Climate of Ethiopia and the Horn

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following accurately describes the difference between weather and climate?

Climate is defined by daily weather conditions averaged over time.

Weather involves long-term averages while climate involves instant weather conditions.

Weather is the current atmospheric state, while climate is the long-term atmospheric patterns. (correct)

Climate is determined only by temperature variations.

What primary factor controls the climate patterns in Ethiopia?

Seasonal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). (correct)

Ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

Altitude variations alone.

Proximity to the Arctic Circle.

Which element does NOT typically characterize weather conditions?

Humidity

Wind speed

Geological formations (correct)

Precipitation

In which layer of the atmosphere does weather primarily take place?

Troposphere (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'spatiotemporal patterns' concerning climate?

Patterns related to both space and time in climate changes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a focus of the chapter concerning climate implications in Ethiopia?

Technological advancements in forecasting (B) Signup and view all the answers

The impact of climate change includes which of the following aspects?

Both environmental and socio-economic effects due to variations in climate. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the climate of the Bereha agro-climatic zone?

Strong winds and high temperatures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in mean annual temperature in Ethiopia over the last 40-50 years?

It has increased by 0.2°C to 0.28°C per decade (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of climate change as defined in the content?

Consistent rainfall patterns (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which months is the temperature variability notably higher in Ethiopia?

July-September (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the severe drought event exacerbated by El Nino in Ethiopia?

Drought of 2015-2016 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate at which rising or sinking saturated air changes its temperature compared to dry air?

Lower than the dry adiabatic rate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when prolonged cooling of air takes place?

Condensation and liberation of latent heat (B) Signup and view all the answers

How much does wet air typically cool per 1000 meters of ascent?

5°C (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors primarily affects the spatial distribution of temperature in Ethiopia?

Altitude and latitude (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical atmospheric lapse rate that indicates temperature decrease with altitude?

6.5°C per 1000 meters (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lower layer of the atmosphere typically warmer?

It is closer to the Earth's surface and denser (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of dry air contributes to its temperature in the atmosphere?

Lower density compared to wet air (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between altitude and tropical temperature conditions in Ethiopia?

Tropical conditions are limited to lowland regions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What indirect source contributes to most atmospheric heat observed near the Earth's surface?

Heat absorbed by the Earth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes temperature inversions in the atmosphere?

Cold air sinking below warm air (D) Signup and view all the answers

What defines the lapse rate in terms of temperature change concerning altitude?

It describes the rate of temperature decrease with increasing elevation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes dry adiabatic lapse rate?

It represents temperature changes through expansion or compression in unsaturated air. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal lapse rate of temperature change per kilometer rise in altitude?

6.5°C per kilometer (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the wet adiabatic lapse rate differ from the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

It incorporates the potential for condensation and latent heat release. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the volume of dry air as it rises to an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet?

It doubles due to the reduced pressure acting upon it. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of adiabatic temperature changes in the atmosphere?

Vertical displacements of air masses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

At which altitude does the pressure upon a mass of dry air reduce by nearly half?

18,000 feet (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition for the application of dry adiabatic lapse rate?

When the rising air does not produce condensation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does latent heat play in the wet adiabatic lapse rate?

It decreases the cooling rate during the ascent of saturated air. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is typical for the altitude of 1,500 - 2,300 meters in Ethiopia?

15 – 20°C (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions has the highest recorded mean maximum temperature in Ethiopia?

Afar Depression (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the local term used for regions with a mean annual temperature of 10°C or less?

Wurch (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the daily range of temperature differ between tropical and temperate latitudes in Ethiopia?

Higher in tropical regions with small annual variations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mean annual temperature for altitudes below 500 meters?

25°C and above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What accounts for the minimal variation in monthly average temperatures in Ethiopia?

Consistent solar radiation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which altitudinal range corresponds to a 'Warm Temperate' climate in Ethiopia?

500 - 1,500 meters (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does cloud cover play in temperature distribution in Ethiopia?

It regulates daily temperature fluctuations significantly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In Ethiopia, which local term refers to the 'Cool Temperate' climate?

Dega (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Ethiopia's temperature across different altitudes?

Highland areas record lower temperatures than lowlands. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Five: The Climate of Ethiopia and the Horn

Ethiopia's climate is diverse, influenced by its location near the equator, the Indian Ocean, and complex topography.
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and its associated atmospheric circulations play a major role in controlling Ethiopia's weather patterns.
Weather is the instantaneous state of the atmosphere, encompassing temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, cloudiness, and precipitation.
Climate represents the long-term state of the atmosphere, encompassing daily weather patterns over a period of decades or more and including extreme conditions.
Key elements of weather and climate include temperature, precipitation, humidity, winds, and air pressure.
Key controls of weather and climate include latitude, angle of the sun, land and water distribution, wind patterns, altitude, and mountain barriers, and ocean currents.
Latitude affects temperature, influencing higher averages closer to the equator.
Earth's axial tilt causes seasonal variations in day length and sunlight intensity.
Equinoxes occur when the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths.
Solstices occur when the sun is at its maximum tilt, producing the longest and shortest days.
Altitude significantly influences temperature, with a general decrease in temperature at higher elevations.
Lapse rate refers to the rate of temperature change per unit of elevation.
Three types of lapse rates include dry adiabatic, wet adiabatic, and environmental.
Dry adiabatic rates represent temperature change in unsaturated air masses, while wet adiabatic represents changes in saturated air.
Environmental lapse rate represents the observed actual temperature change with altitude.
Ethiopia's temperature distribution varies significantly with altitude, with high averages in lowlands and lower averages in highlands.
Rainfall in Ethiopia is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
The ITCZ's movement across the equator affects the seasons causing variations in rainfall.
The temporal variability of rainfall in Ethiopia varies across seasons, with different areas receiving rain at different times and with varying intensities.
Ethiopia has four major rainfall regions.
Ethiopia is divided into five agro-ecological zones (Wurch, Dega, Weyna Dega, Kolla, and Bereha) based primarily on altitude and associated temperature variations.
Current trends in Ethiopian climate show rising temperatures (0.2–0.28°C per decade) and varying precipitation patterns, including increased frequency of extreme events.
Climate change impacts human health, water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Response Mechanisms

Climate change is both natural and anthropogenic.
Natural causes include variations in Earth's orbit, solar output, and volcanic eruptions.
Anthropogenic causes include increased emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane) due to industrial activities, agriculture, and other human endeavors.
Climate change impacts human health (mortality, morbidity, disease outbreaks), water resources (drought, floods), agriculture (yield reduction, and food security), and ecosystems (habitat loss, species extinctions).
Mitigation actions focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; while adaptation strategies center on adjusting to a changing climate (e.g., efficient use of renewable energy, improved water management, and crop diversification).

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Description

Explore the diverse climate of Ethiopia, shaped by its unique geographical features and atmospheric phenomena. This quiz covers key elements such as temperature, precipitation, and the impact of the Intertropical Convergence Zone on weather patterns. Test your understanding of the factors influencing Ethiopia's climate and how they contribute to its environmental diversity.