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intertropical convergence zone Located on the equator, the archipelago is also influenced by changes in the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). During the NW monsoon (boreal winter), the position of the ITCZ is close to Australia, while during the SE monsoon (boreal summer), it shifts far North of Indonesia into the northern South China Sea. This shift controls the seasonal precipitation cycle over Indonesia, with little precipitation during boreal summer and a rainy season during boreal winter. During glacial times, the southward shift of the ITCZ during boreal winter was probably restricted and the Australian summer monsoon was drier due to cooler Indian Ocean water masses. |
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