Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.2 General global circulation and wind patterns in the tropics. (Illustration by
Jeff Dixon.)
seasonal shifts in winds are called monsoons. Large centers of population and in-
tensive agriculture within these areas depend on these monsoonal rains. These
high-intensity airmasses with high water content can bring torrential rains over
short periods. As much as 20-30 in (500-700 mm) of daily rainfall have been
recorded in sites in Africa and India. Monsoons are discussed further in Chapter 4.
In the continental or interior tropics, trade wind circulation is less pronounced
and differences in heat energy exchange between the forest and atmosphere are
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