Module 4: Introduction to South Africa Weather and Climate

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What are the key characteristics that define a climate region in Africa?

Temperature and rainfall averages (correct)

Population density and vegetation cover

Altitude and longitude

Economic activities and natural resources

Where are Equatorial regions in Africa primarily located?

Near the equator, in central Africa, and the southern coast of West Africa (correct)

On the border with Europe

In Southern Africa only

Close to the North Pole

What is a key characteristic of Equatorial regions in Africa regarding temperatures?

Extreme temperature fluctuations daily

Temperate climate similar to Europe

Cold temperatures with snow all year round

Hot temperatures throughout the year (correct)

How much rainfall do Equatorial areas in Africa typically experience annually?

Over 1,500 millimeters Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of precipitation in Equatorial regions in Africa?

Afternoon convection storms Signup and view all the answers

Which region encircles the equator in Africa, including locations like East Africa and the Congo?

Tropical regions Signup and view all the answers

How do wind-driven ocean currents affect temperatures?

Cause warm air above warm ocean currents and cold air above cold ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

How do onshore winds affect rainfall?

Bring moisture to coastal areas, making inland places drier Signup and view all the answers

What is the influence of the Benguela Current on desert formation in South Africa?

Causes fog formation in the Namib Desert Signup and view all the answers

Which ocean current leads to more rain on the east coast of South Africa and Mozambique?

Agulhas Current Signup and view all the answers

What role does evaporation from the ocean play in precipitation over landmasses?

Is the primary source of precipitation over Earth's landmasses Signup and view all the answers

How do warm ocean currents affect precipitation in maritime climates?

Result in warmer air capable of holding more water vapor, leading to increased rain Signup and view all the answers

What type of precipitation occurs when air rises up a mountain and cools down?

Orographic rain Signup and view all the answers

Why do coastal areas tend to receive more rain compared to inland cities?

As a result of warm ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

What causes noticeable differences between summer and winter seasons in Africa?

Tropic line shifts Signup and view all the answers

What type of wind blows down mountain slopes at night in mountainous regions?

Cold mountain wind Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air as it subsides towards the Earth's surface?

It warms up Signup and view all the answers

Why does condensation and rainfall occur during subsidence?

Because the subsiding air can hold more water Signup and view all the answers

What causes air to move from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area?

Convergence Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of rainfall received by areas that lie in the path of mid-latitude cyclones?

Frontal rain Signup and view all the answers

Why do mid-latitude cyclones carry frontal rain?

Due to westerly winds blowing from high-pressure areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate at which rising air cools known as?

Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate Signup and view all the answers

What happens when cooling air holds less water vapor?

Condensation occurs Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the creation and persistence of the Sahara Desert in North Africa?

Subsiding air and high-pressure belts Signup and view all the answers

Where does condensation not occur according to the text?

In the descending, warming air Signup and view all the answers

What causes the formation of cold fronts according to the text?

Mid-latitude cyclones Signup and view all the answers

What is the zone formed by converging tropical easterlies called?

Intertropical Convergence Zone Signup and view all the answers

What leads to rainfall in equatorial regions according to the text?

Convergence of tropical easterlies at the ITCZ Signup and view all the answers

Which process leads to Cyclonic (or frontal) rain in Western Cape and North Africa?

Mid-latitude cyclones leading to westerly winds convergence Signup and view all the answers

What causes the rising of air at the polar front according to the text?

Mid-latitude cyclones formation Signup and view all the answers

Which African climate region experiences very high daytime temperatures and nighttime temperatures around 5°C?

Desert region Signup and view all the answers

What is the annual temperature range in the Highveld region of Africa?

9°C Signup and view all the answers

Which African climate region receives the least amount of rainfall annually?

Desert region Signup and view all the answers

In which climate region of Africa do winters experience cooler temperatures averaging around 21°C?

Tropical region Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form of precipitation in the Humid subtropical region of Africa?

Convection rain Signup and view all the answers

Which climate region in Africa has cold, wet winters with temperatures around 12°C?

Mediterranean region Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Semi-arid regions from desert regions in Africa with regard to rainfall?

Desert regions receive less than 250 millimeters annually. Signup and view all the answers

Which African climate region is situated mainly on the South African eastern coast and has an annual temperature range of 11°C?