___ regularly occur directly beneath the ITCZ.

• A. Thunderstorms
• B. Hurricanes
• C. Tornadoes
• D. Droughts

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that intense solar heating near the equator drives strong convection where air rises. The ITCZ is the belt where trade winds converge around the equator, causing air to lift vigorously. As warm, moist air rises, it cools and the moisture condenses, forming thick clouds and frequent thunderstorms. This ongoing lifting and condensation is why thunderstorms regularly occur directly beneath the ITCZ. Hurricanes need very warm seas and a different set of conditions (including Coriolis force) and tend to develop away from the ITCZ; tornadoes arise from severe mid-latitude storms with strong wind shear, not the typical equatorial convection zone; droughts are the opposite of the heavy convective rainfall found here. So thunderstorms are the best fit.