Africa: Physical Geography Chapter 11

Lesson 1 Objectives Learn about Africa’s four regions and its major landforms. Find out about Africa’s major rivers.

Africa’s Four Regions North Africa Rocky mountains Sahara Desert West Africa Most populated area Mostly grasslands East Africa Mountains and plateaus Large, raised areas of mostly level land Central and Southern Africa Thick rain forests, mountains, and swamps Namib Desert and Kalahari Desert

The Plateau Continent Much of the continent is made up of raised areas that drop off near the sea Great Rift Valley in West Africa Mount Kilimanjaro in West Africa Tanzania Africa’s tallest mountain 19,341 feet

Africa’s Rivers The Nile River The Niger River The Congo River The Zambezi River

The Nile River Longest river in the world More than 4,000 miles long Twice the length of the Mississippi Flood cycle helps farmers with crops Silt makes fertile soil Rich in substances that plants need to grow

The Others The Congo Africa’s second longest river Flows through the rain forest of Central Africa The Niger Africa’s third longest river Begins in Guinea The Zambezi Africa’s fourth longest river Home of Victoria FallsVictoria Falls

Lesson 1 Objectives Learn about Africa’s four regions and its major landforms. Find out about Africa’s major rivers.

ASSIGNMENT!!!

Lesson 2 Objectives Discover the factors that influence Africa’s climate. Learn the characteristics of each of Africa’s vegetation regions. Find out how climate can affect the health of people living in Africa.

Africa’s Climate and Vegetation What influences climate in Africa? Distance from the Equator Elevation Nearness to large bodies of water

Distance From the Equator Much of Africa lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn Tropical climate Difference in seasons North of Equator Same seasons as U.S. South of the Equator Opposite seasons as U.S.

The Role of Elevation Mount Kilimanjaro Close to the Equator Ice and snow-covered year round Somalia and Ethiopia Same distance from the Equator Ethiopia on a high plateau Receive plenty of rain Somalia at lower elevation Little rain Can only farm near an oasis A fertile place in a desert, with water and vegetation

Africa’s Vegetation Regions Tropical Rain Forests Tropical Savannas Deserts

Tropical Rain Forests Rain falls often during the year Covers 20% of Africa People live in cities, towns, or on farms Grow cacao and cassava Fish, hunt, and harvest timber

Tropical Savannas A region of tall grasses with scattered trees Most common vegetation region in Africa Home to large herd animals: Lions Elephants Zebras Two seasons Dry Farming is impossible Wet Farmers plant crops

Deserts of Africa The Sahara Desert The Namib Desert The Kalahari Desert Few people live in the desert Nomads People who have no permanent, settled home Normally herders of goats, camels, or sheep Set up tents near oases

Climate and Health Sleeping Sickness Tsetse fly One bite can kill cattle and cause a serious disease in humans Malaria Infected mosquitoes

Lesson 2 Objectives Discover the factors that influence Africa’s climate. Learn the characteristics of each of Africa’s vegetation regions. Find out how climate can affect the health of people living in Africa.

ASSIGNMENT!!!

Lesson 3 Objectives Discover the ways in which Africans make use of their agricultural resources. Learn about the mineral and energy resources found in Africa. Find out what African countries are doing to improve their economic health.

Africa’s Agricultural Resources Subsistence farming Raising just enough crops to support one’s family North Africa Barley and wheat Saharan oases Dates West Africa Corn and rice

Crops For Sale! Cash crops Crops that are raised for sale West Africa Coffee Cacao East Africa Tea

Africa’s Natural Resources Each African country has its own economy A system for producing, distributing, consuming, and owning goods and services Farming Mining Petroleum Gold Copper, silver, uranium, titanium, and diamonds

Improving Africa’s Economy Specialized economy Farming Africa relies on rainfall and crop prices Trying to diversify Add variety More flexible economy Not dependent on only one product

Lesson 3 Objectives Discover the ways in which Africans make use of their agricultural resources. Learn about the mineral and energy resources found in Africa. Find out what African countries are doing to improve their economic health.

ASSIGNMENT!!!