Chap 5 Flashcards
what is Ethiopia characterized by and subjected to
a variety of altitudinal ranges and diverse climatic conditions and subjected to a large temporal and spatial variations in elements of weather and climate due to the closeness to the equator and indian ocean.
what is the climate of ethiopia controlled by?
- the seasonal migration of the inter tropical converge zone (ITCZ) and associated atmospheric circulations
- by the complex topography of the country
what is the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)
its the region that circles the earth near the equator where the trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres come together.
the intense sun and warm water of the equator heats the air in the ITCZ raising its humidity and making it buoyant.
what are elements that compose both weather and climate?
- precipitation
- temperature
- humidity
- air pressure
- wind
- sunshine etc..
their distribution is uneven
what are the factors that influence the control of the spatial and temporal distribution of the climatic elements in ethiopia.
- latitude
- altitude
- revolution of the earth and the inclination of the earth’s axis
- distance from the sea
- mountain barriers
- weather systems
- cloud cover
How does the distance from water bodies affect the climate?
water bodies and landmasses have different levels of heat absorption. Landmasses tend to absorb and release quickly
how do mountain barriers affect climate?
they exert influence on the spatial distribution of rainfall. the sheltered side of the mountains receive little rain. this happens in the north lowlands of eth.
how do weather systems affect the climate?
it refers to the movement of warm and cold air across the globe due to the variation of the sun head.
there are different wind systems in different seasons.
the major weather system are :
1. the northeast trade winds
2. the equatorial westerlies
3. the equatorial easterlies
because of these systems the rainfall period varies in ethiopia and the horn.
what are the 2 factors that most affect the spatial variation of temperature in ethiopia?
- cloud cover
- altitude
Cloud cover
its when the earth is being covered by clouds. during the day it prevents the full force of sun’s rays from heating the earth, by night it prevents the heat absorbed by the earth from escaping.
how does altitude affect T.
Its a major determining factor of ethiopia’s agro climatic zones.
refering to Wurch, Dega , Woina Dega , Qolla, Bereha.
distribution of rainfall
rainfall in eth is influenced by the position of ITCZ.
+ In July, its at the Tropic of Cancer = brings moisture to the highlands but decrease their magnitude and length of rainy periods northwards
+ In January, it shifts to the tropic of Capricorn, Eritrean coastal lands and afar region receive rain
+ in march and sep, its around the equator bringing rain towards central and south east.
what are the 2 MAIN rainy seasons?
- kiremt
- belg
they contribute more than 90% of the country’s rain supply.
what are the other 2 rainy seasons?
- autumn rains
- winter rains
theyre not as significant or strong it terms of rain supply.
what are the 5 types of rainfall regions in eth
- year round rainfall region : gore, mizan, metu, bonga, gambella
- summer rainfall : largest (northwest and western)
- autumn and spring (southeastern and somalia)
- winter rainfall : eastern
- merged spring, summer and autumn rainfall: smallest
