Equatorial climate can simply be defined as climate along the equator. the equatorial climate is also known as rainforest climate because there are mostly rainforest along the equator
The equator is an imaginary line running at the centre of the earth from east to west.
Location of the climate
The climate is experienced by the areas located close to the equator between 5 degrees north and 5 degrees south of the equator.
The climate is located in the Congo Basin, the West African coasts, in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and, the amazon basin in South America
The climate is found also on Lake Victoria shores and islands though the altitude modifies it.
It is found also in the coastal areas and the eastern parts of Pemba and Zanzibar Islands.
The following are characteristics of the equatorial climate.
The high mean annual temperature of about 27 0C.
The average annual temperature in an equatorial climate is about 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the equatorial region receives a lot of sunlight throughout the year. The sun’s rays are more direct at the equator than at other parts of the Earth, so they heat the Earth’s surface more.
The high temperatures and humidity of the equatorial climate create a rainforest environment. Rainforests are characterized by lush vegetation, high rainfall, and warm temperatures. The rainforests of the equatorial climate are home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
The difference between the average temperature of the hottest and coldest months (annual temperature range) is very small and it can be as small as 3 degrees Celsius
The annual temperature range in equatorial regions is typically less than 5 degrees Celsius. In some cases, it can be as small as 3 degrees Celsius. This means that the hottest month of the year is only a few degrees warmer than the coldest month.
The small annual temperature range is one of the defining characteristics of equatorial climate. It is also one of the reasons why equatorial regions are home to some of the world’s most diverse and lush rainforests. The warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for plant growth.
The difference between the highest temperature in the day and the lowest temperature at night (diurnal temperature range is usually large
The diurnal temperature range in equatorial climates can be as high as 15 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit). This is much larger than the diurnal temperature range in other climate zones, such as temperate climates, where the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is typically only a few degrees Celsius (few degrees Fahrenheit).
There are a few reasons why equatorial climates have such large diurnal temperature ranges. First, the sun is directly overhead at the equator, so the equatorial regions receive more solar radiation than other parts of the Earth. Second, the equatorial regions are characterized by clear skies and low humidity, which allows the sun’s heat to penetrate the atmosphere and reach the ground. Third, the equatorial regions are often located near large bodies of water, such as the Amazon rainforest or the Congo rainforest. These bodies of water absorb heat during the day and release it at night, moderating the diurnal temperature range.
The large diurnal temperature range in equatorial climates can have a significant impact on the environment and human activities. For example, it can make it difficult for plants to grow and for animals to regulate their body temperature. It can also make it uncomfortable for people to live and work in equatorial regions.
However, the large diurnal temperature range also has some benefits. For example, it can help to dry out the land and prevent the spread of diseases. It can also help to create a more diverse ecosystem, as plants and animals can adapt to the different temperature conditions.
Uniformly high temperatures of about 30 0C with only a small annual range.
Equatorial climate is located near the equator, where the sun is always overhead and the days and nights are almost equal in length throughout the year. This means that the equatorial region receives a lot of solar radiation, which keeps the temperatures high all year round.
The annual temperature range in equatorial climate is very small, typically only a few degrees Celsius. This is because the temperatures are not affected much by the seasons. The average temperature in the equatorial region is about 27 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures occurring in the afternoon and the lowest temperatures occurring at night.
The small annual temperature range in equatorial climate is one of the reasons why it is a popular destination for tourists. People from temperate climates often find the warm weather and constant sunshine to be very appealing.
High relative humidity of about 80%.
This is due to high rainfall which rains almost throughout the year and high temperature which cause evaporation which in turn leads to high humidity throughout the year
Abundant rainfall of 2000 mm on average.
There are a few reasons why equatorial regions receive so much rainfall. First, the sun’s rays are more direct at the equator than at any other place on Earth. This means that the equatorial regions receive more solar energy, which warms the air and creates moisture. Second, the equatorial regions are located in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is a band of thunderstorms that circles the Earth near the equator. The ITCZ is caused by the meeting of the northeast and southeast trade winds. These winds converge and rise, causing moisture to condense and form clouds. When the clouds become too heavy, they release their moisture as rain.
The abundant rainfall in equatorial regions supports the growth of lush vegetation, such as rainforests. Rainforests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and they play an important role in the global climate system.
Double maxima rainfall around April and October each year
This means that The equatorial regions experience a long rainy season between March and June and a short rainy season between October and December. this is caused by inter tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) which occur when trade wind converge in the zone of low pressure in equatorial regions causing heavy rainfall and thunderstorm.
The region receives convectional rainfall
A diverse range of plants (equatorial rainforest) due to excessive rainfall and temperature
the equatorial rainforest have very dense vegetation. many different types of trees and other plants can be found growing in relatively small area of rainforest. more species of plants can be found in the rainforest than in other types of plant community. four square miles of rainforest may contain as many as 750 species of trees and 1500 species of flowering plants
Rainfall is accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Absence of distinct dry season.
The sun’s rays are strongest at the equator, and this causes the air to heat up and rise. The rising air cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain. This process of convectional rainfall occurs all year round in the equatorial region, resulting in a lack of distinct dry season.
In contrast, other climate zones, such as tropical monsoon and savanna climates, experience distinct dry seasons. This is because the sun’s rays are not as strong in these regions, and the air does not heat up as much. As a result, the amount of rainfall decreases during the dry season.
presence of rainforest
High rainfall and humidity lead to the formation of rainforest which comprises four layers namely crown of the tallest trees, canopy, understory, and shrub layer.
The rainforest is made up of very dense vegetation. Four square miles of rainforest may contain as many as 750 species of tree and 1,500 species of a flowering plant.
Rainforests cover only about 6 percent of the Earth’s surface. However, they contain about half of the world’s known animal species and provide about 40% of the world’s oxygen.
Characteristics of Natural Vegetation in an equatorial climate
- Close cover of all tall trees of 20-50m metres
- Trees are evergreen
- The forests lack undergrowth because the canopy layers cut out light.
- Trees form a canopy
- Trees do not grow in pure stand
Natural Vegetation in equatorial climate
Equatorial climate has the following tree species:
- Mahogany
- Ebony
- Greenheart
- Rosewood
Nice article. Thank you for sharing this information!
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh