Download Tropical Rainforest

Climate Regions of Africa
Tropical Rainforest
In the tropical rainforest the climate is characterized by heavy annual
rainfall and the air has a very high rate of humidity. It is generally hot all
year round. There is also little variation in terms of seasons as opposed to
Europe or North America where there are clear seasons (spring, summer,
fall, winter).
Higher precipitation is a characteristic of tropical rainforests. The average
temperature year round is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another important aspect of the tropical rainforest is the large number of
different plants and animals. This is called bio-diversity. Tropical
rainforests can be found in South West Africa, towards Central Africa and
on the Eastern coast of Madagascar.
Humid and Subtropical
The climate in humid and subtropical zones is characterized by hot and
humid summer with cool winters. It receives rainfall (or precipitation) all
year round with the highest amount during the summer season. The humid
subtropical climate occurs on the southeastern cost of the continent (South
Africa).
Mediterranean
In the Mediterranean region the climate is characterized by dry and hot
summers, while the winters are wet and mild. The warmest months seem
to occur when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The
amount of rainfall is higher during the summer period which runs from May
to August.
The Mediterranean region has a high diversity of plants and animals during
the summer region, because the temperature is favorable to their growth.
The Northeast part of the continent is where the Mediterranean region is
found. Morocco is located in the Northeast region.
Arid and Desert
The desert climate is characterized by extreme heat and aridity caused by
still or slow-moving continental air masses. The temperature can reach a
high point during daytime of 122 degrees Fahrenheit and a nighttime low of
28 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation rarely occurs due to the high
temperatures which cause evaporation of the clouds that bring rain.
There are few different species of plants and animals (limited bio-diversity)
in the desert region. Very few of them can adapt to the extreme
temperatures and limited precipitation (rain) in the arid desert area.
Species that exist in the desert region have developed characters (features)
that help them to survive in their environment. For example cactus plants
possess small and spiky leaves that reduce evaporation of moisture. They
have a grayish/silver color to reflect the heat of the sun and reduce water
loss.
Tropical Savanna
This climate region is sometimes called tropical wet-and-dry region. The
region is characterized by an annual precipitation (rainfall) of 6 months
followed straight after by a dry season.
The Tropical Savanna has two different climates (wet and dry), so the plants
and animals there can adapt to both tropical and desert environments at
the same time.
This climatic region can be found from West to Central and down to South
Central of the African Continent.
Marine
The marine climate, like the humid subtropical climate is located on the
southeastern section of the continent. It receives rainfall year round with
the heaviest amount during summer time.
Most coastal parts of the continent are affected by a marine climate.