Ethiopia's Climate and Weather Basics
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary factor influencing Ethiopia's climate?

  • Proximity to the Arctic Circle
  • Lack of influence from the Indian Ocean
  • The country's uniform topography
  • Seasonal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) (correct)

What is the key difference between weather and climate?

  • Climate includes extreme variations, while weather only considers average conditions.
  • There is no significant difference between weather and climate.
  • Weather is measured over long periods, while climate is instantaneous.
  • Weather is the current state of the atmosphere, while climate is the composite of long-term daily conditions. (correct)

In which layer of the atmosphere does the weather that affects the Earth's surface generally take place?

  • Troposphere (correct)
  • Stratosphere
  • Thermosphere
  • Mesosphere

Which of the following describes the concept of climate?

<p>The average of weather conditions over an extended period, including extremes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major element that causes large-scale horizontal motion of air?

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

What factor contributes to the diverse climatic conditions in Ethiopia?

<p>The wide variety of altitudinal ranges. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered a key aspect when considering climate?

<p>Extremes or variations that occur beyond average conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a major element of weather?

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

What is the primary factor determining the long-term state of the atmosphere?

<p>The quantity, distribution, and temporal fluctuations of radiation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a direct control on weather and climate?

<p>The amount of solar radiation absorbed by the earth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethiopia's latitudinal location contributes to all of the following EXCEPT?

<p>Significant variations in day and night length between seasons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of the Earth's axial tilt on climate and seasons?

<p>It leads to variations in the directness of the sun's rays and day length throughout the year. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which event does the sun's rays strike the Earth's equator directly, resulting in equal day and night lengths?

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

What is the defining characteristic of a solstice?

<p>Most or least amount of sunlight in a hemisphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On what date does the Northern Hemisphere experience its longest daylight hours?

<p>June 21 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Vertical air displacement and expansion/compression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn, what season is occurring in the Northern Hemisphere?

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

What is the term for the rate at which temperature changes with altitude in the troposphere?

<p>Normal lapse rate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The vernal equinox marks the start of which season and in which hemisphere?

<p>Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate angle of Earth's axis relative to the plane of its orbit around the sun?

<p>66½ degrees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to temperature as altitude increases in the troposphere?

<p>Temperature generally decreases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a result of adiabatic processes?

<p>Temperature changes in rising or subsiding air masses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If there are two places at different altitudes, what can typically be expected about their temperatures, assuming normal conditions?

<p>The place with a lower altitude will likely have a higher temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Even if greenhouse gas emissions ceased immediately, why would global warming and climate change continue?

<p>Because natural sources of emissions will still exist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of climate change mitigation?

<p>To avoid significant human interference with the climate system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered one of the ways to enhance ‘sinks’ of greenhouse gasses as a mitigation strategy?

<p>Preserving and expanding natural carbon reservoirs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures best exemplifies a climate change adaptation strategy?

<p>Building infrastructure to withstand stronger floods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for communities to implement flexible and diverse methods of cultivation?

<p>To prepare for unpredictable natural disasters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between climate change mitigation and adaptation?

<p>Mitigation reduces greenhouse gases, while adaptation addresses the impacts of a changing climate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of an adaptation strategy related to urban planning?

<p>Installing water-permeable pavements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does climate change resilience primarily refer to?

<p>The ability to recover from and adapt to climate change impacts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The volume is doubled. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate rate of temperature change for unsaturated air as it rises, known as the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

<p>10°C per 1000 meters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does saturated air cool at a slower rate than unsaturated air as it rises?

<p>Because condensation releases latent heat within the saturated air. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate rate of cooling for wet air as it ascends?

<p>5°C per 1000 meters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the environmental lapse rate?

<p>The actual observed change of temperature with altitude. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical rate of change for the environmental lapse rate?

<p>6.5°C per 1000 meters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lower layer of the atmosphere warmer?

<p>Because it contains more water vapor and dust. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which months typically record the highest temperatures in Ethiopia?

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

What factor primarily determines the spatial distribution of temperature in Ethiopia?

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

What is the primary factor that causes seasonal variations in temperature, despite the sun being high in the tropics?

<p>The directness of the sun's rays (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which region of Ethiopia are the lowest mean annual temperatures recorded?

<p>The Bale Mountains. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of Ethiopia are the highest temperatures typically recorded during autumn and spring?

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

Which area in Ethiopia experiences the highest mean maximum temperatures?

<p>The Afar Depression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In mountainous regions, what is a determinant of temperature variations besides the directness of the sun?

<p>The direction of rain-bearing winds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to local Ethiopian terms, what is the description for areas with mean annual temperatures between 15-20°C?

<p>Dega. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

<p>A low-pressure zone formed by converging winds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the local term used in Ethiopia for areas with mean annual temperatures of 25°C and above?

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

How does the movement of the ITCZ affect rainfall patterns in Ethiopia?

<p>It causes variation in wind flow patterns and rainy season lengths (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of daily temperature variation in the tropics, as seen in Ethiopia?

<p>Large daily temperature range with small annual range. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which winds bring summer rainfall to the Ethiopian highlands?

<p>Equatorial westerlies and South easterly winds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the variation in solar radiation received daily in Ethiopia?

<p>Solar radiation is consistent due to the location in the tropics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season does the ITCZ shift towards the equator, leading to southeastern rainfall?

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

Which factor is primarily responsible for the intense solar radiation observed in Ethiopia?

<p>Small changes in solar angles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of winds prevail over Ethiopia during winter?

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

Which region receives rain from the northeasterly winds during the winter season?

<p>The Afar lowlands and the Red Sea coastal areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season does the southeasterly wind bring rainfall to the central and southeastern lowlands and highlands of Ethiopia?

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

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the summer rainfall region of Ethiopia?

<p>The region experiences most of its rain during the spring (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the equatorial westerlies during the autumn season in Ethiopia?

<p>They weaken as the ITCZ shifts south (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main characteristic of the rainfall system in Ethiopia?

<p>Spatial and temporal variability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the ITCZ shift towards the south of the equator (Tropic of Capricorn)?

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

Which factor primarily contributes to the high rainfall in the southwestern part of Ethiopia?

<p>Moist air currents of equatorial Westerlies (Guinea Monsoons) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which seasons do the southeastern lowlands of Ethiopia receive the majority of their rainfall?

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

What is the primary source of rainfall for the Red Sea escarpments and parts of the Afar region during the winter season?

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

Which agro-ecological zone is characterized by an altitude higher than 3,200 meters and a mean annual temperature below 10°C?

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

The Dega zone is known for having what characteristics compared to the Wurch zone?

<p>Higher temperature and lower altitude (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agro-ecological zone has the largest share of landmass in Ethiopia?

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

What is the typical altitudinal range of the Kolla zone?

<p>500 - 1,500 meters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agro-ecological zone is characterized by average annual rainfall of less than 200 mm and average annual temperature over 27.5°C?

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

What is the primary factor that causes recent climate change?

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

What is the identified trend of mean annual temperature change in Ethiopia over the last few decades?

<p>A rise of 0.2°C per decade to 0.28°C per decade (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the rainfall pattern in the 'All year-round rainfall region'?

<p>Rainy days are more frequent than in any other part of the country. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Ethiopian agro-ecological zones, the Bereha zone is known for?

<p>Hot, arid climate, low rainfall and high temperatures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Weyna Dega zone include most of the agricultural land?

<p>Because its temperature and rainfall are suitable for most crops (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the rainfall in the southeastern lowlands of Ethiopia?

<p>It receives about 60 percent of its rain in autumn (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many extreme drought events were recorded in Ethiopia between 1900 and 2010?

<p>12 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Between 1960 and 2006, what was the approximate average temperature increase observed?

<p>1.3°C (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which months has the variability in temperature been noted to be higher?

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

What is the approximate rate of increase in the country's minimum temperature per decade?

<p>0.37°C to 0.4°C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in overall precipitation when averaged over the country in the last 50 years?

<p>Fairly stable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In specific regions of the country, such as the southern and southwestern areas, what was the approximate rainfall decline between 1975 and 2010?

<p>15-20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT considered a natural cause of climate change?

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

How does increased tilt in the Earth's axis affect the seasons?

<p>Warmer summers and colder winters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of volcanic eruptions on the planet's climate?

<p>Planetary cooling due to increased reflectivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of the Earth's warming in the past 50 years?

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

Which of these greenhouse gases is considered more active than carbon dioxide, despite being less abundant in the atmosphere?

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

How does climate change impact human health?

<p>Higher prevalence of malaria and heat-related illnesses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a consequence of climate change on water resources?

<p>Decreased drought frequency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change effect agricultural production?

<p>Physological stress to crops due to changes in temperature and rainfall (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant problem for species due to the rate of climatic warming?

<p>Rate of warming exceeding their rate of adaptation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area is most impacted by climate change?

<p>Low income countries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Weather

The current state of the atmosphere, measured at a specific time and place.

Climate

The long-term average weather patterns of a region, based on decades of data.

Wind

The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air.

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Precipitation

The amount of water that falls from the atmosphere to the earth’s surface.

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Temperature

The temperature of the air.

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Atmospheric pressure

The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on a surface.

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Cloudiness

The amount of cloud cover in the sky.

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Latitude

The distance of a place from the equator measured in degrees; influences temperature and sunlight hours.

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Earth's Axis Inclination

The angle of the Earth's axis (23.5 degrees) causes differences in sunlight intensity and length of days between seasons.

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Equinoxes

The two times of the year when the Earth's equator is directly facing the sun, resulting in equal day and night lengths.

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Solstices

The two times of the year when the sun is farthest from the Equator, causing the longest and shortest days of the year in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres respectively.

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Altitude

The height of a location above sea level; temperatures generally decrease with increasing altitude.

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Lapse Rate

The rate at which temperature decreases as altitude increases.

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Adiabatic Temperature Change

Temperature change in a rising or sinking air mass due to expansion or compression, not external heat exchange.

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Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate at which a rising or sinking air parcel cools or warms due to expansion or compression.

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Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate at which a dry air parcel cools at a rate of 10 degrees Celsius for every 1000 meters of ascent.

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Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate at which a moist air parcel cools at a rate of 6 degrees Celsius for every 1000 meters of ascent.

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Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate at which the temperature of a rising air parcel changes, accounting for the release of latent heat through condensation.

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Wet Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate at which saturated air (containing water droplets) cools as it rises. It's slower than the dry adiabatic lapse rate because condensation releases heat.

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Environmental Lapse Rate

The actual change in temperature with altitude, observed in the atmosphere. It's influenced by various factors, like sunlight and the Earth's surface.

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Temperature Inversion

A temperature inversion occurs when the temperature increases with height, instead of decreasing. This is uncommon and can happen due to various factors like cold air sinking or warm air rising.

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Ethiopian Temperature Zones

Ethiopian highlands are categorized based on temperature and altitude. This system helps understand the climate and ecosystems in different parts of the country.

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Hot Lowlands in Ethiopia

Lowlands in Ethiopia, especially in the north-west, west, and south-east, experience high temperatures due to their proximity to the equator and lower altitudes.

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Bale Mountains - Ethiopia's Cold Spot

The Bale Mountains, a highland region in Ethiopia, are known for their low mean annual temperatures, making them a cold climate.

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Afar Depression - Ethiopia's Hottest Spot

The Afar Depression, a low-lying area in Ethiopia, experiences the highest mean maximum temperatures in the country, due to its arid climate and low elevation.

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Ethiopia's Extreme Daily Temperature Range

The daily range of temperature in Ethiopia is more extreme than its annual range, with bigger temperature differences between day and night.

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Constant Solar Radiation in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, like other tropical regions, experiences consistent solar radiation throughout the year, with small variations in the amount of solar radiation received daily.

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High Daily Maximum Temperatures in Ethiopian Lowlands

The daily maximum temperatures in Ethiopia are typically higher in the lowlands of the northeast and southeast compared to the northwestern and southwestern highlands.

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Lower Daily Maximum Temperatures in Ethiopian Highlands

The highlands of Ethiopia are characterized by a lower daily maximum temperature compared to the lowlands, due to their higher altitude and cooler climate.

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Spatial Distribution of Temperature in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's diverse geographic landscape, characterized by both lowlands and highlands, influences the spatial distribution of temperature, with variations occurring across different regions.

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Latitude and Temperature in Ethiopia

Latitude, especially Ethiopia's proximity to the equator, significantly influences the country's temperature, as the area receives overhead sun twice a year.

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Altitude and Temperature in Ethiopia

Altitude plays a significant role in determining temperature in Ethiopia, which is a highland country with significant elevation changes.

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Ethiopian Summer Rainfall

The period from mid-June to mid-September when most of Ethiopia receives rainfall, except for lowlands in Afar and Southeast.

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What is the ITCZ?

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area where the Northeast Trade Winds and the Equatorial Westerlies converge. It shifts north or south of the equator following the movement of the sun. Ethiopia's rainfall is heavily influenced by the ITCZ.

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What causes summer rainfall in Ethiopia?

The Equatorial Westerlies, also known as the Guinea Monsoon, are moist winds that bring rainfall to Ethiopia during the summer season.

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How is rainfall in Ethiopia Variable?

Ethiopia's rainfall is highly variable, both in amount and distribution across the country. This variation is a consequence of macro-scale pressure systems and monsoon flows.

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Which parts of Ethiopia receive rainfall during summer?

During the summer months (June, July, August) most of Ethiopia receives rainfall, except for low-lying areas in Afar and the Southeast.

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What happens to the ITCZ in autumn?

The shift of the ITCZ towards the equator during autumn weakens the Equatorial Westerlies.

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What are winter rainfall characteristics in Ethiopia?

During winter (December, January, February), the overhead sun is far south of the equator. The Northeast Trade Winds from Asia are dominant, but they carry little moisture, so rainfall is limited to the Afar lowlands and the Red Sea coast.

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What is the rainfall pattern in spring?

In spring (March, April, May), the sun is directly over the equator and moving north. This season sees a decrease in the Northeast Trade Winds and an increase in Southeasterlies from the Indian Ocean, bringing rain to parts of Somalia and Ethiopia's central and southeastern highlands and lowlands.

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What are the specifics of Ethiopian mountain rainfall?

The mountainous regions of Ethiopia have variable rainfall, influenced by the direction of moisture-laden winds and other factors.

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What is the Summer Rainfall Region?

The area that receives most of its rainfall during the summer months (kiremt). The wet summer rainfall region receives more than 1,000mm of rainfall.

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What are the four rainfall regions in Ethiopia?

Based on rainfall distribution, these four regions can be identified in Ethiopia: Summer Rainfall Region, Autumn Rainfall Region, Winter Rainfall Region and Spring Rainfall Region. Each region receives most of its rainfall during a specific season.

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What is the Autumn Rainfall Region?

The region characterized by most of its rainfall occurring during the autumn months (September, October, November) and generally found in southeastern lowlands.

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What is the Winter Rainfall Region?

The region characterized by receiving most of its rainfall during the winter months (December, January, February) and primarily found in the Afar lowlands and the Red Sea coastal areas.

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What is the Spring Rainfall Region?

The region characterized by receiving most of its rainfall during the spring months (March, April, May) and encompassing areas like parts of Somalia and Ethiopia's central and southeastern highlands and lowlands.

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Climate Change Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce and control greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to slow down climate change. It involves reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere or increasing the amount absorbed by sinks like forests and oceans.

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Climate Change Adaptation

Adjusting to the effects of climate change to minimize its negative impacts and take advantage of potential opportunities. It means adapting to the changing climate and the new conditions it brings.

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Climate Change Resilience

The ability of an organism, population, or system to withstand and recover from a disturbance or change. In the context of climate change, resilience means being able to bounce back from extreme weather events and other climate impacts.

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Mitigation Strategies

Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Examples include using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation.

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Adaptation Strategies

Strategies to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Examples include building flood defenses, implementing water-saving measures, and adapting farming practices to changing conditions.

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Resilience Strategies

Promoting practices and policies that enhance an ecosystem's ability to withstand and recover from disturbances. This can include restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land use.

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Energy Efficiency

A measure of how efficiently a system or process uses energy. Improving energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same result.

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Renewable Energy

Energy sources derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate faster than they are consumed. These include solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.

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Climate Change

The gradual increase in Earth's average temperature over a long period, primarily due to human activities.

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Earth Orbital Changes

Changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun, affecting the amount of solar radiation received.

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Energy Budget

The balance of incoming solar radiation and outgoing energy from Earth.

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Volcanic Eruptions

The release of gases and particles from volcanic eruptions, which can reflect sunlight and cool the atmosphere.

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Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to warming.

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Anthropogenic Climate Change

The increase in Earth's temperature caused by human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases.

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Fossil Fuel Combustion

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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Decomposition

The decomposition of organic matter in landfills, agriculture, and other processes releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

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Deforestation

The clearing of forests for agriculture, development, and other purposes reduces the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees.

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Extreme Weather Events

The increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms, due to climate change.

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Sea Level Rise

The rise in sea level caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, thermal expansion of water, and other factors.

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Impact on Agriculture

The impact of climate change on agriculture, leading to changes in crop yields, water availability, and other challenges.

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Impact on Ecosystems

The impact of climate change on ecosystems, leading to shifts in species ranges, changes in biodiversity, and other effects.

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Indigenous Climate Response Mechanisms

Traditional or indigenous practices and knowledge used to adapt to climate change.

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Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Strategies and actions taken to mitigate climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to its impacts, and building resilience.

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All-year-round Rainfall Region

A rainfall region in southwestern Ethiopia, characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year, influenced by moist equatorial Westerlies known as the Guinea Monsoons.

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Autumn and Spring Rainfall Region

This region receives rainfall primarily during autumn and spring seasons, thanks to southeasterly winds from the Indian Ocean. It's located in the southeastern lowlands of Ethiopia.

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Winter Rainfall Region

A rainfall region relying on northeasterly winds for rain, mainly during the winter season. It covers the Red Sea escarpments and parts of the Afar region.

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Wurch Zone

A high-altitude zone in Ethiopia, located above 3,200 meters, with a mean annual temperature below 10°C. It features mountainous areas like Ras Dashen, Guna, and Batu.

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Dega Zone

Another highland zone in Ethiopia, with a higher temperature and lower altitude compared to the Wurch Zone. Its characteristics include reliable rainfall suitable for agriculture and less risk of diseases like malaria.

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Weyna Dega Zone

A zone in Ethiopia with a warmer temperature and moderate rainfall, located between 1,500 and 2,300 meters above sea level. It's the second-largest zone in the country, ideal for most crops.

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Kolla Zone

A hot lowland zone in Ethiopia, located between 500 and 1,500 meters, with an average temperature between 20°C and 30°C. Rainfall is erratic but can reach high amounts in the wet western lowlands.

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Bereha Zone

The hot arid climate of the desert lowlands in Ethiopia, found below 500 meters altitude. It's characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, strong winds, and excess evapotranspiration.

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Ethiopia's Drought Vulnerability

Ethiopia's vulnerability to drought, ranking 5th among 184 countries. The country experienced 12 extreme drought events between 1900 and 2010, many of which caused famines.

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Global Warming

An increase in Earth's average temperature over several decades, primarily caused by human activities releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The release of gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere, trapping heat and contributing to climate change.

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Climate Change Response Mechanisms

Actions taken to counteract the effects of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change impacts, and investing in renewable energy sources.

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Study Notes

Climate of Ethiopia and the Horn

  • Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, features diverse climates due to its varied altitudes and proximity to the equator and Indian Ocean.
  • Weather is the current state of the atmosphere (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, cloudiness, precipitation).
  • Climate is the long-term average weather patterns, including extremes.
  • Ethiopia's climate is primarily influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and its seasonal shifts, coupled with the country's complex topography.

Elements and Controls of Weather and Climate

  • Weather elements define conditions like temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and air pressure; all influenced by solar radiation distribution and variations.
  • Climate is controlled by factors such as latitude, land/water distribution, winds, air pressure, altitude, and mountain barriers, ocean currents, and vegetation.
  • Global climate patterns also affect local climates.

Latitude

  • Latitude dictates temperature: the closer to the equator, the warmer the temperature.
  • Ethiopia's equatorial position results in high average temperatures, limited daily and annual temperature variation, and no significant day/night differences between seasons.

Inclination of Earth's Axis

  • Earth's axial tilt (23.5°) creates seasons and variations in day lengths.
  • Equinoxes (spring/autumn): equal day and night lengths, mark the beginning of seasons.
  • Solstices (summer/winter): maximum tilt towards/away from the Sun, resulting in unequal day/night lengths.

Altitude

  • Altitude impacts temperatures. Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude (lapse rate).
  • Dry adiabatic lapse rate: temperature change in rising/sinking unsaturated air (10°C per 1000m).
  • Wet adiabatic lapse rate: temperature change in rising/sinking saturated air, slower cooling (5°C per 1000m) due to latent heat release during condensation.
  • Environmental lapse rate: actual observed temperature change with altitude (6.5°C per 1000m).

Spatiotemporal Patterns and Distribution of Temperature and Rainfall

  • Temperature distribution in Ethiopia is primarily determined by altitude and latitude.
  • Mean annual temperatures range from over 30°C in lowlands to less than 10°C in high altitudes.
  • Lowest mean annual temperatures commonly found in the Bale Mountains, while highest temperatures are usually recorded at the Afar Depression.
  • Rainfall is highly variable spatially and temporally, influenced by the ITCZ's migration, pressure systems, and monsoon flows.

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Rainfall

  • ITCZ shifts cause rainfall variations.
  • Summer (June-September): most regions receive rain—Equatorial Westerlies (Guinea monsoon) and South-easterlies.
  • Autumn (September-November): rain in southeastern lowlands—South easterlies.
  • Winter (December-February): minimal rainfall in most areas—Northeasterly winds from Asia.
  • Spring (March-May): rain in southern/southeastern highlands and lowlands—South easterlies.
  • Four general rainfall regions identified in Ethiopia: summer rainfall, year-round rainfall, autumn/spring rainfall, and winter rainfall.

Agro-ecological Zones

  • Ethiopia's diverse topography and climate result in five major agro-ecological zones: Bereha (hot arid), Kolla (warm semi-arid), Weyna Dega (cool sub-humid), Dega (cool to humid) and Wurch (cold to moist).
  • Each zone is defined by specific altitude, mean annual rainfall, temperature and growing periods.

Climate Change/Global Warming

  • Climate change is a shift in climate properties due to both natural variability and human activity over decades.
  • Ethiopia experiences significant climate change impacts, including drought, floods, and rising temperatures.
  • Temperature trends in Ethiopia show a rise of 0.2-0.28°C per decade over the last 40-50 years, with higher increases observed in drier parts of the country.
  • Rainfall has shown slight variability over the past 50 years but patterns are increasingly divergent.

Causes of Climate Change

  • Natural causes: changes in Earth's orbit, solar energy output, volcanic eruptions.
  • Anthropogenic causes: increased greenhouse gas emissions due to industrial activities, agriculture, and other human activities.

Consequences of Climate Change

  • Impacts on human health (heat-related illness, infectious diseases), water resources (droughts, floods), agriculture (reduced production), and ecosystems.

Climate Response Mechanisms

  • Mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) strategies: energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transport systems.
  • Adaptation (adjusting to climate change) strategies: building flood defenses, developing drought-resistant crops, improving water storage, and disaster preparedness.

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Test your knowledge on the factors influencing Ethiopia's climate and the key differences between weather and climate in this engaging quiz. Explore concepts such as atmospheric layers, the Earth's axial tilt, and major elements that affect weather patterns. Gain insights into the unique climatic conditions of Ethiopia and the fundamental principles of meteorology.

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