GRADE 11

TERM 1

THE ATMOSPHERE

WORKSHEET
TERMINOLOGY
Insolation Incoming solar radiation

Revolution: Movement of the Earth in an orbit around the sun.

Isotherms: These are lines on a map joining places of equal temperature

Heat equator: is an isotherm joining places that have the highest temperature at a
particular time
Summer solstice It is experienced in midsummer 21 December when days are longer and shorter
night
Autumn equinox Mid-autumn days falls on 21March when there’s equal length of day and night
Winter solstice: Midwinter days falls on 21 June when days are shorter, and nights are longer
Spring equinox: Midspring days falls on 23 September both day and night are of equal length

Shortwave It is the radiant energy produced by the sun with wavelength ranging from
radiation: infrared through visible to ultraviolet
Longwave It is electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths emitted from earth and its
radiation: atmosphere out to space in the form of thermal radiation
Atmospheric Is the weight of the atmosphere on the surface of the Earth.
pressure:
Divergence Moving apart

Convergence Coming together

Dew point Temperature at which water vapour starts to condense

(ITCZ): Intertropical The zone where the two sets of tropical easterlies converge.
Convergence Zone
Front: Zone where two air masses of different temperatures meet
Polar front: The front between the cold air and warmer air masses which meet at 60̊
north and south
Wind: Moving air that blows from high pressure to low pressure
Pressure gradient: The amount of change in atmospheric pressure between high- and lowpressure
areas
Pressure gradient Pressure gradient force causes the air to move from a high-pressure area
force(PGF): towards a low-pressure area along the pressure gradient
Isobars: Lines joining places with the same atmospheric pressure.
Coriolis force : The force which deflects winds due to the earth’s rotation.
Ferrell’s law: It states that because of the Coriolis force, the winds are deflected to their
left in the southern hemisphere and to right in the northern hemisphere
Geostrophic flow: Theoretical wind that would result from an exact balance between Coriolis
Force and the Pressure Gradient Force
Friction: Contact with land or sea surface that slows down air movement
Planetary winds: Major winds which blow all year round over large expanses of the Earth’s
surface
Monsoon: A seasonal wind that blows in Tropical regions.
Fohn wind: A warm dry wind that descends the leeward side of a mountain.
Ridge: High pressure extending outwards to lower pressure
Trough low pressure extending outwards to higher pressure
Drought: A long period with little or no rain
Desertification: The process whereby once fertile areas become increasingly more arid/ dry
The significance of the Earth’s axis and revolution around the Sun
What causes the seasons
Cause Description
Revolution. Earth orbits around the sun once every 365¼ days
Rotation Earth turns on its axis once every 24 hours
Tilt The Earth’s axis is tilted 23_° from the perpendicular.
Sphericity The nearly spherical shape of the Earth produces uneven
insolation.

Differentiation between Rotation and Revolution of the Earth

The Earth’s Rotation The Earth’s Revolution

• Earth spins as it orbits the Sun. • The Earth revolves around our Sun.
• It takes the Earth 24 hours to make one • It takes just over 365 days (one year) for the
complete turn on its axis, so an Earth day is 24 Earth to go around the Sun once.
hours long. • The Earth revolves around the Sun at a rate
• The Sun lights up one half of the Earth, and of about 107 000 kilometres per hour.
the other half is in shadow • The Earth's revolution around the sun and
. • As the Earth spins we move from shadow to the tilt of its rotational axis result in the
light and back to shadow and so on. seasons.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/images
/position_of_earth_around_sun.gif
http://mac.elated.com/wp-
content/uploads/earthview.jpg
http://www.webquest.hawaii.edu/kahihi/sciencedictionary/images/revolution.png

Seasonal effects on the energy balance

• It is summer in each hemisphere when that hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun
because it has longer daytime hours.
• In winter, when a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it receives and retains
less incoming radiation.
• Twice a year, at the equinoxes on 21 March and 23 September, the Sun is directly
overhead the equator and all places on Earth have a 12 hour day and a 12 hour
night.Both hemispheres will get equal solar radiation.
• At the solstice on 21 June, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The
longer days and shorter nights cause the northern hemisphere to receive more
insolation and to experience summer. The southern hemisphere is tilted away from
the Sun. This causes shorter days and longer nights. There are winter conditions.
• On December 21 the reverse happens with long days, short nights and summer in
the southern hemisphere. The northern hemisphere has long nights, short days and
winter.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-schematic-Earth-orbit-about-the-Sun
1 1.1 Choose a term in COLUMN B that matches the description in COLUMN A.
Write only the letter (A–I) next to the question numbers (1.1.1–1.1.8) in the ANSWER
BOOK, for example 1.1.9 J.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.1.1. The angle of the earth’s axis as the A revolution
earth revolves.
B orbit
1.1.2 Movement of the earth around the sun
C equinox
1.1.3 Incoming solar radiation
D insolation
1.1.4 The path that the earth travels around
the sun E terrestrial radiation

1.1.5 Radiation from the earth F latitude

1.1.6 When one hemisphere is tilted towards G parallelism

the sun on 21 December
H circle of illumination
1.1.7 When neither hemisphere is tilted
towards or away from the sun I solstice

1.1.8 Line between the light and dark halves

of the earth

1.2 Match the statements in COLUMN B with the terms or examples in COLUMN A.
Write down only the question number and correct letter e.g. 1.1.8 J
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.2.1 Tropic of Cancer A Shape of the earth.
1.2.2 Elliptical B 23.5˚South.
1.2.3 Summer solstice C 21/22 December.
1.2.4 Spherical D Path of earth around the sun.
1.2.5 Insolation E Earth turns on imaginary axis.
Air masses from both hemispheres
1.2.6 Rotation F
converge here.
1.2.7 I.T.C.Z G 21/22 June.
H 23.5˚North.
I 660- 900 N and S

J Incoming solar energy

1.3 Refer to FIGURE 1.3 to complete the statements below on the earth’s orbit
around the sun. Select the correct option from within the brackets to make each of
the statements TRUE.

1.3.1. The arrow at A indicates the Earth’s (rotation / revolution).

1.3.2. C represents (winter/summer) solstice in the Northern

Hemisphere.

1.3.3. At E the sun is shining directly on the equator therefore (days

are longer / days and nights are equal length).

1.3.4. (Equinox / Solstice) the time of the year when day and night
are of equal length throughout the world.

1.3.5. The Earth’s (rotation / revolution) is depicted by the arrow at B.

1.3.6. FIGURE 1.1 shows the formation of (day and night/ seasons).

1.3.7. The path of the Earth around the sun is called a/an (orbit/
circle).

1.3.8 At D the (north pole / south pole) experience six months of

darkness.

1.3.9 (Equinox / Solstice) is the time of year when the midday sun
is directly overhead at one of the tropics.
(9 x 1) (9)
2.2 The role of ocean currents and winds in the transfer of Energy

Global winds drag on the water’s surface, causing it to move and build up in the
direction that the wind is blowing.
Ocean currents help to distribute heat around the Earth and circulate massive
amounts of warm and cold water.
In the case of ocean currents, surface currents move heated water away from the
equator. As this
water reaches the Polar Regions, it cools and sinks to the sea floor (down welling).
The current then returns to the Equator along the sea floor. In the equatorial regions
the current rises (upwelling). This is known as a conveyer belt or thermohaline
circulation. “Thermo” relates to temperature and “haline” to the salt content. Both of
these affect the density of the sea water.
Refer to the FIGURE below and answer the following statements regarding the
impact of ocean current on climate.
Figure Surface Ocean Currents

http://fretzreview.wikispaces.com/file/view/Surface_currents.jpg/30705280/Surface_currents.jpg
2.1 Refer to the FIGURE below and answer the following statements regarding the
impact of ocean current on climate

2.1.1. Climate experienced on the coastal areas is called … climate.

2.1.2. Climate experienced on the Plateau, far from the ocean is called …
climate.

2.1.3. The ocean current that is located at A on the east coast of South
Africa is the … current.

2.1.4. Name the ocean current that can be found at B on the west coast
of South Africa.

2.1.5. The temperature of ocean current A and B results in a (small/large)

seasonal temperature range.

2.1.6. The temperature of ocean current A and B results in a (small/large)

diurnal temperature range.

2.1.7 Ocean current A results in (more/less) rainfall on the eastern

coastal areas.

Winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean to the west coast is called
2.1.8 (offshore/onshore) winds. (8 x 1) (8)
2.2 Study FIGURE 2.2, the world map showing ocean currents across the world.

2.2.1 Name the ocean current affecting the climate on South Africa’s
east coast.

2.2.2 Is the ocean current identified in QUESTION 2.2.1 a cold or warm current?

2.2.3 Account for the movement of warm ocean currents by referring to their
origins.

2.2.4 Which ocean current flows from the south pole to South Africa’s west
coast?

2.2.5 Ocean currents and wind movements moderate extreme temperatures.

Identify the process which drives it.

2.2.6 Account for the movement of cold ocean currents by referring to their
origins.

2.2.7 State a noticeable characteristic of cold ocean currents regarding their

location. (7 x 1) (7)
3. Global air circulation
The characteristics of high pressure and low-pressure cells in the southern
hemisphere
High pressure Low pressure
Air sinking anti-clockwise Air rising clockwise
At Earth’s surface air moves outwards to areas At Earth’s surface air moves inwards from
of lower pressure – outward-blowing surface areas of higher pressure – inward-blowing
winds surface winds
As it descends, cool air is heated by As it rises, warm is cooled by expansion.
compression.
Associated with calm, fair and dry/hot weather. Associated with cloudy, rainy and stormy
weather.
Pressure gradient affects the wind SPEED
• Pressure gradient is a HORIZONTAL CHANGE IN PRESSURE between areas of
high and low pressures.
• Horizontal changes in pressure arise mainly as a result of uneven heating of the
earth’s surface.
• Remember (from Grade 10) that an isobar is a line joining places of equal
atmospheric pressure
• Refer to figure 2 that shows two distinct spacing of isobars labelled A and B
• CLOSELY SPACED ISOBARS INDICATE A STRONG WIND. (A)
• ISOBARS SPACED FURTHER APART INDICATE A WEAK WIND. (B)
•The land surface is rough and uneven. Wind speeds are the slowest here. The
ocean surface has considerably less friction and wind speeds over the ocean are
much higher with the same pressure gradient.
Pressure Gradient Force (PGF) & Coriolis Force influence the DIRECTION of
Wind
• Pressure gradient force (PGF) acts directly from a high pressure to a low
pressure at 90º to the isobars.
• It is this force that initiates (starts) the horizontal movement of air (wind)
• Coriolis force DEFLECTS (bends) winds away from the direction from PGF
to the left in the Southern Hemisphere and to the right in the Northern
Hemisphere.
• Coriolis force only affects the horizontal movement of air (wind
• Coriolis force is set up by the rotation of the earth and will only react once an
air movements start,
Geostrophic winds
• These are resultant winds flowing parallel to the isobars found in the upper
atmosphere
• Pressure gradient force (P.G.F.) acts from High to Low Pressure P.G.F. acts
at right angles to the isobars. Coriolis force (CF.) is a deflective force due to
the rotation of the earth.
• C.F. will cause winds to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere
and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Once an air parcel starts moving, it moves from high to low pressure.
• Once it moves, C.F. acts at right angles to the wind.
• When the C.F. and the P.G.F. are acting in opposite directions, the wind Is no
longer deflected.
• This wind is now blowing parallel to the isobars & It is known as the
Geostrophic Wind.
• Near the surface of the earth, friction causes winds to cross the isobars at an
angle &In the upper air, friction is less arid therefore a Geostrophic Wind is
found
3.1 Refer to the figure and indicate whether the following statements regarding high
pressure (H) and low pressure (L) cells are TRUE or FALSE.

3.1.1 The process taking place at A is (convergence/divergence).

3.1.2 The process taking place at B is (convergence/divergence)

3.1.3 The air ascending at B is caused by (stable/unstable) air.

3.1.4 The air descending at A is caused by (rising/sinking) air.

3.1.5 The weather associated with the descending air at A could possibly
be (clear skies/rain).

3.1.6 The weather associated with the ascending air at B could possibly be
(clear skies/rain).

3.1.7 The pressure cell at A is also called a/an (cyclone/anticyclone).

3.1.8 The pressure cell at B is also called a/an (cyclone/anticyclone).

(8 x 1) (8)
3.2 Study FIGURE 3.2, which is based on high- and low-pressure cells. Complete
the following statements by using the words given in the block listed below. Write
only the word(s) next to the question number (3.2.1–3.2.8) in the ANSWER SHEET.

Coriolis force; Northern Hemisphere; Pressure gradient force;

Convergence; Divergence; Clouds; Anticlockwise;
Southern Hemisphere; Sinking; Anticyclones

3.2.1 The hemisphere in which the above pressure cells are found is
the…..

3.2.2 The force that influences the speed at which air travels from a
high pressure cell to a low-pressure cell is called the …..

3.2.3 The direction in which air rotates around the high-pressure cell
in FIGURE is …..

3.2.4 The term used to describe the movement of air into the low-
pressure cell in FIGURE is …..

3.2.5 The force that deflects air when it moves from a high to a low
pressure is the …..

3.2.6 High pressure cells indicate ….. air.

3.2.7 Low pressure cells are associated with…..

3.2.8 High pressure cells are also referred to as ….. (8x1) (8)
3.3 Refer to the FIGURE that shows the relationship between pressure gradient and
Coriolis force. Choose the correct word(s)/letter(s) from those given in brackets
which will make each statement geographically CORRECT. Write only the
word(s)/letter(s) next to the question numbers (3.3.1 to 3.3.8) in the ANSWER
BOOK.

[Source: wwzoloatmos.vicc.ede]

3.3.1 Winds blow flow from (A to B/B to A).

3.3.2 (Coriolis/Pressure gradient) force determines the speed at which air

moves.
3.3.3 A (Coriolis/pressure gradient) force causes winds to deflect or change
direction.
3.3.4 In the northern hemisphere winds deflect to the (left/right).

3.3.5 Subsidence is associated with a (high/low) pressure.

3.3.6 A (geostrophic/berg) wind blows when the pressure gradient and the
Coriolis force is equal in strength.

3.3.7 Convergence is associated with a (low/high) pressure.

3.3.8 The pressure gradient is (steep/gentle) when isobars are far apart. (8 x 1) (8)
3.4. Refer to the pressure cells labelled A and B answer the questions that follow. Write
only A or B next to the question number, e.g. 3.4.9 B.

3.4.1. Also known as a cyclone

3.4.2. Air circulation is clockwise

3.4.3. Forms part of the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt

3.3.4. Associated with cold, subsiding air

3.4.5. This cell is a high pressure cell

3.4.6 Winds blow away from this pressure cell due to Pressure Gradient
Force.

3.4.7 This pressure cell is responsible for heavy rain in Gauteng on the 21st
of December.

3.4.8. Air converges at the surface of this cell

(8 x 1) (8)
World pressure belts

Name Location Cause(s) Air characteristics

Equatorial 10° N to 10° S Thermal: Warm and wet air.
low • Intense heating due to constant When moist air rises, it
pressure high sun altitude and consistent may condense and
daytime (12 hours) result in clouds and
• Warming creates less dense, rain.
lighter, rising air..
Subtropical Between Dynamic: Hot and dry air.
high 20−35 °N and • Air above region is pushed Cloudless, especially
pressure 20−35 °S downwards. over desert areas
• Air heats by compression as it
descends to Earth’s surface.
Subpolar In the region Dynamic: Cool and wet air.
low of 60° and • As a result of the Earth’s rotation, Contrasting air masses
pressure 70° to the at these latitudes air is spun away meet along polar front –
north and from the Earth’s surface by cold, dry air from high
south of the centrifugal forces. latitudes and warm, wet
equator air from lower latitudes.
Polar high Around the Thermal: Cold and dry air. Air is
pressure poles (90° • Low temperatures as areas receive so cold that it contains
north and little solar energy little moisture;
south) • Air becomes more dense, heavier convection and
and sinks. precipitation are limited.

[source:https://sageography.co.za/wiki/grade-11-caps/grade-11-caps-climate-and-weather]
3.5 The FIGURE shows global air circulation. Match the descriptions below with a
term/concept from the diagram. You may use a term/concept more than once. Write
only the term/concept next to question numbers (3.4.1 to 3.4.7) in the ANSWER
BOOK, for example 3.4.8 polar belt

[Source: studyhash.com]

3.5.1 The Ferrel Cell is associated with these winds

3.5.2 ITCZ is associated with this belt of pressure

3.5.3 Very cold winds

3.5.4 The Hadley Cell is associated with these winds

3.5.5 Very low temperatures in this pressure belt results in snow

3.5.6 This pressure belt is located between 25°–35°

3.5.7 Winds converge at this pressure belt resulting in thunderstorms (7 x 1) (7)

3.6. Refer to the diagram below showing the tri-cellular circulation

3.6.1. Provide names for the circulation cells labelled A, B and C (3 x 1) (3)

3.6.2. Identify, from the diagram, the surface winds for circulation cells A and (2 x 1) (2)
B.

3.6.3. Identify and account for the formation of clouds (labelled D) at the (2 x 1) (2)
Equator/ITCZ.

3.6.4. Processes of descend and ascend, convergence and divergence (4 x 2) (8)

results in different circulation cells. In a paragraph of approximately
EIGHT lines, discuss the formation of the circulation cells labelled A,
B and C.
(15)
3.7. Complete the statements below by selecting the correct word or phrase in
brackets

3.7.1 The ITCZ is the (Inter Tropical Convection Zone / Inter Tropical
Convergence Zone).

3.7.2 Air moves from a region of (low / high) pressure to a region of

(low / high) pressure.

3.7.3 The Coriolis force deflects wind to the (left /right) in the
Southern hemisphere.

3.7.4 F on the above figure is the origin of the (equatorial / polar) front.

3.7.5 Name the pressure belt D

3.7.6 Supply the name of the global wind labeled B. (7 x 1) (7)

3.8 Study the following figure illustrating the tri-cellular circulation then
answer the questions that follow

3.8.1 Which letter in the diagram represents the Hadley Cell? (1 x 1)

3.8.2 The Hadley cell is known as a heat generated cell. Substantiate

this statement (3 x 1)
3.8.3 According to the location (latitude) of Cell B, air should not be
able to rise. Explain why it clearly rises at 60° North and South? (1 x 2)
3.8.4 Draw a labelled diagram and indicate the following regarding the (4 x 1)
ITCZ: Converging air
Rising air
Diverging air
Type of cloud (14)
3.9 Study the diagram on the Tri-cellular circulation and answer the questions that
follow.

FIGURE 3.9: TRI-CELLULAR CIRCULATION

3.9.1 Identify the three pressure cells labelled A, B and C respectively (3 x 1 = 3)

3.9.2 Identify the surface winds for pressure cells B and C. (2 x 1)( 2)
3.9.3 Account for the formation of the tall cumulonimbus clouds at the equator.
(1 x 2)
3.9.4 In a paragraph of approximately 8 lines, discuss how convergence and
divergence of air leads to the formation of circulation cells A, B and C.
(4 x 2)(8)
[15]
Regional and local winds
Monsoon winds
Monsoon winds refers to the seasonal reversal of atmospheric pressure and winds,
and their accompanying rainfall
Monsoon winds are caused by the migration of the Inter Tropical Convergence zone
and sub-tropical high pressure belts with the seasonal migration of the sun. Monsoon
winds affect tropical coastlines during the summer Solstice in both the Northern and
Southern hemispheres

Areas of the world that experience Monsoons

Summer Monsoon Winter Monsoon

• During the northern summer high • During the northern winter Central Asia
temperatures over the Asian interior experiences very cold weather. This causes
creates a large low-pressure system. the development of a high-pressure system
over the Asian interior.
• Warm, moist air from over the Indian
Ocean flows the land areas. This • Cold dry winds flow from the Asian interior,
produces high rainfall over the over the Himalayas and across India. The
subcontinent. winds become drier and hotter as they
descend from the Himalayas.
4.1 Refer to FIGURE 4.1 on monsoon conditions over India. Choose the correct
term/word from those given in brackets

[Source: Adapted from Focus on Geography Gr11-promotional copy]

4.1.1 The atmospheric pressure over the Himalayan Mountains is (high/low).

4.1.2 The (Atlantic/Indian) Ocean is found at A.

4.1.3 The (equator/Tropic of cancer) is the latitude line found at B.

4.1.4 (April to May/June to September) are the months being depicted by

the map.

4.1.5 The wind direction at C is (southwest/northeast).

4.1.6 The area between B and D is known as the (tropical/mid-latitude)

region.

4.1.7 Monsoon winds cover the earth’s area on a (micro/macro) scale.

4.1.8 The air movement on the map causes (floods/droughts). (8 x 1) (8)

4.2. Refer to the infographic on Monsoon

EW DELHI (AP) — Schools and

colleges were closed after record
monsoon rains led to massive
waterlogging, road caves-in, collapsed
homes and gridlocked traffic in large
parts of northern India, killing more than
100 people over two weeks, officials
said Thursday.

At least 88 people died, 42 of them in

the past five days, and more than 100 were injured in the worst hit-mountainous Himachal
Pradesh state where cars, buses, bridges and houses were swept away by swirling flood
waters, a state government statement said.

4.2.1. Define the term Monsoon Winds. (1 x 2) (2)

4.2.2 Identify, from the infographic, the infrastructural damage caused by (2 x 1) (2)
the winds.

4.2.3. Identify the type of Monsoon evident on the map (1 x 1) (1)

4.2.4. Describe the formation of the type of Monsoon identified in (2 x 2) (4)

QUESTION 4.2.2.

4.2.5. It is important for the government to assist people affected by (3 x 2) (6)

Monsoon winds. Suggest three ways in which the government can
assist people affected by Monsoon winds.
(15)
 Y

4.3 Study the diagram below illustrating regional winds over India. Answer the
Questions thereafter.

4.3.1. What season is represented in DIAGRAM A? (1 x 1) (1)

4.3.2 Is X a low pressure or a high pressure? (1 x 1) (1)

4.3.3. Name the wind at Y. (1 x 1) (1)

4.3.4. Describe the weather that will be experienced at point Z as a result of (2 x 2) (4)
this wind.

4.3.5. The wind shown in DIAGRAM B is a NE (North Easterly) monsoon (4 x 2) (8)

wind.
In a paragraph, of no more than 8 lines, describe how this monsoon
wind is formed and the effect that it will have on farming in India.

(15)
 Föhn winds

This is a general term for warm dry wind

blowing downwards on the leeward (downwind)
slope of a mountain range.

The name Föhn originates from the name of a

hot dry wind that blows down the northern side
of the Alps. The air descends towards the
Mediterranean Sea and there is a rapid
increase in temperature of about 1 °C for every
100 m descent) and a drop in relative humidity
(RH). There are also other local winds with similar
characteristics:
The low humidity dries out forest area, which • the Berg wind in South Africa
can cause fires. The warm winds also melt • the Chinook on the eastern side of the Rocky
snow, which can result in avalanches and Mountains in North America
flooding. • the Sirocco that blows as a south wind across
North Africa from the Sahara.
5.1 Study the infographic below and answer the questions that follow.

INFOGRAPHIC

Flooding
Fohn winds are known by different names in Veld Fires
different regions. These winds blow over
mountain regions and warm up as they
descend over the escaprment, causing veld
fires and floods. These winds have had
negative impacts on people and the
economy. However, some people seem to
prefer some of the effects such as flooding
which provides water for irrigation and
deposistion of alluvium, leading to more
fertile soils.

5.1.1 Define the term Fohn winds. (1 x 2 = 2)

5.1.2 Provide a name for a similar wind found in South Africa. (1 x 1 = 1)

5.1.3 Explain how Fohn winds lead to the formation of the two natural hazards shown in
the infographic. (2 x 2 = 4)
5.1.4 Account for the formation of precipitation (rainfall) on the windward side of the
mountain range. (2 x 2 = 4)
5.1.5 Discuss two effects of the natural hazards caused by the Fohn winds on agricultural
activities. (2 x 2 = 4)
[15]
5.2 FIGURE 5.2 is a representation of a Föhn wind.

[Source: ownyourweather.com]

5.2.1. Why is a Föhn wind an example of a regional wind? (1 x 1) (1)

5.2.2 Name the side of the mountain at A, in the formation of Föhn winds. (1 x 1) (1)

5.2.3. Why does rain occur at A? (1 x 1) (1)

5.2.4. Discuss why the air descending at B will be warm and dry (2 x 2) (4)

5.2.5. In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain the impact that (4 x 2) (8)
the descending air at B will have on people living on that side of the
mountain.
(15)
Africa’s Weather and Climate
Desert • 18° - 36° N & S of the Equator
• Sub-tropical HP zone
• West coast and Continental effect
• Cold Canary Current and Cold Benguela Current
Equatorial • 10° N & S of the Equator
• ITCZ
• Continental mainly with west coast warm current
Tropical • 15° to 20° N & S of the Equator
(Savannah) • Sub-tropical HP over region in winter
• Summer rainfall region prone to droughts and tornadoes
• Large temperature ranges

Mediterranean • 30° - 40° N & S of the Equator

• Situated on the furthest north and south west margins of the
African continent
• Winter rainfall brought on by temperate cyclones (cold fronts)
• Maritime
Sahelian • 20⁰ N of Equator
(semi-desert) • Transition between Monsoon and desert zones
• ITCZ moves N -summer rainfall
• Mainly Continental effect
Humid Tropical • Transition between Equatorial and Tropical (Savannah)
• Rainfall throughout the year – more in summer
• Small variations in temperature
• 20⁰ - 25⁰ C
• High temperatures due to tropical location
Subsidence and Convergence in Africa

Africa straddles the Equator from 37⁰ N to 34⁰ S. Africa has two Sub-tropical belts
with the ITCZ somewhat equidistant from the two high pressure zones.
The ITCZ (also known as the heat Equator) moves between the Tropics of Cancer
and Capricorn depending on the season. This is the area of massive uplift over
Africa and very high rainfall figures are measured.
The sub-tropical High Pressure Belt also migrates with the seasonal movement of
the overhead sun. Areas in Africa have their rainfall season when the heat Equator
moves into its respective hemisphere.
Figure is more simplified. It shows conditions for an Equinox with the overhead sun
over the Equator.
Processes of El Nino and La Nina and their effects on African climate
The effects of La Nina and El Nino are part of what is called the Southern Oscillation.
In Africa, there are two main areas affected where dry areas receive more rainfall,
while, the wet areas receive less rainfall. The two areas are shown on Figure 6 &7.
The Southern Oscillation originates over the Pacific Ocean. This changes the normal
pressure patterns over the entire Earth’s surface. With changing pressure, winds are
affected. Simply, this means that areas that would normally be moist are dry and
visa-versa.
6.1 Match the climate region in Column B with the description in Column A

COLUMN A COLUMN B
6.1.1. Very high precipitation and high temperatures A Tropical Rainforest
all year round which results in high humidity.
B Equatorial climate
6.1.2 Diurnal temperature range is very large
C Highveld climate
6.1.3 Region has dry summers and wet winters
D Desert
6.1.4 Has sparse vegetation because of little
rainfall E Mediterranean climate

6.1.5 No definite summer or winter season F Semi-arid climate

6.1.6 Extremely cold temperatures at high altitudes G Savanna

Mountains are permanently covered in snow
H Tropical climate
6.1.7 Climate is suitable for grass and trees and
grazing animals

6.1.8 Large seasonal range in temperatures and

dry winters
6.2 Refer to FIGURE 6.2, which represents the development of El Niño
conditions. Choose a letter from the figure that best describes the
statements below. Each letter/description refers to the processes in the
development of the El Niño event.

6.2.1 Rising air and rainfall occurs over the central Pacific Ocean
6.2.2 The continent where the fishing industry is negatively affected by
these conditions
6.2.3 During El Niño years the tropical easterlies become weaker
6.2.4 The Walker circulation is disturbed during El Niño years
6.2.5 Descending, dry air occurs on the eastern parts of Australia
6.2.6 Upwelling in the eastern Pacific Ocean decreases
6.2.7 Warm air that usually converges over the Western Pacific Ocean now
converges over the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean during El Niño
years (7 x 1) (7)
Reading and interpreting synoptic weather maps
Synoptic Charts
Synoptic charts are drawn 4 times a day at Greenwich Mean Time. We are 2 hours
ahead in South Africa. Hence, we create synoptic maps at 02:00, 08:00, 14:00 and
20:00. This allows for weather stations throughout the world to collect weather data
at the same time. Climatologists are then able to create a global weather picture.
Climate data is collected by land-based weather stations, islands (Marion and
Gough) and ships. We are then able to plot the weather conditions to the west, south
and east of South Africa.
The major information that can be used from a synoptic chart is:
• Isobars that determine wind direction and wind speeds, subsidence and uplift
• Station models that measure present weather conditions
• Lines of latitude and longitude to show the position of weather phenomena
• Observe approaching cold fronts (warm fronts seldom reach South Africa)
Air Movements
• The TWO main surface circulation patterns of winds are those of High
Pressures
• (Anticyclones) and Low Pressures (cyclones), shown by Figure9
• Pressure gradient, pressure gradient force and Coriolis force were covered
with their impact on wind speeds and wind direction
• The two forces mentioned, determine the circular flow around High and Low
pressure systems
• Isobar spacing determines wind speed. Closely spaced isobars indicate a
strong wind, while, isobars spaced further apart indicate gentle winds
• Air moves from a high pressure to a low pressure
Station Models

28
28
55 Warm front
Colder Colder
temperatures 55 temperatures
Warmer
temperatures Warmer
31 temperatures 31
62
62
.

Cold front

Standard symbols used on whether charts

Symbol Precipitation Symbol Cloud cover Symbol Wind speed
Drizzle Clear Calm
Shower One okta 1 – 2 knots
Rain Two oktas 5 knots
Snow Three oktas 10 knots
Hail Four oktas 15 knots
Thunderstorm Five oktas 20 knots
Heavy rain Six oktas 50 knots or more
Sleet Seven oktas

Snowstorm Eight oktas

Misty weather Dark

6.2 Refer to the following synoptic map and choose the correct answer from the
alternatives provided in brackets.

7.1.1 Pressure cell A is the (South Atlantic High/South Indian High).

7.1.2 The wind speed at Durban is (10 knots/ 15 knots).

7.1.3 The front at C is a (cold front/warm front).

7.1.4 The isobaric interval on the map is (8mb/4mb).

7.1.5 The map shows (winter/summer) conditions.

7.1.6 Cape Town has a (faster/slower) wind speed than Port Elizabeth.

7.1.7 The winds are almost geostrophic at (Gough/Marion Island).

7.1.8 The low-pressure cell at B is a (coastal/thermal low). (8 x 1) (8)

7.2 Refer to the synoptic weather map in FIGURE 7.2

[Source: www.google images.co.za/url]

7.2.1 Name the lines that join places of equal pressure on synoptic weather maps.
(1 x 1) (1)
7,2.2 What is the atmospheric pressure of the line marked B? (1 x 1) (1)
7.2.3 Name the atmospheric feature at C and the atmospheric pressure system at D.
(2 x 1) (2)
7.2.4 Give TWO reasons why the synoptic weather map is representative of summer
in South Africa. (2 x 1) (2)
7.2.5 Refer to weather station E:
(a) What is the wind direction of weather stations E? (1 x 1) (1)
(b) In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, explain how Coriolis and pressure
gradient forces influenced the wind direction at these weather stations at E.
(4 x 2) (8)
DROUGHTS AND DESERTIFICATION
A drought means a long period of dry weather during which the lack of rain results
in a severe shortage of water. The South African weather service defines a drought
as a period of 12 moths when total rain received is below 75% of the average.

Desertification is the process whereby land in semi-arid regions become desert, the
grasslands become semi-desert and so on. This is a chain reaction of sub-species of
fauna invading previously productive land and, in the process, more unproductive
land is created.

Causes of Droughts Causes of Desertification

This can be triggered by: • Climate related processes, like
• A high level of reflected sunlight, global climate change, cause
[high albedo] changing temperature and rainfall
• An unusual above average and patterns.
strength of high pressure systems • More people means more food and
• Winds carrying continental, rather resources, so farming is done on
than oceanic air masses unsuitable land.
• Ridges of high pressure areas which • Poor agricultural practices such as
prevent or restrict the developing of overgrazing
thunderstorm activity or rainfall over • Deforestation
a region. • Soil erosion
• Oceanic and atmospheric weather
cycles such as the El Niño-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO) make drought a
regular recurring feature of areas
situated in the sub-tropical high
pressure belts of South Africa

Management Strategies for Droughts Management Strategies for desertification

• Appropriate research plan • Deforestation - Afforestation, that is
• Drought predictions re-planting trees, especially in
• Early warning and monitoring shelter belts. Planting grasses can
systems (satellite remote sensing) help stabilise the soil and cut down
• Decision support tools for drought on erosion by wind and rain. Over
management • cultivation - Using good farming
• Establishment of soil-crop-climate practices such as proper crop
norms for agriculture in a reasonably rotation and the use of manure as a
homogeneous farming area (RHFA) fertiliser
in order to grow profitable • Overgrazing – Control of herd sizes
agricultural products (not to ensure that the grass is not eaten
necessarily food) before it can be replaced
• Development of responsive farming • Poor irrigation - Make sure the water
plans in the sense that profitable is not evaporated on a surface
farming is not exclusively food which wastes water and increases
production, but cash crops that can its salinity
be profitably sold • Runoff - Terracing the land to slow
• Improvement of research, including run off will allow for infiltration and
that on climate change moist soil
8.1 State whether the following effects of drought are Economic, Social or
Environmental effects.

8.1.1 Farmers may lose money if a drought destroys their crops.

8.1.2 Lack of food and drinking water for wild animals.

8.1.3 Loss of wetlands.

8.1.4 People who work in the timber industry may be affected when
wildfires destroys stands of timber.

8.1.5 Anxiety or depression about economic losses caused by drought.

8.1.6 People may have to move from farms into cities, or from one city to
another.

8.1.7 Poor soil quality

8.1.8 People might have to pay more for food. (8 x 1) (8)

8.2 Refer to FIGURE 8.2, an extract on desertification.

AFRICA’S AMBITIOUS GREEN BELT PROJECT

The 15 kilometer (9,3 mile) wide Great Green Wall project stretches over 7 775 km from
Senegal on the Atlantic to Eritrea on the Red Sea. The aim was to curb the Sahara
Desert's spread. But major challenges remain.

The change in climate and weather patterns is triggering a rapid spread of the Sahara
Desert, invading into lands and surrounding huge lakes, according to climate scientists.
Seven countries of the Sahel region, an area located just south of the Sahara, therefore
initiated a project that will see billions of trees planted across 11 countries by 2030, which
will serve as buffer zones to stop the desertification.

The African Union (AU) launched the initiative in 2007 under the name the Great Green
Wall.

The Great Green Wall is more than just an environmental project that is intended to
restore 100 million hectares of fertile lands in the Sahel, and in the process cut 250 million
tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It aims to create 10 million so-called green
jobs

[Adapted from uit www.dw.com]

8.2.1. what is the main aim of the green belt project? (1 x 1) (1)

8.2.2 What is desertification? (1 x 1) (1)

8.2.3. Quote a statement from the extract that lists possible natural causes (1 x 1) (1)
of desertification.

8.2.4. Name TWO human activities that contribute to desertification. (2 x 1) (2)

8.2.5. Discuss how the planting of trees can ‘serve as a buffer zone’ to (1 x 2) (2)
manage desertification.

8.2.6 Besides afforestation (planting of trees), explain TWO other ways in (2 x 2) (4)
which desertification can be managed.

8.2.7 Comment on the positive impact that the green belt project would (2 x 2) (4)
have on people living in this region.

(15)