Tropical rainforests are primarily located within a specific latitude range around the Earth's equator.
Based on reference information, tropical rainforests are mainly located in the tropics, between the latitudes of 23.5°N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5°S (the Tropic of Capricorn)—the tropics. This region, known as the tropical zone, benefits from consistent high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, creating the ideal conditions for dense forest growth.
Understanding the Tropical Latitude
The location of tropical rainforests is directly tied to the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun. This tilt results in the sun's rays being most direct and consistent within the band between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South).
| Latitude Boundary | Geographic Marker |
|---|---|
| 23.5° North | Tropic of Cancer |
| Equator | 0° Latitude |
| 23.5° South | Tropic of Capricorn |
This consistent solar energy drives high evaporation rates, leading to significant precipitation, a hallmark of tropical rainforest climates.
Key Characteristics Influenced by Latitude
The specific latitude of tropical rainforests dictates several critical environmental factors:
- High Temperatures: Average daily temperatures are consistently warm, typically ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F) with little seasonal variation.
- Abundant Rainfall: Annual rainfall is high, often exceeding 2,000 mm (79 inches), and is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, supporting evergreen vegetation.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: The stable, warm, and wet climate promotes incredible biological diversity, making these regions home to a vast array of plant and animal species.
Where are Tropical Rainforests Found?
You can find large areas of tropical rainforest within this latitude band across several continents:
- South America: The vast Amazon basin.
- Africa: The Congo basin.
- Southeast Asia: Including countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.
- Central America: Areas like Costa Rica and Panama.
- Australia: Parts of Queensland.
These regions all fall predominantly within the 23.5° North and 23.5° South latitude range, confirming the link between latitude and the distribution of this vital biome.
