Mechanisms that produce high precipitation in the tropics and temperate latitudes and low precipitation in the tropics The meeting of warm and humid air at the inter tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) from both hemispheres brought by trade winds and the subsequent rise of the air (convection) in the atmosphere. Near the equator, from about 5° north and 5° south, the northeast trade winds and southeast trade winds converge in a low pressure zone known is as the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. Solar heating in the region forces air to rise through convection which results in a plethora of (high) precipitation. The ITCZ is a key component of the global circulation system (Yahoo Answer, 2007). This process produces high precipitation in the tropics. Cold fronts, low pressure systems, warm fronts and stationary fronts produces high precipitation in temperate latitudes and low precipitation in the tropics is produced when there are prevailing winds and mountain barriers. The blockage
References: Espere (2012). Global Atmosphere Circulation. Retrieved from http://www.atmosphere.mpg.de/enid/3sj.html E Teaching Assistance Program (2012).Circulation and Patterns in the Earth’s Atmosphere and Oceans. Retrieved from http://etap.org/demo/Earth_Science/es5/instruction1tutor.html Yahoo Answers. (2007). Retrieved From http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080617054612AAua6tg