Much of Africa has average annual air temperatures. Africa

Africa is the hottest continent on the globe. It is located predominantly in tropical and equatorial latitudes, and therefore receives a significant amount of solar radiation (in the northern part, the total radiation exceeds 836 kJ/cm2 per year, in the rest of the territory - on average more than 669 kJ/cm2). This reason determines the prevalence of high positive temperatures in Africa.

On the main territory of the mainland, the average annual temperature exceeds +20°C. In summer, the air temperature in the Sahara rises to +40°C and above, and the surface of the stones heats up to +70°C. North Africa has the most heat air on Earth (+58.1°C, Tripoli).. Even on the northern and southern outskirts of the continent, entering the subtropical zones, average temperature during the winter months it does not fall below +8...+12°С. However, a cold highland climate is present on the peaks of the Ethiopian Highlands and the East African Plateau. In the equatorial latitudes, in the Congo Basin and on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, there are no differences in seasons - the air temperature stays around +25°C throughout the year.

Climatic conditions Africa is formed not only under the influence of seasonal differences in heating of the northern and southern parts of the continent. The distribution of temperatures and especially precipitation is related to atmospheric circulation. Most of Africa is characterized by trade wind circulation. In the northern part of the continent, trade winds pass over land and carry dry tropical air. In South Africa the trade winds come from Indian Ocean and bring more humid air, causing heavy rainfall in the mountains of Madagascar and on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

In subequatorial latitudes, seasonal changes in air masses are characteristic: in the summer of the corresponding hemisphere, trade winds are replaced by equatorial monsoons. In the extreme north and south of the continent, in subtropical latitudes, there is also a seasonal change in atmospheric circulation: in the winter of each hemisphere, the western transfer of moderate air masses dominates here (it rains), and in the summer these territories are under the influence of subtropical anticyclones with high pressure (dry sunny weather) .

I wonder what Precipitation in Africa is distributed almost zonally. Their number symmetrically decreases in both directions from the equator to the tropics, where it reaches minimum values, and then increases again on the subtropical outskirts of the continent. In equatorial latitudes, approximately between 5° N latitude. and 5° S, precipitation is regular and abundant. In the Congo River basin (Zaire) and on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, up to 2000-3000 mm of precipitation falls per year. And on the windward slopes of the Cameroon massif - up to 9000 mm. In subequatorial latitudes, up to approximately 17-19° N. and S. the amount of precipitation decreases from 1500 to 300-250 mm at the borders with tropical deserts. In the tropics, up to 30° N. and 30° S, extremely insufficient moisture. The vast Sahara is particularly dry - 50 mm or less of precipitation per year. Here the evaporation rate is 20-25 times higher than the actual evaporation. In the subtropics of Africa, precipitation increases again: up to 300-500 mm on the Libyan-Egyptian coast Mediterranean Sea and up to 500-800 mm on the windward slopes of the Atlas and Cape mountains.

Africa is divided into equatorial, two subequatorial, two tropical and two subtropical climate zones.

Equatorial belt - a constantly hot and humid climate forms on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (up to 7-8° N) and covers a significant part of the Congo Basin (between 5° N and 5° S). Average monthly temperatures are high - +25...+28°C. There is a lot of precipitation (up to 2000 mm or more), and it is distributed evenly over the months. However, there are two particularly rainy periods - spring and autumn. These precipitation maxima are associated with strong evaporation at the zenithal position of the Sun at these latitudes.

Subequatorial belts - (northern and southern) - encircle the equatorial climate zone, close in the east of the continent and extend from 17° N. latitude. up to 20° S The subequatorial monsoon climate occupies approximately 1/3 of Africa's territory. In summer, equatorial air, brought by the equatorial monsoons, predominates (humid summers); in winter, dry tropical air, brought by trade winds, predominates (dry winters). Annual temperature amplitudes are increasing compared to the equatorial belt. The hottest time of the year is at the beginning of the rainy season (up to +30°C). However, even in the coolest months of the year the temperature does not drop below +18...+20°C. The duration of the wet period decreases in the direction from the equator to the tropics from 10 to 3-2 months. Annual quantity precipitation on the plains decreases from 1500 to 250 mm.

Tropical zones (northern and southern) extend to 30°N. and 30° S They cover almost the entire Sahara and the Kalahari Basin with its marginal uplifts. In these belts, continental tropical air persists all year round and trade winds dominate. The average temperatures of the warmest month are +30...+35°С, the coldest - not lower than +10°С. Temperature amplitudes are very significant: annual - about 20°C; daily - up to 40-50°C. There is little precipitation - no more than 50-150 mm per year. They fall sporadically, in the form of rare and short-term showers. Special climatic conditions within the tropical zones are created on the west coast of Africa (the Atlantic Sahara and the Namib Desert - site). Cold currents pass here. The relative humidity is high, but there is very little precipitation. But during the cold night hours, heavy dew and fog form on the coast. Temperatures are relatively low for tropical latitudes: in summer - about +20°C, in winter - about +15°C. The east coast of South Africa experiences a humid tropical climate. This is favored by warm currents off the coast, over which the southeast trade wind is saturated with moisture and gives abundant precipitation on the windward slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Subtropical zones (northern and southern) occupy the outskirts of the mainland in the north and south. The Atlas Mountains, the Libyan-Egyptian coast and the foothills of the Cape Mountains have a subtropical Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and warm, humid winters. On the African coast of the Mediterranean Sea, average July temperatures reach +27...+28°C, January temperatures - +12°C. On the Cape Coast, the temperature of the warmest month does not exceed +21°C, the coldest - +13...+14°C. In the extreme southeast of Africa, within the subtropical zone, the climate is subtropical monsoon, with hot, rainy summers and relatively cool and dry winters. In summer, humid air from the Indian Ocean arrives on the coast. As in the tropical zone, it rains on the eastern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains. In winter, the Cape Mountains prevent the penetration of humid westerly winds and relatively little precipitation falls.

CLIMATE OF AFRICA

North trade wind moves from 25° N latitude. towards the equator in the form of three main flows of heated air with relative humidity from 30 to 15%. In the greater eastern part, this so-called Egyptian current of northeastern direction penetrates to the northern part of the Congo Basin and does not cross the equator. To the east, the even drier Arabian trade wind operates, capturing the Somali peninsula and penetrating south of the equator, where it merges with the southeast trade wind coming from the Indian Ocean along the periphery of the South Indian High. To the west of the Egyptian current, the so-called harmattan moves towards the Guinea coast, which in the northern part of the Gulf of Guinea meets the southwest monsoon flowing along the eastern periphery of the South Atlantic High. As a rule, the harmattan does not reach the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, and weak southwesterly winds prevail there. But at higher altitudes, the trade wind penetrates further to the south and interferes with the upward currents in the southwest monsoon and precipitation. Therefore, January on the Guinea coast is the driest month.

The South Indian maximum in January is strongly shifted to the south. It covers the extreme south of Africa and gives rise to the southeast trade wind, bringing heavy rainfall from the Indian Ocean to the eastern slopes of the high plateaus of Africa. The amount of precipitation decreases sharply as you move inland, reaching a minimum in the central part of the Kalahari.

West Coast Africa is influenced by the eastern periphery of the South Atlantic High. Due to the arrival of relatively cold air masses on the warmed continent, carried out from higher latitudes by winds from the southern point of view, there is no precipitation on the west coast in a strip stretching almost to the equator.

In the area where the Atlantic air comes into contact with the masses coming from the Indian Ocean, a front forms, and therefore in the western Kalahari the amount of precipitation increases slightly compared to the more western and eastern regions of the mainland.

In July The northern hemisphere is heating up more strongly (Fig. 104).

Rice. 104. The average air temperature in Africa is at earth's surface in July

Therefore, all pressure zones shift to the north. The subtropical maximum of the northern hemisphere shifts to the Mediterranean Sea and southern Europe, covering only the extreme northwest of Africa. Due to intense heating, an area of ​​low pressure forms over northern Africa, extending to the equator. South Africa, together with its neighboring oceans, is part of the pressure maximum zone of the southern hemisphere. Only its extreme south finds itself in the conditions of the westerly circulation of the temperate latitudes of the southern hemisphere (see Fig. 9).

In North Africa(Sahara) dry northeastern and northwestern winds blow, along the Red Sea and the Nile Valley they penetrate up to 20° N, and in the west - up to 18° N latitude. The southwest monsoon rushes towards them, from the side of the South Atlantic High, carrying moisture-unstable air to the territory of Sudan and the Guinea coast. It rains in these areas.

Ethiopia, Somalia and all of eastern Africa north of the equator are affected Indian monsoon, which is a continuation of the southeast trade wind, crossing the equator and bringing heavy rain.

Almost all southern Africa within the high pressure belt with weakened trade wind activity, the weather at this time is dry, especially in the interior regions. The exception is the Cape region, which is characterized by increased cyclonic activity along the polar front.

High temperature throughout the year in the main part of Africa depend on the height of the sun above the horizon and strong insolation. On a large part of the continent, the average annual temperature exceeds 20 °C. The northern part of Africa is more massive, so in general it warms up more than the southern part, and there is the highest average monthly temperature (35 ... 40 ° C), as well as the highest Maximum temperature(up to 58 °C), observed on Earth.

All of Africa is characterized by significant daily temperature fluctuations as a manifestation continentality climate. For example, in the Sahara, daily temperature amplitudes can reach 50 °C.

Precipitation are distributed extremely unevenly across the continent. Regular and heavy convective rains fall in the equatorial part, approximately between 5° N latitude. and 10° S Maximum precipitation in Africa (about 10,000 mm) are noted on the slopes of the Cameroon massif, facing the prevailing southwestern winds.

In areas north and south of the equator, up to about 17° in both hemispheres, precipitation is associated with equatorial monsoon and fall in the summer of each hemisphere; their annual amounts vary greatly depending on the geographical location and topography. Even further north and south from the equator (up to 30°) there are areas with very low annual precipitation (Fig. 105).

Rice. 105. Average monthly precipitation in Africa, mm

In the far north and far south of the continent, in the subtropical zone the amount of precipitation increases again, and its maximum in the northwest and southwest occurs in winter, and in the southeast in summer.

In connection with the above, Africa is different wide variety of climate types.

Region humid equatorial climate covers a significant part of the Congo Basin, approximately between 5°N latitude. and 5° S, as well as the Guinean coast up to 7-8° N. In the Congo Basin, due to strong surface heating, convective precipitation occurs throughout the year. In their regime, two maxima are clearly expressed, associated with the highest position of the sun. On the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, precipitation is associated with the prevailing southwesterly winds and its annual amount is high. High and uniform temperatures (24...28 °C), large amounts of precipitation, 1.5-2 times higher than evaporation, and high relative air humidity create conditions of constant excess moisture. Because of this, the climate of the equatorial part of Africa is difficult to tolerate not only for Europeans who are not accustomed to it, but also for local residents.

Subequatorial belt in North Africa it extends north to 17° N. In the southern hemisphere, the subequatorial climate belt does not reach the Atlantic Ocean; it extends to the south to almost 20° S. latitude. In the summer, each hemisphere is dominated by the monsoon, which brings humid equatorial air and heavy rainfall. In winter, the subequatorial belt is influenced by the trade wind, bringing masses of dry tropical air. This is a period of complete absence of rain and very low relative humidity.

The duration of the wet period, annual precipitation and moisture within the belt vary from the equator towards the tropics and in the direction from west to east. From the equator to the tropics, the duration of the wet period gradually decreases from 10 to 2-3 months. From west to east, precipitation is decreasing due to the weakening of the monsoon. The driest areas within the subequatorial belt northern hemisphere are located on the Somali peninsula, which is protected from the equatorial monsoon by the Ethiopian Highlands, and in the northern part of Sudan, on the border with the tropical zone. Temperatures in the subequatorial zones are high during most of the year, but annual differences are more pronounced than in the equatorial zone. The hottest time occurs at the beginning of the rainy season, when the average temperature exceeds 30 °C. However, even in the coolest months the average temperature does not drop below 20 °C.

Large areas of Africa, especially in the northern hemisphere, are characterized by arid tropical climate.

In the northern hemisphere, a hot, dry tropical climate is characteristic of the Sahara. In summer, the surface of North Africa becomes very hot and the northeast trade wind rushes there, bringing air with a relative humidity of 15-30%. IN winter time An anticyclonic regime is established over North Africa, therefore, throughout the year, conditions over the Sahara are not favorable for precipitation. Dry air and extremely low cloud cover, combined with an almost complete absence of vegetation, create conditions for sharp daily temperature fluctuations. Evaporation is approximately 20-25 times higher than actual evaporation.

The climate along the coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is also extremely dry. The winter northeast trade wind, sweeping over the Red Sea, is almost not saturated with moisture and gives only a little precipitation on the coast itself. The summer monsoon, which brings precipitation to the Sudan region, leaves a huge amount of moisture on the western and southwestern slopes of the Ethiopian Highlands. It penetrates the east coast in the form of a hairdryer and does not produce precipitation. Therefore, on the shores of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden there are some of the hottest and driest areas on Earth.

In the southern hemisphere, the Kalahari Basin has an arid tropical climate, but the rainfall there is slightly higher than in the Sahara, thanks to the southeast trade wind blowing from the Indian Ocean.

This trade wind brings especially large amounts of precipitation to the coast of the Mozambique Channel and the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains. In this regard, on the eastern edge of the tropical belt of the southern hemisphere in Africa, there is a area of ​​humid trade wind climate.

The western outskirts of the continent in the tropical zone of the northern and southern hemispheres, where the influence of the eastern periphery of the Atlantic highs is felt near the coast, is characterized by coastal desert climate. Prevailing winds blowing towards the equator create streams of relatively cold water on the ocean surface - the Benguela and Canary cold currents. The cooled air of the eastern periphery of the Atlantic highs that forms above them flows onto the heated surface of the continent, creating a temperature inversion. The air coming from the ocean contains a significant amount of water vapor, but during inversion, condensation of these vapors does not occur and very little precipitation falls, although the relative humidity of the air is high. Temperatures are low (monthly average is usually below 21 °C), and diurnal amplitudes are less significant than in continental deserts. It rains in the southwestern part of Africa (Namib Desert) even less often than in the Sahara, but there is often heavy dew and fog, the moisture of which is absorbed by some plants. The humidity and stuffiness of coastal deserts is more difficult for humans to endure than the dry, scorching heat of the continental desert.

Lesson type: lesson of new knowledge.

The purpose of the lesson: studying the characteristics of the climate of Africa and the factors shaping the climate of the continent using problem-based learning technology.

Tasks:
Educational: characterize the climate of Africa, prove that Africa is the hottest continent, find out the influence of climate-forming factors on the climate of the continent.
Educational: develop skills of working in dynamic groups and micro-teams, self-assessment and mutual verification skills.
Educational: develop skills in working with a map, reading a map, and solving problem problems.

Express lesson plan “Climate of Africa”

No.	Lesson steps		Stage name	Forms and methods
	Check of knowledge	Incoming control	Geographical dictionary	Vocabulary work
			"Records" of Africa	Updating knowledge
	Explanation of new material	Explaining new material using different forms and working methods	Africa is the hottest continent	Identification of cause-and-effect relationships
			African climate	Work with climate map
			Climate-forming factors	Drawing up a systematizing table using student competencies
	Fixing the material	Independent work in groups	Problem solving	Modeling and solving climate problems
		Disabled control	Student self-esteem	Self-test of competencies
		Enabled control	Student peer review	Geographical dictation
	Homework		Homework	§ 46-47 self-control issues
	Lesson summary		Lesson summary

During the classes:

Setting the learning objective of the lesson.
1 Stage of knowledge testing
Updating knowledge - geographical dictionary (students answer, verbally explaining each term)

• Climate
• Trade winds
• Isotherms
• Days of the equinoxes
• Solstices

African records (repetition of material from previous lessons):

• Neil is the most long river world 6671 km
• The hottest continent
• The only continent that is in all four hemispheres
• The highest temperature on earth is +58°C
• The largest tropical desert, the Sahara, covers an area of ​​more than 7 million sq. km.
• The largest animal on land is the African elephant.

Stage 2 – explanation of new material

Now name an African record related to climate: “Africa is the hottest continent.” Let's prove this statement.
“Africa is the hottest continent”:

1. The highest temperature on Earth is +58°C
2. Most of Africa is located between the equator and the tropics, i.e. in the hot thermal zone of the Earth. (Why is it hot here? The sun is at its zenith, i.e. the sun's rays fall straight)
3. In most of Africa average annual temperature not lower than +20°С
4. Average monthly temperature is not lower than +8°С

What is the climate of Africa? To do this, we use a thematic map – a climate map. Let's open page 171 of the textbook. How to work with a climate map? Let's pay attention to the symbols. What can be determined?
Climate of Africa: students work, write in notebooks
1.Absolute maximum t? (near Tripoli +58°C)
2.Absolute minimum t? (at Maung -4°C)
3. What is the most precipitation? (on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea more than 2000 mm per year)
4. Does the least amount of precipitation fall? (in the northern and southern parts continent in the Sahara and Namib deserts less than 100 mm per year)
5. For North Africa, the average t? (January +22°C, July +24°C)
6. For South Africa, the average t? (January +16°C, July +8°C)

Question: Why are January temperatures lower than July in northern Africa, but in the southern part January is much warmer than July?

Suggested answer: In the Southern Hemisphere, due to the position of the Earth, the seasons are reversed and the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere - December, January and February in the Southern Hemisphere are summer months. Therefore, January in southern Africa is warmer, it is a summer month.
Let us determine what factors determine this climate in Africa. To do this, let’s create a table: (the main task is to use the students’ competencies, you can refer to page 39 of the textbook, Fig. 2)
Climate-forming factors

	His influence
Geographic latitude	Temperatures decrease as you move away from the equator
The influence of the oceans	The influence of currents: warm ones increase the amount of precipitation and temperature, and cold ones reduce the temperature and amount of precipitation (mainly fog and dew)
	Mountains trap air masses, there is snow on the tops of the mountains
Prevailing winds	Trade winds – constant winds, blowing towards the equator, the north trade winds do not bring moisture, the south winds bring
Influencing VMs	COMPUTER, TVM, UVM

Stage 3 – consolidation of new material

Questions:
1. The mulberry tree shown in the picture grew on the plain of the Somali Peninsula. Find the peninsula on the map and try to explain the reason why the crown of the tree is strongly elongated in the horizontal direction. Annex 1 .
2. Are there such shadows in your area as shown in the picture? Why? Where in Africa can you see such shadows? Appendix 2
3. It is a well-known statement that the closer to the ocean, the more humid the climate. How do you then explain the presence of the Namib coastal desert in Africa (show it on the map). Describe its climate. Appendix 3
4. In the Namib Desert there is a dwarf tree - Welwitschia. Determine why this plant has huge, hard leaves, but everyone knows that desert plants have small leaves or are modified into spines. Appendix 4
5. “Kilimangara – shining mountain” translated from the African language of the Swahili people. Explain why this name was given if it is known that the slopes of the Kilimanjaro volcano are composed of rocks that do not give intense shine. What sparkles at the top of a volcano? Appendix 5.
6. On which slope (eastern or western) of the Drakensberg Mountains and why does a lot of rainfall occur? Appendix 6
Next, self-control is carried out on the topic of the lesson: (each student receives a card)

Self-control (put + or - in the columns)

	I know, I can tell you	I know, but I can't explain	I don't know, I can't
Why is Africa the hottest continent?
Name the climate-forming factors of Africa
Compile climate characteristics using a map
Explain the name Kilimanjaro - the shining mountain
Why is Africa called the "continent of short shadows"
How do trade winds affect the climate of Africa?
Where and why does Velvichia grow?

Work through these questions at home
The result of the work

	Absolute minimum t of Africa
	Summer months in South Africa
	Desert in northern Africa
	What currents reduce t and reduce precipitation?
	Which part of Africa receives the most rainfall?

Control Last name, first name _____________________________________________
Option 2

	Absolute maximum t of Africa
	Winter months in South Africa
	Desert in southern Africa
	What VMs influence the climate of Africa
	Which currents raise t and increase precipitation?
	Which part of Africa receives the least rainfall?

A mutual check is carried out (the answers are written on the board behind the card), and grades are assigned for the lesson.
Given homework§ 46-47 and self-control issues
Let's summarize the lesson.
Can be used in class Routing for the student Appendix 7

Date of: 03.04.2017

African climate

Africa's climate is determined by its geographical location- most of it is located between the tropics and is characterized by high values ​​of total solar radiation (180-200 kcal/cm 2 per year). Africa is considered the hottest continent. On the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea and in the Congo Basin, average temperatures throughout the year are +25... + 26°C. Average summer temperatures are high in the north of Sudan, in the Sahara (+30...+ 32°C; in the western part up to + 38°C); in Al-Azizia (Libya) the highest temperature on Earth was observed: + 58°C. In subtropical latitudes in summer from +16...+ 22 ° C. Average winter temperatures are 20 ° C. and S. are + 16°C; in the subtropics - about + 10°C.

The climate of Africa is influenced by trade winds blowing from the tropics to the equator . Wet air masses bring to the territory of Africa from the Indian Ocean southeast trade wind, dry brings the weather from Eurasia northeast trade wind.

The climate of the mainland coast is influenced by warm currentsMozambique and Cape Agulhas, washing the eastern shores of Africa south of the equator, increase and equalize coastal temperatures; The Canary and Benguela cold currents reduce temperatures and increase the aridity of the western coasts of Africa in the tropics. For example, under the influence of the Begel Current, the Namib Desert was formed.

Drakensberg and Cape Mountains delay easterly trade wind on windward slopes, causing redistribution precipitation.

The main circulation process over Africa is the transfer of tropical air by trade winds blowing from high pressure belts (from the tropics) to the equatorial part with low atmospheric pressure.

Over northwest Africa is installed high pressure- the spurs of the Azores High, from which tropical sea air flows, quickly warms up and does not form precipitation on the Mediterranean coast and in the Sahara, where the Saharan Low is formed.

Along the West Coast winds blow from the eastern part of the Azores High. The main source of poor moisture is hidden moisture from fog and dew.

In northeast Africa from 5° S The southwest monsoon blows along the low-lying coast of the Somali peninsula and is directed towards India. Rain falls only in the interior mountainous regions of the peninsula. East Africa, south of the equator, also receives very little rainfall.

IN Saharan the minimum flows over continental tropical air from the South African High, which is established in the Southern Hemisphere in winter over South Africa at tropical latitudes. Over the Sahara, the pressure increases (Saharan maximum), dry; A circulation unfavorable for precipitation remains along the Atlantic coast.

To the eastern On the slopes of the Etbay ridge and the Ethiopian Highlands, poor precipitation from the Red Sea is brought by northeastern winds flowing from the Arabian Peninsula.

In East Africa, south of 5°S, precipitation falls mainly on the eastern slopes of the plateau, as well as in its western mountainous regions, where monsoon flows from the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

In South Africa Trade winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall to the eastern slopes of Madagascar and the Drakensberg Mountains up to subtropical latitudes.

Africa is located in seven climate zones: equatorial (wet and hot seasons throughout the year), two subequatorial (warm all year round, two seasons - summer rainy and winter dry), two tropical (continental, maritime), two subtropical (humid warm winter, dry hot summer).

Along the western edge of South Africa from 6° S anticyclonic circulation operates up to the subtropics eastern outskirts South Atlantic maximum, especially stable in tropical latitudes, where exceptional aridity remains.

According to seasonal patterns of circulation, temperature and precipitation on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and in the Congo Basin, highlight constantly humid and hot equatorial climate type(from 5-7° N to 2-3° S). The wettest place in Africa is located here - Debunja (at the foot of Mount Cameroon, 9655 mm of precipitation per year); in other areas at least 1500 mm falls.

In the north and south, the equatorial climate gradually turns into subequatorial(equatorial monsoons) with a summer wet and winter dry season. The duration of the latter increases from 2 to 10 months, and annual precipitation amounts decrease from 1800 mm to 300 mm. North of 20°N. and south of 18° S. The climate in Africa is tropical, in the Northern Hemisphere it is deserted and very dry.

In the Sahara, precipitation decreases to 100 mm per year or less; Eastern Sahara is the driest region in Africa(10-20 mm of precipitation per year).

Along the west coast, the climate is oceanic desert with high relative humidity. In the Southern Hemisphere in the tropical zone three sectors :

• in the west - oceanic desert,
• in the center - continental moderately arid and arid,
• in the east - sea trade wind with summer maximum precipitation.

The outskirts of Africa lie in subtropical climate zones.Northern Africa has a Mediterranean climate: on the windward slopes of the Atlas - typical,in its interior and on the coasts of Libya and South Africa- semi-desert and desert.South Africa has a typical Mediterranean climate; observed on the southwestern windward slopes of the Cape Mountains; subtropical monsoon with summer maximum precipitation -on the southeastern outskirts; semi-desert and desert -in the interior.

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Relief and geological structure,Surface waterNatural resources

see also

Africa. Physiographic location. History of research and development

The climate of Africa can be described as a unique phenomenon due to its location.

Africa is the only continent in the world that lies on both sides of the equator.

Interestingly, the equator is not only Earth divides into two hemispheres, it divides the African continent almost equally.

Climate has a very large influence on the nature of the area, because it determines weather patterns, as well as changes in weather conditions.

The soil of the area, flora and fauna, various sectors of the economy, as well as

.

The formation of certain climatic conditions in Africa is influenced by various factors, which subsequently determine the life and livelihoods of people who live in a particular type of climate.

Africa is widely considered to be the hottest continent due to its location in the hottest climate zones.

An interesting fact is that three of the four climatic zones on the continent are repeated twice.

Due to the fact that Africa is crossed by the equator, around which the equatorial climate zone has formed, the remaining climate zones mirror each other.

Subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate zones occur twice on the continent.

Equatorial climate zone of Africa

The equatorial belt occupies an area along the Gulf of Guinea and extends all the way to the basin in the Congo and.

Throughout the year, the equatorial warm air mass prevails here, which determines the weather conditions.

In this part of Africa there are no seasons with temperature changes and changing weather conditions; it is always very hot here and it rains often. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year.

The temperature here is high 365 days a year - from 24 °C to 28 °C.

The equatorial climate is characterized by heavy rainfall. During the year, in different areas of the equatorial part of the continent, from 1500 to 2500 mm of precipitation falls.

Because of this, very high humidity and heat are formed, which are difficult to tolerate; the coolness of the night brings relief.

In the African equatorial part, constant cloudiness and frequent fogs can be observed.

Almost every day before lunch, clouds gather, which after lunch, towards evening, materialize into rain or thunderstorms.

They present plant and animal life in a wonderful abundance that has not been fully explored.

On both sides of the equator, as well as to the east of equatorial belt Subequatorial climate zones expanded.

This climate zone It is also very hot, with temperatures throughout the year varying from 26 to 30 °C in summer and 15 to 17 °C in winter.

Subequatorial climate zone of Africa

In the subequatorial climate zone, rainy and dry seasons are clearly visible.

The duration of rains, as well as the numerical indicators of precipitation, decrease as the belt moves away from the equator.

This directly affects the flora of the area.

In places where there is insufficient precipitation, woody vegetation practically does not grow; lush forests are replaced by open forests, which smoothly turn into savannas.

It is very interesting to note the alternation of the rainy season and the predominance of the dry season in subequatorial climatic zones.

While in one of the subequatorial zones of Africa there is a rainy season, which brings the equatorial air mass, in another subequatorial zone at this time an air mass from the tropics dominates, which entails the onset of the dry season.

Tropical climate zone of Africa

Characteristic feature given climate there is arid hot weather and the minimum amount of precipitation, which decreases with distance from the center of the continent and further into its interior.

Africa is mostly located in a tropical climate, so there are a lot of deserts, the formation of which is facilitated by dry air, a remote location from the ocean, as well as increased pressure due to tropical air masses.

These are ideal conditions for the development of numerous deserts and savannas.

The Sahara is the largest desert on the planet, which is located in the tropical climate of Africa. Here, not a single drop of precipitation may fall for years, and it is extremely difficult for a person to stay here.

The air is filled with fine dust and very often there are strong winds that create sandy dust storms.

Wind and dust form whimsical sand.

The tropical zone, in addition to aridity, is characterized by a very sharp daily temperature difference.

During the day, the thermometer rises above 40 °C, heating up the sand and air, and at night the temperature drops sharply by a couple of tens of degrees and can drop to negative levels.

The maximum air temperature worldwide was recorded in the Libyan desert of the African tropical zone and reached 58 °C.

The northern coast, as well as the extreme south of the mainland, occupies subtropical zone, which is characterized by a change in air masses and a division of the year into seasons.

The average temperature per year is approximately 20 °C. It varies significantly depending on the summer and winter seasons.

Subtropical climate of Africa

The subtropical zone of Africa in the northern and southwestern parts of the continent is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and precipitation in winter, which is brought by temperate air.

The southeast has a subtropical humid climate.

It contributes to the fact that throughout the year, precipitation here is distributed fairly evenly.