Tropics

• The Tropics are regions near the Earth’s equator, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant sunshine throughout the year.
• According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, The Tropics are defined as the region between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), encompassing the area around the Earth’s equator.
  • The names “Cancer” and “Capricorn” were attributed about 2,000 years ago based on the position of the Sun in the summer solitude zodiac.
  • These positions are no longer valid because the exact location of the tropics varies on geologic time scales with the inclination of the Earth on its orbit.
• The Tropics have a tropical climate, with average temperatures above 18°C (64°F) and high levels of precipitation, leading to lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems.
• The Tropics include regions such as the Amazon rainforest, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, each with unique cultural, geological, and biological characteristics.
• The Tropics are important for global agriculture, with many crops like coffee, chocolate, and bananas being grown in these regions.
• The Tropics are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on Earth.

Interesting Facts about Tropics

• The Tropics receive direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to high levels of solar radiation.
• The Amazon rainforest, located in the Tropics, produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen.
• The Tropics are home to over half of the world’s population.

Latest News

• July 5, 2024:
  • “Tropical forests regrowing in Africa could help combat climate change”
  • A new study suggests that regrowing tropical forests in Africa could remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. (Source: BBC News)