CLIMATIC ZONES/ FEATURES

As mentioned previously, the general circulation of the air within the atmosphere is by caused the
heating and cooling of air, which in turn causes low and high pressure systems. As air moves from
high to low pressure, this is how our surface winds are produced. Ascending and descending air is
also linked to cloud formation.

As mentioned earlier, the idealized general circulation is subject to change by factors such as
seasonal variations in temperature and uneven heating and cooling of the large land masses and
oceans. We will now look at some of the various climatic zones/ features which are part of the
general circulation, as well as the typical climatic conditions/ features you may expect in these
zones. We will begin at the equator and work into higher latitudes.

The zones/ features we will be looking at in more detail are:

• Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

• Trade winds
• Subtropical anticyclone
• Variables
• Westerlies
• Polar front
• Monsoons

Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

The Intertropical convergence zone is the area in low latitudes where the trade winds of the two
hemispheres meet.

The low pressure is caused by the heating at the equator, which makes the air rise and travel north
and south high in the atmosphere, until it subsides (moves down) again in higher latitudes. This
rising air in the troposphere results in cloud development, which is a feature of this zone.

The width of the ITCZ zone varies. On average it is 200-300 miles wide, however if there is a strong
trade wind, the width of the zone may be significantly reduced.

With reference to the idealised general circulation diagram in the previous section you can see that
the ITCZ is located at the equator. However, this is not always the case as the position of the ITCZ
varies day by day. The movement of the ITCZ is caused by the sun’s declination. As a general rule,
the movement is as follows:

January to July: ITCZ moves North Refer to mean pressure distribution charts for
January and July (pages 105- 106).
July to January: ITCZ moves South

The diagram below shows the range of latitude covered varies from one longitude to another, being
greatest in the Indian ocean, and least on the eastern side of the North Atlantic and North Pacific
oceans, where it does not move south of the equator. In the South Atlantic, its progress south of the
equator is minimal, a factor which may partially account for the lack of tropical cyclones in this
ocean.

ITCZ- mean positions in January and July

As mentioned previously, cloud development is a particular feature of the ITCZ. The cloud type is
cumuliform, ranging from cumulus to cumulonimbus, with diameters between 1 and 10km.

A collection of these clouds, called a collective cell, may have a diameter in the range of 10 and
100km. A number of such cells may form a cloud cluster, which may have a diameter in the range of
100km and 1000km.

Weather conditions may be light winds, squalls and showers (Cu cloud), or thunderstorms and heavy
precipitation (Cb cloud). In contrast, there may be also be periods of clear skies therefore no rain.

The critical factor involved in the cloud development is that large amounts of water evaporating
from the sea surface (due to the warm sea temperatures), means a transfer of energy from the sea
surface to the atmosphere in the form of latent heat of vaporisation.

Associated with the low pressure of the ITCZ, is a zone of cloudy, calm conditions known as the
‘Doldrums’. The area of this zone varies seasonally both in latitude and longitude and is particularly
well defined in the Eastern Atlantic and Pacific regions.
 Satellite image showing the
approximate location of the
ITCZ

ITCZ – less active

ITCZ – very active here –

cloud clusters

Cyclonic circulations

Necessary conditions:

1) ITCZ is at least 5 ̊ away from the equator so that coriolis force has a reasonable value.
2) Change of wind direction.

North East
trade winds

C ITCZ 5 N
South east trade
winds are deflected
by coriolis force as
they cross the
equator.
Equator

South east
trade winds

C = Cyclonic circulation
As we know, the ITCZ is where the trade winds meet. On the diagram on the previous page, it can be
seen that the ITCZ is approximately 5 ̊ north of the equator. The north east trade winds are blowing to
the ITCZ. The south east trade winds are also blowing towards the ITCZ, however these winds have to
cross the equator to meet the north east trade winds.

As they cross the equator, the effect of coriolis force in the northern hemisphere will now deflect
these winds to the right, making them become south westerly. We now have a situation in which we
have two winds in opposing directions, which can lead to a cyclonic circulation.

Potential cyclonic circulation may evolve into a tropical storm.

Double band ITCZ

It is possible for two ITCZs to exist at the same time.

Double band ITCZ circulation pattern

Vertical section
TTP

30 N ITCZ ITCZ
30 S
Earth's Surface
Sea surface temp.= High Low High

The significance of the double band ITCZ is that cyclonic circulations exists in both hemispheres at
the same time therefore tropical cyclones may exist in both areas at the same time.

Twin Cyclones in Indian

Ocean

9th May 2002

 Trade Winds

The trade winds are surface winds blowing from the subtropical anticyclone to the ITCZ, as
shown on the diagram below.

Due to coriolis effect these are the North East trades and the South East trade winds.

The general extent of the trade winds is controlled by the mean position of the ITCZ.

Trade
winds

General weather conditions associated within the trade wind zones

• They are constant in direction & speed for a long time period
• Average wind speed is Force 4 (but may increase to force 7)
Significant change in wind speed and direction =WARNING! Tropical depression or cyclone
• Cloud types are Cumulus (Cu) and the average cloud cover is 4/8ths
• Near the equator, there may be greater vertical extent of clouds with associated showers
• On the Eastern sides of the oceans, visibility is sometimes impaired due to fog and mist over
cold ocean currents or dust carried offshore by wind.

Due to seasonal variations, they may be an exception to the trade winds. The main variation is in
the North Indian Ocean in July when they are absent due to the effect of the South west
Monsoon. Refer to the mean pressure distribution charts for January and July (pages 105- 106).
 Subtropical anticyclones (STAC)

The subtropical anticyclone is an area of high pressure usually located @ approximately 30˚ of
latitude.

These high pressures systems can be present for extended time periods.

Refer to Learning outcome 1 – permanent warm anticyclones section and mean pressure distribution
charts for January and July (pages 105- 106).

The weather is generally fine with little or no cloud and good visibility. The winds are light and
variable.

Variables

Over the areas covered by the oceanic anticyclones, between the trade winds and the Westerlies
farther towards the poles, there exists light and variable winds.

The North area is sometimes known as the Horse latitudes (30⁰ to 40⁰N).

The weather in the variables is generally fair with small amounts of cloud and rain.

Westerlies

On the poleward side of the oceanic anticyclones lie zones where the wind direction becomes
predominantly west. These zones, although mobile, generally lie north of 40⁰N and south of 40⁰S.

Unlike the trade winds, the winds in these zones are far from permanent. The continual passage of
depressions from West to East across these zones causes the wind to vary greatly in both direction
and strength. In the Southern Hemisphere, gales are so frequent that the zone has been named the
roaring forties.

In the Northern Hemisphere, fog is common in the Western parts of the oceans in summer.

Polar front

The polar front is the line of separation between the principal polar and tropical air masses in the
temperate latitudes. Most of the travelling depressions of these latitudes are formed on bends and
waves on the polar front. It often extends as an unbroken line for thousands of miles. The polar front
has previously been mentioned in conjunction with general circulation, main frontal zones and
formation of a frontal depression.

Complete course paper 2, questions 4- 13.

 Mean pressure distribution chart: January

Note: Location of the pressure systems, wind directions and the ITCZ.
 Mean pressure distribution chart: July

Note: Location of the pressure systems, wind directions and the ITCZ.