KAWA MULTIMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Temperature and winds
The general pattern of temperature the continent comprises an Equatorial zone, with a small temperature, through with actual temperatures fairly high. The North and South are areas which heat up considerably when the sun is almost overhead and cool down correspondingly when the sun is at its lowest.
The changing seasonal temperature pattern naturally influences corresponding changes in atmospheric pressure. High temperature creates low pressure zone while low pressure often causes high pressure to form.
Pressure in turn influences wind strength and direction. In January, the Saharan region as a whole experiences comparatively low temperature and so becomes an area of high pressure. The north-easterly wind which affects most of West Africa comes from this region. This wind is very dry and it is known as the Harmattan.
In July, that is when the apparent movement of earth in relation to the sun is directly in the Northern Hemisphere. It becomes a low-pressure zone due to high temperatures. This can be seen on the maps below. The trade winds and Monsoon winds towards the region.
The changing seasonal temperature pattern naturally influences corresponding changes in atmospheric pressure. High temperature creates low pressure zone while low pressure often causes high pressure to form.
Pressure in turn influences wind strength and direction. In January, the Saharan region as a whole experiences comparatively low temperature and so becomes an area of high pressure. The north-easterly wind which affects most of West Africa comes from this region. This wind is very dry and it is known as the Harmattan.
In July, that is when the apparent movement of earth in relation to the sun is directly in the Northern Hemisphere. It becomes a low-pressure zone due to high temperatures. This can be seen on the maps below. The trade winds and Monsoon winds towards the region.
Activity
Lesson Review Questions
1. What is climate?
2. Describe how temperature changes with latitude.
3. Why are many deserts found near 30° latitude?
4. How does altitude influence temperature?
5. What is a rain shadow?
Apply Concepts
6. An ocean current flows from north to south off the western coast of a continent. The current flows close to land at
50° N latitude. Predict how the current affects the climate of the coast at that latitude. Explain your prediction.
Think Critically
7. Explain how prevailing winds influence climate.
8. Compare and contrast coastal and inland climates.