chemical and radiation contamination due to accidents in production and factories. In such cases, measures need to be taken depending on the current situation.
These basic rules of conduct in case of an earthquake will help not only you, but also others to survive. Be prepared to take decisive action in the event of an earthquake. If you are in a seismic zone and earthquakes are a common occurrence for you, prepare all the necessary things in a separate backpack or bag so that getting ready for evacuation takes minimal time.
Earthquake. Nature of the phenomenon, causes, varieties
In this article you will learn what an earthquake is, for what reasons it occurs and how dangerous it can be for humans. Also learn about the types of earthquakes and how to measure force.
Earthquakes are one of the most serious enemies for humans, due to their nature of origin and destructive potential. Depending on the strength of the tremors, destruction on the surface of the earth can reach catastrophic proportions. No matter how strong buildings and any human structures are, everything can be destroyed by the force of nature.
Every year about a million earthquakes occur on our planet, most of which do not cause harm to humans and are not even physically felt. But from time to time there are strong aftershocks(approximately once every two weeks), which pose a threat to human life. Most earthquakes occur at the bottom of the ocean, which is the cause of another natural phenomenon - a tsunami, which can be no less dangerous, destroying everything in its path tidal wave. The danger of a tsunami occurs only in coastal areas and with a significant earthquake, and earthquakes are dangerous for almost the entire planet.
An earthquake is nothing more than tremors provoked by processes occurring inside our planet; it is a seismic phenomenon that occurs as a result of sudden displacements of the earth's crust. This process can occur at great depths in the bowels of the earth, but most often on the surface (up to 100 km).
Earthquakes are the final stage of the movement of the Earth's rocks. The friction force prevents shifts in the earth's crust, but when the stress reaches a critical level, a sharp displacement occurs with rock rupture, the energy of the friction force finds an outlet in motion, the vibrations from which spread, like sound waves, in all directions. The place where the fault or movement occurs is called the focus of the earthquake, and the point on the earth's surface above the focus is the epicenter of the earthquake. As you move away from the epicenter, the strength shock wave decreases. The speed of such waves can reach 7-8 km per second.
The causes of earthquakes are tectonic processes(associated with natural movement or deformation of the earth's crust or mantle), volcanic and other less serious ones associated with collapses, landslides, filling of reservoirs, collapse of underground mine cavities, explosions and other changes, most often provoked by human activity, which are called artificial pathogens.
Types of earthquakes
Volcanic earthquakes occur as a result of high tension in the interior of a volcano, due to the movement of lava or volcanic gas. Such earthquakes do not pose a great threat to humans, but they continue for a long time and repeatedly.
Man-made earthquakes are caused by human activity, for example, in the event of flooding during the construction of large reservoirs, during oil production or natural gas, coal, that is, when the integrity of the earth’s crust is violated. Earthquakes in such cases do not have large magnitudes, but can be dangerous for a small area of the Earth’s surface, and also provoke more serious tectonic changes, which entails an increase in the stress of rocks in the planet’s crust.
Landslide earthquakes are caused by landslides and large landslides, are not so dangerous and are local in nature.
Artificial earthquakes occur when powerful weapons or the use of climate weapons (tectonic weapons). The strength of such earthquakes depends on the power of the explosion or the intensity of use (in the case of climate weapons). Information about the use of tectonic weapons is most often classified for mere mortals, and one can only guess what exactly led to an earthquake in a particular region of the planet.
To measure the strength of an earthquake, a magnitude scale and an intensity scale are used.
The magnitude scale is a relative characteristic of an earthquake, which has its own varieties: local magnitude (ML), surface wave magnitude (MS), body wave magnitude (MB), moment magnitude (MW). The most popular scale is the local magnitude scale of Richter, who in 1935 proposed this method of measuring the strength of earthquakes, which gave the name to this scale. The Richter scale ranges from 1 to 9, the magnitude of magnitude is measured special device- seismograph. The magnitude scale is often confused with the 12-point scale, which evaluates external manifestations tremors (destruction, impact on people, natural objects). At the moment of the shock itself, first of all, data is received on the magnitude of the magnitude, and after the earthquake - the strength of the earthquake, which is measured on an intensity scale.
The intensity scale is a qualitative characteristic of an earthquake, indicating the nature and scale of this phenomenon in relation to humans, animals, nature, natural and artificial structures in the earthquake affected area.
The intensity of an earthquake can be determined in terms of one of the accepted seismological intensity scales, or by the maximum kinematic parameters of vibrations of the earth's surface
IN different countries It is customary to measure the intensity of an earthquake in different ways:
In Russia and some other countries, the 12-point Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale has been adopted.
In Europe - the 12-point European macroseismic scale.
In the USA - a 12-point modified Mercalli scale.
In Japan, it is a 7-point scale of the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Let's see what these numbers mean, excluding the Japanese method of measurement:
3 points - minor vibrations that are noticed by particularly sensitive people who are indoors at the time of the earthquake.
5 points - there is swaying of objects in the room, shocks are felt by everyone who is conscious.
6-7 points - destruction of buildings, cracks in the earth’s crust are possible, tremors are felt in any area and in any room.
8-10 points - buildings of almost any design begin to collapse, it is difficult for a person to stand on his feet, and large cracks may appear in the earth’s crust.
Reasoning logically, one can roughly imagine that a smaller value on this scale causes less damage, while a maximum value wipes everything off the face of the Earth.
Total area: 1,219,912 sq. km. 5 times larger than Great Britain, 2 times - France and equal in territory to Germany, France and Italy combined. Border length: 4750 km. It borders Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Coastline: 2798 km.
Population: about 40 million people. Ethnic groups: black - 75.2%, white - 13.6%, colored -8.6%, Indian - 2.6% Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sutho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Pedi. Religion: Christianity (68%), Hinduism (1.5%), Islam (2%), animism, etc. (28.5%).
Capitals: Cape Town (parliament), Pretoria (government), Bloemfontein ( Supreme Court). The population of Cape Town is 2,350,157 people, Johannesburg is 1,916,063 people, and Pretoria is 1,080,187 people. Form of government: republic Administrative division: 9 provinces - Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Northern Cape, Northern Province, Western Cape.
Natural resources of South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is located in the south of the African continent, in tropical and subtropical latitudes Southern Hemisphere. The territory of South Africa makes up 4.2% of the continent's area (1221 thousand sq. km). The country's most characteristic landscapes are natural areas savannas and woodlands, semi-deserts and deserts, replacing each other from east to west. The plateaus and plateaus slope steeply to the coastal lowlands in the east and to the depression in the south. The windward slopes are overgrown with subtropical evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.
In the north of South Africa there is land borders, which pass mainly through sparsely populated semi-desert and desert areas. In the northwest it borders with Namibia, in the north with Botswana and Zimbabwe, and in the east with Mozambique and Swaziland. The Kingdom of Lesotho is located in South Africa as an enclave. In the west the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east by the Indian Ocean. This location of the country determines the presence of various natural landscapes.
The relief of South Africa is characterized by a predominance of high plain plateaus. About half of the territory has an altitude of 1000 to 1600 m, more than 3/4 is located above 600 m above sea level, only narrow strip coastal lowlands in the west, south and east do not exceed a height of 500 m.
In general terms, the relief is determined by the internal plateaus and coastal plains of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The plateau descends from southeast to northwest. Its most elevated parts are located on the border with Lesotho (more than 3600 m), and the least elevated parts are in the river basin. Mololo (less than 800 m).
The coastal plains stretch in a narrow strip in the east, south and west of the country. In the extreme south the coastal lowland is very narrow; to the north it gradually expands to 65-100 km.
South Africa statistics
(as of 2012)
Diversity geological structure, the outcrops of ancient crystalline, often metamorphosed rocks determined the country's exceptional wealth in mineral resources. In total, 56 types of mineral raw materials were discovered on its territory. In a relatively small area there is a truly unique set of a wide variety of minerals: chromium, coal, iron, nickel, phosphates, tin, copper, vanadium; the world's largest supplier of gold (more than 15,000,000 troy ounces per year). South Africa ranks first or one of the first in the world in reserves and production of platinum, diamonds, antimony, uranium and manganese ores, chromites, asbestos, andalusite, etc. The only drawback of the mineral resource base is the lack of proven oil reserves. In this regard, coal occupies the main place in the country's fuel and energy balance.
Climate of South Africa
The country is located in the subtropical region, and north of 30° south. sh.-tropical climate. Average annual temperatures throughout the territory are positive (from +12° to +23°C). The difference in temperatures between the “coldest” and the “hottest” zones is about 10°C. This difference is determined not so much by latitude as by relief and fluctuations in absolute heights. As altitude increases, so do the amplitudes of daily and annual temperatures, the possibility of frost and its duration.
Rivers of South Africa
The lack of moisture in most of the country does not contribute to the emergence of large lake-river systems. The density of the river network is extremely uneven. Most of the permanent rivers belong to the Indian Ocean basin. The largest of them are: Limpopo, Tugela, Umgeni, Great Cay, Great Fish, Sandis, Gaurits, etc. In most cases, these are short, rapids rivers originating on the eastern and southern windward slopes of the Great Escarpment. They are full-flowing, predominantly rain-fed, with a summer maximum water flow.
The largest river in South Africa, the Orange River (tributaries Vaal, Caledon, Brak, etc.) has a length of 1865 km and belongs to the basin Atlantic Ocean. It flows through arid inland plateaus and becomes very shallow in its lower reaches. A number of large hydraulic structures. To the north of the middle reaches of the Orange River there are several seasonal rivers (Nosob, Mololo, Kuruman, etc.) belonging to the internal drainage area of the Kalahari Plain.
In conditions of shortage surface waters special meaning acquire The groundwater. They are used by both industrial enterprises and many farms central and western regions internal plateau. Desalination plants operate on the West Coast sea water, water is purified for reuse in industrial enterprises.
Soils of South Africa
The most widespread soils in the country are chestnut and red-brown soils. These two types of soils occupy almost half of the country's territory - from West Coast to the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains (the Kalahari region, the Middle and almost the entire High Weald, vast areas of the Bushveld, and in the south the Great and Little Karoo). The presence of these soil types is determined climatic conditions, primarily by the amount of precipitation. Light brown and red-brown soils are characteristic of desert-steppe regions, and chestnut soils are characteristic of dry steppes.
Black, chernozem and chestnut soils are common in the eastern High Veldt and Bushveld. The black ferruginous soils of dry savannas, which farmers call “black peat,” are fertile. At higher elevations, more leached red soils are often found.
Coastal areas have a wide variety of soils. On the East Coast, in the lowest parts, fertile red soils and yellow soils of subtropical regions are developed. The southwest coast is an area of fairly fertile brown soils.
All soils require the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Along with this it is necessary constant struggle with soil erosion. Improper plowing of slopes and excessive grazing lead to destruction of soil structure and erosion. The arid climate creates the problem of artificial irrigation. Only 15% of South Africa's land is suitable for agriculture.
Flora of South Africa
The flora of the country is rich and diverse. In total, there are about 15 thousand plant species that belong to two floristic regions - Cape and Paleotropical. The predominant vegetation is the savanna zone and the semi-desert and desert zone.
The appearance of savannas changes depending on the amount of precipitation. In the most humid areas, various palm trees, baobabs, podocarpus, valuable tree species and cereal grass grow; Low Weld-park savanna, or mopane savanna (from the name of the widespread mopane tree); Bushveld acacia-euphorbia savanna, dominated by various types of acacia, evergreen shrubs and light groves of trees that shed their leaves in the dry season.
The semi-desert and desert zone occupies the western coastal plain, vast areas of the Upper, Greater and Lesser Karoo and the driest parts of the Kalahari.
In the northwestern regions of this zone, succulents, or “rock plants” grow; in the Kalahari, near the Namibian border, sandy soils are dominated by cereals. In arid areas, karroos have an abundance of succulents various shapes. Among leaf succulents, aloe and acacia are often found; among stem succulents, euphorbia is widespread, and there are shrub succulents.
The High Weld is occupied by a zone of grassy steppes (grasveld). More than 60% of the grassveld area is covered with cereals; in wetter areas eastern regions High temeda is common (up to 1 m), in drier areas it is low (not higher than 0.5 m). This is the best feed for livestock on natural pastures. Various species of bearded vulture and fescue are also present.
The Cape floristic region is a center of ornamental flora of world importance. In a relatively small area, 800 km long and less than 10 km wide, over 6 thousand plant species from 700 genera grow, most of them endemic. Evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and various perennial plants dominate here. The flora of the Cape region shares a number of families and genera with the flora of Australia, South America(family Proteaceae and genus sundew) and Europe (sedge, reed, flax, nettle, buttercup, rose, feather grass, etc.).
About 2% of the country's territory is occupied by forest. In light subtropical forests, on chestnut soils, valuable species such as ironwood and aromatic wood grow. Reserved coniferous forests consist of yellow wood. The East Coast retains small areas of moist subtropical evergreen forests of ficus, Cape boxwood, Cape redwood and Cape ebony, with a variety of vines and epiphytes. Significant afforestation work is being carried out along the mountain slopes, plantations of pine and cedar, Australian acacia and eucalyptus are being created. By 1990, artificial forest plantations accounted for more than 1 million hectares.
Fauna of South Africa
The fauna belongs to the Cape subregion of the Ethiopian zoogeographical region. It is represented by predators (wild cats, hyenas, jackals, panthers, cheetahs, lions), numerous ungulates, and elephants. Several species of civets, the long-eared dog, several genera of golden mole rodents, and 15 genera of birds are endemic. The country has up to 40 thousand species of insects and 200 species of snakes, up to 150 species of termites, and in the northeast there is a hotbed of tsetse flies and malaria mosquitoes.
During the colonization of South Africa, many animal species were almost exterminated. Currently, the fauna is well preserved only in nature reserves and national parks. The largest and most famous of them: National Park Kruger, "Hluhluwe", "Kalahari-Hemsbok". IN national park In Kruger you can see lions, leopards and cheetahs, elephants and hippos, giraffes, buffalos and antelopes. Anteaters live here, feeding on termites, for which the Boers call them “earth piglets.” In “Hluhluva”, along with the listed animals, in the bush-overgrown valleys (rivers) there are rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and crocodiles, and white rhinoceroses, which have become very rare, have been preserved. Flamingos, pelicans and various herons nest on the lakes, and among the ungulates live the African warthog and waterbucks. Many snakes, among which the python is not uncommon. About 20 species of antelope have been preserved in the Kalahari-Hemsbock National Park. South Africa is home to many very rare species these graceful, fleet-footed animals. Here you can see the wildebeest, the eland antelope, the hemobok antelope, the rare gray-brown nyala, and the dwarf antelope. Until now, in the Kalahari and arid regions of the velds, antelopes provide food and clothing to the Bushmen and Hottenton tribes.
1. General information. 3
2. Natural resources… 4
3. Population. 6
4. Agriculture. 8
References... 9
1. General information
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa. State in southern Africa. Capital– Pretoria (1.9 million people – 2004). Territory– 1.219 million sq. km. Administrative division– 9 provinces. Population– 46.3 million people. (2005). official languages– Afrikaans, English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isindebele, sesotho sa leboa, sesotho, setswana, siwati, tshivenda and hitsonga. Religions– Christianity, etc. Currency unit – rand National holiday – April 27 – Freedom Day (1994). South Africa – member of over 50 international organizations, incl. The UN since 1946, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1994, and since 2002 its successor - the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 1994, a member of the Commonwealth (an association of countries that were part of British Empire) and etc.
2. Natural resources
The central plateau is saucer-shaped and is mainly composed of almost horizontally lying sedimentary rocks. His central part located at altitudes of approx. 600 m above sea level, and the edges are raised by more than 1500 m. The surface of the plateau is predominantly gently undulating, above it in many places rise flat-topped hills with steep slopes, called table mountains, and bizarre outcrops strewn with boulders, called kopjes (in translation - “heads”). The plateau is almost entirely drained by two rivers. The Orange River (with its tributary Vaal) flows west through the Northern Cape Province and then along the border with Namibia into the Atlantic Ocean. The Limpopo River flows northeast along the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe and then through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. With the exception of these rivers and some of their tributaries, most rivers in the plateau only flow during the wet season. In the west and northwest, some rivers are lost in shallow basins that remain dry for most of the year and only fill with water during the rainy season. The problem of rivers drying up is acute (out of 120 rivers, about 100 are drying up).
The Great Escarpment is a 2,250 km arc of mountains that rises above the coastal lowlands of South Africa. Every part here has proper name. Prominent are the Kamiesberh and Bokkefeldberge mountains in Namaqualand; the Rochhefeldberge and Komsberge mountains near Sutherland; Nuwefeldberge Range near Beaufort West; the Kouefeldberge (2130 m) and Sneuberge (2504 m) mountains above Hraff Reinet and the Stormberge mountains north of Queenstown. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest heights in the Drakensberg Mountains at eastern border Lesotho, where several places have elevations above 3350 m. highest peak South Africa's Mount Engesuti (3446 m) is located on the very border with Lesotho, and the peak of the Drakensberg Mountains Thabana-Ntlenyana (3482 m) is located in Lesotho. In this area, the Great Escarpment is a system of crenellated buttresses and deep amphitheaters that form one of South Africa's most picturesque landscapes.
Namaqualand is a very dry area in the west of the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. This flat platform descends from the Great Escarpment towards the Atlantic Ocean. Granite outcrops and isolated low but dissected mountain ranges often rise above its surface. In the coastal parts the platform is covered with a thick cover of pebbles. Cape and Southern Coastal Regions. As noted above, these areas are similar in relief. Here, linear mountain ranges are distinguished, composed predominantly of sedimentary rocks and extending in a latitudinal direction across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, with the ridges interspersed with longitudinal valleys. The ridges themselves are narrow and highly dissected, with numerous peaks rising above 1830 m above sea level. The flat bottoms of many valleys are lined with thick layers of alluvium, formed as a result of the destruction of the surrounding mountains. Between the mountains and the foot of the Great Escarpment there is an area called the Great Karoo, which is a series of wide, flat-bottomed, interconnected basins confined to altitudes of 600–900 m above sea level. and having flow through narrow gorges towards the ocean.
The southeastern coastal region is located between the Great Escarpment and the Indian Ocean. Its surface is complex combination rounded hills. In many places the hills come directly to the coast, where steep ledges and small beaches alternate. The coastal plain is developed only in far north, near the border with Mozambique.
Transvaal Low Veldt. The hills of the south-east coast continue north into the Transvaal Low Veldt. Low undulating hills dominate, covered with sparse trees and shrubs, as well as grass. The vast bottoms of the valleys of large rivers are leveled.
3. Population
Average density population – 36.8 people. per 1 sq. km (2001). The most densely populated areas are the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. From the end Since the 1990s, average annual population growth has dropped sharply due to the high incidence of AIDS. In 2002 it was approx. 1%, in 2005 had a negative indicator (-0.31%). Birth rate – 18.48 per 1000 people, mortality – 21.32 per 1000 people. Infant mortality is 61.8 per 1000 births. The fertility rate (average number of children born per woman) is 2.2 children. 30.3% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents over 65 years of age – 5.2%. Average age population is 23.98 years old. Life expectancy is 43.27 years (men – 43.47, women – 43.06). (All indicators are given in estimates for 2005).
South Africa is a multiracial and multiethnic state. Racially, the population consists of representatives African peoples(79%), “whites” (9.6%), Asians (2.5%) and Khoikhoins (Bushmen (Khoi-Sans) and Hottentots), numbering several thousand people. 8.9% of the residents of South Africa are mestizos (the so-called “colored” - descendants of mixed marriages of Europeans with Africans) - 2001. Among the African population, the most numerous ethnic groups are Zulu (23.8%), Xhosa (17.6) , Pedi (9.4%), Tswana (8.2%), Sotho (7.9%), Tsonga (4.4%), Ndebele (approx. 2%), Venda (1.3%) and Swazi (approx. 1%) – 2001. The European population consists of Afrikaners (descendants of Dutch, German, French settlers) and the British. Among the Asian population, Indians predominate; there are also Chinese, Malays, etc. There is still a certain hostility in society between different racial groups. Afrikaans (the lingua franca) is spoken by 13.3% of the country's population, and English by 8.2%. From African official languages The most widely spoken language is isiZulu.
Urban population is 64% (2004). The cities are inhabited by approx. 80% "white" population. Big cities– Cape Town (approx. 4 million people – 2005), Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg and Bloemfontein.
Among those who came to the country for permanent residence in con. 1990s - early In the 2000s, there were many citizens of Zimbabwe, which in turn accepted refugees from South Africa during the years of the apartheid regime (in 2004 there were 2 million Zimbabweans in South Africa), Nigeria, China and Great Britain. According to established tradition, labor migrants from Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana come to work in the mines and on farms in South Africa (12 thousand people officially immigrate from Botswana to work in the mines annually, and about 30 thousand people work illegally in the manufacturing industry and on farms).
There is a Russian diaspora, which includes both the descendants of Russian gold and diamond miners who came to South Africa in the 1870s, and emigrants who left Russia after the 1917 revolution. There are also Russian entrepreneurs who immigrated to the country in 1990–2000.
Emigrants from South Africa live in Namibia and other African countries. There is a problem with the so-called "brain drain" In 2003 from South Africa to the USA, European countries, Australia and New Zealand More than 10 thousand people emigrated, among whom there were many medical workers (including about 200 experienced doctors), accountants, teachers (about 700 people), as well as specialists in the field of information technology. Since the 2000s, the gap between the numbers of emigrants and immigrants has been slowly narrowing.
4. Agriculture
South Africa is the most economically developed country on the African continent. By world standards, it belongs to the group of states with a middle income level (GDP per capita is 11.9 thousand US dollars - 2005).
It is a modern, highly developed sector of the South African economy. The share of the agricultural sector in GDP is 3.4% (2005). Agriculture in in full provides the population with basic food products. 12.08% of land is cultivated (2001). Avocados, peanuts, legumes, corn, mangoes, sunflowers, wheat, sugar cane, plums, sorghum, soybeans, tobacco, cotton, citrus fruits, and barley are grown. South Africa exports vegetables and fruits (pineapples, oranges, grapes, apples). Harvest volumes are significantly affected by frequent droughts. Livestock farming is developed (breeding cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs), and poultry farming is developing (mainly breeding ostriches and chickens). South Africa is the world's largest producer of mohair from the wool of Angora goats (South African mohair is considered the best in the world, 3.5 million kg were produced in 2004). Pork production in 2005 was reduced due to the outbreak of swine fever. Timber harvesting is carried out, incl. valuable tree species. The annual catch of river and ocean fish, as well as crustaceans and molluscs is approx. 700 thousand tons (allowable volume – 1 million tons). Crocodiles are caught in rivers.
Bibliography
1. Davidson A.B. South Africa. M., “Main Editorial Board of Eastern Literature”, 1972
2. Davidson Basil. New discovery ancient Africa. M., "Publishing House of Oriental Literature", 1962
3. Contemporary history of Africa. M., “Science”, 1968
4. South Africa on the threshold of the third millennium. M., Publishing House of the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2002
5. South Africa. Essays on socio-economic and political development. M., Publishing company "Oriental Literature" RAS, 1999
South Africa.
The name of the country is due to geographical location countries.
Area of South Africa. 1221000 km2.
Population of South Africa. 46,000 thousand people
Administrative divisions of South Africa. The state is divided into 9 provinces.
Form of government of South Africa. Republic.
Head of State of South Africa. The president.
Supreme legislative body of South Africa. Bicameral Parliament - National Assembly and National Council provincial
Supreme executive body of South Africa. Government.
Ethnic composition of South Africa. 77% are Africans, 12% are Europeans and their descendants, 11% are from Asian descent.
South African currency. Rand = 100 cents.
Climate of South Africa. There are 20 climatic zones on the territory of the state. The region of Natal province is characterized by elevated temperatures, which is typical for tropical hot temperatures. The Cape Town area is characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. The rest of the state has a typical climate. The climate in South Africa is more than in other countries located at the same latitudes - this is explained by the sufficient altitude above sea level and proximity ocean currents. the most falls in the east (1000-2000 mm per year), the least in the east (less than 100 mm).
Flora of South Africa. The flora of South Africa is rich - at least 20,000 plant species grow here. Many flowers that are now common in Russia were once exported from here - among them geranium, gladiolus, and narcissus. The Cape Town area is home to more than 5,000 plant species that do not grow anywhere else in the world. A silver tree has been preserved, the flower of which is national symbol SOUTH AFRICA. The main part of the country is .
Fauna of South Africa. Representatives of the South African fauna include elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, lion, giraffe, cheetah, aardvark, antelope, hyena, golden mole, tarsier, and various species of birds. and lakes. Largest rivers- And . Attractions. There is a castle in Cape Town Good Hope, South African Museum displaying finds archaeological excavations in the surrounding area and examples of Bushmen rock art.
Useful information for tourists
Tips in a restaurant make up 10-12% of the total cost of the order (including drinks), porter services - from 2 to 5 rands per piece of luggage, guide-driver - 15-20 rands per person per day of work. No vaccinations are required, unless you are planning a trip to the northeastern regions (areas where the malaria mosquito spreads). Along with taking anti-malarial drugs, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use insecticides. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Air conditioning and fans also reduce the risk of mosquito bites.