At thermal zones or climate zonesfrom the earth they are regions of the planet, represented on the map by bands, with different incidences of radiation and solar illumination. They are bounded by the parallels Arctic Circle, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Antarctic Circle.
Through these lighting and heating zones, it is possible to understand the Earth's climates and even how the human occupation of the planet took place. The uneven distribution of sunlight on the Earth's surface affects the temperature of regions and the formation of landscapes.
The Earth's thermal zones are:
- Tropical or Intertropical Zone: across the tropics
- temperate zone: between the tropics and polar circles
- Polar Zone: between the polar circles and the poles
Characteristics of thermal zones
Tropical Zone
Although it is also called Intertropical Zone, some authors divide it into the North Tropical Zone, located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, and the South Tropical Zone, between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn.
It is the region most exposed to the Sun, so it receives a lot of lighting and heating as the sun's rays arrive perpendicularly. Consequently, the length of day and night do not differ greatly.
temperate zone
It is divided into a Northern Temperate Zone, located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle, and a Southern Temperate Zone, between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle.
The sun's rays reach the region in an inclined way, causing it to present mild temperatures. It is possible to notice that the seasons of the year are well defined, the days are longer in summer and shorter in winter.
Polar Zone
It is divided into Arctic Polar Zone and Antarctic Polar Zone. Also called glacial zone, has lower temperatures and less incidence of sunlight.
The days have different durations throughout the year as they receive the sun's rays in a very inclined way. Winter marks a season that in some regions goes up to months without sunlight, unlike summer at the opposite pole when the days are long.
Also read about the types of weather.
Why do thermal zones exist?
Among the factors that establish the thermal zones we can highlight:
- Shape of the planet;
- Earth axis tilt;
- Translation movement around the Sun.
Because it is approximately spherical and slightly flattened at the poles, the sun's rays do not strike the entire surface with the same angle and intensity.
The Earth has a rounded shape and there is an inclination of its axis, approximately 23º27’, which makes there a difference in the way light and heat reach the planet.
Also know the factors that influence the climate.
Brazil and the thermal zones
Most of the Brazilian territory is located in the Tropical Zone, which is located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Therefore, tropical climates predominate in the country.
A part of the south of the country is located in the Southern Temperate Zone, which differs from the Tropical Zone in that it has lower temperatures and is located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Polar Circle.
Read about the Brazil climates.
Exercises on thermal zones
question 1
What are the planet's thermal zones?
Answer: Intertropical Zone, Temperate Zone and Polar Zone.
question 2
What factors influence the formation of thermal zones on the planet?
Answer: Approximately spherical shape of the planet, tilt of the Earth's axis and translational movement around the Sun.
question 3
Which thermal zone has the highest incidence of sunlight?
Correct answer: Tropical or Intertropical Zone.
question 4
Brazil is located in which thermal zone?
Answer: Most of the Brazilian territory is located in the Intertropical Zone, but a southern portion of the country is inserted in the Southern Temperate Zone.
Complement your research with the contents:
- Parallels and Meridians
- Difference between weather and climate
- Exercises on Brazil's climates