Theory question 113
Geography of Africa(a) On a sketch map of Africa, locate and name: (i) one area with an equatorial climate (ii) one area with a desert climate (iii) one major town in each area (b) Describe three major characteristics of any one of the climatic types shown on your map (c) Identify any three ways in which natural vegetation has adapted to the climate in the area selected in (b)
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(a) Equatorial: Zaire (Congo) Basin (Kisangani) or Gabon (Libreville); desert: Sahara (e.g. Agadez, In Salah, Rabat is on the edge) or Kalahari/Namib.
(b) Equatorial: high temperatures all year (about 27°C) with small annual range (2-3°C); heavy rain all year (over 1500 mm) with double maxima; convectional thunderstorms in the afternoon; high humidity. (Desert: very low rainfall; very hot days and cold nights; clear skies.)
(c) Equatorial forest: broad leaves with drip tips to shed water; evergreen because there is no dry season; tall trees in layers competing for light; buttress roots; lianas and epiphytes. (Desert: thorny/small leaves, long roots, water storage.)
Adaptations must match the climate chosen.