Equator: meaning, definitions and examples

Geography

• The equator is approximately 40,075 kilometers long, making it the longest circle of latitude on Earth.
• Countries like Ecuador, Brazil, and Indonesia are crossed by the equator, leading to unique ecosystems and climates.
• At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon on the equinoxes, causing little seasonal changes in temperature.

Meteorology

• Regions near the equator experience consistent temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, creating tropical rainforests.
• The equatorial zone is characterized by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds meet, often leading to heavy rainfall.

Cultural Significance

• Many equatorial cultures rely on agriculture, with crops like bananas and coffee thriving in the warm climates.
• Festivals and traditions in equatorial regions often celebrate the rich biodiversity and the importance of nature.

Science

• The rotation of the Earth causes a bulge at the equator, making the Earth slightly wider there than at the poles.
• The Coriolis effect, caused by Earth's rotation, influences weather patterns and ocean currents, especially near the equatorial region.

History

• Explorers historically sought the equator for navigation, leading to modern global mapping and understanding of latitude.
• The term 'equator' derives from the Latin word 'aequator', meaning 'equalizer', highlighting its role in dividing the Earth into equal hemispheres.

Ranked #11,349, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11346 fraternal
• 11347 dove
• 11348 criticize
• 11349 equator
• 11350 stump
• 11351 gravely
• 11352 descendant
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