aridtropical

Aridtropical is a descriptive term used to refer to hot, dry climates that occur within tropical latitudes. It is not a formal category in the major climate classification schemes (such as Köppen), but appears in regional or ecological literature to emphasize that arid conditions occur inside the tropics rather than in subtropical or temperate zones.

Climate characteristics: In aridtropical zones, temperatures are high year round, with little seasonal variation in means. Precipitation is scarce and highly variable, often with a long dry season. Evapotranspiration typically exceeds rainfall, leading to water stress for vegetation. The climate supports xeric deserts and dry savannas rather than dense forests.

Geographic distribution: Areas labeled aridtropical include portions of the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula, the Sahel in Africa, some interior regions of northern Australia, and other tropical desert and semi-arid zones around the globe.

Ecology and human impact: Vegetation is sparse and well adapted to drought; soils can be infertile or unstable. Agriculture relies on irrigation or drought-tolerant crops; pastoralist livelihoods are common; climate variability and desertification pose challenges.

See also: Arid climate, Tropical climate, Köppen climate classification, Desert, Savanna.