equatorward

1 7.5

Moving toward the equator puts something closer to the Earth's middle

adjective
/ɪˈkweɪtəˌwərd/

: hacia el ecuador

For readers unfamiliar with my hypothesis, I propose that the level of solar activity expands or contracts the polar vortices at the surface, thereby pushing the climate zones equatorward when the sun is quiet and pulling them poleward when the sun is active.
equatorward flow

Examples

When the sun is inactive, the vortices are weak vertically but flop about horizontally, pushing the jets and climate zones equatorward, allowing less energy into the oceans.

Blog text (29)
But most of the measurements upon which these determinations were based used more equatorward spots than the Great Red Spot.

Academic text (2000)
I note that the subtropical arid zone tends to be located equatorward of about 30 degrees, subject to various modifications due to circulation and hemispheric asymmetry and whatnot.

Blog text (32)
Environmental conditions such as the warm water temperatures and decreased equatorward flow characteristic of El Niño events in central California may produce years of poor recruitment for many species (Ralston3).

Academic text (1995)
During the summer months, warm air tends to flow equatorward, bringing tropical temperatures to many regions.
The migratory birds will head equatorward as the weather starts to cool in the northern hemisphere.
Scientists predict that climate changes may push certain species equatorward as they search for suitable habitats.

Surface Forms

equatorward positive

Morphology

equatorward = equator (transparent) = equator + ward

Formed by the noun 'equator' plus the directional suffix '-ward'; the meaning 'toward the equator' is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word equatorward comes from equator, the Earth's middle line that makes the north and south 'equal', and the ending -ward, which means 'toward', as in forward. So equatorward means moving or pointing 'toward' the equator, or closer to Earth's middle.