Tropical climates are located near the equator. This is an area that receives a lot of sunlight. In turn, these regions experience high air temperatures throughout the year. This is the major trait of the tropical climate. A tropical climate is the A climate in the Koppen System.
Tropical Climates
Tropical climates are located in equatorial latitudes. As a result, these areas receive high levels of sunlight (solar radiation) all year. This creates an environment with high air temperatures all year. The sunlight and warm temperatures are favorable for plant growth.
Depending on the rainfall (precipitation), two major types of plant communities are found. These are the tropical rainforest and the savanna.
Tropical Rainforest (Af) Climates
A tropical rainforest climate is the Af climate in Koppen’s system.
Tropical climates with high levels of rainfall year round are support tropical rainforests. The rainforest is a plant community of tall trees. Tropical rainforest climates are located in South America, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The warm and wet climate supports very diverse ecosystems. About 80% of all living species are located in these environments. The dense vegetation also produces about 40% of the earth’s oxygen.
Savanna (Aw) Climates
Savanna climates are Aw climates in the Koppen classification system.
In some equatorial areas, there is a rainy season and a dry season. This pattern of seasonal rainfall results in the savanna. The savanna is a tropical grassland. The typical vegetation consists of grass with a few scattered trees.
In Africa, populations of large herbivores, such as the elephant, live in the savanna. Large carnivores such as lions also live in the savanna. The herbivores contribute to the creation of a grassland community. They do this by feeding or trampling on the seedlings of trees.
Summary
The tropical climates are compared below.
Table of the Tropical Climate Types
| Tropical Climate Type | Temperature Conditions | Rainfall Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rainforest | High temperatures year round | Rainfall year round |
| Savanna | High temperatures year round | Wet and dry seasons |
Reflections
Vocabulary
- climate
- rainforest
- savanna
Notes
- The tropical climates have warm temperatures year round.
- Tropical rainforests have high rainfall throughout the year.
- Tropical savannas have seasonal rainfall – a combination of wet and dry seasons.
Bibliography
- An Atmosphere Study Guide
- About the Atmosphere
- Rainforest, The Earth Observatory, NASA.
