24 Questions
What is the characteristic of Bereha climatic zone in Ethiopia?
High temperature and low relative humidity
What is the average annual rainfall in Kolla climatic zone?
Between 410 mm and 820 mm
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Woina Dega climatic zone?
High temperature and low relative humidity
What is the elevation range of Kolla climatic zone?
Between 500 m and 1500 m above mean sea level
What is the characteristic of the afro-alpine areas in Ethiopia?
Cold and humid climate
What is the average annual temperature in Woina Dega climatic zone?
Between 15º C and 20ºC
What is the characteristic of evapotranspiration in Bereha climatic zone?
Always in excess of rainfall
Which of the following is a region of Kolla climatic zone?
Wet western lowlands of Gambella
What is the main rainy season in most of highland Ethiopia?
Summer (June to September)
Which winds bring heavy rain to southwestern Ethiopia?
Southwest equatorial westerly winds
In which region of Ethiopia is the major rainfall season in spring?
Southeastern highlands
What is the approximate annual rainfall in Moyale?
1000 mm
What percentage of Moyale's annual rainfall occurs in autumn?
33%
Which of the following is NOT a major climate control in Ethiopia?
Ocean currents
During the summer rainy season, which winds influence the whole country except for a few places?
Southwest equatorial westerly winds
What is the position of the ITCZ during the summer rainy season in Ethiopia?
To the north of Ethiopia
What is the primary factor that affects the climate in the highland parts of Ethiopia?
Altitude
Which season in the Ethiopian highlands is characterized by high temperatures due to the absence of cloud cover?
March to May
What happens to rainfall amount as altitude increases in Ethiopia?
It increases
What is the primary reason for the relatively low temperatures in the highlands during the long rainy season (June to September)?
Cloud cover
Which of the following is NOT a major climate control at a global level?
Cloud cover
What is the primary reason for the high temperatures in the northeast and southeast lowlands of Ethiopia?
Low altitude and clear skies
What is the term used to describe the type of climate found in lowland areas of Ethiopia?
Kolla
Why do two places with nearly the same latitude in Ethiopia likely have large temperature differences?
Due to differences in altitude
Study Notes
Rainy Seasons in Highland Ethiopia
- The main rainy season in highland Ethiopia is during summer (June to September).
- At this time, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is to the north of Ethiopia.
- The whole country, except for a few places, is under the influence of the southwest equatorial westerly winds from the South Atlantic Ocean or the south easterly winds from the Indian Ocean.
Effects of Southwest Equatorial Westerly Winds
- These winds originate from the South Atlantic Ocean and blow over the humid regions of the Gulf of Guinea, the Congo basin, and Central Africa before reaching Ethiopia.
- When they encounter Ethiopia's highlands, they cause heavy rain in southwestern Ethiopia due to their moisture-laden nature.
- The amount of rainfall decreases as the winds move north and northeastwards.
Climate in Southeastern Highlands and Associated Lowlands
- Spring is the major rainfall season in the southeastern highlands and associated lowlands (Ogaden, Borena of Oromia, and the South Omo zone).
- The area's second rainfall season is in autumn.
Climate Controls in Ethiopia
- Latitude, altitude, and cloud cover are the most important climate controls in Ethiopia.
- These factors influence Ethiopia's climates and their distribution.
Traditional Climatic Zones of Ethiopia
- The traditional Ethiopian classification of climatic zones is based on altitude and temperature.
- The system divides the nation into five major climatic zones: Bereha, Kolla, Woina Dega, Dega, and Wurch.
Characteristics of Each Climatic Zone
- Bereha: hot arid climate, below 500 m above mean sea level, average annual rainfall < 400 mm, average annual temperature > 30°C.
- Kolla: warm-to-hot semi-arid climate, altitudinal range of 500 to 1500 m, average annual temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, rainfall varies from 410 mm to 1600 mm.
- Woina Dega: subtropical warm-to-cool semi-humid zone, average annual temperature between 15°C and 20°C, annual rainfall around 1200 mm.
Learn about the main rainy season in highland Ethiopia, its effects and the winds that influence it.
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