The Himalayas are a vast mountain range with the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The range spans several countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and China, forming a sharp boundary separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau, while its slopes lie just above the Chiang Mai region in northern Thailand.
Have you ever wondered where the endless Sahara Desert ends and the Atlantic Ocean begins? Where on Earth is the North Pole no longer considered the North Pole? Encounters between vast natural areas and different climates define the borders, but at the same time – they also constitute a fascinating natural wonder.
There is probably a point where the boundary between the tropics and the temperate zone is crossed. But where exactly? Is there a city that is divided between tropical and non-tropical?
Here at Tropical Blocks we ask these questions. Because the tropics are at the heart of everything we do.
In this article, we even managed to locate a frame from an 80s film that shows where frozen snow ends and tropical regions begin!
Read on and find out for yourself. We're embarking on a journey to the limits of the tropics!
Two lines define the boundaries of the tropical zone
The tropics extend from the Tropic of Cancer in the north to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. They include the equator, parts of America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and constitute more than a third of the world's land area and population.
Is this the border? Not exactly. There is no clear sign on the ground, just as the desert looks the same both north and south of the US-Mexico border:
Two geographical climates: tropical and temperate
The Earth's tilt is what causes the difference between the regions: the tropics experience only two seasons – wet and dry. In contrast, outside of it, there are four seasons.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Seychelles
The word "tropic" in Greek means "change of direction."
Journey to the tropical belt
For example: 92% of Brazil is within the tropical zone. The latitudes of the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn cross many cities:
The Cancer Circle passes through:
- Guangzhou, China
- Bhopal, India
- Muscat, Oman
- Little Exuma, Bahamas
- Mazatlan, Mexico
The Capricorn circle passes through:
- Longreach, Australia
- Toliara, Madagascar
- Rehoboth, Namibia
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Tubuai, French Polynesia
This tower marks the Dodecahedron in Guangzhou:
Tropical deserts
There are tropical deserts! Like in Chile, cold water rises from the sea and prevents clouds. The result – dry areas but rich in unique life.
Indiana Jones and the Tropic of Capricorn
Remember that movie from the 80s where you plummet from a snowy mountain straight into a hot jungle? This is exactly what the most extreme transition between regions looks like!
Bosten Lake, China
Here the desert meets fresh water and green vegetation – a spectacular combination of contrasts.
Summary
There is no clear boundary. The transition between tropical zones is gradual, but it is there. As we at Tropical Blocks like to say – sometimes the magic lies precisely in those boundaries.
About Tropical Blocks
We produce the highest quality natural soaps, straight from the tropics. Want to read more?
