AfricaGeography

Beginnings of African Physical and Human Geography: 

Beginnings of African Physical and Human Geography Chapter 3 – Sections 1 & 2

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Africa is the second largest continent in the world. It is three times the size of the United States. In terms of geographic location, Africa is centrally located in the world.

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Mrs. Mason, what are the five regions of Africa??

Well, Zulu warrior, the five regions in Africa are:: 

Well, Zulu warrior, the five regions in Africa are: Northern Africa (Egypt or Morocco) Western Africa (near Atlantic Ocean – Nigeria or Coast of Ivory) Central Africa (near the equator – Congo or C.A.R.) Eastern Africa (near Indian Ocean – Tanzania or Kenya) Southern Africa (bottom countries – South Africa or Botswana)

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Throughout Africa, there are areas of lower elevations and areas of higher elevations (wide range of forms). Coastal plains lead to inland plateaus. The plains and the plateaus are divided by escarpments.

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The Great Rift Valley is in the Eastern part of Africa. It was created by two tectonic plates spreading. There are many peaks and valleys (very good for climbing).

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Mrs. Mason, why are the rivers so important in Africa?? Where is my cover??

Ramses, that is a good question, lets find out the answer.: 

Ramses, that is a good question, lets find out the answer. River are important because they provide a number of resources: Fishing industry Trade and Travel Farming and Irrigation Main Rivers Locations: Nile =North & East ; Zambezi = South Zaire = Central ; Niger = West

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The two main exports of Africa are gold and diamonds. Other mineral exports are copper, platinum, cobalt and oil.

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So that is where the gold stuff comes from for my grillz?

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Most of Africa is between the two tropics: Cancer and Capricorn. Climates can be warm and dry OR warm and wet. Elevation can cause cooler temperatures in mountain and plateau areas (the higher you go, the cooler it becomes). Cooler temperatures are found around the oceans and seas, as well.

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Rainfall occurs mostly in the rainforests of Africa, which are near the equator and to the south. There can be periods of wet and dry.

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It is cold at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro!! What are the other climates like in Africa??

Well climbers, there are four main climate regions in Africa.: 

For each region, explain where it would be in Africa and what it would be like. Tropical Wet – Tropical Wet & Dry – Deserts – Mediterranean - Well climbers, there are four main climate regions in Africa.

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According to your book (published in 1996) the population of Africa was 700 million. According to Wikipedia.org (from 2005) the population rose to 900 million. An increase of around 22% in 9 years. The continent’s population is still mostly in farming areas (rural areas). About 75% (3/4) of the population live in these areas. The image in the picture is Kente Clothe, a traditional form of weaving, which displays tribal lines.

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Farmers grow food mostly to feed their families. Some have been able to focus on cash crops like: cotton or tobacco. Farmer face many challenges in Africa: Drought Soil Loss Erosion Floods Civil Wars Lack of resources Lack of education Reliance on one crop

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As a continent, Africa has the lowest life expectancy in the world. Africa’s life expectancy (42-48) United States’ and France’s life expectancy (74-77) Reason for low life expectancy: Diseases (AIDS, Malaria, Ebola) Poor diet Unclean water Warfare

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Diversity in music

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Diversity in Food

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In Africa, one will encounter many types of diversity. This due to two main reasons: 3,000 ethnic groups Over 1,000 languages Diversity is a great thing (VARIETY) but it has caused problems between many ethnic groups. Due to changes in land boundaries, opposing groups have been forced together, which can lead to conflict.