PATHS OF THE OCEAN 1

Weather Systems of the

Tropics
The Tropics Not Always
Paradise
The tropics are defined geographically by the
Tropic of Cancer to the north and the Tropic
of Capricorn to the south. Visions of this area
typically contain tranquil images of giant palm
trees and warm, calm, crystal-clear waters.

Weather systems in the Tropics are caused by very different processes.

However this region has a very diverse weather system caused by the ocean and warm temperatures.
The rainy season in the Tropics typically runs from October until March. Keep in mind that this area
on the planet is one that receives the most direct sunlight. The heat from the sun causes the rain to
evaporate, which then rises, condenses and then falls as rain.

Sun & Heat Migration Re-Supply

Ocean Evaporation Clouds Condensation Rain Humidity

As the season progresses, there is a range of weather disturbances: Tropical Depressions, Tropical
Storms and Hurricanes or Typhoons. The differences between the variable disturbances are typically
categorised in this manner.

Geo Average Temp Average Rainfall Average # of

storms
Tropics 31C 182 cm 10
Desert 43C 15 cm 2
Savannahs 24C 91 cm 6