Tropical biomes

Question 1

Where do you find tropical forests?

Answer 1

There are found between 10N and 10S of the equator with 3 concentrations of the biome in Latin America (Amazon), Western Equatorial Africa (Congo basin) and SE Asia

Question 2

Where do you find tropical grasslands?

Answer 2

Between 5-20N and 5-20S of the equator. Llanos in Venezuela.

Question 3

Where do you find hot deserts?

Answer 3

Between 15-30N and 15-30S of the equator. Mojave and the Great Australian desert

Question 4

Describe the climate of tropical rainforests

Answer 4

-1800mm-2800mm of rain per year -25C temperatures -Annual temperature range is low at 1-2C

Question 5

Explanation of rainforest climate

Answer 5

-Because of 0-10 N and S of equator, rainforests are always the influence of the ITCZ. -Here surface trade winds meet at area of low pressure and rise upwards. -This air cools, condenses and forms cumulonimbus clouds. Thunderous downpours results. -Sun is always high in the sky, resulting in long days and high insolation levels

Question 6

Describe the climate of tropical grasslands

Answer 6

-22C+ -500mm-1500mm

Question 7

Explanation of northern grassland climate

Answer 7

-Sun migrates annually northerly overhead and brings the ITCZ with it. -The sun passes over the grasslands in April/May time -Low pressure dominates and under the rising limb convectional downpour occurs. -Temperatures are higher in summer too because the sun has a high angle in the sky, and the days are longer. -When the ITCZ is in the southern hemisphere drought conditions occur in the north. -During this time the area is dominated by the subsiding limb of the Hadley Cell. Temperatures are lower due to shorter days and lower sun angle

Question 8

Describe the climate of tropical deserts

Answer 8

-Summer: 30C+ -Winter: 20C+ -<250mm

Question 9

Explanation of northern desert climate

Answer 9

-This area is not influenced by the migration of the ITCZ. -It is instead influenced by the subsiding limb of the Hadley Cell -Air descends, is compressed and warmed. Condensation and cloud formation is unlikely to occur. -Clear skies allow for high levels of insolation. -Long days and the high angle of the sun guarantee hot temperatures in the summer. In the winter the temperatures are lower.

Question 10

Draw a diagram displaying the distribution of biomes and the roles of the Hadley Cell and ITCZ

Answer 10