Seasonal Variation in the ITCZ - FINISH Flashcards
1
Q
What does ITCZ stand for?
A
Intertropical Convergence Zone
2
Q
What is the ITCZ?
A
A zone near the equator where trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet and converge
3
Q
What is the ITCZ characterised by?
A
A band of low pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation that moves north and south with the seasons.
4
Q
Why does the ITCZ move seasonally?
A
The position of direct sunlight moves between the tropics over the course of a year and therefore the thermal eqautor with it.
The ITCZ doesn’t move exactly with the thermal equator duue to land masses and bodies of water.
5
Q
Why does the ITCZ cause low pressure systems?
A
- Hadley cells converging at equator = low pressure
- Coriolis effect = trade winds to blow towards the equator. As the trade winds converge at the ITCZ, they are forced upward by the rising warm air, which causes them to cool and condense, leading to the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
