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- These positions are no longer valid because the exact location of the tropics varies on geologic time scales with the inclination of the Earth on its orbit.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.

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)