Intertropische

Intertropische is an adjective used to describe the intertropical region, a belt around the Earth's equator that lies between the Tropic of Cancer in the north and the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. In climate science and geography, the term denotes the climatic, ecological, and meteorological characteristics typical of tropical zones, as well as the biomes that occur there.

The region is characterized by consistently high temperatures throughout the year, with strong solar input and often high humidity. Climate types common within the intertropical zone include tropical rainforest (Af), tropical monsoon (Am), and tropical savanna (Aw). Rainfall is generally heavy, but its distribution varies by area and season. A key atmospheric feature is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of converging trade winds near the equator that drives deep convection and heavy rainfall. The ITCZ migrates seasonally with the Sun, producing distinct wet and dry periods in many areas and influencing global precipitation patterns.

Biodiversity is exceptionally high in many parts of the intertropical zone, particularly in tropical rainforests that host a wide array of plant and animal species. Land use in the region includes extensive agriculture, forestry, and urban development, which, along with deforestation and climate change, poses threats to ecosystems and water resources. The intertropical zone supports major agricultural crops such as cacao, coffee, bananas, rice, and other staples in various regions. The concept of the intertropical region helps scientists study climate systems, monsoon dynamics, and the distribution of tropical ecosystems across multiple continents.