Question

What is Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

Answer 1

Hint: ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) is resulted due to the confluence of northeast and southeast trade winds in the region enveloping the Earth near the Equator. It is known as doldrums by the sailors.

Complete Answer: The Intertropical Convergence Zone is the area that revolves around the Earth, near the equator, where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres appear jointly. Supported by the confluence of the trade winds, the buoyant air rises. As the air rises it cools down, resulting in a continual cycle of thunderstorms.

ITCZ is featured by isolated Cumulus and Cumulonimbus cells at places where the trade winds are weak. However, where the trade winds are powerful, the ITCZ can generate a solid line of active Cumulonimbus cells entrenched with other cloud types expanding as an outcome of fluctuation at higher levels.

Note: In eastern Asia, the ITCZ may produce up to 30 degrees north of the Equator. In January, over the Atlantic, the ITCZ commonly sits no further south than the Equator, but expands much further south over South America, Southern Africa, and Australia. Over land, the ITCZ inclines to follow the sun's zenith point.