Damat
Horn of Africa
FIRST YEAR DEGREE PROGRAM STUDENTS
GEOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT
Group 3
Student Name id
1. Bereket Bikila 0151/17
2. Medanit Tomas
3. Nigisty G/medhin 0172/17
4. Eyerusalem Wasihun 0195/17
5. Samuel Yonas 0242/17
6. Temesgen Haile 0184/17
7. Meskele Yilma 0281/15
8. Merkeb Adane 0164/17
Submission date:
26/05/2017E.C
Submitted to: mr Gebrie
1. Differentiate between weather and climate.
Weather and climate are related concepts, but they refer to different phenomena
Weather: Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time. It
includes various elements such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric
pressure.
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere in a specific.Weather occurs in a place within a short period of
time
Weather can change from minute to minute, hour to hour, or day to day. It is what you experience on a daily
basis.
• Examples: A sunny day, a thunderstorm, or a snowy afternoon are all examples of weather.
Climate: Climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns over an extended period, typically 30
years or more, in a particular region. It encompasses the typical conditions and variations in weather that can
be expected.
Climate is stable over long periods and reflects trends and averages rather than immediate conditions.
Climate takes place over longer period of time
Climate is what you expect over long time
• Examples: The climate of a region might be described as "tropical," "arid," "temperate," or "polar,"
indicating the general weather patterns experienced over decades.
2.Which control of weather and climate predominantly affect Ethiopian climate?
How?
Ethiopia's climate is influenced by several key controls, including geographical features, altitude, and seasonal
weather patterns. Here are the predominant factors affecting Ethiopian climate:
1.Altitude:Ethiopia :has a diverse topography with significant elevation changes. The highland areas,
particularly the Ethiopian Highlands, experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall compared to the
lowland regions.
Higher altitudes lead to a cooler climate, which allows for different types of agriculture and biodiversity. The
highlands are often referred to as the "Roof of Africa" and have a temperate climate, while lowland areas can
be hot and arid.
2.Latitude:Ethiopia is located near the equator, which means it receives a significant amount of solar radiation
throughout the year.
This results in generally warm temperatures, but the altitude moderates this effect. The country experiences a
bimodal rainfall pattern influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which shifts with the
seasons.
3.Seasonal Monsoon Winds: The Indian Ocean monsoon winds play a crucial role in Ethiopia's rainfall
patterns. During the summer months (June to September), these winds bring moisture-laden air, resulting in
the main rainy season (Kiremt).
The Kiremt season is critical for agriculture, particularly for staple crops like teff and barley. The dry season
(Bega) follows, where rainfall is minimal.
4.Topographical Features:The presence of mountains and plateaus affects local weather patterns. Mountains
can block or redirect moist winds, leading to variations in precipitation within short distances.
•Regions on the windward side of mountains tend to receive more rainfall, while leeward sides may
experience rain shadow effects, resulting in drier conditions.
5.Climate Zones :Ethiopia has multiple climate zones ranging from tropical savanna in the lowlands to
temperate and alpine climates in the highlands.
• These varying climates influence agricultural practices, biodiversity, and human settlement patterns across
the country. Ethiopia's climate is influenced by several key controls, including geographical features, altitude,
and seasonal weather patterns. Here are the predominant factors affecting Ethiopian climate:
3.Discuss spatiotemporal distribution of temperature and rainfall in Ethiopia.
Temperature Distribution
1. Altitude Influence: Highlands: The Ethiopian Highlands, which rise to over 4,500 meters, experience cooler
temperatures. Average annual temperatures in these regions range from 10°C to 20°C.
• Lowlands: In contrast, the lowland areas (e.g., the Afar and Somali regions) are characterized by much
higher temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, especially in the summer months.
2. Spatial Variability:
• The temperature varies significantly across different regions. For example:
• Western Highlands: Cooler temperatures due to higher elevation.
• Eastern Lowlands: Hotter and drier conditions.
3. Temporal Variability: • Diurnal Temperature Variation: Ethiopia experiences significant daily temperature
fluctuations, particularly in highland areas where nights can be quite cold while days are warm.
• Seasonal Variation: The country has two main seasons—wet (Kiremt) and dry (Bega). Temperatures can be
higher during the dry season, particularly in lowland areas.
Rainfall Distribution
1. Seasonal Patterns:
• Kiremt (Main Rainy Season): Occurs from June to September, with peak rainfall typically in July and August.
This season accounts for the majority of the annual rainfall and is crucial for agriculture.
• Belg (Short Rainy Season): Occurs from February to May, primarily affecting the southeastern and eastern
parts of the country. This season is generally less intense than Kiremt.
• Bega (Dry Season): From October to January, characterized by minimal rainfall. Some highland areas may
receive some precipitation during this time, but most of the country is dry.
2. Spatial Variability:
• Rainfall distribution is highly variable across Ethiopia:
• Highland Regions: Receive substantial rainfall during Kiremt, often exceeding 1,200 mm annually.
• Lowland Areas: Such as the Afar and Somali regions, receive much less rainfall (sometimes below 200 mm
annually), making them arid or semi-arid.
• Rain Shadow Areas: Regions on the leeward side of mountains may experience significantly lower rainfall
due to orographic effects.
3.Temporal Variability:
• Rainfall can vary significantly from year to year due to climate variability and phenomena such as El Niño and
La Niña, which can influence the timing and intensity of the rainy seasons.
• Changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change are also affecting rainfall patterns and their
reliability.
4.Do we have dynamics in temperature and rainfall in Ethiopia? Is it warming or
cooling?
Temperature Dynamics: Ethiopia is experiencing a warming trend, with average temperatures rising over
recent decades and projected to continue increasing.
1. Warming Trends:
•Overall Increase: Ethiopia has been experiencing a general warming trend over the past few decades.
Average temperatures have increased by approximately 1°C to 1.5°C since the mid-20th century.
•Regional Variability: While the warming trend is evident across the country, it may vary by region. Lowland
areas tend to experience more pronounced increases in temperature compared to highland areas.
2. Future Projections:
•Climate models project continued warming in Ethiopia, with average temperatures expected to rise further
by 1.5°C to 3°C by the end of the 21st century, depending on greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Rainfall Dynamics: Rainfall patterns are becoming more variable and unpredictable, with increased
occurrences of both droughts and heavy rainfall events.
1. Inconsistent Rainfall Patterns:
• Variability: Rainfall patterns in Ethiopia have become increasingly erratic, with significant variability from
year to year. Some areas may experience intense rainfall leading to flooding, while others suffer from
droughts.
• Seasonal Changes: The timing and intensity of the Kiremt (main rainy season) and Belg (short rainy season)
have shown changes, with some regions experiencing delayed onset or reduced rainfall during these critical
periods.
2. Trends in Extremes:
• There is evidence of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including droughts and
heavy rainfall events. These extremes can have severe impacts on agriculture, water resources, and
livelihoods.
3. Future Projections:
• Climate models suggest that while the overall amount of rainfall may not significantly decrease, its
distribution may become more erratic. This could lead to longer dry spells interspersed with heavy rainfall
events.
These dynamics pose challenges for agriculture, water management, and food security in Ethiopia. Adapting to
these changes will require comprehensive strategies that include improved agricultural practices, water
conservation techniques, and climate resilience planning.
5. What causes climate change?
The main causes of climate change:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for
energy, transportation, and industry releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Deforestation
also contributes to increased CO2 levels, as trees absorb CO2.
• Methane (CH4): Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. Livestock digestion
(enteric fermentation) and waste management also release methane. Landfills produce methane when
organic waste decomposes anaerobically.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Agricultural practices, particularly the use of synthetic fertilizers, release nitrous oxide.
It is also emitted from fossil fuel combustion and certain industrial processes.
• Fluorinated Gases: These are synthetic gases used in industrial applications and refrigeration. They have a
high global warming potential but are present in much smaller quantities compared to CO2, CH4, and N2O.
2. Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, so when forests are cleared for agriculture, urban
development, or logging, that stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere. This not only increases
greenhouse gas concentrations but also reduces the planet's capacity to absorb CO2.
3. Land Use Changes: Converting natural landscapes to agricultural land or urban areas can disrupt local
ecosystems and contribute to carbon emissions. Practices such as intensive agriculture can lead to soil
degradation and increased emissions.
4. Industrial Processes: Many industrial activities emit greenhouse gases through chemical reactions and
energy consumption. For example, cement production releases CO2 when limestone is heated to produce
lime.
5. Energy Production: The reliance on fossil fuels for electricity and heat is a major source of greenhouse gas
emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power can
significantly reduce these emissions.
6. Transportation: Cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships that burn fossil fuels contribute significantly to
greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions.
7. Agriculture: Agricultural practices contribute to climate change through emissions of methane from
livestock and rice cultivation, as well as nitrous oxide from fertilized soils. Land use changes for agriculture can
also exacerbate the problem.
8. Waste Management: Landfills produce methane as organic waste decomposes anaerobically. Wastewater
treatment processes can also release greenhouse gases.
9. Natural Factors: While human activities are the primary drivers of recent climate change, natural factors
can also influence the climate:
• Volcanic Eruptions: Can temporarily cool the climate by releasing ash and sulfur dioxide into the
atmosphere.
• Solar Radiation Variability: Changes in solar output can affect the Earth's climate over long periods.
• Ocean Currents: Natural variations in ocean currents can influence climate patterns, such as El Niño and La
Niña events.
6. How can we respond to the changing climate?
we are already committed to some level of climate change, responding to climate change involves a two-
pronged approach: Reducing emissions of and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere (“mitigation”); Adapting to the climate change already in the pipeline (“adaptation”).
1. Mitigation Strategies: These aim to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.
• Transition to Renewable Energy: Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind,
hydroelectric, and geothermal power. This reduces dependency on carbon-intensive energy sources.
• Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and transportation. This can include better
insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Sustainable Transportation: Promote public transportation, carpooling, biking, walking, and the use of
electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions from personal transportation.
• Carbon Pricing: Implement mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to incentivize
businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Reforestation and Afforestation: Protect existing forests and plant new trees to absorb CO2 from the
atmosphere.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Adopt practices that reduce emissions from agriculture, such as crop rotation,
organic farming, agroforestry, and better livestock management.
• Waste Reduction: Minimize waste generation through recycling, composting, and reducing single-use
plastics. Landfill diversion helps lower methane emissions.
2. Adaptation Strategies: These focus on adjusting to the impacts of climate change that are already occurring
or expected.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events
(e.g., flooding, hurricanes). This includes building levees, improving drainage systems, and retrofitting
buildings.
• Water Management: Implement efficient water management practices to deal with changing precipitation
patterns and water scarcity. This includes rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation techniques.
• Disaster Preparedness: Develop emergency response plans for communities to prepare for climate-related
disasters. This can include early warning systems and community education programs.
• Ecosystem Protection: Preserve and restore natural ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, mangroves) that provide
natural barriers against climate impacts and support biodiversity.
7. List the main types of a cauntry and stat its implications on defense ;
administration and economic integrations ?
Countries can be classified into several types based on various criteria, including their governance structures,
geographical characteristics, economic systems, and social organization
1. Unitary States: Defense: Easier to coordinate national defense strategies and allocate resources effectively
due to centralized authority.
Administration: Streamlined decision-making processes; however, local governments may have limited
autonomy, which can lead to regional discontent.
Economic Integration: Facilitates uniform economic policies and regulations across the country, promoting
internal trade and investment.
2. Federal States: Defense: More complex defense coordination due to the need for collaboration between
federal and state authorities; regional security policies may vary.
Administration: Greater local autonomy allows for tailored governance but can lead to inconsistencies in
policy implementation across regions.
Economic Integration: Regional disparities may arise in economic development, but federal policies can
promote inter-state trade and investment.
3. Confederations: Defense: Defense capabilities may be weaker due to limited central authority; reliance on
member states for military contributions.
Administration: Coordination can be challenging as member states may prioritize their interests over
collective goals.
Economic Integration: Economic policies may vary significantly among member states, complicating trade
agreements and economic cohesion.
4. Authoritarian Regimes: Defense: Strong military focus to maintain control; potential for aggressive foreign
policy due to lack of accountability.
Administration: Efficient decision-making but may lead to corruption and lack of public trust; limited civil
liberties can stifle dissent.
Economic Integration: State-controlled economies may limit foreign investment; however, authoritarian
regimes might pursue rapid industrialization strategies.
5. Democratic States: Defense: Defense policies are subject to public scrutiny and debate, which can lead to
more balanced military spending but may also result in indecisiveness in crises.
Administration: Greater accountability and responsiveness to citizens; however, bureaucratic processes can
slow down decision-making.
Economic Integration: Encourages free trade and investment through democratic agreements; international
partnerships are often prioritized.
6. Developing Countries: Defense: Limited resources for defense spending; reliance on foreign aid or
partnerships for security assistance.
Administration: Governance challenges due to weak institutions; corruption can undermine effective
administration.
Economic Integration: May struggle to compete in global markets; however, regional cooperation initiatives
can enhance economic prospects.
7. Developed Countries: Defense: Strong military capabilities and alliances (e.g., NATO); active role in global
security issues.
Administration: Established institutions promote effective governance; higher levels of public participation in
decision-making.
Economic Integration: Often leaders in international trade agreements and organizations (e.g., OECD);
promote globalization.
8. Transitional States: Defense: Uncertainty in security policies during transitions; potential for internal
conflict.
Administration: Challenges in establishing new governance structures; risk of instability during the transition
period.
Economic Integration: Opportunities for foreign investment but may face resistance from entrenched
interests; need for reforms to integrate into global markets.
8.List and describe the most common measuring of compactness of a countries ?
The compactness of a country is often assessed using various geometric and mathematical measures
that reflect how closely its shape approaches that of a perfect circle or square. Here are some of the
most common measures of compactness:
Compactness Ratio: This is a simple ratio that compares the area of the country to the square of its perimeter.
A higher ratio indicates a more compact shape.
• Formula: Compactness Ratio = (4π × Area)/Perimeter²
• A perfect circle has a compactness ratio of 1, while elongated shapes will have lower values.
Polsby-Popper Test: This measure specifically evaluates the compactness of political districts but can be
applied to countries as well.
It is calculated as the area of the district divided by the area of a circle with the same perimeter.
Formula: Polsby-Popper = (4π × Area)/Perimeter²
Similar to the compactness ratio, a value close to 1 indicates high compactness.
Schwartzberg Index: This index measures how closely a shape approaches a circle by comparing the area of
the country to the area of a circle with the same perimeter.
• Formula: Schwartzberg Index = Area/(Area of Circle) = Area/(π (( Perimeter/2π ))²)
• Values closer to 1 indicate a more compact shape.
Reock Index:Similar to the Polsby-Popper test, it compares the area of a shape to the area of a circle whose
radius is half the length of the perimeter.
Formula: Reock Index = Area/((( Perimeter/2π ))²)
A value of 1 indicates perfect compactness.
Convex Hull: This method involves creating the smallest convex polygon that can enclose the entire area of
the country. The ratio of the area of the country to the area of its convex hull gives an indication of how
compact it is.
•A higher ratio suggests a more compact shape, while a lower ratio indicates a more irregular shape.
Fractal Dimension: This measure assesses the complexity of a country's boundary. A lower fractal dimension
indicates a simpler, more compact shape, while a higher dimension suggests more irregularity and complexity
in the shape.
• It is often used in geographic studies to analyze landforms and boundaries.
Sphericity: This measure compares the surface area of a three-dimensional object (in this case, the Earth) to
its volume. For countries, it can be adapted to consider how spherical their shape is compared to their surface
area.
• Sphericity is generally used for larger geographic entities and provides insight into overall compactness.
9.The formation of the Rift Valley has the following structural (physiographic)
effects ?
Geological Faulting: The Rift Valley is characterized by large-scale faulting, where tectonic plates diverge,
leading to the creation of steep-sided valleys and escarpments. This results in a series of faults and fractures in
the Earth's crust.
Volcanic Activity: Many rift valleys are associated with volcanic activity due to the thinning of the Earth's
crust. This can lead to the formation of volcanic mountains and features, such as calderas and lava plateaus.
Topographical Features: The rift valley creates distinct topographical features, including highlands on either
side of the valley and low-lying areas within it. This can result in varied landscapes, including mountains,
plateaus, and flat-bottomed valleys.
Lakes and Water Bodies: Rift valleys often contain lakes formed by the subsidence of land. These lakes can be
deep and sometimes saline, as seen in the East African Rift, which hosts several large lakes like Lake Victoria
and Lake Tanganyika.
Soil Formation: The geological processes associated with rifting can contribute to soil formation in the region,
affecting agricultural practices and biodiversity. The volcanic soils in some rift areas are particularly fertile.
Biodiversity Hotspots: The varied habitats created by rift valleys can lead to high levels of biodiversity,
including unique flora and fauna adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Seismic Activity: The tectonic movements associated with rift formation can lead to increased seismic activity,
resulting in earthquakes that can reshape the landscape over time.
Climate Variability: The presence of rift valleys can influence local climates by affecting wind patterns and
rainfall distribution, creating microclimates within the region.
Hydrological Changes: The alteration of drainage patterns due to rifting can impact river systems and
groundwater flow, leading to changes in ecosystems and water availability.
