Download Physical Characteristics of Sub

Physical Characteristics of
Sub-Saharan Africa
Francisci WG.4
Climate
• The equator runs through the middle of Africa
through the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
– Climates found north of the equator are similar to the
climates found south of the equator.
Climate
• The climates include:
– Tropical Wet (Rainforest): Area
located in or near equator;
Rainforest soil is not fertile.
– Tropical Wet & Dry: Savannas
found on the outskirts of the
rainforest; Africa’s national parks
found here.
– Semi-Arid Climate (Steppe):
grassland area north and south of
the savanna; Sahel is shrinking.
– Arid Climate (Desert): extreme
north and south of the continent;
Namib Desert, Kalahari Desert
and Sahara Desert (growing
larger).
Growth of Deserts
• Drought, climate change,
over farming and over
grazing are causing Africa’s
deserts to get larger.
• The Sahel (grassland region)
is getting smaller due to
desertification - type of
land degradation in which a
relatively dry land region
becomes increasingly arid,
typically losing its bodies of
water as well as vegetation
and wildlife.
Landforms
• Sub-Saharan Africa is a series of plateaus: a flat,
elevated landform that rises sharply above the
surrounding area on at least one side.
– Plateaus cover most of the African continent.
Landforms
• Great Rift Valley: series of
mountains and valleys in East
Africa (rich in minerals and
metals).
– Escarpments: steep slopes or
long cliffs separating two areas
of differing elevation.
– Cataracts: Large waterfall or
where the flow of water changes
dramatically.
• Several lakes are found
along the Great Rift
Valley: Lake Tanganyika
and Lake Victoria (main
source of the Nile River).
• Because of cliffs and
waterfalls, the rivers
cannot be used for
transportation or trade.
• The Zambezi River is
useful for hydroelectric
power: the renewable
energy contained in
flowing water creates
electricity.
– The Zambezi River is also
the site of a huge waterfall
called Victoria Falls.
Bodies of Water
Landlocked Countries
• The interior
countries of
Africa are
landlocked.
– They have no
coastline.
– These countries
are at a
disadvantage for
trading with
other regions of
the world.
Natural Resources
• Africa is rich in mineral
resources, including
gold, copper, petroleum
and diamonds.
• Soils of the rainforest
areas are not fertile.
– Crops can be grown on
rain forest soil for only a
few years because of
infertility.
– Slash-and-burn
agriculture is used in
these areas.
Africa’s Native Animals
• Antelope, buffalo, giraffe,
zebras, cheetahs, hyenas,
jackals, leopards, lion,
elephants, ostriches,
crocodiles,
hippopotamus,
flamingos, pelicans,
storks, chimpanzees, and
monkeys.
• Poaching and destruction
of habitats are
threatening wildlife.
Africa’s Native Plant Life
• Oil palm, ebony,
mahogany trees,
acacias, mangrove
trees.