Tropical

Definition

The term 'tropical' refers to regions of the Earth that are located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, characterized by warm temperatures and high levels of precipitation throughout the year. This warm climate significantly influences weather patterns, vegetation types, and biodiversity in these regions, contributing to unique ecosystems like rainforests and savannas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tropical climates are typically categorized into different types, including tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, and tropical savanna climates.
2. These regions experience consistently high temperatures, usually averaging above 18°C (64°F) throughout the year.
3. Tropical regions receive a substantial amount of rainfall, often exceeding 2000 mm (79 inches) annually, which supports lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems.
4. Tropical areas are known for their rich biodiversity; they are home to a significant percentage of the world's plant and animal species.
5. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) plays a crucial role in tropical weather patterns, where trade winds from both hemispheres meet, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.

Review Questions

• How do tropical climates influence atmospheric circulation patterns?
  • Tropical climates play a key role in atmospheric circulation due to their warm temperatures and abundant moisture. The rising warm air at the equator creates low-pressure zones that contribute to the formation of Hadley Cells. These cells drive the trade winds and influence weather patterns not just within tropical regions but also in surrounding areas as air masses move globally.
• What are the ecological implications of high biodiversity found in tropical regions?
  • High biodiversity in tropical regions has significant ecological implications, as it contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience. Diverse plant and animal species interact in complex ways, supporting food webs and nutrient cycling. This richness also has implications for human livelihoods, as many communities rely on tropical ecosystems for resources like food, medicine, and clean water.
• Evaluate the impact of climate change on tropical regions and their atmospheric patterns.
  • Climate change is having a profound impact on tropical regions by altering temperature and precipitation patterns. As global temperatures rise, these areas may experience increased frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall. Changes in the ITCZ can lead to shifts in monsoon patterns, affecting agricultural productivity and water supply. Furthermore, rising sea levels pose threats to coastal ecosystems and communities dependent on them for survival.

Related terms

Tropics: The area of the Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun is directly overhead at noon at least once a year.

Hadley Cell:

A major atmospheric circulation pattern that occurs in tropical regions, where warm air rises at the equator and sinks around 30 degrees latitude, creating distinct wind patterns.

Monsoon:

A seasonal prevailing wind in tropical regions that causes significant changes in weather patterns, particularly marked by wet and dry seasons.