Oceans and Climates in Africa

maritime climate

climate along a coastline

continental climate

climate inland

temperature range

highest - lowest temperature

dirunal

daily

onshore wind

wind that blows from ocean to land

offshore wind

wind that bows from land to ocean

equatorial climate (3)

-temperatures high all year round

-no clear summer or winter

-very humid

tropical climate (2)

-hot summers, cool winters

-heavy convectional rain in summer

humid subtropical climate (2)

-hot summer, moderately cold winter

-summer rain

high veld (2)

-hot summer, warm-ish winter

-dry winter, wet summer

semi-arid/desert climate (2)

-high temperature range

-very little rainfall

mediterranean climate (2)

-hot summer, cool winter

-winter rainfall

factors affecting climate and weather (3 + explanations)

1. seasonal changes

-equatorial ranges are hot and rainy all year

-further from equator = higher temperature difference between seasons

2. temperature (5 factors)

3. rainfall

-latitude: convection currents

-altitude: orographic rain

-distance from ocean: maritime=more rain, warmer vs colder currents

subsidence (2)

-air that descends towards surface

-creates HP system -> arid conditions with low rainfall

convergence (3)

-air masses moving towards each other

-creates LP system -> rainfall

-happens along ITCZ and at sub polar LP belt, creates cyclonic rain

what is ENSO? (2)

-El Niño Southern Oscillation

-change in ocean temperatures that affect atmospheric circulation and rainfall

what does El Niño do (2)

-causes warmer temperatures in pacific ocean

-dry and hot Africa

what does La Niña do (2)

-cooler temperatures in pacific

-cold and wet Africa

normal pacific conditions (5)

-tropical easterlies bow to the W

-winds drag water towards Australia

-cold water upwells near Peru (fishing)

-warmth near Australian/Asian pacific causes LP = rain

-HP cell near South America = clear conditions

el nino conditions (5)

-tropical easterlies weaken

-upwelling is reduced -> warmer water

-this warm water returns to South America

-LP in central pacific = rain

- HP in Australia and Asia = cool and dry

la nina conditions (4)

-strong tropical easterlies

-upwelling is increased, cold conditions in South America

-heavy rain in Australia and Asia

-very dry South America

how El Niño affects Africa (3)

-dry conditions lead to drought

-poor crops -> famine

-eastern parts may have rain

how La Niña affects Africa (3)

-wet conditions and storms

-full dams -> crop irrigation

-can lead to flooding

how to reduce effects of El Niño (5)

-monitor weather

-store water in reservoirs

-plant drought resistant crops

-educate people on saving water

-implement water restrictions

how to reduce effects of La Niña (3)

-regulate dam levels when rain is expected

-educate people on flood preparation

-buffering near rivers to prevent floodplain development and reduce flood impact