Climate of Ethiopia

Weather refers to the short term atmospheric conditions at a given time and place while climate refers to the long term weather patterns of a region.

Temperature, precipitation, and wind are three main elements that compose both weather and climate.

<p>Controls of Weather and Climate are factors that influence the distribution of climatic elements over a region, like altitude, latitude, and distance from the sea. It is critical to understand these controls to understand the climate of a particular region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The five agro-climatic zones in Ethiopia are Wurch/Kur, Dega, Woina Dega, Kolla, and Bereha.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Longitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Altitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kiremt and Belg</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monsoon rainfall region</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ITCZ influences Ethiopia's rainfall patterns by shifting north and south of the equator. It influences the prevailing winds, bringing moisture to different regions of the country during various seasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thermometers, rain gauges, barometers, anemometers, and wind vanes are tools used to measure temperature, rainfall, air pressure, and wind speed and direction respectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Altitude and latitude are the most important factors that influence the climate of Ethiopia. Altitude determines the spatial distribution of temperature, while latitude affects the overall temperature range. The mountainous terrain and the location of Ethiopia within the tropical zone play significant roles in its climate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ITCZ is a low atmospheric pressure zone formed by the convergence of northeast and southeast trade winds. It shifts north and south of the equator, affecting rainfall in Ethiopia.</p> <ul> <li>In June, the ITCZ is positioned near the Tropic of Cancer, bringing in Equatorial Westerlies and Easterlies that carry moisture to the highlands. This causes rain in the highlands, but the intensity decreases as they travel north.</li> <li>In December, the ITCZ moves to the Tropic of Capricorn, leading to the prevalence of Northeast Trade winds, which are dry. This causes a dry season for most of Ethiopia, excluding lowlands near the Red Sea.</li> <li>In March and September, the ITCZ sits near the equator and the Equatorial Easterlies bring rain to the southeast lowlands and central highlands of Ethiopia.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nithosols (Red Basaltic Soils)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>While both highland and lowland forests are found in Ethiopia, they differ significantly due to altitudinal variations and rainfall patterns. Here's a breakdown:</p> <p><strong>Highland Forests:</strong> Found at higher altitudes (1500 - 3300m) and receive substantial rainfall (200-2200mm). They are characterized by different tree species, like:</p> <ul> <li>Kerkha (Arundinarial): 2800-3000m above sea level</li> <li>Tid (Juniperous Procera): 2200-2800m above sea level</li> <li>Zigba (Podocarpus): 1800-2200m above sea level</li> <li>Woira (Oliia Africana): 1500-1800m above sea level</li> </ul> <p><strong>Lowland Forests:</strong> Located below 1500m above sea level and experience rainfall above 500mm. Dominant trees found in these areas are Sholla and Warka. In areas with rainfall exceeding 500mm, Baphia forests predominate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wurch = Above 3300m, less than 10°C Dega = 2300-3300m, 10-15°C Woina Dega = 1500-2300m, 15-20°C Kolla = 500-1500m, 20-30°C Bereha = Below 500m, Over 30°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers