Theory question 205
ClimateContrast the characteristics of the Equatorial climate with those of the Tundra climate
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Location: equatorial – about 0-10° N and S (Zaire basin, Amazon, Malaysia); tundra – arctic coasts about 65-80°N (northern Canada, Siberia, Greenland coasts)
Temperature: equatorial – high all year (about 27°C), annual range 2-3°C; tundra – very cold, long winters below −20°C, short cool summer under 10°C, very large range
Rainfall: equatorial – heavy (over 1,500-2,000 mm), all year with two peaks, convectional with thunderstorms; tundra – very low (under 250 mm), mostly as snow, cyclonic
Humidity and cloud: equatorial – high humidity and cloud; tundra – low humidity, clear cold air
Day length: equatorial – about 12 hours all year; tundra – midnight sun in summer, long polar night in winter
Vegetation: rain forest vs mosses, lichens and dwarf shrubs
Set the points out as direct contrasts.