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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of climate classification or why the classification is important?

To know the climate condition a region usually experiences throughout the year.

How do climate scientists classify world climates into different types?

Climatologists or climate scientists classify the climate of the world into different climate regions based on certain criteria, including temperature, precipitation, latitude, vegetation, and more.

What are the major climate classification schemes of the world?

The main climate classification schemes are the Ancient Greek climate classification and the Koppen Climate classification scheme.

What are the main climate types according to the ancient Greeks?

<p>The ancient Greeks classified the world into three major climate zones: the Torrid (tropical), Temperate, and Frigid zones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criteria were used in climate classification by the Ancient Greeks?

<p>The Ancient Greeks used latitude and angle of the sun (sunshine distribution) to classify climate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main climate types according to Koppen?

<p>Koppen's Climate classification scheme categorizes the world's climates into six groups: A (Moist Tropical Climate), B (Dry Climate), C (Moist Mid-Latitude Climate with Mild Winters), D (Moist Mid-Latitude Climate with Cold Winters), E (Polar Climate), and H (Highland Climate).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criteria were used in climate classification by Koppen?

<p>Koppen used mean monthly and mean annual temperature and precipitation to classify climate. In the absence of meteorological stations, he uses the distribution of natural vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following climate groups are defined by precipitation?

<p>A, B, C, D</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Koppen climate groups uses temperature as its primary criterion?

<p>E</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four major climate zones of the world?

<p>The four major climate zones of the world are Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, and Polar/Cold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What latitude range encompasses the Tropical Zone?

<p>The Tropical Zone is located between 0° and 23½° North and South.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What latitude range encompasses the Temperate Zone?

<p>The Temperate Zone is located between 40° and 60° North and South.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What latitude range encompasses the Cold Zone?

<p>The Cold Zone is located between 60° and 90° North and South.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant feature of the Tropical Wet-and-Dry Region?

<p>The dominant feature of the Tropical Wet-and-Dry Region is the seasonal character of its rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Equatorial Climate Region of Africa?

<p>The Equatorial Climate Region is characterized by high average temperatures throughout the year, a small annual temperature range, heavy cloud cover, high humidity year-round, and very high amounts of rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Equatorial Climate Region of Africa dominant?

<p>The Equatorial Climate Region of Africa is dominant in the Congo River basin and the eastern African highlands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Tropical Wet-and-Dry Region of Africa, also known as the savanna climate zone?

<p>The Tropical Wet-and-Dry Region is characterized by very hot summers with an average temperature of 25°C, cool winters above 15°C, generally high daily mean temperatures, and distinct wet and dry seasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Semi-Arid Climatic Region?

<p>The Semi-Arid Climatic Region is characterized by temperatures similar to desert regions but with relatively more rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the Hot Desert Climatic Region of Africa?

<p>The Hot Desert Climatic Region of Africa is characterized by little or no rainfall (less than 250mm), extremely high mean monthly and annual temperatures, and clear skies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of hot deserts in Africa?

<p>The two types of hot deserts in Africa are coastal deserts and continental deserts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main features of the Hot Desert Climatic Region?

<p>The Hot Desert Climatic Region is characterized by very high temperatures, particularly during the day, with extremely low temperatures at night. These desert regions have minimal rainfall, clear skies, and a high diurnal temperature range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the cool and dry conditions in the coastal deserts of North and South Western Africa?

<p>The cool and dry conditions in the coastal deserts of North and South Western Africa are caused by cool ocean currents (like the Canary Current and Benguela Current), which flow along the coast.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of the Tropical Maritime Climate Region?

<p>The Tropical Maritime Climate Region is characterized by heavy rainfall almost throughout the year, high temperatures with warm winters and hot summers, and a low annual temperature range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of the Warm Temperate Continental Climate Region?

<p>The Warm Temperate Continental Climate Region is characterized by lower rainfall than coastal areas, a significant temperature difference between summer and winter, and a relatively small climatic region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a prominent geographical feature present in the Warm Temperate Continental Climate Region?

<p>The Warm Temperate Continental Climate Region is found in the Highveld grasslands between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Kalahari Desert.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of the Mediterranean Climate Region?

<p>The Mediterranean Climate Region is characterized by hot and dry summers, cool and wet winters, and warm and dry springs and autumns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main factors influencing the climate of Africa?

<p>The main factors influencing the climate of Africa include latitude, air pressure, wind systems, ocean currents, the distribution of land and water, and altitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of latitude on the climate of Africa.

<p>Latitude plays a significant role in influencing the climate of Africa by affecting the amount of solar energy a region receives, which in turn determines its temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main pressure belts that affect the climate of Africa?

<p>The main pressure belts affecting Africa's climate are the Subtropical High pressure belt (around 30° North and South) and the Equatorial Lows (Doldrums) pressure belt (between 5° North and South).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main winds that affect the climate of Africa?

<p>The main winds that affect the climate of Africa are the trade winds, which include the Northeast Trade Winds (Harmattan), the Southeast Trade Winds, and the Guinea monsoon winds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ITCZ significant for the climate of Africa?

<p>The ITCZ, or Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, is a low-pressure area where trade winds converge, causing shifts in rainfall patterns and creating wet and dry seasons in tropical and equatorial areas of Africa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of ocean currents on the climate of Africa?

<p>Ocean currents play a significant role in influencing the temperature and moisture of coastal areas. Warm ocean currents bring warm and humid conditions, aiding in precipitation, while cool ocean currents bring cold and dry conditions, often leading to desert formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does altitude affect the climate of Africa?

<p>Altitude influences temperature. As elevation increases, temperatures decrease at a rate of 6.40 C per 1000 meters. Mountainous regions in Africa, even those located near the equator, experience cooler temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main ways climate change impacts human health in Africa?

<p>Climate change in Africa can impact human health by affecting environmental and social determinants. It can lead to increased occurrences of vector-borne diseases, droughts, and floods, creating health risks and influencing the spread of diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the major challenges of climate change on African development vision?

<p>Climate change poses significant challenges to Africa's development vision. Its impact on agriculture, food security, water resources, and ecosystems can disrupt livelihood, economic stability, and social well-being, hindering development progress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between climate variability and climate change.

<p>Climate variability refers to short-term variations in climate, while climate change refers to a long-term alteration of climate with an emphasis on increased average temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized indicator of climate change?

<p>Increased volcanic activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the major causes of climate change in Africa?

<p>The major causes of climate change in Africa are increased greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and changes in land use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key indicators of climate change?

<p>Key indicators of climate change include rising temperatures, declining water resources, shifts in crop yields, and more frequent extreme weather conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of climate in determining our basic needs?

<p>The climate plays a crucial role in shaping our basic needs, including what we eat, where we live, and what type of clothing we wear.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does climate influence the living style of people?

<p>Climate significantly influences the living style of people, impacting their settlement patterns, livelihood options, resource endowments, health, and well-being. It shapes the way people adapt to their environment, impacting their choices about where to live, how to make a living, and how to stay healthy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit Two: Climate of Africa

  • Unit Two covers nine periods.
  • The unit focuses on the climate of Africa.
  • The unit is divided into four main sections:
    • Overview of World Climatic Regions and climatic zones
    • Features of the climate of Africa
    • Benefits of Climate for the Life of People in Africa
    • Climate Change and the challenges posed by climate change on the development vision of Africa.

Introduction

  • Climate is the average weather conditions in a place over a long period (30 years or more).
  • It represents the sum of all interacting atmospheric processes over a given period.
  • Weather, on the other hand, is the short-term state of atmospheric conditions at a particular time and place.
  • Climatic zones are large areas with similar or distinct climate types, such as tropical, subtropical, temperate, and polar zones.
  • Climate zones are generally belt-shaped, spreading in an east-west direction around Earth and circular around the poles. They may be interrupted by mountains or oceans.
  • Climatic region refers to a continuous geographic area with a similar climatic zone.
  • Average temperature is the primary factor in determining climate regions, though precipitation and other weather factors also play a role.
  • Global climate is a description of the Earth's overall climate, averaging out regional differences.

Evaluation

  • After completing Unit Two, students will be able to assess climate types and climatic regions worldwide, compare climatic regions within Africa, examine how climate benefits the lives of Africans, and analyze challenges posed by climate change to Africa's development.

2.1 Overview of World Climatic Regions & Types

  • This section examines climate classifications and zones globally, including different classification schemes.
  • Students will learn to distinguish classification schemes and major climate types.

2.1.1 Climate Classifications

  • Students will identify climate types and regions of the world.

Start-up Questions

  • What is the purpose of climate classification and its importance?
  • How do climate scientists classify world climates into different types?
  • What are the major climate classification schemes of the world?
  • What are the main climate types (according to ancient Greeks and Koppen)?
  • What criteria were used in climate classification (ancient Greeks, Koppen)?

The Function or Purpose of Climate Classifications

  • To understand climate conditions in a region throughout the year.
  • To choose houses that are suitable and durable in a particular region
  • To select suitable crops according to the climate of that particular region
  • To select and pack appropriate clothing according to the climate

2.1.2 World Climate Zones

  • Earth's climate is driven by solar radiation, varying with angles of the sun.
  • The equator receives solar radiation nearly perpendicularly, making it the warmest region.
  • The poles receive less direct solar radiation, leading to cooler temperatures.

Major Climate Zones of the World

  • There are four major climate zones: Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, and Polar/cold climate zone.

1. Tropical Zone

  • Located between the tropics (0° – 23 ½ N/S).
  • Receives solar radiation almost vertically throughout the year, resulting in high temperatures.
  • Has high amounts of water vapor, frequent and dense cloud cover, and high humidity.

2. Subtropics Zone

  • Located between 23.5° – 40° N/S
  • Receives the highest radiation in summer due to a nearly vertical angle of the sun.
  • Receives the lowest radiation in winter.
  • Has relatively thin cloud cover during the summer season.
  • Has more deserts than other zones.

3. Temperate Zone

  • Located between 40° - 60° N/S.
  • Experiences significant seasonal differences in temperature and day length.
  • Precipitation is more regular throughout the year, supporting longer vegetation periods.

4. Cold Zone

  • Located between 60° - 90° N/S

  • Receives less heat throughout the year due to a low angle and the changes of Earth's axis angle to the sun.

  • Varying day length and sparse vegetation.

  • Figure 2.1: World climate zones according to ancient Greek.

  • Figure 2.3: World climate zones.

  • The figure 2.2 to 2.3: Shows map of Köppen's five principal climate groups and World Climate Zones.

2.2 Climate of Africa

2.2.1 Major Climatic regions of Africa

  • The climate of Africa is divided into eight climatic regions:
    • Equatorial
    • Tropical wet and dry (Savanna)
    • Semiarid
    • Arid
    • Warm temperate (western margin - Mediterranean)
    • Warm temperate (eastern coast - tropical Maritime climate - Mozambique)
    • Warm temperate continental climate - Highveld
    • Mountain/highland climate

Equatorial Region

  • Lowlands area between 5° N/S of the equator

  • Dominates Western and Central Africa.

  • Often experienced in Congo basin and Eastern African Highlands

  • High average temperatures and annual rainfall (heavy cloud cover and high humidity)

  • Little to no variation in temperature.

  • Typically warm, humid climate.

  • Figure 2.3: World Climate Zones in Africa

  • Figure 2.2: A map of Köppen's five principal climate groups in Africa.

The Tropical Wet-and-Dry Region

  • Also called tropical savanna
  • Located between 5° and 15° N/S of the equator.
  • Covers much of Sub-Saharan Africa western and southern Africa and parts of Madagascar.
  • A little less than half of the total surface area of the continent
  • Distinct wet and dry seasons (six months of rain and six months without rain).
  • High daily temperatures,
  • Mean monthly temperatures show less variation
  • Slightly higher annual temperature ranges compared to Equatorial climate

Semi-arid Climatic Region

  • Found at the fringe of tropical deserts
  • Similar temperatures to deserts but receives more rainfall
  • Total annual rainfall is usually between 250-500 mm/year.
  • Example: The Sahel region.

The Hot Desert Climatic Region

  • Sunniest and driest parts of the continent.
  • Low rainfall (less than 250 mm annually).
  • High temperatures (extreme).
  • Two types: coastal and continental.
  • Coastal deserts: Located along the north and south western coasts (e.g. the Sahara desert, Namib desert). Caused by cold ocean currents that bring no moisture.
  • Continental deserts: Found in the central interior of Africa (e.g. Sahara, Kalahari deserts). Due to dry continental tropical air masses and lack of wind currents bringing moisture.
  • High diurnal (day-to-day) temperature ranges.

Tropical Maritime Climate

  • Found along the southeast coast of South Africa, dominating Natal and Cape provinces, and extending roughly to Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania
  • Strongly influenced by the warm Mozambique Current and southeast trade winds.
  • High rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1000-1500 mm per year with significant decrease moving westward towards the interior.
  • High temperatures throughout the year, with summers as the warmest season (average around 26 °C), and winters as the warmest one (average around 10 °C).
  • Low annual temperature range

Warm Temperate Continental Climate

  • Found in the interior of South Africa, specifically the Highveld grasslands.
  • Has similar rainfall patterns to the tropical wet and dry climate, however, the elevation modifies temperatures significantly.
  • Lower rainfall amount compared to the coastal region.
  • Rainfall generally occurs in the winter, with about 700 mm per year.
  • Annual average temperatures range from 26° C in summer to about 10° C in winter.

2.3 The Role of Climate on Lives of People in Africa

  • Climate plays a crucial role in determining food, shelter, clothing, recreation, and daily activities.
  • Climate affects livelihoods, health, and future prospects for people in Africa.
  • Climate determines vegetation, animals, birds, insects. for example there are polar bears which are found in the polar region and camels found in desert areas.
  • Climate strongly influences the living style of people including settlement patterns - especially regarding temperature and rainfall amount.
  • Climate is crucial in determining the type of agriculture, the materials available for homes, hunting etc.

2.4 Climate Change and Its Challenges to Africa's Development Vision

  • Climate change presents great challenges to Africa's development, both practically.

  • The impacts:

    • higher temperatures
    • rising sea-levels
    • changing rainfall patterns
    • increased climate variability affecting agricultural production, water supplies and health.
  • Climate Variability vs Climate change: Climate variability is short-term, while climate change is long-term. Climate change is long term changes in average climatic conditions.

  • Factors that cause climate change • El Niño and La Niña - large and warmer tropical areas. • Increased GHG (greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere from human activities. • Increased population leading to more human activities.

  • Indicators of climate change:

  • Higher temperatures

  • Drying up of soils

  • Increased pest and disease

  • Shifts in suitable areas for growing crops

  • Desertification

  • Floods

  • Deforestation

  • Soil erosion

Evaluation

  • Students will answer questions regarding climate controls in Africa, the impact of latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and the ITCZ on the climate.

Assignment:

  • Prepare a sketch of the climatic regions and types of climates of the continents on a flip chart.
  • Group 1: Questions 1 and 2
  • Group 2: Questions 3 and 4
  • Group 3: Questions 6 and 7

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