Africa: Climate and Vegetation Mr. Dodson

Africa is so hot because it lies between the Tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn “Sahara” is Arabic for “desert” – largest climactic feature 3,000 miles across, 1200 miles North and South Camels are best for travel in desert Deep below desert are aquifers – huge stores of groundwater An Oasis is where water comes to surface supporting vegetation and wildlife also critical for people

Rainfall varies - some areas receiving rain only every few years – others 120 inches a year Tropical grasslands cover most of continent – the Serengeti Plain is one example Rain forests can have 100 different kinds of trees and hundreds of species of birds Much of sunlight is blocked – things decompose quickly Most animals live in the Canopy – the uppermost layer of branches about 150 ft above ground