Theory question 109
Geography of Africa(a)(i) On an outline map of Africa, mark and name (i) the equatorial climatic zone (ii) one mediterranean zone (iii) one important town in each zone (b) State four characteristics of the equatorial climate (c) Describe two ways in which the equatorial climate affects agriculture
Show the model answer
(a) Equatorial zone: Congo (Zaire) Basin and Guinea coast (town Kisangani, Libreville, or Port Harcourt area); Mediterranean zone: north-west Africa (Tripoli, Algiers, Tunis) or the south-western Cape (Cape Town).
(b) High rainfall over 200 cm well distributed; double maxima; constant high temperature about 27°C; small annual range (2-3°C); high humidity; much cloud and afternoon thunderstorms.
(c) Heavy rain all year supports tree crops (cocoa, oil palm, rubber) and two growing seasons; rapid weed growth and leaching reduce yields; pests and diseases such as tsetse fly limit cattle; wet conditions make mechanisation and storage difficult.
Mark the two zones in their correct latitudes.