Characteristics Of An Intertropical Convergence Zone

Weather on the Earth is driven by multiple factors, including thermal energy from within the Earth's core and from the sun. Certain areas of the Earth are known for specific weather patterns that occur as a result of these factors. One area that scientists, geologists and meteorologists study frequently is the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which is a band near the equator where the southern and northern trade winds meet.

In the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the northern and southern trade winds come together. Because of the rotation of the Earth, the winds cannot really cross the equator without losing energy. Instead of continuing over the Earth horizontally, the winds thus move vertically toward the upper atmosphere. The heating of the Earth's ocean currents by the sun assists in this process, making the air warmer and letting it rise. The result is that the Intertropical Convergence Zone has low air pressure near the Earth's surface. The lack of horizontal wind movement in the region caused sailors to nickname the Intertropical Convergence Zone, "the doldrums."

The frequent rising of air in the Intertropical Convergence Zone means that moisture constantly is being brought high enough in the atmosphere to a point cool enough to allow the moisture to condense into clouds. The Intertropical Convergence Zone therefore can see incredible amounts of precipitation and high humidity. Although some areas of the zone do have a dry season, others do not. Afternoon showers are a feature of the zone.

Rainfall in the Intertropical Convergence Zone typically is not gentle rainfall that lasts for long periods. Instead, the high amounts of energy from thermal and solar heating cause moisture to condense quickly into clouds in the hottest part of the day. Circular typhoons thus often form as the air currents move. Some of the strongest winds on the Earth have been recorded in these storms. Thunderstorms with heavy lightening also are common.

The Intertropical Convergence Zone is characterized by inconsistent location around the equator. As the Earth moves with the seasons, the area which receives the highest amount of heat energy from the sun varies. The thermal equator around which the Intertropical Convergence Zone forms thus moves, depending on the season. In some cases, this shift can result in the complete reversal of normal trade wind patterns, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

The characteristics of the Intertropical Convergence Zone have an enormous impact on weather all around the globe. Shifting of wind patterns in the Intertropical Convergence Zone can move thermal energy and moisture to different parts of the Earth than usual and can slow or even stop ocean currents. This affects all plant and animal life either directly or indirectly, since ecosystems are dependent largely on weather patterns and temperature.