Explain two reasons why tropical rainforests are located along the Equator

Question: Explain two reasons why tropical rainforests are located along the Equator. (4 marks)

Mark scheme (AO1 + AO2, 2 marks per developed reason × 2 = 4):

• Reason 1 — High insolation: The Equator receives near-vertical solar radiation year-round (1) producing mean temperatures of 26–28 °C, which support continuous photosynthesis and rapid biomass accumulation (1).
• Reason 2 — ITCZ rising air: The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone causes warm, moist air to rise, cool and condense (1), generating convectional rainfall exceeding 2000 mm/yr — sustaining evergreen broadleaf forest (1).
• Alternative valid reasons: lack of seasonal extremes; deep, although nutrient-poor, lateritic soils with rapid nutrient cycling.

Common error: Stating 'it's hot and wet' without explaining the atmospheric mechanism = max 2 marks.