Why do some tropical rainforests get heavy rain every day?
Quick Answer
Strong sunlight heats moist air, driving daily convection that builds rain clouds. The atmosphere near the equator is also often unstable and humid, so showers form repeatedly.
The Full Story
Near the equator, intense solar heating warms the land and moist air above it, causing air to rise and form towering clouds. High humidity means there is plenty of water vapor available for condensation, and the warm atmosphere can fuel repeated convection. The ITCZ and related circulation patterns help maintain rising air in many rainforest regions. As a result, some tropical forests can receive more than 2,000 mm of rain a year, with frequent afternoon downpours.
Key Facts
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"Why does the rainforest seem to make its own rain every afternoon?"
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