The tropical region of the Earth is generally defined geographically as the area between the Tropic of Cancer, situated at 23.5°N latitude, and the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5°S. The tropics are also sometimes said to be the latitudes that lie between, and partly include, the subtropical high-pressure regions that are centered on average at about 30–35°N and S latitudes. Tropical climates are most commonly defined as those occurring between the subtropical high-pressure regions (the climatic tropics), although some suggest that tropical climates extend between 35°N and S latitudes. Included within the tropical region is the equatorial zone, which is variably defined but most often stated to be the zone extending 3° of latitude on either side of the equator, although an equatorial climate is generally stated to be the climatic type extending 10–12°N and S of the equator (and occurring on low ground-non-highlands only). Therefore, an equatorial climate is most often noted to be a...
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Cross-references
Arid Climates
Central America and Caribbean, Climate of
Deserts
Intertropical Convergence Zone
Monsoons and Monsoon Climate
Rainforest Climates
Savanna Climate
South America, Climate of
Tropical Cyclones
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Henry, J. (2005). Tropical And Equatorial Climates. In: Oliver, J.E. (eds) Encyclopedia of World Climatology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht . https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3266-8_212
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