Theory question 113
Geography of Africa(a) On an outline map of Africa, show and name (i) latitude 20°N (ii) the prevailing winds in July (iii) one cold ocean current in the north: (iv) one warm ocean current in the south
(b) Describe the effects of prevailing winds and ocean currents on the climate of any one part of Africa.
Show the model answer
(a) Map with latitude 20°N; south-west monsoon (tropical maritime) winds blowing onshore over West Africa in July (also SE trades); Canaries current (cold) off NW Africa; Mozambique/Agulhas current (warm) off SE Africa
(b) West Africa: south-west winds from the Atlantic bring the rainy season; NE trade winds (harmattan) from the Sahara bring dry, dusty, cool weather (Nov-Feb); the warm Guinea current adds moisture to the coast; the cold Canaries current makes the NW coast dry and foggy, helping form the desert
Show wind and current directions with arrows on the map.