Tropics

Tropics

World map indicating tropics and subtropics

The tropics are a region of the Earth surrounding the Equator. They are delimited in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at approximately 23.5° north and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere at 23.5° south. This region is characterized by a hot climate with little variation in temperature throughout the year, although there are often distinct wet and dry seasons.

Geography

The tropics encompass a wide variety of environments, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. The region includes parts of South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world, is located in the tropics of South America.

Climate

The climate in the tropics is typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) during the day and rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F) at night. The Köppen climate classification system identifies several climate types within the tropics, including tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, and tropical savanna climates.

Tropical Rainforest

Tropical rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, with annual precipitation often exceeding 2000 mm (80 inches). These forests are home to a vast diversity of plant and animal species.

Tropical Monsoon

Tropical monsoon climates have a pronounced wet season and a short dry season. They are typically found in regions such as India and Southeast Asia.

Tropical Savanna

Tropical savannas have a distinct dry season and are characterized by grasslands with scattered trees. They are found in regions such as Africa and parts of Australia.

Axial Tilt and the Tropics

Axial tilt vs tropical and polar circles

The position of the tropics is determined by the axial tilt of the Earth, which is approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes the Sun to be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer during the June solstice and at the Tropic of Capricorn during the December solstice.

Biodiversity

The tropics are known for their rich biodiversity. They are home to more than half of the world's species, including many unique and endangered species. The Amazon Rainforest alone is estimated to contain 10% of the known species on Earth.

Human Impact

Human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization have significantly impacted tropical regions. These activities have led to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable development and conservation in tropical areas.

Notable Locations

Bora Bora

• Bora Bora: A small island in the Pacific Ocean known for its stunning natural beauty and luxury resorts.
• Kota Kinabalu: The capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the island of Borneo.

Kota Kinabalu

Precipitation Patterns

Monthly zonal mean precipitation

Precipitation in the tropics is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is a belt of low pressure that circles the Earth near the equator. The ITCZ is associated with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Related Pages

• Equator
• Tropic of Cancer
• Tropic of Capricorn
• Rainforest
• Climate