Chapter 20, Section 1
1. How has the shifting of tectonic plates affected the development of the landforms of Africa south of the Sahara?
The shifting of tectonic plates have affected the development of the landforms of Africa south of the Sahara by: constantly forming new natural wonders consisting of: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi, and changing the shapes of areas, such as the Great Rift Valley.
2. How do landforms affect the water systems of Africa south of the Sahara?
The landforms have affected the water systems of Africa south of the Sahara by: creating the main sources of water, such as Lake Victoria, Lake Chad, Lake Malawi, and Lake Tanganyika, through uplifting of the lands over millions of years ago!
Creative Writing: Write a paragraph about how landforms and water systems in Africa south of the Sahara cause problems for the nations in the region as they try to take advantage of their mineral resources.
In Africa south of the Sahara, landforms and water systems have caused problems for the region’s nations. The problems, such as uneven distribution of the natural sources like oil and water, started when they tried to take advantage of their mineral resources. This issue of uneven distribution is caused by the plate tectonics which occurred many millions of years ago, but scattered the valuable resources across the region!
Chapter 20, Section 2
1. In addition to rainfall, what are three of the geographic factors that affect climate in Africa south of the Sahara? Give examples.
Three of the geographic factors, in addition to rainfall, that affect the climate in Africa south of the Sahara consist of:
1. The location near equator ex: Dry Climates (Steppe, Desert)
2. The air masses ex: (Tropical Wet/Tropical Dry)
3. The elevation ex: (Highland Climate)
2. What are the main kinds of climate and vegetation found in Africa south of the Sahara?
The main kinds of climates found in Africa south of the Sahara are: Tropical (wet and dry), Dry(steppe and desert) and Mid-latitude climates. The main kinds of vegetation found in Africa south of the Sahara are:
Tropical wet -shrubs, ferns and mosses
Tropical dry -savanna (tall grasses)
Dry steppe -Low-growing grasses, shrubs, & Acacia trees
Dry desert -grasses and trees
Mid-latitude - grasses and shrubs.
Creative Writing:
The Great Plains, in the United States and Canada, along with the Africa’s Serengeti Plain are both vast grasslands, but they have some differences. Some of those differences consist of: elevations, wildlife and location. Africa’s Serengeti Plain has more of a predominantly warm and dry climate which is similar to the Great Plains semi-arid steppe climate, but it is located closer to the equator and on a different continent!
