Winds Of Namibia Flashcards
- Why is it colder away from the equator?
Temps decrease away from Equator towards poles
Because Earth is round
- Why is it colder further away from the Equator?
Direct rays from sun fall at an angle
Long distance rays travel, heat lost
Heat spread out more
The rays must heat up a larger area
Why is it warmer at the Equator?
Rays fall directly onto Equator
Travel shorter distance, heat lost
Heat concentrated on smaller area
Temps much hotter
What is the latitude and rainfall in Namibia?
Mostly convection rainfall
Hotter in N, convection currents stronger, cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rain.
S convection currents not so strong, less rainfall
What effect does altitude have on temperature?
As altitude increase, temperature decrease
Dust, water vapor in lower atmosphere absorb some heat radiated by the Earth.
Higher up, less dust and water vapor to trap heat.
-1*C for every +100m
What weather can be expected when low pressure?
Warm moist rising air, as air rises, cools. Dew point, condensation, clouds, rain. Clouds, possibility of rain to form.
What weather is expected when high pressure?
Dry, descending air, no rain. Warm, dry weather. Clear skies.
Why no rain in winter in Namibia?
Dry air of Kalahari high pressure system move inwards and downwards, blocking any moisture from the Indian ocean.
South Atlantic high pressure system moves over cold benguela current, forcing cool dry air towards the coast.
No rain: reason for existence of Namib Desert
Why water warmer at night?
Water reflect sunlight
He penetrates deeper into water
Water retains heat longer than land
Why can we say Swakop has a moderate climate?
Places along the coast have a moderate climate
Temperatures are not extreme
Not as hot as in land places in the summer
Not as cold as England places in the winter
Smaller annual range of temperatures
How does the cold Benguela Current influence climate along the coast?
Lowers temperatures along the coast
Prevent rain from falling along west coast
Causes fog along the coast
What is the cold Benguela current?
Winds across the sea pick up moisture
Cools down winds
Cold air can’t hold water vapor cold winds can’t pick up moisture
Name the three main winds of Namibia?
Easterly winds
South-westerly winds
North-easterly winds
What are the characteristics of easterly winds?
Most frequent between April and July
From Kalahari HP across Namibia
as blows down the escarpment on west side of Namibia, warms up and by time reaches coast, east wind is hot and dry. East weather
Temps along coast can reach 40*C
What are the characteristics of south westerly winds?
Blow out of South Atlantic HP system for most of year
HP system always over ocean to west of Namibia
Blow over cold Benguela Current, bring cold air to the west coast
Up to 100km/h cause fog along coast
