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Questions and Answers

What effect does frequent and dense cloud cover have on ground temperature?

  • It causes no effect on ground temperature.
  • It reduces the effect of solar radiation on ground temperature. (correct)
  • It significantly raises ground temperature.
  • It increases ground temperature.

Why does the subtropics zone receive the highest radiation in summer?

  • The cloud cover is very thick.
  • This zone is always humid.
  • The sun's angle is almost vertical at noon. (correct)
  • It is located near the equator.

Which characteristic is common in the temperate zone's climate?

  • The vegetation period is shorter.
  • It experiences uniform precipitation throughout the year.
  • It has extremely high temperatures year-round.
  • Solar radiation reaches the ground at a low angle. (correct)

What can occur in the subtropics zone during winter?

<p>Radiation decreases significantly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the climate of the cold zone?

<p>It has a very low angle of the sun, resulting in less heat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the temperate zone compared to other zones?

<p>Less variability in weather extremes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are most of the world's deserts located?

<p>Subtropics zone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'temperate' in the temperate zone?

<p>Regular distribution of precipitation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the summer season in the region influenced by westerly winds?

<p>Hot, sunny, and dry weather (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average annual rainfall in the region characterized by dry summer?

<p>500-750 mm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do winter winds in the region typically behave?

<p>Blow from the sea to the land and are cool and moist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Warm Temperate East Coast Climate Region experienced?

<p>Between latitudes 30°-40° North (B), Between latitudes 30°-40° South (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average summer temperature in the Warm Temperate East Coast Climate Region?

<p>26°C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the rainfall in the Warm Temperate Continental Climate Region?

<p>It decreases as one moves westwards into the interior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Warm Mozambique current and southeastern trade winds most significantly affect which geographic region?

<p>Eastern coast of South Africa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the winters in the region characterized by moist westerly winds?

<p>Mild and wet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the majority of African farmers to be vulnerable to climate change?

<p>Working on a subsistence level (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an impact of climate change on human health?

<p>Increased access to healthcare (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Africa described in terms of vulnerability to climate change?

<p>As a climate-vulnerable continent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most important natural resource for life on Earth?

<p>Water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the availability of water resources?

<p>Population density (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing latitude on sunlight exposure?

<p>Sunlight shines more obliquely, providing less energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climate condition is generally observed at the equator?

<p>Warm year-round due to direct sunlight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Sub-tropical High-Pressure Belts primarily responsible for?

<p>Dictating surface wind patterns and influencing temperatures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What name is given to the zone where trade winds converge around the equator?

<p>ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Harmattan winds?

<p>They are dry and cool, blowing over Africa. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of wind system brings moisture and rainfall to West Africa?

<p>Monsoon Winds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which latitude range does the African continent mostly extend up to?

<p>35° North and South (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sub-tropical High-Pressure Belt creates which of the following wind patterns?

<p>Trade Winds that may bring rain to coastal regions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do warm ocean currents have on the coasts they flow along?

<p>They supply moisture to winds and can lead to rainfall. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a warm ocean current found in Africa?

<p>Warm Mozambique Current (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of cool ocean currents?

<p>They cause moisture to condense, forming fog. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of conditions are often created by cool ocean currents?

<p>Dry and arid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which coast is influenced by the Cool Canary Current?

<p>Western coast of the Sahara Desert (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant result of cool ocean currents on fisheries?

<p>They create rich fishing grounds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can the rich fishing grounds associated with the Cool Benguela Current be found?

<p>The coast of Namibia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to winds blowing over warm ocean currents?

<p>They gain moisture and can lead to rainfall. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does climate have on people's food sources?

<p>It limits access to food sources in certain areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which climate condition is likely to support a larger population?

<p>Areas with better climate and associated factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does climate affect the clothing people wear?

<p>It influences clothing choices based on temperature variations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of mountainous regions such as the Ethiopian highlands?

<p>They experience very cool temperatures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of regions with extreme climates, such as deserts and rainforests?

<p>They often have fewer inhabitants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which climate condition is least likely to support sustainable settlement?

<p>Extremely hot and dry desert climate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does climate play in transportation infrastructure?

<p>It can limit transportation options in certain regions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the diversity of climate in Africa influence its residents?

<p>It influences their health and living conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Subtropical Zone

The region between 23.5° N and 23.5° S latitude, receiving the highest solar radiation in summer due to the almost vertical angle of the Sun.

Solar Radiation Effect

The impact of sunlight on ground temperature. Dense clouds reduce this effect.

Temperate Zone Climate

Characterized by relatively low solar radiation, cooler temperatures, significant seasonal changes, and a regular distribution of precipitation.

Solar Radiation Angle

The angle at which sunlight hits the Earth's surface. A lower angle means less concentrated solar energy.

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Cold Zone

The region between 60° N and the north pole, and 60° S and the south pole, receives less solar radiation, leading to lower temperatures.

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Cloud cover effect

Clouds affect the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground, reducing temperatures.

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Seasonal Temperature Variation

The change in temperature throughout the year, more noticeable in temperate zones.

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Subtropical Radiation

The intensity of solar radiation in the subtropics is high in summer and much lower in winter.

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Westerly Winds Influence

Westerly winds bring dry air in summer, leading to hot & sunny summers.

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Coastal Climate (Summer)

Coastal regions experience dry, hot summers due to land-to-sea winds carrying dry air.

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Coastal Climate (Winter)

Coastal regions receive cool, moist winds from the sea bringing mild, wet winters.

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Rainfall (Coastal)

Coastal regions receive 500-750 mm of rainfall annually.

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Warm Temperate East Coast

This climate occurs between 30° - 40° North and South of the equator along eastern coasts.

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East Coast Climate Influences

Warm Mozambique current, and Southeast Trade winds greatly affect this climate type.

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East Coast Summer Temps

High summer temperatures, averaging about 26°C.

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East Coast Winter Temps

Low winter temperatures, averaging around 10°C

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Solar Radiation and Latitude

As you move further away from the equator (higher latitude), the sun's rays hit the Earth at a more oblique angle, resulting in less concentrated energy and cooler temperatures.

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Equator's Climate

The equator receives direct sunlight year-round because it faces the sun's rays at a near-perpendicular angle, resulting in a consistently warm climate.

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Subtropical High-Pressure Belts

Located around 30° north and south of the equator, these areas are characterized by high atmospheric pressure, which influences wind patterns and climate.

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Trade Winds

Winds created by the pressure differences between the subtropical high-pressure belts and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

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Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

A low-pressure zone near the equator where the trade winds from both hemispheres converge, leading to rising air, abundant rainfall, and often stormy weather.

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Northeast Trade Winds (Harmattan)

Dry and cool winds blowing from the subtropical high-pressure belt in the Northern Hemisphere towards the equator, particularly over Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Southwest Trade Winds (Monsoon)

Moist winds blowing from the subtropical high-pressure belt in the Southern Hemisphere towards the equator, bringing rainfall to West Africa.

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Africa's Latitude & Climate

The African continent does not extend beyond 35° latitude from the equator, influencing its climate zones and weather patterns.

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Climate Change Impacts on Health

Climate change affects human health by impacting both environmental and social factors. It can lead to increased risks of drowning, hunger, and exposure-related health issues.

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Africa's Climate Vulnerability

Africa is often described as a climate-vulnerable continent due to high rainfall variability, hydrological extremes, and the impact of anthropogenic climate change.

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Climate Change Impact on Farming

In Africa, climate change worsens challenges for farmers due to limited technology, financial resources, and access to infrastructure.

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Water's Importance in Africa

Water is essential for life in Africa. Stream levels, river flows, and underground water supplies are all influenced by climate patterns and water availability.

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Climate and Water Resource Connection

The type of climate directly determines the availability of water resources, impacting the flow of rivers and the volume of underground water.

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Temperature Variation with Altitude

As altitude increases, temperatures generally decrease. This means mountainous regions like the Ethiopian Highlands have cooler climates.

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Permanent Snow Cover

At very high altitudes, temperatures are so low that snow and ice remain year-round, forming glaciers and snow caps.

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Climate's Impact on Lives

Climate plays a crucial role in shaping many aspects of human life - influencing food sources, transportation, clothing choices, and even tourism.

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Climate's Influence on Settlement

Climate affects where people choose to live. Areas with favorable climates and resources tend to have larger populations, while harsher environments have fewer people.

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Africa's Climate Diversity

Africa has a wide range of climates, from scorching deserts to icy mountains, contributing to a diverse landscape and human population.

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Climate's Effect on Living Styles

Different climates influence various aspects of human life, including settlement patterns, food sources, clothing styles, and even health and well-being.

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Climate's Influence on Human Adaptation

Humans have adapted to different climates by developing unique ways of life, utilizing resources and technologies to thrive in their specific environments.

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Climate's Importance for Well-Being

Climate directly impacts human health and well-being by influencing access to food, water, shelter, and disease patterns.

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Ocean Currents

Continuous, directed movement of ocean water driven by forces like wind, gravity, and temperature differences. There are two main types: warm and cool currents.

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Warm Ocean Currents

These currents flow from lower latitudes towards higher latitudes, carrying warm water from tropical areas to cooler regions. They bring moisture to coastal areas, contributing to rainfall.

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Cool Ocean Currents

These currents move from higher latitudes towards lower latitudes, carrying cold water from polar areas towards warmer regions. They tend to create dry conditions and promote fog formation.

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How do Ocean Currents Influence Climate?

Warm ocean currents bring moisture to coastal areas, increasing rainfall. Cool currents bring dry air and create conditions for fog. Both types influence the climates of adjacent coastlines.

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Warm Currents in Africa

Two prominent examples are the Warm Guinea Current in West Africa and the Warm Mozambique Current in Southeast Africa. They bring moisture and contribute to rainfall patterns.

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Cool Currents in Africa

Two important cool currents in Africa are the Canary Current on the Western coast of the Sahara Desert and the Benguela Current along the Western coast of the Namib Desert. They bring dry conditions and influence desert formation.

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Fishing Grounds & Ocean Currents

Cool ocean currents often create rich fishing grounds. For example, the Canary Current sustains fisheries off the Moroccan and Spanish Saharan coasts, and the Benguela Current creates rich fishing grounds off the Namibian coast.

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Why are Ocean Currents Important for Africa?

They influence the climate of coastal regions, often determining if an area is wet or dry. They also play a crucial role in supporting the fishing industry.

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Study Notes

Climate Change and its Challenges to Africa's Development

  • Climate is the average weather conditions in a place over a long period (30 years or more).
  • Weather is the short-term atmospheric condition (temperature, precipitation, etc.) on a specific day.
  • Climate zones are large areas with similar climates, spread east-west around the Earth.
  • Climate regions are areas with similar climate characteristics (temperature, precipitation, vegetation).
  • Global climate is the average climate of Earth.
  • Climate classifications are systems for categorizing world climates into regions.
  • Ancient Greek classification divided the world into torrid, temperate, and frigid zones.
  • Köppen system (most widely used) classifies climates based on temperature and precipitation.
  • The Köppen system recognizes five principal climate groups: humid tropical, dry, humid middle-latitude (mild winters), humid middle-latitude (severe winters), and polar.

World Climate Zones and Regions

  • Climate zones are belt-shaped and circular around the poles.
  • Zones vary due to the angle of sunlight reaching Earth at different latitudes.
  • Four major global climate zones include tropical, subtropical, temperate, and cold.
  • The tropical zone lies between the equator and the tropics (0°–23.5° N and S), is warm and wet, with high solar radiation.
  • The subtropical zone lies between the tropics and temperate zones (23.5°–40° N and S), receives high radiation in summer, less moisture.
  • The temperate zone lies between subtropical and cold zones (40°–60° N and S), has cooler temperatures, and distinct seasons.
  • The cold zone (60°–90° N and S) receives low solar radiation, has low temperatures, and large variations in day/night.

Climate Types and Regions of Africa

  • Africa's climate is diverse, with equatorial, tropical wet-and-dry, semi-arid, hot desert, mediterranean, warm temperate, warm temperate continental, and mountain climates.
  • The climate is highly variable in rainfall but relatively uniform in temperature across the continent.
  • Africa's climate is characterized by strong seasonal variations, latitude, pressure systems, ocean currents, and altitude.
  • The ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) impacts rainfall patterns.
  • Equatorial climate is a hot, humid, and wet region in central Africa.
  • Tropical wet-and-dry climate experiences seasonal rainfall, with a dry season.
  • Semi-arid climate has lower rainfall than tropical wet-and-dry, with some areas arid (hot desert).
  • Hot deserts (e.g., Sahara, Kalahari) have low rainfall, extreme temperatures, and high diurnal temperature ranges.
  • Mediterranean climate has mild winters and warm, dry summers.
  • Warm temperate regions along coasts experience higher rainfall.
  • Warm temperate continental and mountain regions are usually found in highlands or inland areas, with various temperatures and rainfall characteristics.

Factors Controlling Africa's Climate

  • Latitude is a major factor determining solar radiation and temperature variations.
  • Pressure systems and winds, particularly the ITCZ, influence rainfall patterns.
  • Ocean currents affect temperature and moisture content of the air along coastlines.
  • Altitude affects temperature, with higher altitudes being cooler.
  • Land–water distribution affects temperature and precipitation regimes.

Climate and Agriculture in Africa

  • Agriculture is a vital sector in Africa, highly dependent on weather conditions.
  • Rainfall, warmth, and sunshine are key for crop production.
  • Climate change impacts agricultural systems, particularly rainfall variability and temperature changes.
  • Lack of infrastructure for farmers affects agricultural production.

Climate and Health in Africa

  • Climate change's effects on water, food, and health are significant.
  • Climate variations and extreme events can cause significant health issues.
  • Low adaptive capacity in many parts of the continent pose significant risk for climate change effects.

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