Question

How does south east trade wind blow in "natal" type climate when the pressure belt is under westerlies?

Answer 1

Between 5 and 10 ° North and South of the equator. The temperature is uniform throughout the year with no variations. Cloudiness and heavy precipitation make the climate bearable. The annual range of temperature is small and so is the diurnal range of temperature [ range of temperature in a 24 hour period]. Rainfall is heavy and throughout the year with no dry period. The equinoxes coincide with the periods of maximum rainfall [April and September].

Morning is bright and sunny.


Afternoon sees heavy convectional rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder.


Relative humidity is high and weather feels sticky.


Equatorial vegetation has features like:


Growing season throughout the year.


Great variety of vegetation


Trees are tall as they compete for sunlight. Undergrowth is less as sunlight may not reach the ground.


Tropical and equatorial forests have large number of species in a small area and this makes commercial exploitation tough. Also the hardwood doesn’t float on water and is difficult to transport. Thus most of these nations are net importers of timber.


Oil palm, cocoa and rubber are the main crops.
Hot and wet climate throughout the year. Rainfall during evening and high biodiversity. Intense competition amongst species for survival. Large number of species in a small area which makes it tough for exploitation. Presence of many epiphytes.