History of Ethiopia and the Horn Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Match the following features of Ethiopian topography with their descriptions:

Mount Ras Dashen = Highest mountain in Ethiopia at 4,620 m.a.s.l Kobar Sink = Lowest point in Ethiopia, 125 meters below sea level Ethiopian Highlands = Roof of East Africa with elevated landmass Rift Valley = Physiographic division characterized by great diversity

Match the following geological processes with their effects on Ethiopian topography:

Faulting = Formation of structural valleys and depressions Geomorphic processes = Modification of landforms through river dissection Lava outpouring = Development of outward sloping highland plateaus River deposition = Creation of lakes in lower areas

Match the following altitudinal ranges with their corresponding percentages in Ethiopia:

Above 1,000 meters = More than 50% of Ethiopian landmass Above 1,500 meters = 44% of the country Above 2,000 meters = Half of the 1,500 meters range Below sea level = Kobar Sink at 125 meters below sea level

Match the following characteristics of Ethiopian physiography with their types:

Flat-topped plateaus = Characteristic of elevated areas High and rugged mountains = Formed by geological uplift Deep river gorges = Created by river dissection processes Vast plains = Lower altitude areas Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions of the Ethiopian landmass with their implications:

Great diversity = Influences both biophysical and socioeconomic conditions Elevation above sea level = Contributes to the climate and agriculture Highland regions = Majority located in central and northern Ethiopia Northern extension = Reaches into Eritrea Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with their corresponding regions in Ethiopia:

Moderate and high amount of rainfall (>600 mm per year) = Ethiopian Highlands Fewer amounts of rainfall and higher temperature = Ethiopian Lowlands High prevalence of tropical diseases = Ethiopian Lowlands Lower mean annual temperature = Ethiopian Highlands Signup and view all the answers

Match the physiographic divisions of Ethiopia with their descriptions:

Western Highlands and Lowlands = Includes the area west of the Rift Valley South-eastern (Eastern) Highlands and Lowlands = Encompasses the eastern regions of Ethiopia Rift Valley = Characterized by a distinct geological formation Ethiopian Highlands = Home to the majority of the country's rivers and streams Signup and view all the answers

Match the following physiographic units with their respective coverage area percentages:

Western Highlands = 76.3% Western Lowlands = 23.7% Eastern Highlands = 44% of the total area Rift Valley = Geological structure created in the Cenozoic Era Signup and view all the answers

Match the following regions with their associated economic life:

Ethiopian Highlands = Mostly sedentary agriculture Ethiopian Lowlands = Nomadic and semi-nomadic economic life Rift Valley = Irrigation agriculture along lower river basins Western Highlands = Diverse agricultural activities Signup and view all the answers

Match the following geographical features of Ethiopia with their characteristics:

Ethiopian Highlands = High plateau with numerous rivers Ethiopian Lowlands = Characterized by vast plains The Rift Valley = Structural division from geological processes The Tigray Plateau = Connected to the Eritrean highlands Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Topography of Ethiopia and the Horn

Ethiopia's topography is shaped by Cenozoic Era geological activities, including the uplift of the Arabo-Ethiopian swell.
Trapean lava outpouring has created a highland plateau with mountains and structural valleys, influenced by significant faulting.
River courses were affected by faulting, leading to lake formations in depressions.

Ethiopian Physiography

The landform features diverse terrains: flat-topped plateaus, rugged mountains, deep river gorges, and vast plains.
Altitude ranges from 125 meters below sea level (Kobar Sink) to Mount Ras Dashen at 4,620 meters above sea level, the fourth highest peak in Africa.
Over 50% of Ethiopia's landmass sits above 1,000 meters; 44% exceeds 1,500 meters, with a significant portion above 2,000 meters.
The Ethiopian Highlands, crucial geographical features, comprise the largest continuous elevated region in Africa, known as the "Roof of East Africa."

Highland vs. Lowland Characteristics

Ethiopian highlands experience moderate to high annual rainfall (>600 mm) and lower temperatures (average 22% below mean annual temperature at 2,000 m.a.s.l).
Ethiopian lowlands (44% of the land) have less rainfall, higher temperatures, and higher prevalence of tropical diseases.
Lowland areas exhibit lower population densities and nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles, contrasting with the more dense highland settlements.
Vast plains in the lowlands support irrigation agriculture, primarily along river basins.

Physiographic Divisions of Ethiopia

Three major physiographic units are identified due to geological faulting processes:
- Western highlands and lowlands
- South-eastern (Eastern) highlands and lowlands
- Rift Valley

Western Highlands and Lowlands

This unit covers nearly the entire western half of Ethiopia, comprising about 44% of the country's area.
Bounded by the eastern escarpment of the Rift Valley and descending toward Sudan in the west.
Subdivided into four highland groups (76.3%) and four lowland groups (23.7%).

Tigray Plateau

Located from the Tekeze gorge southward to the central Eritrean highlands, separated from the Eritrean plateau by the Mereb River.

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Description

This quiz explores the unique topography of Ethiopia, shaped by geological activities during the Cenozoic Era. It covers the formation of highland plateaus, mountains, and structural valleys resulting from faulting and volcanic activity. Test your understanding of Ethiopia's diverse landscapes and geological history.