For the planet Earth, the location of the tropic is of particular importance, since it is one of the factors that shape the climate. In this article we will talk about what the tropic is and give a definition of such a concept. We also provide information on the types of tropics and their inherent climate, and interesting facts will be indicated at the end of the article.
The name and purpose of the tropic of Cancer
The name was given in the summer, at the time of the solstice. The sun was located 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 has been established, thanks to the separation of the planet Earth into separate parts, and with it the formation of seasons is in progress. The amount of incoming radiation from the sun varies depending on the 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 highest dose of insolation. Therefore, in the northern regions such a season as summer is formed.
All cities and countries located higher than the Arctic Circle are endowed with daylight for six months. And the southern part for six months is deprived of solar activity. Those latitudes that are located lower enter the winter, as the resulting temperatures are much lower.
What is the 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 of impact of the sun's rays 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 having an inclined axis to the orbit, day and night in different areas occurs in its own way. The angle of incidence of the rays of the sun at each point on the planet is different and has the property to change.
Climate in tropical latitudes:
- The climate type is not arid - it is characterized by drought and a scorching sun throughout the year.
- The amount of precipitation per year is 100-150 mm.
Subtropics are located in the northern part of the planet, which differ in temperature in winter by 4 or more degrees, and in summer - above 20 degrees. Note that such a tropic in the south becomes a subequatorial type. The seasons replace each other with a sharp transition. Precipitation falls in different quantities depending on latitude.
What is the northern tropic
A long, parallel, straight line encircling the globe toward the north is called the Tropic of Cancer. It originates at the borders of the equator. Mostly 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 Arctic Circle. The location of the direct line of the tropic changes after a while. Nowadays, it moves 15 meters a year towards the south. For a better idea of what the tropic is, the photo below.
In the tropic of Cancer are Hawaii, part of America, Sahara, northern Africa. Since there are fewer seas, lakes and rivers, intersected 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. Measurements were taken in December. For this tropic, one can note the border, which originates on the northern equator to the tropic of Cancer and the southern part to Capricorn.
Interesting Facts
The tropics are a regulator of temperatures, and, accordingly, of the seasons on Earth. Due to the tropics, world reserves of usable water are maintained. Most tropical vegetation has healing 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 amount of many everyday products - coffee, fruit and more.