Africa Geography

Standard SS7G1 The student will locate selected features of Africa. a. Locate on a world and regional political- physical map: the Sahara, Sahel, savanna, tropical rain forest, Congo River, Niger River, Nile River, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Atlas Mountains, and Kalahari Desert. b. Locate on a world and regional political- physical map the countries of, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan.

Standard SS7G3 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, and physical characteristics on population distribution in Africa. a. Explain how the characteristics in the Sahara, Sahel, savanna, and tropical rain forest affect where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel. SS7G4 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Africa. a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group. b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili ethnic groups. c. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.

Africa http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/v iew/assetGuid/337A29F9-4962-4657-9717- AB17A3601F5E http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/v iew/assetGuid/10C81496-DFAF-415C-9531- 82932676892A

Atlas Mountains http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/10C81496-DFAF-415C-9531-82932676892A

Atlas Mountains A group of mountains mainly located in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia that separates the coastal regions from the Sahara—extends nearly 1600 miles. Coastal climate less harsh than the Sahara. Highest peak is 13,671 ft.

Sahara Desert http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/10C81496-DFAF-415C-9531-82932676892A

Sahara Desert “The great desert” The largest “hot” desert in the world Over 3.6 million sq miles Very small population except for traders traveling from one place to another Receives >3in. of rain per yr. Temperature can reach 136 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sahel

sahel A dry and semi-arid transitional region between the Sahara and the savanna (grasslands). Humans cutting down trees and allowing animals to overgraze is causing this area to be more like a desert (desertification).

African Savanna

African savanna 4.5 million square miles cover Africa. A vast area of grassland and tropical habitats with small trees/shrubs. Home to many animals like Zebras, Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Giraffes, etc. 4.5 million square miles cover Africa.

African Rainforest http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/8737BB73-9C78-4BE4-AE76-09323ED5FE4D

African Rainforest Tropical rainforests are located along the central coast. Hot and humid climate; 50-60 inches of rain/yr. Home to many animal and bird species Rapid population growth is threatening the rainforests 2nd largest rainforest in the world.

Standard SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of Africa. a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water. b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa. c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.

Kalahari Desert

Kalahari desert Dry and sandy desert in southern Africa. Covers parts of Botswana, Namibia, & South Africa. Parts of the desert receive 5-10 inches of rain (semi-arid) which makes part of it technically not a “desert”. Gradually encroaching on surrounding areas.

Nile River http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/v iew/assetGuid/499FFC0A-5521-4CE1-BB6C- 272AC86F1156 http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/v iew/assetGuid/A9D4EE63-4B82-441C-BB3E- AA6138116087

Environmental issues Deforestation – the destruction of trees and other vegetation Drought – period of little rainfall Desertification – The process of the desert expanding into areas that had formerly been farmland

Nile River

Nile river Longest river in the world. Flows northward over 4,150 miles from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea Birth place and life source of the Egyptian civilization. Provides food, water, transportation, and fertile soils for surrounding areas

Congo river

Congo River 2,920 mi. river that flows through the central and west African rainforests and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Flows through the 2nd largest rainforest in the world. 2nd largest river in Africa.

Niger river Five nations depend on this river. 2,597 mi. long The main river in Western Africa Flows through Guinea, Mali, Niger, Benin, Nigeria

Water Wars The fight over water is most likely the biggest issue in Africa There is not enough clean, fresh water to support the population of Africa There multiple rivers in Africa, but a majority of the water is polluted due to human/factory/animal pollution and overpopulation The damming of rivers has disrupted the flow of water to countries downstream

Water Wars Aswan High Dam – Dam of the Nile River in Egypt to enable irrigation year around Stopped the floods of the Nile which provided silt (rich top soil) that fertilized the banks Now Egyptians must use chemical fertilizers that have contaminated the soil Niger River – vital transportation route to the people of the Sahel Niger River dumps into the Atlantic at the “Oil Delta”