The word "ultratropical" refers to a climate or region located in the far southern or northern latitudes. It is pronounced \ˌəl-trə-ˈträ-pi-kəl\ (uhl-truh-trop-i-kuhl) and spelled with a prefix "ultra-" meaning beyond or extreme and the word "tropical" referring to hot and humid climates near the equator. The spelling reflects the morphemes of the word, with "ultra-" spelled with "u-l-t-r-a" and "tropical" spelled with "t-r-o-p-i-c-a-l". The IPA transcription denotes each individual phoneme in this multisyllabic word.
Ultratropical is an adjective used to describe a climate or region that is located near or within the Earth's tropical zone. The term combines the prefix "ultra," meaning beyond or extremely, with the word "tropical," which pertains to the region around the Earth's equator characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity.
In the realm of climatology, ultratropical refers to areas that are located at latitudes beyond the traditional tropical belt, typically extending into the subtropics or even closer to the poles. These regions experience a blend of tropical and subtropical climate characteristics, with a tendency towards warm temperatures, high levels of precipitation, and a longer growing season compared to more temperate regions.
Ultratropical regions often possess similar characteristics to those found in the true tropics, such as lush vegetation, diverse ecosystems, and a wide range of animal species. However, they may also exhibit some subtropical features, including periodic mild winters and a more noticeable variation in temperature throughout the year.
The term ultratropical can also be used to describe plant species that are adapted to thrive in regions that are just outside the typical tropical zone but still possess many tropical characteristics. These plants are often able to withstand occasional colder temperatures, making them suitable for cultivation in subtropical climates.
The word "Ultratropical" can be broken down into two parts: "Ultra-" and "tropical".
The prefix "Ultra-" comes from the Latin word "ultra", meaning beyond or on the far side of. It often signifies something that is extreme, surpassing, or beyond the normal or usual limits.
The term "tropical" is derived from the Late Latin word "tropicus", relating to the tropics, which in turn comes from the Greek word "tropikos". "Tropicus" literally translates to "of or belonging to the solstice", referring to the line of latitude where the sun appears directly overhead at noon, creating the highest point of the sun's path. The tropics are the region of the Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, characterized by warm climate zones.