1. Introduction
2. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone
3. Tropical Cyclones
   • Introduction
   • Classification
     
   • Structure
     
   • Names
     
   • Hazards
     
   • Safety
4. El Niño
   • ENSO
     
   • El Niño / La Niña
     
   • Weather Impacts
5. Review Questions

• Additional Info:
• Lesson Plan Overview
• Topic Matrix
• JetStream News

Introduction

The weather in the tropics is basically hot and humid. This is primarily due to the earth receiving more solar radiation than it re-radiates back to space. This excessive heating generates weather that can impact any other location on the globe. This energy imbalance drives the circulation of the atmosphere.

There is abundant rainfall due to the rising air created by the sun's heating, and during certain periods, thunderstorms can occur every day.

Nevertheless, the tropics still receive a considerable amount of sunshine, and when combined with the excessive rainfall, provide ideal growing conditions.

Because a substantial part of the Sun's heat energy is used up in evaporation and rain formation, temperatures in the tropics rarely exceed 95°F (35°C). At night the abundant cloud cover restricts heat loss, and minimum temperatures fall no lower than about 72°F (22°C).

This high level of temperature is maintained with little variation throughout the year. Therefore, the seasons are not distinguished by warm and cold periods but by variation of rainfall and cloudiness.

Next: Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone