Steppe or Temperate Grassland Biome

Steppes are expansive flat grassland areas located in moderate climates, positioned between the tropical and polar regions. Temperate climates are characterized by distinct seasonal temperature changes, featuring cold winters and warm summers.
Steppes are situated in moderate climate zones between the tropics and the poles, where noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations occur.
These regions are semi-arid, receiving an annual rainfall ranging from 25 to 50 centimeters (10-20 inches).

DISTRIBUTION

Steppes are primarily situated deep within continents, positioned in the Westerly Wind Belt, which corresponds to the middle latitudes or temperate zone.
The confidentiality of their location, shielded from rain-bearing winds, contributes to the characteristic treeless nature of these grasslands.
In Eurasia, these expanses are specifically referred to as the Steppes, stretching eastward from the coasts of the Black Sea to the foothills of the Altai Mountains, forming a belt that extends for approximately 2,000 miles.

CLIMATE

Temperature

The steppe climate exhibits continental characteristics, marked by pronounced temperature extremes.
Sharp contrasts define both summer and winter temperatures, with scorching summers and bitterly cold winters.
During summers, temperatures soar, typically ranging between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Notably, in the southern hemisphere, the steppe climate remains relatively mild, avoiding harsh extremes.

Precipitation

The average annual rainfall in the steppe climate is approximately 45 cm, though it varies across regions, ranging from 25 cm to 75 cm.
The wettest months are June and July, corresponding to late spring and early summer.
In contrast, winter months generally experience around 2.5 cm of precipitation, often in the form of snow, brought in by Westerly depressions.
The southern hemisphere’s steppe climate, influenced by marine factors, tends to exhibit higher rainfall.

NATURAL VEGETATION

Grasslands are primarily characterized by the dominance of grasses, encompassing both annual and perennial dwarf varieties, their proportions varying based on the location.
The average grass height correlates with the amount of rainfall, resulting in the presence of tall, medium, and short-grass prairie zones distributed along a longitudinal gradient across North America from east to west.
Throughout this longitudinal expanse, the landscape undergoes a striking transformation, particularly noticeable between spring, when the grasses flourish and dwarfs enter their flowering stage, and summer, when brown, seeded, and fading plants become predominant.
In some steppes, particularly those in arid regions, shrubs take center stage, leading to the classification of shrub-steppes.
These areas distinguish themselves from deserts primarily due to their higher latitudes, lower mean temperatures, and a reduction in biodiversity.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Wheat and Maize Cultivation

At the brink of the 20th century, cultivation was virtually nonexistent in the region, rendering it one of the world’s most sparsely populated areas.
In recent years, however, the expansive grasslands have undergone extensive plowing for large-scale, mechanized wheat production, earning them the moniker “granaries of the world” or Prairies.
Furthermore, maize cultivation is gaining popularity, particularly in warmer and wetter regions.

Ranching

The tufted grasses, once predominant for cattle and sheep, have been replaced by more nutritious Lucerne or alfalfa grass.
Currently, these temperate grasslands stand as the world’s foremost locations for ranching, supporting vital livestock industries.

Nomadic Herding

Nomadic herding, characterized by grazing animals migrating across vast grasslands, has markedly diminished in scale.
Once practiced by nomadic groups like the Kirghiz and Kazakhs, this traditional lifestyle has faced challenges.
The Kirghiz, known for their resilience against Russian enslavement, navigated through harsh environmental conditions, marked by prolonged droughts and unpredictable rains.
However, under the influence of the Communist regime, these nomads are gradually being coerced into settling down.

Collectivization and State Farms

The steppes have witnessed a significant transformation into massive community farms and state farms, emphasizing both grazing and cereal production.
This shift reflects broader socioeconomic changes driven by political ideologies and economic imperatives, impacting the traditional nomadic practices that once defined these expansive grasslands.

SIGNIFICANCE

Strategic Travel and Commercial Routes:

The Steppe Climate holds immense significance as one of the most crucial travel and commercial routes globally.

Its expansive and relatively flat landscapes have historically facilitated trade and movement, serving as corridors for civilizations and commerce.

Optimal Grounds for Wheat Cultivation:

The Steppe Climate is recognized as some of the best grounds for wheat cultivation.
The level terrain and climate characteristics contribute to extensive mechanized wheat farming.
The resulting agricultural output has earned these regions the reputation of being the “granaries of the world” or prairies, highlighting their crucial role in global food production.

FAQs – Steppe or Temperate Grassland

1. What defines a Steppe or Temperate Grassland?

A: Steppes are vast flat grassland areas located in moderate climates, situated between the tropical and polar regions. These landscapes experience warm to hot temperatures during the summer and become frigid environments in the winter.

2. Where are Steppes primarily found?

A: Steppes are predominantly situated deep within continents, specifically in the Westerly Wind Belt, corresponding to the middle latitudes or temperate zone. These areas are known for their treeless landscapes.

3. How is the Steppe Climate characterized in terms of temperature?

A: The Steppe Climate exhibits continental characteristics with pronounced temperature extremes. Summers are scorching, while winters are bitterly cold, featuring sharp temperature contrasts. In the southern hemisphere, the climate remains relatively mild.

4. What is the average rainfall in the Steppe Climate?

A: The average annual rainfall in the steppe climate is approximately 45 cm, ranging from 25 cm to 75 cm across regions. Wettest months are June and July, while winter months experience around 2.5 cm of precipitation, often in the form of snow.

5. How is natural vegetation distributed in the Steppe or Temperate Grasslands?

A: Grasslands are dominated by grasses, with variations in height based on rainfall. Tall-, medium-, and short-grass prairie zones can be found across North America. Some steppes, especially in arid regions, may be dominated by shrubs, creating shrub-steppes.

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Steppe or Temperate Grassland Biome – UPSC Environment Notes