Africa, Lesson 2 - Climate & Vegetation
How does this affect its climate?
Much of Africa is in a tropical climate region, and seasons are reversed north & south of the equator
What i Africa's location?
Much of Africa lies between the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn - which are equal distances north & south of the equator.
Where are the savannas located?
North and south of the rainforest.
What factors influence climate?
1. Location (distance from the equator) 2. Elevation 3. Amount of rainfall 4. Nearness to large bodies of water or major landforms
What is an oasis?
A fertile place in a desert, with water and vegetation.
What is a drought?
A long period of little or no rain.
What is savanna?
A region of tall grasses with scattered trees.
Where is the rainforest located?
Along the equator - it is being threatened by present day logging.
How does closeness to water bodies or major landforms affect climate?
Areas near oceans or seas receive more rainfall, and elevation (mountain/plateaus) affects the temperature.
How do most desert nomads make a living?
By herd goats, camels or sheep.
What role does elevation play?
Elevation is the height of land above the sea level - higher the elevation, the cooler a place will be.
How does climate affect people's health?
In many areas disease - carrying insects can cause health risks to animals and people.
What are the effects of rainfall amounts?
Rainfall affects the amount/variety of vegetation. It will also affect farming - what crops to plant, and whether they'll be successful.
What lies beyond the savanna?
The desert - the largest is the Shara in North Africa.
What is the Sahel?
The region where the Shara Desert meets the savanna to the south.
How do farmers in dry regions prepare for lack of rain?
They will usually plant a variety of crops - each requiring different amounts of water
What does irrigate mean?
To supply water to crops through a ditch, pipe, channel or sprinkler.
What are the main vegetation regions?
Tropical rainforests, savannas, and deserts
What are nomads?
people who have no permanent, settled home.
