Introduction to Climate in Ethiopia and the Horn

Introduction to Climate of Ethiopia and the Horn

• Ethiopia is a large country with diverse climates due to its proximity to the equator and the Indian Ocean and varied topography
• Climate is primarily controlled by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and its associated atmospheric circulations
• Weather is the instantaneous state of the atmosphere (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, clouds, precipitation)
• Climate is the composite of daily weather conditions over long periods (decades or more), including extremes

Weather and Climate Elements and Controls

• Weather elements include temperature, precipitation, humidity, winds, and air pressure
• Weather controls include latitude, angle of the sun, land and water distribution, winds, altitude, mountain barriers, and ocean currents
• Climate in a region is ultimately determined by radiation, its distribution, and temporal fluctuations

Controls of Weather and Climate

• Latitude: Determines the amount of solar radiation received, affecting temperature. Ethiopia's location results in high average temperatures with little variation in day/night length.
• Inclination of the Earth's Axis: The Earth's tilt causes seasonal variations in the distribution of solar radiation, resulting in different seasons.
• Equinoxes and Solstices: Equinoxes mark when the sun is directly over the equator (equal day/night length), while solstices mark the maximum tilt of the Earth toward or away from the sun (longest and shortest days).
• Altitude: Higher altitude corresponds to lower temperatures.
• Ocean Currents: Influence the temperature and moisture content of the air.

Spatiotemporal Patterns and Distribution of Temperature and Rainfall in Ethiopia

• Altitude is a major determinant of temperature in Ethiopia, with colder temperatures at higher elevations.
• Latitude and proximity to the equator result in variations in daily temperatures.
• Rainfall is complex, varying across regions and seasons. It's affected by the ITCZ position, equatorial westerlies, and trade winds.
• Four rainfall regions are identified in Ethiopia: summer rainfall, all-year-round rainfall, autumn and spring, and winter rainfall. Each region has distinct characteristics and rainfall patterns.

Agro-ecological Zones of Ethiopia

• Ethiopia is divided into five agro-ecological zones (Wurch, Dega, Weyna Dega, Kolla, and Bereha) based primarily on temperature and altitude.
• Each zone has a unique temperature range, rainfall pattern, and suitability for agriculture.

Climate Change/Global Warming

• Climate change is a natural phenomenon, but current changes are largely attributed to human activities.
• Human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
• Climate change impacts include variations in temperature, higher minimum temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns. These include more extreme events, such as drought and floods

Climate Response Mechanisms

• Mitigation: Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Examples include renewable energy sources and efficient transportation.
• Adaptation: Adjusting to the effects of climate change. Strategies include building flood defenses, water management, and more resilient agricultural practices.
• Climate change's impact on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems are significant.