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

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

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

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

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

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

The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, precipitation, pressure, wind, etc.

The average weather conditions over a long period, typically 30 years or more, in a particular region.

The observable components of weather and climate, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, air pressure, wind, cloud cover, and sunshine.

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

A measure of the degree of heat or cold of an object or substance.

The amount of water vapor in the air.

The force exerted by the atmosphere on a surface.

The movement of air.

The amount of cloud in the sky.

Height above sea level.

Angular distance from the equator.

Mountains that create or obstruct changes in weather patterns

The movement of ocean water.

Regions with similar climate characteristics, suitable for agriculture.

Agro-climatic zone with hot, semi-arid climate and moderate rainfall.

Agro-climatic zone with a moderate altitude, high temperatures, and reliable rainfall.

Agro-climatic zone with lower altitude than Dega, lower rainfall, a milder climate.

High altitude agro-climatic zone with the lowest temperatures.

Agro-climatic zone with extremely hot and dry climate having the lowest rainfall.

A low-pressure zone where trade winds from the north and south converge, usually near the equator.

Device to measure temperature

Device for measuring rainfall

Device for measuring air pressure

Device for measuring wind speed

Device for measuring wind direction

Naturally occurring assets used for economic production or consumption, categorized as renewable or non-renewable.

Resources that can be replenished by nature, such as plants, animals, water, solar energy, and wind.

Resources that cannot be regenerated by nature and exist in limited amounts, such as minerals, fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).

Using natural resources wisely to ensure their availability for present and future generations.

The flow direction and destination of rivers, influenced by landforms and geological structures.

The largest drainage system in Ethiopia, contributing 60% of the country's water discharge, with major rivers like Tekezze, Abbay, and Baro-Akobo.

The second largest drainage system, contributing 32% of the country's water flow, with rivers like Genalle and Wabe Shebelle.

The smallest drainage system, consisting of rivers like Awash and Omo-Gibe, with many lakes within the Rift Valley.

Ethiopia is known as the "Water Tower of Northeastern Africa", with significant rivers, lakes, and groundwater potential.

Ethiopian rivers are energetic, flowing from highlands to lowlands, with rapids and waterfalls, serving as boundaries.

Originates in the Gojjam plateau, flows through Lake Tana, and contributes to the Nile River in Sudan.

Drains the Massif of Lasta, Gondar/Semein, and Tigray, becoming the Athbara River in Sudan.

The longest river in Ethiopia, originating in Hararghe, Sidamo, Bale, and Arsi, ending at Somalia's coast.

Located on plateaus, formed from volcanic activities, including Lake Tana, known for its unique environment and cultural significance.

Clustered in the Rift Valley depressions, formed due to tectonic activity, including Lake Abbaya and Lake Ziway known for their biodiversity.

Ethiopia's largest lake, formed by volcanic lava damming a depression, serving as a source for the Blue Nile.

A notable Rift Valley lake, known for its depth and unique ecosystem.

Important sources of hydroelectric power, fisheries, irrigation, navigation, tourism, and recreation.

Influenced by parent rock material, climate, vegetation cover, and topography.

The most widely cultivated soils in Ethiopia, found in areas with high rainfall, deep profile, and good drainage.

High clay content, sticky and difficult for farming, found in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Transport soils, rich in nutrients and found in the lower regions of Ethiopia's major rivers, excellent agricultural potential.

Ethiopia possesses a variety of metallic and non-metallic minerals, including gold, platinum, potash, salt, limestone, clay, and silica.

Used for electronics manufacturing, deposits found in western Ethiopia, a potential source of revenue and technological advancement.

Living organisms in an ecosystem including producers (plants), consumers (animals), and decomposers (bacteria and fungi).

Highly influenced by altitude and rainfall, classified into Afroalpine, forests, Savanna woodlands, and desert vegetation.

Found at high altitudes, characterized by tussock grasslands, mosses, and lichens, unique to Ethiopia.

Found at higher altitudes, diverse types of trees including Tid (Juniperous Procera), Zigba (Podocarpus), and Woira (Oliia Africana).

Characterized by scattered trees, shrubs, and bush lands, with acacia trees being dominant, found in both highlands and lowlands.

Ethiopia has a rich variety of animals, from common species to endemic ones, with mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Unique animals found only in Ethiopia, including Walia Ibex, Mountain Nyala, Gelada baboon, Menilik's Bushbuck, and Swayne's Hartebeest.

Protecting natural resources and wildlife to ensure their long-term sustainability.