The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): Earth's Weather Belt — Reading Comprehension

Grades

Standards

MS-ESS2-5
MS-ESS2-4
RI.6.7

About This Reader

This science passage explains the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a key equatorial weather system. Covering NGSS MS-ESS2-5 (weather systems) and MS-ESS2-4 (water cycle), it details how converging trade winds create low-pressure conditions with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The text describes seasonal migration patterns, the doldrums phenomenon, and connections to monsoon systems. Examples include tropical rainforest climates and sailing challenges.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): Earth’s Weather Belt

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a band of low pressure near the equator where trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. This zone is known for its heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and calm winds, making it a key driver of tropical weather patterns.

Characteristics of the ITCZ

Seasonal Movement – The ITCZ shifts north and south with the Sun’s position, following the thermal equator. It moves toward the warmer hemisphere during summer.
Heavy Rainfall – Warm, moist air rises in this zone, creating constant cloud formation and frequent downpours, supporting tropical rainforests.
Doldrums – Near the ITCZ, surface winds are often weak, a region sailors historically called the "doldrums" due to stalled sailing ships.
Thunderstorm Activity – The collision of trade winds triggers strong convection, leading to persistent thunderstorms.
Variable Width – The ITCZ can be narrow (over oceans) or broad (over continents like Africa and South America).

The ITCZ influences monsoon systems and tropical cyclones. Over land, its movement affects wet and dry seasons, while over oceans, it helps distribute heat globally. Farmers in tropical regions rely on its rains for agriculture, while meteorologists track it to predict extreme weather.

Understanding the ITCZ is crucial for climate studies, as shifts due to climate change can alter rainfall patterns, affecting ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Fun Fact: The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts its position so dramatically with the seasons that sailors for centuries nicknamed it "the doldrums" due to its calm winds that could strand sailing ships for weeks!

What is the ITCZ?

A high-pressure desert zoneA low-pressure belt near the equatorA polar wind currentA mid-latitude storm system

Why does the ITCZ cause heavy rainfall?

Cold air sinking rapidlyWarm, moist air rising and coolingConstant high-pressure systemsOcean currents evaporating saltwater

What are "doldrums" in the ITCZ?

Strong hurricanesWeak or calm windsFrozen ocean waterSandstorms

How does the ITCZ move seasonally?

Toward the cooler hemisphereToward the warmer hemisphereRandomly without patternOnly over oceans

Which weather feature is common in the ITCZ?

BlizzardsThunderstormsTornadoesDroughts

How does the ITCZ affect monsoons?

It blocks monsoon rainsIt shifts monsoon wind patternsIt has no effectIt creates permanent drought

Why is the ITCZ wider over continents?

Due to mountain rangesBecause of faster windsFrom intense heating and convectionOcean currents narrow it

How might climate change affect the ITCZ?

Stop all rainfall permanentlyShift its position and alter rain patternsTurn it into a high-pressure zoneFreeze the equatorial region

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