7.1: topical climates Flashcards
(15 cards)
where are topical environments commonly located in the world
between the tropics of cancer and Capricorn
the Koppen climate classification identifies 3 topical climates: what are they
rainforest, monsoon, savanna
what is the average temperature of a rainforest per month
18 degrees Celsius
what is the average amount of rainfall a rainforest has per month
60mm
which of the 3 tropical climates have distinct seasons
monsoons and savannas
in a wet season how much rainfall can a monsoon climate experience per month
can exceed 1000mm per month
describe the location of tropical rainforests and what continents they may be found on
typically 5-10 degrees either side of the equator, the distribution of rainforests coincide with the ITCZ. They can be found in Southeast Asia, South America and Central Africa but tropical microclimates can be found further afield
describe the location of monsoon climates and what continents they may be found on
the distribution is controlled by the monsoon circulation (seasonal change in wind direction). Typically found in south and Central America, south and Southeast Asia Africa, Caribbean and North America
describe the location of savanna climates and the continents they are typically found on
typically toward the outer reaches of the tropical zone in the continents of Africa, Asia and South America, Northern Australia and southern North America
why does the ITCZ occur
when solar heating causes the vertical movement of air following convection and creates a band of cloud several hundred km wide
describe the location of the ITCZ
typically lies 5 degrees north of the equator but varies seasonally due to the position of the overhead sun
why is the seasonal variation in temperature of an ocean less than land
due to the oceans ability to retain heat and stable temperatures
what is the ITCZs position an important factor in
in the migration of low pressure zones and the resulting shift in tropical rains
what conditions does the ITCZ result in
light winds, calm conditions
define sub-tropical anticyclones
areas of high pressure caused by descending air at the tropopause
