Аннотация:Vertical velocities at eight main isobaric surfaces over the entire tropical zone have been calculated according to materials from the comprehensive observation system of the First Global Experiment of GARP and a vast amount of background data on the wind regime in the troposphere and lower stratosphere of the tropics. Large-scale features of the field of vertical movements in the free atmosphere of the tropics, its spatial inhomogeneity, and seasonal variability are discussed. Also discussed is the relationship of the distribution of vertical movements and the major links in atmospheric circulation in the tropics: the intratropical zone of convergence, tropical monsoons, and tradewind circulation.