Geography 6A Cameron Lawrence ITCZ- INTER-TROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE

WHAT IS THE ITCZ- (INTER-TROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE). A broad area of low atmospheric pressure located in the equatorial region where the north-easterly and south-easterly trade winds converge, extending approximately 10° north and south of the equator. As warm, humid air converges on this zone, it rises and cools, forming clouds and frequent, heavy showers. The (ITCZ), was also known by sailors as the doldrums.the doldrums

THE LOCATION OF THE ITCZ. The location of the ITCZ varies throughout the year and while it remains near the equator, the ITCZ over land ventures farther north or south than the ITCZ over the oceans due to the variation in land temperatures. The location of the ITCZ can vary as much as 40° to 45° of latitude north or south of the equator based on the pattern of land and ocean.

EFFECTS ON WEATHER: Variation in the location of the intertropical convergence zone drastically affects rainfall in many equatorial nations, resulting in the wet and dry seasons of the tropics rather than the cold and warm seasons of higher latitudes. Longer term changes in the intertropical convergence zone can result in severe droughts or flooding in nearby areas. OTHER WAETHER ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITCZ: 1.Heavy rainfall 2.Thunderstorms 3.Tropical Depressions Clouds which form at the ITCZ are usually large clouds responsible for the thunderstorms.

IMPORTANCE OF THE ITCZ

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