Into the Depths of the Amazon

Welcome to the Amazon. Enjoy your stay!

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Geography

History

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Climate - About the Tropics.

The tropics are a region that spans the globe along the equator. The Northern tropics (northern hemisphere) line is called the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees North latitude and the southern tropics (southern hemisphere) is called the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees South latitude. In this region, the sun shines approximately the same amount of time every day and so there is little variation in temperatures. Some of the Amazon (basin, rainforest, and river) are located within the tropics. This is why the Amazonian forest, and many other forests across the world, is called a tropical rainforest. In the Amazon region, there are basically two seasons: a rainy season and a not-so-rainy season. In the rainy seasons, one can expect up to 60-180 inches. In the "dry" season, one can expect anywhere from 30 inches to 100 inches. Some spots along the basin average more or less than others. Generally, the north and south edges of the basin have less than the western edge.

At the fringes of the Tropics and past the tropics, the change in seasons is more visible. Universally throughout the Amazon, an average day is warm and humid. This type of climate is called a selva climate.

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