Air Masses and the ITCZ

10/12/2025 19 min
Air Masses and the ITCZ

Listen "Air Masses and the ITCZ"

Episode Synopsis

Send us a textAir masses and the inter-tropical convergence zoneThe inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is where the trade winds converge; it is an area of uplift of air. The air that converges on the ITCZ does not have the differences in temperature and density that are typical of convergence at the polar front, and therefore there are no weather fronts. Equatorial weather, despite this, is far from placid. Heating the tropical air can cause instability and periods of heavy rainfall, which is of vital importance to some tropical regions. This rainfall occurs when mT (maritime Tropical) air is drawn in over the land but, when the source region is a continent, dry weather persists. This conflict between mT and cT (continental Tropical) is played out each year over the west coast of Africa.Support the showCheck out my website, Facebook groups and other social media.www.ritchiecunningham.com Geography Expert Substack | Ritchie Cunningham | Substack Geography Expert - Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3514097965371452 UK Geography teachers | Facebook Twitter - @RRitchieCYouTube Geography Expert@geographyexpert BlueSky @geographyexpert.bsky.social Threads cunninghamritchieLinkedIn (7) Ritchie Cunningham | LinkedInThank you for listening