The important features of the atmospheric circulation Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ).  The east-west-oriented band of intense convection located over the warmest regions of the tropics. Sub-tropics.  The large areas of sinking, typically located at about 20° latitude, that compensate for the rising motion of the ITCZ. Little precipitation falls in these regions. Monsoon.  A tropical seasonal phenomenon driven by contrasts in land-sea temperature.  When the land is warm relative to the ocean, air rises over the land, drawing in moist air from the ocean. Intense precipitation typically follows on land. Mid-latitude jet stream.  An intense air current that moves to the east in both hemispheres.  The jet stream is turbulent, particularly in wintertime.   The eddies it generates are wintertime storms.