For planet Earth, the location of the tropic is of particular importance, as it is one of the factors that shape the climate. In this article, we will talk about what a tropic is, and give a definition of such a concept. We will also provide information about the types of tropics and their inherent climate, and interesting facts will be indicated at the end of the article.
Name and purpose of the Tropic of Cancer
The name was given in the summer, at the time of the solstice. The sun was in the constellation Taurus. The name was given about two thousand years ago, so at that moment the sun was under the constellation Cancer. The tropic is determined by its location in latitudes at 23.5 degrees.
With the help of the tropic navigation is established, thanks to the division of the planet Earth into separate parts, and with the help of it the seasons are formed. The amount of incoming radiation from the sun varies by season. When the sun is located over the Tropic of Cancer, during the solstice in June, then the northern part of the planet receives the largest dose of insolation. Therefore, in the northernareas is formed such a season as summer.
All cities and countries located higher than the Arctic Circle are endowed with sunlight for half a year. And the southern part loses solar activity for half a year. Lower latitudes enter winter as temperatures are much lower.
What is a tropic: definition
This is an imaginary line around the globe. In relation to the equator, the tropic is located in parallel, at a distance of 23 ° 27 ' towards the south or north. The location is determined by the place where the rays of the sun fall once a year at an angle of 90 degrees. There is a tropic in the south and north. Since the Earth has the form of a ball with an inclined axis to the orbit, day and night in different areas come in their own way. The angle of incidence of the sun's rays at each point on the planet is different and tends to change.
Tropical climate:
- The type of climate is not arid - it is characterized by drought and scorching sun throughout the year.
- Precipitation per year is 100-150mm.
In the northern part of the planet there are subtropics, which differ in temperature by 4 or more degrees in winter, and above 20 degrees in summer. Note that such a tropic in the south passes into the subequatorial type. The seasons change each other with a sharp transition. Precipitation varies in amount depending on latitude.
What is the northern tropic
The long parallel straight line encircling the globe in the north direction is called the Tropic of Cancer. It originates at the bordersequator. In general, solar radiation falls at an angle of 90 degrees. This tropic divides the Earth, as well as the Tropic of Capricorn, the Antarctic Circle, the Equator, the Polar Circle. The location of the straight line of the tropic changes after some time. Nowadays, it moves 15 meters a year in the direction of the south. For a better idea of what a tropic is, below is a photo.
In the area of the Tropic of Cancer are Hawaii, part of America, the Sahara, northern Africa. Since there are fewer seas, lakes and rivers, crossed by cities in the north, this tropic is larger. A smaller part went to the tropic called Capricorn. In 2015, the length of the tropic was 36,788 kilometers. The measurements were taken in December. Along this tropic, one can mark the border, which originates at the northern equator to the Tropic of Cancer and the southern part to Capricorn.
Interesting facts
The tropics are the regulator of temperatures, and, accordingly, the seasons on Earth. The tropics support the world's supply of usable water. Much of the tropical vegetation has medicinal properties that can cure cancer. It is known that the tropic is such a phenomenon, the disappearance of which threatens to reduce the number of tropical forests, which will greatly affect the number of many everyday products - coffee, fruits and more.
