Seasonal tropical forest
A forest in the tropics where rainfall varies strongly between wet and dry seasons, shaping tree growth, leaf loss, and water availability.
Tropical dry forest: A tropical forest with a pronounced dry season, where many trees shed leaves to conserve water. Its seasonal leaf loss is a defining response to the rainfall regime.
Tropical climate: The climates of low-latitude regions, generally characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Year-round warmth allows growth, while seasonal rainfall determines water availability.
Forest restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of forests that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Restoration must match tree species and planting schedules to seasonal rainfall.
Biodiversity: The variety of life across genes, species, and ecosystems. Seasonal climates create habitats for species with specialized drought and leafing strategies.
Deciduousness: The periodic shedding of leaves, usually followed by growth of new foliage. Many trees lose leaves during the dry season and flush them when rains return.
Monsoon: A seasonal reversal of prevailing winds that commonly produces distinct wet and dry periods. Monsoon circulation creates strong rainfall seasons across many tropical forest regions.
Afforestation: The establishment of forest on land that has not recently been forested. Seasonal water limits influence whether new forests establish and survive.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, more isolated patches. Fragmentation exposes seasonal forest edges to drying, fire, and further habitat loss.
Drought stress: A condition in which water shortage limits an organism's growth, function, or survival. Dry-season water deficits constrain tree growth and influence which species persist.
Intertropical Convergence Zone: A near-equatorial belt where trade winds converge and rising air produces heavy rainfall. Its seasonal migration helps set the timing and length of tropical rainy seasons.