what makes a place tropical

Full Answer

What is the difference between tropical and tropical climate?

However, this is a bit far from the truth since the word tropical is defined differently in meteorology. A tropical climate is identified as a climate characteristic to the tropics; that is from the equator to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south and from the Equator to the Tropic of Cancer in the north.

What is the weather like in the tropics?

The tropics are warm all year, averaging 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the tropics get more exposure to the sun. Because of all that sun, the tropics don't experience the kind of seasons the rest of the Earth does. The tropical seasons are broken up into just two: the wet season and the dry season.

What are the tropics called?

The tropics are also referred to as the tropical zone and the torrid zone (see geographical zone). The tropics include all zones on Earth where the Sun contacts a point directly overhead at least once during the solar year (which is a subsolar point). Thus the maximum latitudes of the tropics have the same value positive and negative.

Why are the tropics so important?

The tropics account for 36 percent of the Earth's landmass and are home to about a third of the world's people. The tropics are warm all year, averaging 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the tropics get more exposure to the sun.

What makes something tropical?

The tropics are warm all year, averaging 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the tropics get more exposure to the sun. Because of all that sun, the tropics don't experience the kind of seasons the rest of the Earth does.

What is considered a tropical place?

Tropical climates are defined by a monthly average temperature of 18 °C (64.4 °F) or higher in the coolest month, and feature hot temperatures all year-round. Annual precipitation is often abundant in tropical climates, and shows a seasonal rhythm but may have seasonal dryness to varying degrees.

What defines a tropical climate?

The tropical climate in the Köppen system is defined as having an average temperature in every month of above 18°C. There is no winter season, and annual rainfall is large and exceeds the annual evaporation.

What are three features of a tropical climate?

The tropical rainforest biome has four main characteristics: very high annual rainfall, high average temperatures, nutrient-poor soil, and high levels of biodiversity (species richness).

Is Hawaii considered tropical?

Hawaii is in the tropics, where the length of day and temperature are relatively uniform throughout the year.

What defines tropical island?

A tropical island is an island which is located in the tropics. The tropics are those regions, north and south, which are close to the equator. A tropical island is an island which is within the Tropical Zone.

What are 3 facts about climate change?

The Evidence for Rapid Climate Change Is Compelling:Global Temperature Is Rising. ... The Ocean Is Getting Warmer. ... The Ice Sheets Are Shrinking. ... Glaciers Are Retreating. ... Snow Cover Is Decreasing. ... Sea Level Is Rising. ... Arctic Sea Ice Is Declining. ... Extreme Events Are Increasing in Frequency.More items...

Which country is the most tropical?

Most tropical countries have a tropical climate, in which the average monthly temperatures are always 18°C (64.4°F) or higher and the year consists of two seasons: the wet/rainy season, in which most rainfall occurs, and the dry season....Tropical Countries 2022.CountryArea Located In TropicsZimbabwePartial121 more rows

What are two characteristics of the tropical climate?

CharacteristicsArea. Around the equator, from 23.5° further north to 23.5° southern latitude.Sun path. Sun at the zenith (90°) at least once per year, never lower than 43°Average temperature. >20 to 30°C.Minimal temperature. 0°C (no frost)Maximal temperature. Up to 40°C (seldom more)Radiation. ... Daylength. ... Precipitation.More items...

What is one major characteristic of a place with a tropical climate?

1 Answer. The tropics receive intense vertical sunlight that drives high temperatures and high evaporation. The presence of moisture from water bodies can cause heavy rains and thick plant growth.

Where do tropics start?

The tropics are commonly defined as the area between the Tropic of Cancer (roughly 23.5-degrees North latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (roughly 23.5 degrees-South Latitude), highlighted in crimson. We'll consider the tropics to be a bit larger, spanning from 30-degrees North to 30-degrees South latitude.

What humidity is considered tropical?

Rainforests receive approximately 103 inches of rainfall a year, with rain falling all year. Humidity hovers between 77 and 88 percent every day.

What part of Florida is considered tropical?

Climatically, Florida is divided into two regions. The tropical zone lies generally south of a west-east line drawn from Bradenton along the south shore of Lake Okeechobee to Vero Beach, while north of this line the state is subtropical. Summers are uniform throughout Florida.

What countries are in the tropical region?

In the Western Hemisphere, tropical countries include Mexico, all of Central America, all of the Caribbean islands from just south of Nassau in the Bahamas, and the top half of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, as well as the northern ...

Where do the tropics start in Australia?

The Wet Tropics of Queensland, or Wet Tropics, stretches along the northeast coast of Australia for some 450 kilometres. Encompassing some 894,420 hectares of mostly tropical rainforest, this stunningly beautiful area is extremely important for its rich and unique biodiversity.

Why are they called tropics?

The Greek word "tropikos," which means "belonging to a turn of the sun at the solstice," is the origin of the word "tropic." Cancer, meaning "crab" in Latin, is the name of a constellation beneath which the Tropic of Cancer once was directly located.

What is tropical climate?

Some people assume the word tropical climate refers to their favorite warm vacation spot. However, this is a bit far from the truth since the word tropical is defined differently in meteorology. A tropical climate is identified as a climate characteristic to the tropics; that is from the equator to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south and from ...

Which regions of the tropics do not have a tropical climate?

Due to different reasons or rather causes, there are some regions within the tropics that do not have a tropical climate; they include alpine regions and some desert areas. Examples of places that do not have tropical climates include the Sahara Desert, the Southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Alpine regions found in the tropics.

How many seasons are there in a tropical climate?

Tropical climates comprise of only two seasons which are the dry season and the wet season. Changes in solar angle are small in tropical climates which happen to be frost-free.There are different varieties of tropical climates within the tropical climate zone. The different varieties are based on precipitation.

What is the temperature of a tropical climate?

The Koppen climate classification defines a tropical climate as a non-arid climate in which the mean temperature is about 64°F throughout the year. Unlike subtropical regions which are characterized by variations in temperature to different degrees and day length, temperatures in tropical climates, remain relatively constant all year long as ...

What is the wet and dry climate?

Also known as the Savannah climate, the tropical wet and dry climate experiences a long dry period and less annual rainfall. The driest month in a wet and dry tropical climate has precipitation of less than 2.4 inches and less than 3.9 inches total annual precipitation. The tropical wet and dry climate are mainly found in Lagos, Nigeria; Bangalore, ...

Where is the tropical monsoon climate?

A tropical monsoon climate is the type of climate found in the Southern and Central regions of America and the Southeast and Southern parts of Asia as well as parts of Australia and Africa. The tropical monsoon climate is influenced by the monsoon winds which according to the seasons change directions. For this part of the equator, the driest month of the tropical monsoon climate occurs either soon after or at the ‘winter’ solstice. Rainfall is usually less than 2.4 inches but exceeds 3.9 inches total annual precipitation. Examples of the area that experience tropical monsoon climates include Jakarta, Indonesia; Miami, Florida; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Puerto Ayacucho, Venezuela; Chittagong, Bangladesh; Yangon, Myanmar; Cairns, Australia; and Macapa, Brazil among others.

Is there a season in the tropical rainforest?

Tropical rainforest climates are mainly characterized by low-pressure systems since they are dominated by doldrums thus receiving rainfall all year long. There is no specific season found in the tropical rainforest climate.

What is tropicality in geography?

Tropicality refers to the image that people outside the tropics have of the region, ranging from critical to verging on fetishism. The idea of tropicality gained renewed interest in geographical discourse when French geographer Pierre Gourou published Les Pays Tropicaux ( The Tropical World in English), in the late 1940s.

What does the tropics represent?

Tropicality encompassed two images. One, is that the tropics represent a ' Garden of Eden ', a heaven on Earth, a land of rich biodiversity or a tropical paradise. The alternative is that the tropics consist of wild, unconquerable nature. The latter view was often discussed in old Western literature more so than the first. Evidence suggests over time that the view of the tropics as such in popular literature has been supplanted by more well-rounded and sophisticated interpretations.

What is the wet season in tropical climate?

Many tropical areas have a dry and wet season. The wet season, rainy season or green season is the time of year, ranging from one or more months, when most of the average annual rainfall in a region falls. Areas with wet seasons are disseminated across portions of the tropics and subtropics. Under the Köppen climate classification, for tropical climates, a wet-season month is defined as a month where average precipitation is 60 mm (2.4 in) or more. Some areas with pronounced rainy seasons see a break in rainfall during mid-season when the intertropical convergence zone or monsoon trough moves poleward of their location during the middle of the warm season; typical vegetation in these areas ranges from moist seasonal tropical forests to savannahs .

What is the tropics zone?

The tropics are also referred to as the tropical zone and the torrid zone (see geographical zone ). The tropics include everywhere on Earth which is a subsolar point (the Sun is directly overhead) at least once during the solar year. Thus the maximum latitudes of the tropics have the same value positive and negative.

Why is the Earth's axial tilt not perfectly fixed?

Likewise, they approximate, due to the earth not being a perfect sphere, the "angle" of the Earth's axial tilt. The "angle" itself is not perfectly fixed due chiefly to the influence of the moon, but the limits of tropics are a geographic convention, being an averaged form, and the variance is very small.

What is the latitude of the tropics?

They are delimited in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at 23°26′11.4″ (or 23.43649°) N and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere at 23°26′11.4″ (or 23.43649°) S; these latitudes correspond to the axial tilt of the Earth.

Why are tropical rainforests so inhospitable?

A popular explanation focused on the differences in climate. Tropical jungles and rainforests have much more humid and hotter weather than colder and drier temperaments of the Northern Hemisphere. This theme led some scholars to suggest that humid hot climates correlate to human populations lacking control over nature e.g. 'the wild Amazonian rainforests'.

Where do tropical rainforests grow?

Tropical rainforests grow mainly in three regions: the Malesian botanical subkingdom, which extends from Myanmar (Burma) to Fiji and includes the whole of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu and parts of Indochina and tropical Australia; tropical South and Central America, especially the Amazon basin; and West and Central Africa ( see biogeographic region ). Smaller areas of tropical rainforest occur elsewhere in the tropics wherever climate is suitable. The principal areas of tropical deciduous forest (or monsoon forests) are in India, the Myanmar– Vietnam –southern coastal China region, and eastern Brazil, with smaller areas in South and Central America north of the Equator, the West Indies, southeastern Africa, and northern Australia.

Where are tropical deciduous forests located?

The principal areas of tropical deciduous forest (or monsoon forests) are in India, the Myanmar– Vietnam –southern coastal China region, and eastern Brazil, with smaller areas in South and Central America north of the Equator, the West Indies, southeastern Africa, and northern Australia. Earth's floral regions.

How did the rainforests retreat?

Climates fluctuated throughout this time, forcing vegetation in all parts of the world to repeatedly migrate, by seed dispersal, to reach areas of suitable climate. Not all plants were able to do this equally well because some had less-effective means of seed dispersal than others. Many extinctions resulted. During the most extreme periods (the glacial maxima, when climates were at their coldest and, in most places, also driest), the range of tropical rainforests shrank to its smallest extent, becoming restricted to relatively small refugia. Alternating intervals of climatic amelioration led to repeated range expansion, most recently from the close of the last glacial period about 10,000 years ago. Today large areas of tropical rainforest, such as Amazonia, have developed as a result of this relatively recent expansion. Within them it is possible to recognize “hot spots” of plant and animal diversity that have been interpreted as glacial refugia.

What are the benefits of the tropical rainforest?

Tropical rainforests today represent a treasure trove of biological heritage, and they also serve as sinks for more than 50 percent of all atmospheric carbon dioxide absorbed by plants annually. They not only retain many primitive plant and animal species but also are communities that exhibit unparalleled biodiversity and a great variety of ecological interactions . The tropical rainforest of Africa was the habitat in which the ancestors of humans evolved, and it is where the nearest surviving human relatives— chimpanzees and gorillas —live still. Tropical rainforests supplied a rich variety of food and other resources to indigenous peoples, who, for the most part, exploited this bounty without degrading the vegetation or reducing its range to any significant degree. However, in some regions a long history of forest burning by the inhabitants is thought to have caused extensive replacement of tropical rainforest and tropical deciduous forest with savanna.

Why did the world become drier during the Cenozoic?

This is because cooler temperatures led to a reduction in the rate of evaporation of water from , in particular, the surface of the oceans, which led in turn to less cloud formation and less precipitation. The entire hydrologic cycle slowed, and tropical rainforests—which depend on both warmth and consistently high rainfall—became increasingly restricted to equatorial latitudes. Within those regions rainforests were limited further to coastal and hilly areas where abundant rain still fell at all seasons. In the middle latitudes of both hemispheres, belts of atmospheric high pressure developed. Within these belts, especially in continental interiors, deserts formed ( see desert: Origin ). In regions lying between the wet tropics and the deserts, climatic zones developed in which rainfall adequate for luxuriant plant growth was experienced for only a part of the year. In these areas new plant forms evolved from tropical rainforest ancestors to cope with seasonally dry weather, forming tropical deciduous forests. In the drier and more fire-prone places, savannas and tropical grasslands developed.

What is the smallest extent of the tropical rainforest?

During the most extreme periods (the glacial maxima, when climates were at their coldest and, in most places, also driest), the range of tropical rainforests shrank to its smallest extent, becoming restricted to relatively small refugia.

Why are tropical forests being destroyed?

Regrettably, tropical rainforests and tropical deciduous forests are now being destroyed at a rapid rate in order to provide resources such as timber and to create land that can be used for other purposes, such as cattle grazing ( see deforestation ). Today tropical forests, more than any other ecosystem, are experiencing habitat alteration and species extinction on a greater scale and at a more rapid pace than at any other time in their history—at least since the major extinction event (the K–T extinction) at the end of the Cretaceous Period, some 66 million years ago ( see Sidebar: Status of the World’s Tropical Forests ).

What are the tropics?

The tropics are the region of the Earth surrounding the Equator. They are delimited in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at 23°26′12.1″ (or 23.43669°) N and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere at 23°26′12.1″ (or 23.43669°) S; these latitudes correspond to the axial tilt of the Earth. The tropics are also referred to as the tropical zone and the torrid zone (see geographical zone). The tropics include all the areas on the Earth where the Sun contacts a point directly overhead at least once during the solar year (which is a subsolar point) - thus the latitude of the tropics is roughly equal to the angle of the Earth's axial tilt. Tropics - Wikipedia

Why are tropical beaches called tropical beaches?

Island countries located in the zone having beaches may normally to be called tropical beaches to portray the fact that they have warmer and moist climate compared to beaches on lands outside of the tropics. These tropical island beaches are mostly characterized by their whiteness and fringed with coconut palms. An example is given below.

What is the temperature of a tropical island?

The location of the island to the equator is the measure of tropical be mindful that tropical also means rain and sun which occurs semi annually and finally the annual temperature is low 75 degrees pm time and day time 80 to 95 thats tropical of course beaches and coconut trees

Why do resorts clean their beaches?

Most decent resorts now hire people to clean their beaches after every tide, because of the twice daily deposits of ocean garbage. Garbage which can be immediately seen once you leave the resort beaches.

Which is the most northern tropical island?

This not necessarily the case because some islands well north of tropic zone, like the Florida Keys,the northern Bahamas and even Miami Beach could be considered Tropical islands because they have Tropical climates provided by the warm gulf stream, probably the world's most northern tropical island is Bermuda despite laying at the same latitude as South Carolina a full 9 degrees of latitude north of the Tropic of C...

Is Florida a tropical island?

Thus, being localized in the tropical zone is what makes an island officially tropical. We can see that Cozumel (in the Mayan Riviera), Mexico,for example is a tropical island, as well as good portion of The Bahamas (the Tropic of Cancer pass right through it) and most of Florida Keys (islands or cays), while the rest of Florida State is just righ above the tropical line, in the sub-tropical zone.

Is an island tropical or tropic?

The concept of tropic is much broader than an island. An island is tropical because localized in the tropics. Thus, what are the tropics?

What are some activities that you can do on a tropical beach?

With all kinds of adventure activities to keep you busy, you can easily spend days diving, sailing, trekking, and practising yoga . There’s nothing quite just like planting your tush on the sands of tropical beaches and breathing in those sunkissed vibes.

Which is the best tropical island in the world?

Vanuatu – An Overlooked Gem of a Tropical Destination. Koh Lipe – Like the Maldives but Cheaper. Lombok and the Gili Islands – Lots of Islands, Lots of Vibes. Bohol – Tropical Sights and Adventure Delights. Mauritius – Man, Mauritius is Just… the Best. Kauai (Hawaii) – Expensive, Yes, but Worth the Cost.

What is the name of Cambodia's answer to Malaysia's Perhentian Islands?

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s answer to Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands. Again, you get to take your pick between two islands to visit both easily accessible for those staying in the Sihanoukville area .

Why do people come to Malaysia?

People come to the Perhenthians for two reasons – to dive or snorkel in the crystal clear water, or to lounge on the beach and do a fat load of nada.

Where to go on a vacation in Seychelles?

Choose a base on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and spend your days cruising around the smaller, uninhabited islands. Given the location and just how utterly pristine Seychelles is, it’s a very expensive tropical destination for a vacation – especially during December and January.

Where to dive in South Asia?

Seychelles – Tropical Paradise at a Premium Price. Barbados – Caribbean Islands are a No-Brainer! Phuket – Southern Thailand is Magnificent. The Maldives – The Ritziest Destination in South Asia. The Perhentians – Two Tropical Places to Visit for the Price of One! Palawan – For Some of the Best Diving in The Philippines.

Where is Magnetic Island?

Magnetic Island is located about 5 miles off the northeastern coast of Australia in Queensland. Its accessibility to mainland Australia makes it the perfect destination for a short beach trip.

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar, also known as Unguja, is an island located off the eastern coast of Africa. It’s a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania and home to a mixture of Islamic/African culture. You can either take a plane or ferry to get to Zanzibar. A ferry being a smoother ride unless you get seasick.

What is the best place to visit in Costa Rica?

Accessible by boat from mainland Costa Rica is Tortuga Island, an island with amazing beaches and lush forests that make the extra step worth the visit. Well-known for its forests and snorkeling, you can expect to see incredible wildlife on this island, including dolphins, octopuses, monkeys, and more. Additionally, Tortuga Island makes a great day trip if you don’t have too much extra time while in Costa Rica.

Where are the San Blas Islands?

The San Blas Islands are a group of over 370 islands located off the coast of Panama. If you’re into island hopping, this is the perfect destination for you. You can hop in between the San Blas islands, or start in Panama and sail to Colombia. And of course, there are a bunch of beautiful beaches, and activities to do along the way.

Where is Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island is a fun mix of both city and beach, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. If you’re the type of beach vacationer who wants to shop, eat, and go to the beach, this is the perfect place for you. Anna Maria Island gives off a small town beach vibe that’s perfect for your next family vacation.

Is Ambergris Caye in the USA?

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island, located northeast of the mainland. With average temperatures ranging from 70°F – 80°F, it’s a perfect tropical getaway that’s fairly close to the USA. It has beautiful beaches and an environment that’s not overpopularized.

Is Vieques a Caribbean island?

Vieques, Puerto Rico is a small island off Puerto Rico’s coast. Located in the Caribbean, Vieques is known for its culture, wild horses, and bioluminescent microorganisms, on top of its stunning beaches. As it is a less well-known Caribbean destination, there’s a good chance that you’ll find peace and quiet while in Vieques. Then, when you’re ready for some excitement, you can head on over to the mainland.

Why are tropical plants so bold?

This leads to large plants with bold foliage. If you live in a climate which is closer to the equator the sun light is strong enough to help understory plants grow even in the shade. If you are in a cooler climate however direct sunlight will become more important to your tropical garden.

What is the best thing about tropical jungle?

One of the best things about tropical, jungle environments is they are alive with animals and birdlife. The sight and sounds of insect’s birds and other wildlife makes a tropical garden come to life. Hence it is always recommended to try and include as much wildlife habitat as possible.

What element holds the most responsibility for creating a tropical garden?

The classic tropical look of large leaves, palms and dense foliage give the classic feel you are in a jungle. Therefore understanding how to use planting types within your garden is essential.

What are some good ground cover plants for tropical gardens?

In tropical gardens these can create that dense vegetation and extra colour at ground level. Large leaved plants such as bergenia and Hedera Colchica make perfect ground cover plants for tropical gardens.

Why is direct sunlight important in tropical gardens?

If you are in a cooler climate however direct sunlight will become more important to your tropical garden. Not only will sunlight help your plants to grow it will also make your garden warmer. This will be crucial for both the plants and your enjoyment of the space.

Why are tropical gardens important?

As tropical gardens typically replicate the beauty of dense jungles they provide an escapism which other garden styles simply cannot. This allows you to journey to another world right on your doorstep.

What are the effects of tropical gardens?

One of the most familiar effects created by tropical gardens is the sense of enclosure created by dense vegetation. This enclosure can be especially welcome in a highly urban garden that is overlooked by numerous buildings.

Overview

Etymology

Seasons and climate

Ecosystems

Flora

Tropicality

See also