Inter-tropical convergence zone – ITCZ
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is an area of low pressure that forms due to the action of the Hadley Cell, where the Northeast Trade Winds meet the Southeast Trade Winds near the Earth’s equator. As these winds converge, moist air is forced upward. This causes water vapour to condense, or be “squeezed” out, as the air cools and rises, resulting in a band of heavy precipitation around the globe. This band moves seasonally, always being drawn toward the area of most intense solar heating, or warmest surface temperatures.