Where is Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Usually Located?
Tropical Wet and Dry is found near the equator, usually on the outer edges of Tropical Wet climate areas. The largest areas of Tropical Wet/Dry are found in Africa, Brazil, and India.
What Seasons Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
There are only 2 seasons in this climate. Wet season (summer) and dry season (winter). Usually the dry season is longer. During the dry seasons plant life and animal life struggle to deal with the dry conditions, but as the rainy season begins, plants turn green, ponds fill up, and animal life flourishes. This climate is caused by changing wind and ocean currents.
What are the Temperatures like in Tropical Wet and Dry Climate?
During the wet season, temperatures average about 77 degrees. During the dry season, temperatures average about 68 degrees. The temperatures stay high throughout the year because of the latitude where this climate occurs. Areas near the equator receive constant direct sunlight and therefore, heat. The slight difference in temperature is enough to change the wind patterns and keep this area dry for much of the year, until the winds shift and the rainy season begins.
How Much Precipitation Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Receive?
The change in precipitation is what gives this climate type is name. Precipitation only falls during the summer months, usually from May-August with June and July having the heaviest rain. The whole dry season usually has less than 4 inches of rain. During the wet season, at least 25 inches will fall. Some areas of Tropical Wet and Dry in the path of monsoon winds can receive incredible amounts of rain. Cherepunji, India once received over 1,000 inches of rain in a year! Northern Madagascar has the record for rain in one day--71 inches! Mawsynram, India is known as the "wettest place on earth" because they average 467 inches of rain per year. These incredible rainfall records are due to seasonal winds called monsoon, which bring dangerous amounts of rain. The map below show areas that experience monsoon wet seasons.
What Kinds of Vegetation (Plants) Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
The lack of regular rainfall prevents most trees from surviving in Tropical Wet and Dry. So, the most common vegetation are types grasses and shrubs with an few scattered trees. These types of plants have adapted to long periods of dry weather. The large areas of land covered in small shrubs, scattered trees and grass are often called savannas.
Tropical Savanna
Tropical Savanna
This is a picture of a Tropical Savanna.
What Kinds of Animals Does Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Have?
The grasslands of Tropical Wet and Dry support many herbivores (plant eaters) who graze in the grasses. Most of these animals usually migrate and run in large herds for safety. Examples include wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, elephants, giraffes, etc. Many carnivores (meat eaters) follow and hunt the herbivores. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large birds hunt the savannas of Africa.
3 reasons of Climate Description (Temperatures, precipitation)
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1. The temperatures in the Tropical Wet and Dry climate remain consistently high throughout the year, averaging around 68-77 degrees. This is due to the latitude where this climate occurs, which receives constant direct sunlight and heat from the equator.
2. Precipitation in the Tropical Wet and Dry climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, which is longer, there is very little rainfall, usually less than 4 inches. However, during the wet season, especially in the summer months, precipitation increases significantly, with at least 25 inches of rain falling. Some areas in the path of monsoon winds may receive extreme amounts of rainfall.
3. The combination of high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons in the Tropical Wet and Dry climate is influenced by changing wind and ocean currents. The slight difference in temperature is enough to alter wind patterns, which in turn affects the distribution of rainfall. This climate often experiences monsoons, which bring heavy rainfall during the wet season.
1. The temperatures in Tropical Wet and Dry climates are high throughout the year, averaging about 77 degrees during the wet season and about 68 degrees during the dry season. This is due to the constant direct sunlight received in areas near the equator.
2. Precipitation in Tropical Wet and Dry climates is highly seasonal. During the dry season, which is usually longer, there is very little rainfall, with less than 4 inches on average. However, during the wet season, which usually occurs from May to August, there is a significant increase in rainfall, with at least 25 inches falling. Some areas in the path of monsoon winds can experience extreme rainfall, with records exceeding 1,000 inches in a year.
3. The change in precipitation patterns is a defining characteristic of Tropical Wet and Dry climates. The dry season is typically marked by drought and arid conditions, while the wet season brings heavy rainfall. This seasonal variation in precipitation is caused by changing wind and ocean currents, which affect the distribution of moisture in the region.
1. Temperatures: The temperatures in Tropical Wet and Dry climate are high throughout the year due to its location near the equator. During the wet season, temperatures average about 77 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the dry season, they average about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The constant direct sunlight near the equator contributes to these high temperatures.
2. Precipitation: The change in precipitation is a key characteristic of Tropical Wet and Dry climate. Precipitation only occurs during the summer months, usually from May to August, with June and July having the heaviest rainfall. The dry season, on the other hand, receives very little rainfall, with less than 4 inches on average. During the wet season, at least 25 inches of rain can fall. Some areas in the path of monsoon winds can experience exceptionally high amounts of rainfall, with records exceeding 1,000 inches in a year.
3. Seasonal Variation: The climate experiences two distinct seasons: wet season (summer) and dry season (winter). The dry season is usually longer, and during this time, plant life and animal life struggle to cope with the dry conditions. However, as the rainy season begins, the landscape transforms, with plants turning green, ponds filling up, and animal life flourishing. These seasonal changes in precipitation and their impact on the environment are a defining feature of Tropical Wet and Dry climate.