Explain the similarities and differences in climatic characteristics between Tropical Monsoon (Am) and Tropical Desert (BWh) climates. (9m)

(Body 1) High mean annual temperature: [P]

- Am and BWh climates both have high mean annual temperature as the regions experiencing these climates; - are located within the tropics where thermal uniformity prevails throughout the year

(Body 1) High mean annual temperature: [Ex]

- As the tropics is located within 0° to 30° N/S of the equator; - the low latitude; - result in this region; - to be an area of; - radiative surplus where the average temperature of the coldest month is above 18°C. - Due to the earth's tilt, as the earth's revolves around the sun, the position of the overhead sun shifts north and south of the equator; - but mainly within the tropics - The high angle of incidence of the sun; - causes insolation to be concentrated on a small area; - which heats up the earth's surface; - and causes temperature to be relatively high - This explains why both Am and BWh climates have high mean annual temperature

(Body 2) Annual temperature range for BWh: [Ex]

- BWh climates are found close to 30°N/S of the equator; - and their monthly temperature is heavily influence; by the position of the overhead sun - During summer, the combination of the overhead sun, clear skies and low humidities; - causes ground temperature to become extremely high; - where average temperature during this period; - can be between 30°C to 35°C - However, as the position of the overhead sun shift to the other hemisphere, average monthly temperature can be close to 10°C; - due to the combined effect with low cloud cover; - that allows heat to escape easily

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation: [L]

- Because of their latitudinal locations, the influence of various factors such as the ITCZ and the subsiding limb of the Hadley cell; - result in differing total annual precipitation for the Am and BWh climates

(Body 2) Annual temperature range: [P]

- Despite having high mean annual temperature, Am and BWh climates differ in their annual temperature range; - due to the difference in their latitudinal locations within the tropics

(Body 1) High mean annual temperature: [L]

- Due to their low geographical of low latitude; - within the tropics; - both Am and BWh climates have high mean annual temperature

(Body 2) Annual temperature range for Am: [Ex]

- For Am climate, they are usually located about 5° to 20°N/S of the equator; - and there is little variation in monthly temperature throughout the year - All months are characterised by high monthly temperature of about 25°C - Variation may exists where the warmest months occur; - just prior to the onset of the wet season; - due to the presence of little cloud cover that allows a high amount of insolation; - to reach the earth's surface - During this period, temperature can reach up to 32°C - With the onset of the wet season, monthly temperature will be brought down to within 20°C to 30°C - This results in the annual temperature range of Am climate to be approximately 2°C to 11°C

(Body 2) Annual temperature range: [Ex]

- For Am climate, they are usually located about 5° to 20°N/S of the equator; - and there is little variation in monthly temperature throughout the year - All months are characterised by high monthly temperature of about 25°C - Variation may exists where the warmest months occur; - just prior to the onset of the wet season; - due to the presence of little cloud cover that allows a high amount of insolation; - to reach the earth's surface - During this period, temperature can reach up to 32°C.

(Body 2) Annual temperature range for Am: [CS]

- For example, Akyab, Myanmmar experiences an annual temperature range of 7.8°C - On the other hand, BWh climate has higher annual temperature range that is approximately 17°C to 22°C

(Body 1) High mean annual temperature: [CS]

- For example, Monrovia in Liberia that experiences Am climate; - has a mean annual temperature of about 26°C; - while Cairo, Egypt that experiences BWh climate; - has a mean annual temperature of about 21°C.

(Body 2) Annual temperature range for BWh: [CS]

- For example, in Baghdad, Iraq, monthly temperature during the summer is 35°C; - which is 25°C higher than its average; - January temperature of 10°C.

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation: [P]

- In addition, the total annual precipitation of Am and BWh climates differ; - due to the influence of the Inter- Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) for Am climate; - and subsiding limb of the Hadley cell for the BWh climate

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation for Am: [Ex]

- The ITCZ is a zone of convergence of the trade winds (as a result of the Hadley cells); - and is characterised by bands of clouds with high rainfall - The ITCZ moves with the overhead sun - Due to the shifting of the ITCZ, the ITCZ brings rainfall to Am climate; - from 6 to 12 months of the year

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation for BWh: [Ex]

- This is the opposite for BWh climate - In regions experiencing BWh climate, rainfall is rare; - as the ITCZ does not extend/reach this higher latitude - Furthermore, this region is associated with the subsiding limb of the Hadley cell; - where air subsidence inhibit the formation of cloud and thus rainfall - Rainfall only occurs; - when unusual conditions move moist air into the region - Thus, as the sky is clear for most period of the year; - the total annual precipitation is low;

(Body 2) Annual temperature range: [L]

- This shows how Am and BWh climates differ in their annual temperature range; - due to their latitudinal locations within the tropics

Intro: Define Am and BWh climates

- Tropical Monsoon (Am) and Tropical Desert (BWh) climates are both tropical climates located within the tropics; - but due to the differences in climatic characteristics; - Am is a type of humid tropical climate while BWh is an arid tropical climate - Though similar in having high mean annual temperatures, Am and BWh climates differ in the annual temperature range, total annual precipitation and precipitation pattern

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation for Am: [CS]

- Under the influence of the ITCZ; - monthly rainfall can reach up to as high as 600mm; - as evident in Yangon, Myanmar - Due to the high amount of rainfall during the wet season; - Am climate has a high total annual precipitation of more than 2000mm

(Body 3) Total annual precipitation for BWh: [L]

- such as Yuma, Arizona, where it is only 75mm