The Intertropical Convergence Zone

Abstract

The Intertropical Convergence Zone, or ITCZ, is a belt of wind convergence and associated convection encircling the globe in the near-equatorial region. In a zonally averaged view, it is located at the equatorward edge -- the rising branch -- of the Hadley cell. The ITCZ is characterized by the low-level wind convergence, low sea level pressure, intense convection and associated cloudiness. The zonally averaged ITCZ is not stationary, but slowly migrates from south of the equator during the northern hemisphere winter to north of the equator during the northern hemisphere summer, following the Sun.