5. Which one of the following factors most affects the climate of East Africa? $$ \begin{array}{ll} ext { A. Distance from the sea } & ext { D. Ocean currents } \ ext { B. Latitude } & ext { E. Winds } \ ext { C. Altitude }\end{array} $$

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5. Which one of the following factors most affects the climate of East Africa? $$ \begin{array}{ll}	ext { A. Distance from the sea } & 	ext { D. Ocean currents } \ 	ext { B. Latitude } & 	ext { E. Winds } \ 	ext { C. Altitude }\end{array} $$

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

The climate of East Africa is most significantly influenced by **C. Altitude**. Here's why:

### **Altitude (Option C)**
East Africa is characterized by diverse topography, including high plateaus, mountains (such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ethiopian Highlands), and deep valleys. These elevated areas have a profound impact on the region's climate in several ways:

- **Temperature Regulation:** Higher altitudes generally experience cooler temperatures compared to lower surrounding areas. This creates microclimates that support diverse ecosystems and influence human habitation patterns.
  
- **Rainfall Patterns:** Elevated terrains can affect precipitation distribution. Mountains can act as barriers to moisture-laden winds, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side and creating rain shadow effects on the leeward side.
  
- **Agricultural Practices:** The variation in altitude allows for different types of crops to be grown in close proximity, supporting agricultural diversity.

### **Why Other Options Are Less Influential:**

- **A. Distance from the Sea:** While proximity to the Indian Ocean affects coastal climates by providing humidity and moderating temperatures, much of East Africa's climate variability is more directly tied to altitude.

- **B. Latitude:** East Africa lies near the equator, which generally means a tropical climate. However, latitude alone doesn't account for the significant climatic variations observed within the region.

- **D. Ocean Currents:** Although ocean currents influence coastal weather patterns, their impact is relatively less significant compared to the pervasive effects of altitude across the entire East African region.

- **E. Winds:** Wind patterns, including monsoonal flows, do play a role in seasonal weather changes, but altitude has a more consistent and widespread effect on the overall climate.

### **Conclusion**
While multiple factors contribute to the climate of East Africa, **altitude** stands out as the most influential due to its ability to shape temperature, precipitation, and ecological diversity across the region.

**Answer:** C. Altitude
Altitude is the most significant factor affecting the climate of East Africa.

Which one of the following factors most affects the climate of East Africa?

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