Theory question 113
ClimateDescribe how each of the following factors affects the climate of Africa (a) Latitude (b) Ocean currents (c) Distance from the sea
Show the model answer
(a) Africa lies mostly within the tropics so temperatures are high; near the equator sun is overhead twice a year giving high heat and rain all year; climates change towards the north and south (savanna, desert, Mediterranean).
(b) Warm currents (Guinea, Mozambique, Agulhas) raise coastal temperatures and bring rain; cold currents (Canary, Benguela) cool coasts, give fog and dry air, helping form the Sahara and Namib deserts.
(c) Coastal areas have moderate temperatures, smaller ranges and more rain/humidity; interior places have extreme temperatures, bigger ranges and less rain (continentality).
Give examples for each factor.