Question
- Which one of the following factors most affects the climate of East Africa?
Ask by Lang Mann. in Ethiopia
Jan 24,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Altitude is the most significant factor affecting the climate of East Africa.
Solution
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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Mind Expander
Latitude plays a crucial role in determining the climate of East Africa, as it influences the amount of solar energy received throughout the year. Areas closer to the equator experience generally warmer temperatures and minimal seasonal variation, fostering diverse ecosystems such as savannas and rainforests.
In addition, the region’s altitude significantly affects climate patterns. High altitude areas, such as the Ethiopian Highlands or Mount Kilimanjaro, can have cooler temperatures and different precipitation patterns compared to lowland areas, impacting the flora and fauna adapted to these environments.
