Equatorial climate! Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the equatorial climate like?
The equatorial type of climate is hot and wet throughout the year. Rainfall is heavy and falls during most afternoons. There are no winters or summers (seasons) One day is very similar to the next.
What is the difference between the daily weather of equatorial and temperate climate zones?
The weather in temperate climate zones changes from day to day. In equatorial areas the weather is far more predictable. A single weather patter is likely to be repeated day after day for most of the year.
What is a very rough idea of the daily weather pattern of a place with an equatorial climate?
Clear sunrise with calm, warm conditions. Temperature rises steadily, reaching about 33Β°C by midday. Afternoon sees rapid cloud growth due to rising humid air. By mid-afternoon, heavy rainstorms with thunder and lightning occur. Storms end by evening, followed by a calm, clear night.
What are cumulus clouds and how are they formed in an equatorial climate?
Cumulus clouds are white, fluffy clouds formed when hot air rises and water vapour is carried high into the sky, where it cools and condenses. In an equatorial climate, this usually happens around 1:00 p.m. after intense morning heating.
What are cumulo-numbus clouds, what type of rainfall do they give, and how are they formed in an equatorial climate?
Cumulonimbus clouds are large, towering dark-grey rainclouds. They form when cumulus clouds grow bigger and taller as more moist air rises. In an equatorial climate, they develop by 2:00 p.m. and bring torrential rain with thunder and lightning, typically by 3:00 p.m.
Which places is the equatorial climate mainly limited to?
The equatorial climate is mainly limited to places within 5Β° north or south of the Equator.
What are the two main areas where the equatorial climate is found?
The two main areas where it is found are the huge river basins of the Amazon in South America and the Congo in Africa.
What is the main factor that affects equatorial climate and how does this impact it?
The major factor which affects this climate is its latitude. The sun is overhead throughout the year. This gives high temperatures and is responsible for the convectional rainfall.
What is the wind like in a place with an equatorial climate?
There is no prevailing wind and the air is calm apart from during thunderstorms.
Why do all places near to the Equator not have this kind of climate?
Not all places near to the Equator have this an equatorial climate. This is because of altitude.
Give two examples of places near the Equator which are very cold.
In East Africa two mountains, Kilimanjaro and Kenya, rise to nearly 6,000 metres (19,000 feet), and are cold enough to be snow-capped year round.
What are the names of two South American volcanoes which are near the Equator.
Two South American volcanoes, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, rise to similar heights in the Andes.
