Tropics

Synonyms

Equatorial; Tropical

Definition

The geographical regions surrounding the equator and between the latitudes lines of Tropic of Cancer in northern hemisphere (23° 27′ N) and Tropic of Capricorn in southern hemisphere (23° 27′S) are referred as tropics or tropical zone or torrid zone.

Introduction

The tropics are regions of the Earth that are in the middle of the globe and between the latitude lines of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (Fig. 1). It comprises 40% of the total Earth’s surface area which include the equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Tropical regions are warmer than any other places on Earth with all 12 months of the year having temperature above 18° C. The warmer climate of tropics can be explained by Earth’s spherical shape due to which it receives highest solar radiation around equatorial regions. The solar radiation reduces with increasing latitude resulting cooler climate near the poles. Relatively...