Explain why near the equatorial latitude the period of maximum rainfal...
Near the Equatorial Latitude and Maximum Rainfall
The period of maximum rainfall near the equatorial latitude is closely related to the movements of the overhead sun. This phenomenon can be explained by the following factors:
1. Convectional Rainfall:
- Near the equator, the sun is almost directly overhead throughout the year, resulting in intense heating of the Earth's surface.
- This intense heating causes the air to rise rapidly, creating low pressure at the surface.
- As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and leading to heavy precipitation.
- This process is known as convectional rainfall, and it is responsible for the high amount of rainfall near the equator.
2. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ):
- The movement of the overhead sun also influences the position of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
- The ITCZ is a region of low pressure near the equator where trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge.
- As the sun moves northward during the Northern Hemisphere summer, the ITCZ also shifts northward, bringing heavy rainfall to areas in its path.
- Similarly, during the Southern Hemisphere summer, the ITCZ moves southward, causing heavy rainfall in those regions.
- The movement of the ITCZ is closely tied to the movements of the overhead sun, resulting in the period of maximum rainfall near the equatorial latitude.
3. Coriolis Effect:
- The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, also plays a role in the distribution of rainfall.
- Near the equator, the Coriolis effect is weak, allowing the rising air to ascend vertically and condense, leading to higher amounts of rainfall.
- As we move away from the equator towards higher latitudes, the Coriolis effect becomes stronger, causing the air to be deflected and creating regions of high pressure.
- These regions of high pressure inhibit the formation of clouds and precipitation, resulting in less rainfall.
Marked Temperature Difference on the East Coast of Countries in Latitude 20 to 35 degrees North
There is a marked difference in temperature between the east coast of countries in latitude 20 to 35 degrees north due to various factors:
1. Ocean Currents:
- The east coast of countries in this latitude range is often influenced by cool ocean currents.
- The California Current off the west coast of North America and the Canary Current off the west coast of Africa are examples of such currents.
- These currents flow from higher latitudes towards the equator, bringing cool water and moderating the temperature along the coast.
- As a result, the east coast experiences cooler temperatures compared to the west coast in the same latitude range.
2. Prevailing Wind Patterns:
- The prevailing wind patterns also contribute to the temperature difference on the east coast.
- In many regions, the prevailing winds blow from the east towards the west.
- As the winds approach the east coast, they bring cool air from the ocean, leading to lower temperatures.
- On the other hand, the west coast is often influenced by warmer air from inland areas, resulting in higher temperatures.
3. Topography:
- The topography of the coastal areas can also influence the temperature difference.
- The east coast of countries
Explain why near the equatorial latitude the period of maximum rainfal...
You are taking about the west coast
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