The equator is the imaginary line that circles the Earth and divides it into northern and southern hemispheres. This line helps us point out natural phenomena and unique features of the equatorial region. The equator spans 40,000 kilometers of latitude and passes through 13 countries including Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia. This imaginary line is more than just a geographical marker. It is a dividing line between climate and weather and also plays a special role in marking the patterns of biodiversity in the area that the line crosses. The position of the equator is also related to the direct rays of the sun. As a result, places on or near the equator enjoy the most intense sunlight and stable weather conditions on Earth. Here are five incredible facts about the equator that explain why it is so important and what makes it such an interesting natural phenomenon.
Hurricanes never cross the equator
Hurricanes never cross the equator
A hurricane, also called a cyclone or typhoon, is one of the most powerful tropical storms that forms in warm ocean waters. However, they never cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect (a force caused by the Earth’s rotation). This force is also responsible for their characteristic cyclonic rotation, but is weakest where it matters most: the equator. Without enough power, hurricanes cannot develop the necessary spin needed to sustain themselves, which prevents them from crossing the boundaries of either hemisphere.
Equatorial sunset and sunrise
At the equator, the sun rises and sets almost directly perpendicular to the horizon, meaning the transition between day and night happens very quickly. At high latitudes, the sun’s path across the sky is longer and more oblique, but at latitudes closer to the equator, an almost vertical motion of the sun occurs, making dawn and dusk shorter, with daylight changing from daylight to dusk in just a few minutes. Darkness and vice versa.
Ecuador Equator Monument
Places on the equator have equal day and night conditions throughout the year
One of the most interesting things about the equator is that the region has nearly equal lengths of day and night every year. Since the equator is at 0° latitude, there is direct sunlight all year round. The sun passes directly overhead at least twice a year. Therefore, this equatorial region has nearly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness every day.
It rains every day at four o’clock
Frequent afternoon showers are common in equatorial areas such as Southeast Asia and the Amazon rainforest, starting around 4 p.m. This is because heat intensifies the evaporation and convection processes of water throughout the day, causing the water to rise and cool once it reaches altitude, leading to the formation of clouds and ultimately rainfall. Predictable patterns of daily rainfall are a hallmark of equatorial climates.
Biodiversity hotspots
Equatorial regions are home to some of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Along the equator, the most lush rainforests, such as those in the Amazon and Congo, support an astonishing number of plant and animal species. Consistently warm temperatures, rainfall and climate stability provide ideal conditions for biodiversity. Therefore, these ecosystems are an important part of maintaining global ecological balance and play a vital role in conservation efforts.
