The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt of low pressure which circles the Earth generally near the Equator where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together.
(a) It is characterised by convective activity which generates often vigorous thunderstorms over large areas. It is most active over continental land masses by day and relatively less active over the oceans.
(b) The position of ITCZ varies the seasons and lags behind the sun’s relative position above the earth’s surface by about 1 to 2 months, and correlates generally to the thermal equator.
(c) Aircrafts flying through an active ITCZ will probably encounter some or all the hazards such as turbulence, lighting and wind shear.
