Tropics

Tropics, land and water 1,600 mi (2,570 km) north and south of the equator, as defined by the Tropic of Cancer (23°27' north latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23°27' south latitude). Because the sun's rays are more direct in these latitudes, the tropics generally have warm to hot climates year round with little variation in temperature, and receive sunshine for longer hours each day. Elevation, wind, and proximity to the ocean are also factors that affect weather conditions in the tropics, creating several climatic types, including tropical rain forests, steppes, deserts, and savannas.