Kääntöpiirien

Kääntöpiirien, also known as the Tropics in English, are a region of Earth surrounding the Equator. They are bounded in the north by the Tropic of Cancer and in the south by the Tropic of Capricorn. These lines of latitude are significant because they mark the most northerly and southerly points where the sun can be directly overhead. This occurs on the summer solstice in each hemisphere.

The region between the Tropics experiences a climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Rainfall patterns vary significantly within the tropics, with some areas receiving abundant precipitation while others are arid. This climatic diversity supports a wide range of ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and deserts.

The term "kääntöpiirien" is derived from the Finnish words "kääntö" meaning turn or reversal and "piiri" meaning circle or region, aptly describing the cyclical nature of the sun's path and its impact on the climate within these boundaries. The kääntöpiirien are home to a vast portion of the world's population and a significant amount of its biodiversity. Many of the world's major rivers, such as the Amazon and the Congo, flow through this tropical belt. Understanding the kääntöpiirien is crucial for comprehending global climate patterns, ecological diversity, and human geography.