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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the largest unit of geological time?
An epoch is the longest unit of time in the geological time scale.
False
What is primarily used to define the divisions in the geological time scale?
Significant geological events
The geological time scale is built largely on the basis of _____ and evolution.
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Match the units of the geological time scale with their order from smallest to largest:
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What is the primary focus of the course GeES 1011?
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Ethiopia's physical and human resources diversity has no impact on its socioeconomic development.
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What are the four parts of the course GeES 1011?
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In the course, the second part introduces the ___________ background and natural resource endowment of Ethiopia.
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Match the following parts of the course with their focus areas:
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Which of the following economic sectors is NOT mentioned in the course?
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The course was primarily designed for graduate students.
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What department provided the basic reference for the course material?
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What percentage of Ethiopia's area does the Western Highlands and Lowlands physiographic unit cover?
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The Ethiopian highlands receive less than 600 mm of rainfall per year.
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What are the three major physiographic units identified in Ethiopia?
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The Ethiopian lowlands are characterized by __________ population densities.
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Match the following characteristics to the correct regions of Ethiopia:
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Which of the following statements about the Ethiopian Rift Valley is TRUE?
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The Tigray Plateau is primarily located above 2,000 meters above sea level.
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What geological era contributed to the structural divisions found in Ethiopia?
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What is the primary economic potential of the lowlands mentioned in the content?
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The Rift Valley is a tectonically formed structural elevation.
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How many kilometers does the Rift Valley extend from the Afar Triangle to Chew Bahir?
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The floor of the Rift Valley is made up of interconnected troughs, grabens and __________.
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Match the following regions with their characteristics:
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What is the altitude range of the Afar Triangle?
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The climate in the Rift Valley is consistent throughout the region.
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What type of communities inhabit the lowlands?
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What is the main factor contributing to Ethiopia's high potential for hydroelectric power production?
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The climate of Ethiopia is uniform across the country due to its tropical position.
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What terms do the people of Ethiopia use to identify themselves based on their altitude of residence?
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The majority of the Earth's fresh water is stored in _____ and _____ near the poles.
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Match the following types of surface waters with their descriptions:
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Which of the following impacts is associated with steep mountain slopes in Ethiopia?
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Moisture surpluses are found in the lowlands of Ethiopia.
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What are two significant influences of Ethiopia's relief on its natural vegetation?
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Study Notes
Ethiopia's Geography and Resource Endowment
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Course Focus: This course examines the implications of Ethiopia's location, shape, size, physical and human resources on its socioeconomic development.
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Course Structure: The course is divided into four parts:
- Location and Shape: Provides an overview of Ethiopia's geographical positioning, including basic map reading skills
- Physical Environment: Covers topics including geology, mineral resources, topography, climate, drainage, water resources, soil, fauna, and flora.
- Demographics: Focuses on population characteristics and their impact on Ethiopia's economic development.
- Economic Activities: Explores the various economic activities in Ethiopia, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services, and the impact of globalization on these sectors.
Geological Time Scale
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Main Time Units: The geological time scale uses four primary units to measure time:
- Eons: The largest time period.
- Eras: Divides eons into smaller units.
- Periods: Subdivisions within eras.
- Epochs: The smallest unit, representing millions of years.
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Time Divisions: Time divisions are based on significant geological events, such as mass extinctions.
Ethiopian Highlands and Lowlands
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Highland Characteristics:
- High rainfall (over 600 mm per year).
- Lower mean annual temperature due to higher altitude.
- 22% of Ethiopia's land area.
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Lowland Characteristics:
- Lower rainfall and higher temperatures.
- Higher prevalence of tropical diseases.
- Lower population densities.
- Nomadic and semi-nomadic economic activities.
- Favourable for irrigation agriculture along river basins.
Physiographic Divisions of Ethiopia
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Major Divisions: The three main physiographic units are:
- Western Highlands and Lowlands
- South-eastern (Eastern) Highlands and Lowlands
- The Rift Valley
The Western Highlands and Lowlands
- Area: Covers approximately 44% of Ethiopia's land area.
- Subdivisions: Further divided into four highland groups and four lowland groups.
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Tigray Plateau:
- Extends from Tekeze gorge to central Eritrean highlands.
- Contains granite hills, rugged topography, and Ambas (isolated plateau remnants).
The Rift Valley
- Formation: Created by tectonic activity and features two major escarpments.
- Extension: Stretches from the Afar Triangle in the north to Chew Bahir, covering 18% of Ethiopia.
- Floor: Consists of troughs, grabens, and depressions with volcanic rocks and fluvial and lacustrine deposits.
- Altitude: Range from 125 meters below sea level at the Dallol Depression to 2,000 meters above sea level.
The Afar Triangle
- Size: The largest part of the Rift Valley, comprising 54% of its area.
- Altitude: Generally low, ranging from 300 to 700 meters.
- Significance: Contains significant hydroelectric power potential due to altitudinal variation and high rainfall.
Impacts of Relief
- Cultural Diversity: Rugged terrain leads to isolation and cultural diversity.
- Population Differentiation: "Degegnas" (highlanders) vs. "Kollegnas" (lowlanders).
- Climate Variations: Altitude influences rainfall and temperature which impacts vegetation and agriculture.
- Soil Variations: Steep slopes promote shallow, unstable soils susceptible to degradation.
- Vegetation Patterns: Relief indirectly shapes vegetation through its effect on climate and hydrology.
Drainage Systems and Water Resources
- Global Distribution: 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, with 97.5% being saline ocean water.
- Freshwater Sources: Glaciers, groundwater, permafrost, and surface waters like rivers and lakes.
- Freshwater Distribution: Uneven global distribution, influenced by latitude, climate, and topography.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Ethiopia's geographical positioning and its resource endowment. This quiz covers the implications of location, demographics, and economic activities on the country's development. Understand how geography shapes Ethiopia's socioeconomic landscape.
