Tag: SPACE DYNAMICS AND CLIMATOLOGY

7 IMPORTANCE OF EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE

what is the earth’s atmosphere?

The Atmosphere can be defined as the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth.

The atmosphere can also be defined as a grand body from the earth’s surface to outer space and composed of a number of gases.




The estimated mass of the atmosphere is 5.6 × 1014 metric tonnes. It extends over about 400 km height and meteorological events and effects occur in it. The thickness of the gaseous envelope is equal to 1% of the earth’s mean radius.

USEFULNESS OF ATMOSPHERE

The usefulness of the atmosphere:

  • It fulfills the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of animal life. 
  • It supplies the necessary precipitation or moisture.  
  • It protects the biological life on the planet from harmful extraterrestrial radiations like UV, by absorbing it through the ozone.  




  • It maintains the warmth of the planet through its greenhouse effect, avoiding the temperature to fall to two extreme limits.(The earth’s temperature in the absence of an atmosphere would have been +950C (day), and -1450C (Night)  
  • It provides the necessary CO2 which is the basic input required to run the photosynthesis process in plants to build biomass.  
  • It provides the necessary medium for the transport of pollen. Seed spores and insets. Many physical-chemical and hydrological processes responsible for weather and climate occur in the atmosphere only.  




  • The atmosphere is a big reservoir of nitrogen. Some plants and microbes can fix this nitrogen for plant growth e.g., Azolla pinara Azotobacter.

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IMPORTANCE OF WEATHER TO HUMAN




Weather can be defined as the physical condition or state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place.

Most weather happens in the part of the earth’s surface called the troposphere

temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation interact with each other.




they influence the atmospheric conditions like the direction and velocity of the wind, amount of insolation, cloud cover, and the amount of precipitation.

Weather can be defined as the physical condition or state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place. Most weather happen the part of the earth's surface called the troposphere

these are known as elements of both weather and climate. the influence of these elements differs from place to place and time to time.

it may be restricted to a small area and for a small duration of time,




we very often describe the influence of weather elements in name of weather such as sunny, hot, warm, cold, fine depending upon the dominant element of weather at a place and point in time.

therefore, the weather is the atmospheric condition of a place for a short duration with respect to its one or more elements.

two places even a short distance apart may have different kinds of weather at one and the same time




 Importance of weather:

  • Good weather improves people’s lives
  • Weather determines the kind of clothing to be worn by people in an area.
  • Knowledge of the weather of a place enables people to carry out economic activities which can be sustained by the weather in that place. e.g. dairy cattle do well in a cool and wet place.
  • By studying the weather of a place over a long time, we can establish its climate.




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6 CHARACTERISTICS OF DRY TROPICAL CLIMATE CONDITION




This type of climate is experienced in several parts of East Africa mainly adjacent to the semi-arid region e.g. the Western parts of Karamoja, the Southern Nyika plateau, parts of Western Tanzania etc.

6 CHARACTERISTICS OF DRY TROPICAL CLIMATIC CONDITION

This type of climate is characterized by the following;

  • Rainfall received ranges between 760mm – 1000mm. This is a relatively low amount of rainfall compared to other tropical climates. The dry season can last for up to 8 months, and the wet season is usually short and intense. The rain is often concentrated in the form of thunderstorms.
  • Rainfall is seasonal though the dry seasons tend to be long. The rainy season is usually from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October. However, the exact timing of the seasons can vary from year to year.
  • There are high temperatures experienced, average temperatures tend to be above 30°C. The temperatures ranges are high approximately 10 -15°C. The average temperature in a dry tropical climate is typically above 30°C. The temperature range is also high, with a difference of 10-15°C between the day and night temperatures.
  • There is limited cloud cover. The lack of cloud cover allows for the sun’s rays to reach the ground, which contributes to the high temperatures.
  • There is low atmospheric humidity i.e. less than 40%. The low humidity can make the climate feel hot and dry. It can also be uncomfortable for people who are not used to the climate.
  • Flora: The plants that grow in dry tropical climates have adapted to the harsh climate conditions. They have thick, waxy leaves that help to reduce water loss. Some common plants in dry tropical climates include cacti, succulents, and thorny shrubs.
  • Fauna: The animals that live in dry tropical climates have also adapted to the harsh climate conditions. They are often nocturnal or burrow underground during the day to avoid the heat. Some common animals in dry tropical climates include reptiles, birds, and mammals.
  • Agriculture: Agriculture is difficult in dry tropical climates, but some crops can be grown, such as dates, figs, and olives. These crops are drought-resistant and can tolerate the high temperatures. However, agriculture in dry tropical climates is often dependent on irrigation.
  • Human settlement: Human settlement is sparse in dry tropical climates, due to the harsh climate conditions. However, some people do live in these areas, often in small villages or towns.

The dry tropical climate is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is a harsh climate that can be difficult to live in. However, some people have adapted to the climate and have developed ways to survive in it.

Here are some of the challenges of living in a dry tropical climate:

  • The high temperatures can be uncomfortable and can lead to heat stress.
  • The lack of rain can make it difficult to grow crops and raise livestock.
  • The low humidity can make the air feel dry and dusty.
  • The limited cloud cover can make the climate feel hot and sunny all day long.

Here are some of the ways people have adapted to living in a dry tropical climate:

  • They have learned to conserve water.
  • They have developed crops that are drought-resistant.
  • They have built shelters that are designed to keep out the heat and sun.
  • They have developed ways to collect and store rainwater.




The dry tropical climate is a challenging climate, but it is also a beautiful and diverse climate. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and it is a place where people have learned to live in harmony with the environment.

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7 TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EQUATORIAL CONDITION IN EAST AFRICA




This type of climate is experienced in the region between 5°N and 5°S of the equator.

For instance in places such as the Congo Basin. In East Africa, the equatorial climate is experienced around the L.Victoria basin and typical equatorial climate is experienced within the L.Victoria and specifically the Islands within L.Victoria.

 Typical equatorial climate is characterized by;

  • Heavy rainfall of about 2000mm evenly distributed throughout the year.
  • Temperatures are high with an average of 27°C
  • High humidity of about 80% or more. This is because of evaporation and heavy rainfall is received.




  • Double maxima of rain i.e. there are two rainfall peaks received. The rainfall regime is characterized by a bimodal pattern. There is hardly any dry spell (dry season).
  • The type of rainfall received is mainly convectional rainfall commonly accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.
  • There is thick or dense cloud cover because of the humid conditions that result into rising air whose moisture condenses at higher levels to form clouds.
  • It is characterised by low atmospheric pressure and this is mainly because of the high temperatures experienced.




 Image result for EQUATORIAL CLIMATEIn East Africa due to factors such as altitude, the equatorial climate has tended to be modified. The equatorial climate experienced in much of East Africa is not typical of that of the rest in other tropical regions.

That is why most of the areas fringing Lake Victoria are said to experience a modified equatorial type of climate rather than a typical equatorial type of climate.

This is because the characteristics do not reflect the typical equatorial type of climate e.g. heavy rainfall of about 1500 mm is experienced. Temperatures average 23 °C.




In addition, humidity is less than 80% and there is some distinct or short dry spell experienced especially in January and June.

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6 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON HUMAN ACTIVITIES

Climate has influenced land use and human activities in several parts of East Africa.




The different climatic conditions such as equatorial climate, modified equatorial climate, tropical, montane, semi-desert, and desert climates have had profound effects on human activities, or land use in areas where they are experienced.

This is because the rainfall and temperatures may vary and create conditions for different land use or human activities.

Climate has influenced land use and human activities in several parts of East Africa. The different climatic conditions such as equatorial climate, modified equatorial climate, tropical, montane, semi desert and desert climates have had profound effect on human activities, or land use in areas where they are experienced. This is because the rainfall and temperatures may vary and create conditions for different land use or human activities

The effects can be seen in the following ways;




favour development of agriculture

In the equatorial or moist tropical type of climate, a variety of human land use activities have cropped up e.g. forestry, cultivation of annual and perennial crops, dairy farming such as in the Kenya highlands, areas around Lake Victoria etc.

In areas of tropical climate, there is cultivation of mainly annual crops as well as the rearing of livestock, wildlife conservation and tourism have been important.




cool climate favor development of dairy farming

Temperate climatic conditions as experienced in the highland areas such as the Kenya and Kigezi highlands, Rwenzori Mt. Ranges have cool conditions that have favoured dairy farming and growth of vegetables or temperate crops such as wheat, Irish potatoes etc.These highland areas have also favoured the growth of pyrethrum e.g. in Kabale and Bundibugyo.

Temperate climatic conditions as experienced in the highland areas such as the Kenya and Kigezi highlands, Rwenzori Mt. Ranges have cool conditions that have favoured dairy farming and growth of vegetables or temperate crops such as wheat, Irish potatoes etc.These highland areas have also favoured the growth of pyrethrum e.g. in Kabale and Bundibugyo

encourage development of forestry




Montane climatic conditions as experienced in the mountainous areas such as the Rwenzori, Elgon, Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Meru etc have encouraged forestry especially montane forests which may be temperate e.g. the Coniferous forests or they may be Bamboo forests.

Other economic activities in montane climatic regions include; Lumbering, Wildlife conservation and tourism such as mountaineering or sight seeing. 

lead to development of nomadic pastoralism




In the semi-desert climatic regions there has been the growth of drought – resistant crops e.g. Sorghum, Millet, Maize and Sisal have been encouraged.

Nomadic pastoralism has also been practised in Semi-arid areas such as Karamoja, the Masailand, Turkana land and the Boran region of Northern Kenya.

lead to the development of tourism and wildlife conservation

Furthermore, tourism and wildlife conservation have developed in these areas.




Many of the semi-desert regions have been gazetted as wildlife conservation sites such as National parks and Game reserves thereby promoting tourism e.g. Tsavo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Serengeti National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park etc.

Furthermore, tourism and wildlife conservation have developed in these areas. Many of the semi-desert regions have been gazetted as wildlife conservation sites such as National parks and Game reserves thereby promoting tourism e.g. Tsavo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Serengeti National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park etc.

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9 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF DESERTIFICATION




Desertification refers to the development of desert-like conditions in an area and more so in a region adjacent to a desert.

desertification may be expressed as the advancement or extension of the desert.

Desertification refers to the development of desert-like conditions in an area and more so in a region adjacent to a desert. It may be expressed as the advancement or extension of the desert. Desertification has been commonly experienced in the Sahel region of Africa. In East Africa desert-like conditions have been experienced or developed in parts of Northern Kenya, Central and Northern Tanzania, N. Eastern Uganda, and the Ankole-Masaka corridor and parts of Western Uganda adjacent to Lake Albert, Lake George, Albert Nile, and within the East African rift valley.

Desertification has been commonly experienced in the Sahel region of Africa.




it is the term used to describe how once productive land gradually changes into a desert-like landscape.

the process is not necessarily irreversible and is usually taking place in semi-arid land on the edge of the existing hot desert.

the worrying message is that large areas of the world are at risk from desertification.

the most conspicuous includes much of southern Asia, the middle east and north Africa




In East Africa desert-like conditions have been experienced or developed in parts of Northern Kenya, Central and Northern Tanzania, N. Eastern Uganda, and the Ankole-Masaka corridor and parts of Western Uganda adjacent to Lake Albert, Lake George, Albert Nile, and within the East African rift valley.

9 Indicators of desertification 

Decreasing rainfall amounts

one of the key indicators of desertification is the decrease of the amount of rainfall year after year. many areas which experience desertification today were once getting enough rainfall but due to deforestation and overgrazing which causes desertification these areas are now experiencing a small amount of rainfall




Rainfall becomes more unreliable

that is more recurring cycles of drought start being experienced.

Increasing temperatures

due to deforestation and loss of vegetation, the temperature tends to increase over time

Reducing relative humidity

due to loss of vegetation which is important in maintaining humidity in the atmosphere desertification lead to a decrease in the humidity in the atmosphere




indicators of desertification Decreasing rainfall amounts. Rainfall becomes more unreliable i.e. more recurring cycles of drought start being experienced. Increasing temperatures i.e. temperatures tend to rise. Reducing relative humidity i.e. the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere reduces.

Increasing diurnal range of temperature.

Reducing the thickness of cloud cover

that is the skies tend to become clearer and clearer with each passing year.

loss of water soil and vegetation water retention capacity

There is loss of water retention capacity of the vegetation and soils i.e. there are increasing evapotranspiration rates. 

 Reduced biodiversity

that is there is the degradation of the biological productivity of the land i.e. reduced plant and animal species.




Increasing wind and run off erosion

hence consequently resulting in reduced soil fertility.

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9 CHARACTERISTICS OF ARID AREAS IN ESAT AFRICA




Aridity is a climatic phenomenon characterized by high temperatures and insufficient rainfall or very low rainfall.

In the USA areas of less than 250mm of rainfall are regarded as arid areas.

However, in some parts of the world, the aridity may be measured differently e.g. in East Africa areas of less than 500mm may be regarded as arid.

Areas of aridity are generally referred to as deserts or semi-deserts and are characterized by dryness.




Aridity is a climatic phenomenon characterised by high temperatures and insufficient rainfall or very low rainfall. In the USA areas of less than 250mm of rainfall are regarded as arid areas. However in some parts of the world, the aridity may be measured differently e.g. in East Africa areas of less than 500mm may be regarded as arid. Areas of aridity are generally referred to as deserts or semi deserts and are characterised by dryness.

In East Africa areas that experience aridity include Northern Kenya, parts of Eastern Kenya, North Eastern Uganda, the Ankole – Masaka corridor parts of North Eastern Tanzania, Central Tanzania, parts of southern Kenya and parts of the western and the Eastern rift valley e.g. along Lake Albert, Lake Edward and Lake George.

Desert areas are those that may receive less than 250mm of rainfall and these may include areas in Northern Kenya e.g. around Ladwor in North Eastern Kenya and the Chalbi desert.

Desert areas are those that may receive less than 250mm of rainfall and these may include areas in Northern Kenya e.g. around Ladwor in North Eastern Kenya and the Chalbi desert.




 
Besides this, there is also the Nyiri desert in Southern Kenya and the Masai steppe in North-Eastern Tanzania.

On the other hand, semi-desert areas experience relatively higher rainfall though less than 500mm.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ARID AREAS

  • Low and seasonal rainfall is experienced. Drought is a common phenomenon in such areas.
  • High temperatures are experienced i.e. temperatures of 30 °C and above.
  • High diurnal range of temperature normally more than 15 °C i.e. during the day it is very hot and during the night is cold.
  • There is generally low humidity. Relative humidity tends to be less than 20%.
  • There is a limited cloud cover. Much of the year is characterized by clear skies.
  • There are high transpiration rates and evaporation rates.
  • There is unreliable or unpredictable rainfall.




High temperatures are experienced i.e. temperatures of 30 °C and above. High diurnal range of temperature normally more than 15 °C i.e. during the day it is very hot and during the night is cold. There is generally low humidity. Relative humidity tends to be less than 20%. There is a limited cloud cover. Much of the year is characterized by clear skies. There are high transpiration rates and evaporation rates. There is unreliable or unpredictable rainfall.
  • There is the occurrence of strong winds and occasionally dust storms are experienced.
  • There is limited plant cover, this is because of the low rainfall such that the vegetation tends to be adapted to low rainfall conditions e.g. there are generally drought-resistant species such as steppe savannah grasslands, thicket, thorn bush, cactus, scrub, as well as patches of bare land.




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