Intertropical Convergence Zone

American  

noun

1. Meteorology. Also intertropical convergence zone. a low-pressure belt that encircles Earth near the equator, where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, triggering conditions of heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially over land. Abbreviation: ITCZ.

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Intertropical Convergence Zone British  

/ ˌɪntəˈtrɒpɪkəl /

noun

1.  ITCZ.  meteorol the zone of deep convection and heavy rainfall in the tropics, esp along or near the equator

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intertropical convergence zone Scientific  

/ ĭn′tər-trŏp′ĭ-kəl /

1. A broad area of low atmospheric pressure located in the equatorial region where the northeasterly and southeasterly trade winds converge, extending approximately 10° north and south of the equator. As warm, humid air converges on this zone, it rises and cools, forming clouds and frequent, heavy showers. The doldrums occur within the intertropical convergence zone.

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Example Sentences

A large fraction of humanity depends on a belt of thunderstorms and rain called the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

From Scientific American • Sep. 20, 2023

Rainfall began to wane and crops withered, probably because or natural changes in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, or the area where the northeast and southeast trade winds come together.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2012