What Is the Tropical Rainforest Climate?
Are you looking for an easy way to teach your child about weather and climate? We’ve put together a set of free materials that parents and teachers can use right away. In this lesson, your child will dive into the fascinating world of the tropical rainforest climate.
We’ll explore the characteristics and causes of the tropical rainforest climate. Explore science in a more engaging way with captivating 3D videos and interactive quizzes. Download our app to get started!
Table of Contents
What you will learn from this lesson
- A tropical rainforest climate is warm and wet.
- Low latitude causes the tropical rainforest to be hot.
- Rainforest animals are often excellent climbers.
What Is the Tropical Rainforest Like?
The tropical rainforest climate is characterized by consistently warm and wet conditions throughout the year. Temperatures remain high, typically staying around 30°C (86°F) during the daytime. This climate is also defined by constant, abundant rainfall, which occurs frequently throughout the entire year. The annual accumulation of rain in a tropical rainforest is substantial enough to cover even large plants. These conditions of heat and rain support a thriving, rich ecosystem.
Why Is the Tropical Rainforest Hot and Rainy?
The formation of the tropical rainforest climate is primarily due to its location, specifically its low latitude. Low-latitude regions receive direct sunlight throughout the year because the angle of the sun’s rays is not very tilted. This direct sun exposure is the reason why tropical rainforests are hot year-round. The large amount of surrounding ocean also contributes to the high rainfall. The constant heat causes the ocean to release large amounts of water vapor, which then rises, forms clouds, and results in frequent precipitation.
What Animals Are Found in the Rainforest?
The warm and wet conditions of the tropical rainforest climate support abundant, tall-growing plant life. This vegetation creates an environment where a wide variety of animals thrive. Animals living in the rainforest are often skilled at moving through the dense foliage, with many being excellent climbers and jumpers.
Fun Fact
- A year’s worth of rain in a tropical rainforest can be enough to submerge a tall plant.
- Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon, receive abundant heat because they are located in low-latitude areas.
- The large amount of nearby ocean water contributes moisture to the air, causing the tropical rainforest to be rainy.
- Animals in this climate, such as monkeys and sloths, have evolved to be excellent at climbing and jumping.
- Tropical rainforests are mostly found within 10 degrees (10°) of the equator, which is considered a low latitude.
Vocabulary
- Tropical rainforest climate: This climate is characterized by being consistently warm and wet throughout the entire year. It supports a rich ecosystem and is found in low-latitude regions.
- Latitude: This refers to lines used to pinpoint locations on Earth, with 0 degrees at the equator. Low-latitude areas, like the tropical rainforest, receive more direct sunlight, making them hot.
- Sunlight: This light is more direct in low-latitude regions because the angle of its rays is not very tilted. This direct sun exposure is the reason why tropical rainforests are hot year-round.
- Water vapor: This is created when the constant heat causes the surrounding ocean to release large amounts of moisture. It then rises, forms clouds, and results in frequent precipitation.
- Precipitation: This is a key characteristic of the tropical rainforest climate, with constant and abundant rain occurring throughout the year. It is formed after water vapor rises and turns into clouds.