The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is an east-west-oriented low-pressure region near the equator where the surface northeast and southeast trade winds meet. As these winds converge, moist air is forced upward, producing cumulus clouds and heavy precipitation. These clouds occur in scattered masses about 100 km (60 miles) across. Among these randomly spaced clouds are synoptic-scale waves that move from east to west; they are known as the easterly waves. Within the ITZC, winds are often light and variable in both speed and direction. It was known as the doldrums by sailors because of the lack of horizontal air movement.
The ITCZ is most clearly developed in the tropical oceans (in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic). It is the most prominent climatic feature in the tropics and plays principal roles in tropical climate by interacting with the planetary-scale circulations of the atmosphere and ocean.
The positions of the ITCZ
The ITCZ is usually found within 350 km of the equator;...
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Cross-references
Atmospheric Circulation, Global
Doldrums
Monsoons and Monsoon Climate
Trade Winds and the Trade Wind Inversion
Tropical and Equatorial Climates
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Yan, Y.Y. (2005). Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In: Oliver, J.E. (eds) Encyclopedia of World Climatology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht . https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3266-8_110
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