1. West Africa
Chapter 15

2. Physical Geography
Section 1

3. Section Vocabulary Niger River (p. 373) Sahel (p. 374)
desertification (p. 374)
savanna (p. 374)

4. Physical Features
There are several countries in West Africa – a primary focus will be on Nigeria.

5. Main physical features: plains and rivers
This region stretches from the Sahara in the north to the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea.
Main physical features: plains and rivers
Only mountains are in the country of Chad (Tibesti Mountains)
Climate changes between north and south of the region.

6. The most important river is the Niger.
The Niger River flows 2,600 miles into the interior of W. Africa.
Life-giving
Many people farm near the riverbank or fish.
Used for transportation, especially during rainy season.

8. Climate and Vegetation
4 different climate regions: desert, humid tropical, tropical savanna, steppe
The Sahel is a strip of land that divides the desert from the wetter areas. (steppe climate)
Rainfall varies
BUT is becoming more like the Sahara due to desertification, the spread of desert-like conditions.
Caused by people, drought & animals

9. Desertification in the Sahel

10. South of the Sahel is a savanna, an area of tall grasses and scattered trees and shrubs.
When rainfall is regular, farmers do well in this area.

11. Resources Resources in West Africa include:
Agricultural (farming) products
Cacao (chocolate), coffee, peanuts
OIL
Found off coast of Nigeria which makes it the most successful (economically)
Minerals
Diamonds, gold, iron

12. Drilling for oil in Nigeria