Equatorial Climate Flashcards
Where does the equatorial climate occur
In lowland areas with 5-10 degrees latitude of the equator and is sometimes referred to as the tropical rainy climate
Daylight hours at the equatorial climate
Little variation because this sun is never far from its zenith
Facts
Day and night around 12 hours
Annual temperature rate about 3 degrees
Mean monthly temperatures are 26-38 degrees
Night time temperatures rarely fall below 18 degrees c
High humidity and constant temperatures
What is the constant uplift of warm, unstable air caused by
The convergence of tropical air masses in these latitudes and results in low pressure throughout the year
Why are winds gentle
The equator pressure gradients are small
Rain
Rainfall is high- over 2,000 mm per year
Daily pattern is repetitive and predictable
Mornings
Hazy and, when this clears, convection currents develop and produce cumulus clouds.
Afternoon
The cumulus clouds build up and intensify in the afternoon heat to form cumulonimbus clouds.
Heavy rain develops
What is convection uplift related to
The position of the ITCZ and rainfall totals double the normal maximum can occur when the sun is directly overheat at the spring and autumn equinox.
Where can rainfall patterns vary
Locations far from the ocean such as the eastern Amazon basin, where some parts of the year are drier than average.
On the forest floor …
There is little breeze. On the equator there is a lack of wind because this is where the trade winds converge
